About the Firm

Although I have been in private practice for well over ten years, I made a very conscious decision back in 1999 to create a unique and specialized boutique practice which can readily and easily service varying clients’ needs.  Situated in the West Village, we are able to do so in a relaxed, rich, creative environment that invites the client to truly be part of the process.  On the other pages in this site, you will find the major areas of law in which I have practiced.  In these areas I have considerable and significant experience and have developed a strong expertise, offering some of the best advice and counseling available to my clients.

 The Firm’s Philosophy

It is very hard for one to negotiate for themselves without giving in too easily for fear of losing a deal.  You need someone to perform as your “gladiator”.  I am able to sit as the buffer between you and your adversary in any situation.  I like to see good and fair deals made.  I do not, however, believe in “banging heads” unnecessarily.  It is my desire to see my clients produce fruitful outcomes from their labors and endeavors rather than run off and litigate where truly only lawyers win.  However, when it comes time to pull out the heavy artillery, you will have a formidable advocate to challenge any adversary.  In more personal and serious matters, you will always find a thoughtful and concerned ear to listen and advise.  That’s my primary function—to advise and counsel.  Lastly, I won’t take just any case that comes my way.  We need to feel comfortable with each other.  My clients become friends and family and your problems become mine.

 About Me

A native New Yorker, I fell in love with the theatre at age five when taken to my first Broadway show, George M! at the Palace Theatre.  All my life I wanted to help “put projects together” and I have had the great fortune as both an attorney and producer to do just that.  But my interests and skills are far more varied than just involvement with the theater as you can see from the various topics covered throughout this site. 

 For my bio specifics click on to my Resume. 

My greatest love is my husband, Bradley Schiel, whom I married on October 12, 2003. (Click for New York Times announcement)   We share our lives with Tulsa, our ninety-five pound American Fox Hound (pictured).  Family and friends are important to both of us and it is that feeling of warmth and trust that also characterizes my practice.

 Fun Stuff

Some of my more unusual endeavors include: being a disc jockey on BBC4 radio in Brighton, England; earning my PADI (international scuba diving license) off the coast of Tanzania; I played the French Horn for twelve years; have traveled extensively; in addition to theatrical projects on and Off Broadway, I’ve produced many shows for benefits of organizations such as the American Theatre Wing and the Museum of the City of New York as well as cabaret shows for such performers as Liliane Montevecchi and Tovah Feldshuh. 

Photo Credit, Jody Dole.