Eleanor B. Alter

PARTNER

Eleanor B. Alter brings a wealth of experience to Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP, having been repeatedly recognized as one of the nation’s top family law attorneys. Eleanor has represented high profile clients, as well as numerous business owners, attorneys and professionals, and their spouses. She has also acted as an expert witness as to New York law and as co-counsel with attorneys in other jurisdictions and has argued appeals in the various judicial departments of New York State.

Prior to co-founding Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP, for nineteen years Eleanor was a partner at Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, where she was the head of the family and matrimonial law group. Prior to joining Kasowitz, she was a partner at Rosenman & Colin LLP (now Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP) for fifteen years. Previously, she was a partner at Marshall, Bratter, Greene, Allison & Tucker LLP for eight years and an associate for six years. After being admitted to practice in New York in 1965, she started her legal career in the Office of the General Counsel of the Insurance Department for the State of New York.

Eleanor entered Harvard Law School in 1961 and graduated from Columbia Law School with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1964. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, from The University of Michigan in 1960.

Eleanor is a frequent lecturer on the full spectrum of family law topics, to attorneys and others, both nationwide and internationally. She served as an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law from 1983-87 and a Ulysses S. Schwartz fellow at the University of Chicago School of Law in 1988. She also taught, as a visiting professor, at the University of Chicago Law School from 1990-93. Eleanor was also a member of the Board of Editors for the New York Law Journal from 1987-2015 and has contributed articles to various legal journals.

Eleanor belongs to the American Law Institute, the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York City Bar Association (where she was previously on various committees, including the Executive Committee). At the invitation of the New York State Court of Appeals, she has proudly served as a trustee (1983-2013) and Chairman (1985-2010) of the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection of the State of New York.

Eleanor is the daughter of Hon. Charles David Breitel and Jeanne (Hollander) Breitel and has two sons, Richard Zabel and David Zabel. Eleanor lives in New York City with her husband, Dr. Allan Lans. She is an avid reader (she loves a good mystery, biography, or books about historic events) and enjoys cooking for her friends and family, especially at her home in the mountains of Haines Falls, NY.

Adam John Wolff

PARTNER

For nearly thirty years, Adam John Wolff has settled, and, if necessary, litigated and tried disputes involving divorce, equitable distribution, custody and visitation, and other areas of family law and matrimonial practice.

Prior to co-founding the firm now known as Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP, Adam practiced law at Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP (now Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP), where he similarly focused on family law, including as a partner for eleven years. Prior to joining Kasowitz, Adam was associated with Rosenman & Colin LLP (now Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP), where he practiced general commercial litigation, as well as family and matrimonial law.

Adam graduated from The University of California at Berkeley School of Law in 1994 and attended Harvard Law School for his final year of law school. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The University of Pennsylvania - Wharton School of Business, magna cum laude, in 1991.

Adam is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers ("AAML"), where he holds a number of leadership positions, including as Immediate Past President of the New York Chapter and Co-Chair of the national committees for the AAML’s National Divorce Conference and Chapter Leaders, and is a participant in several other active committees. He is also a member of the Family Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. Adam is a frequent lecturer, to attorneys, financial professionals, and mental health organizations.

Adam’s unique ability to understand complex financial aspects of complicated cases, while remaining sensitive to the deeply personal issues of family law matters as well as maintaining a dry wit, distinguishes him in the industry. His commitment to clear and persuasive writing benefits the Firm’s clients in both settlement and litigation. Adam and his wife, Cindy, a librarian, live in Manhattan with their two college-age sons. They enjoy writing and playing music together.

Jenifer J. Foley

PARTNER

Jenifer J. Foley, co-founder of Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP, is an experienced litigator and trial attorney, whose practice is focused entirely on New York family and matrimonial law, including matters involving pre- and post-nuptial agreements, divorce, custody (decision-making and parenting time), child and spousal support, and distribution of marital assets. She also routinely consults and works with co-counsel on international and national family law matters. Jenifer is also a certified mediator, who uses her mediation and negotiation skills to help parties avoid litigation and craft mutually beneficial settlement agreements. 

Before forming AWFS, she worked closely with Eleanor and Adam as partners in the matrimonial group at Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP. Prior to joining the Kasowitz firm, Jenifer started her career as an attorney at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, where she was a commercial litigator, representing clients on a variety of complex financial issues. Jenifer is the Co-President of the New York Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC-NY). She is also a Fellow and Board member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), New York Chapter.  She was the former Chair (and former Secretary) of the Matrimonial Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association and currently is a member of the Family Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, serving as an Executive Committee Member and former Co-chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Sub-committee; a former Delegate to the House of Delegates; and a member of the New York Women's Bar Association. 

Jenifer graduated from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law with a Juris Doctor, cum laude, Order of the Coif in 2000, where she attended as a recipient of the H. Bert & Ruth Mack Scholarship. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, with English honors, from the State University of New York at Albany in 1985.

Michael D. Stutman

partner

Michael D. Stutman is partner at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP. He boasts a prestigious career as a New York matrimonial litigator. Michael is well known for handling matters for affluent individuals with pragmatism and discretion. His strong and resilient courtroom presence and excellent reputation for problem solving and intelligence provides a winning edge for his clients.

Michael D. Stutman’s career spans three decades. He leads his peers and is frequently sought out as an expert in matrimonial law. Michael’s depth of knowledge with respect to current and emerging issues in family law combined with his strong courtroom presence provide a winning edge when handling settlements and trials for his high net worth and notable clients.

Michael takes a straightforward approach instilling a level of trust and confidence at a time when people need it most. From heading up the New York matrimonial practice at the firm that handled Princess Diana’s divorce to authoring two books on divorce in New York and speaking at the nation’s top universities, Michael is known for his ability to distill the complicated intricacies of the divorce process to its clearest forms. He is an expert in finding options and solutions and arms his clients with everything they need to make important decisions. Michael is regularly sought after by numerous media outlets to comment and provide insight concerning legislation and notable cases

Some of Michael’s most notable cases include a matter in which a wife received 100% of marital property, another in which his client’s right to use captured computer files was upheld and another in which a partner in a major law firm sued for and received primary physical and sole legal custody of 4 children. He also prevailed in having a New York Court recognize and enforce a Father’s rights in a Singapore child custody arrangement—with the Mother being found in contempt and ordered to pay the Father’s expenses and counsel fees.

Michael has served terms as both the Vice President and President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, New York Chapter. He is a Fellow of the Academy and serves on its National Board of Governors. He is again serving a three-year term on the prestigious Matrimonial Law Committee of the City Bar and has served two three-year terms on the Trusts, Estates and Surrogate’s Courts Committee of the New York City Bar Association. He is on the Executive Committee of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Family Law Section and on the Executive Committee of the NYSBA Trusts and Estates Section. Michael is the author of ‘Divorce in New York’ and the co-author of ‘How to Divorce in New York”, two detailed guides to the divorce process. Since 2008 he has been certified as one of the Best Lawyers in America. He has been listed in the annual Super Lawyers publications since its inception in 2006 and is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell.

Dana M. Stutman

partner

Dana M. Stutman is a partner at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP, as well as a Certified Public Accountant. Dana is a leading matrimonial attorney known for her profound financial expertise providing her clients with a decisive edge. This unparalleled combination of accounting and litigation backgrounds sets her apart from her peers both in negotiations and the courtroom.

Dana takes the time and extreme care to develop a unique strategy based solely upon each client’s personal journey. Her compassion and unique arsenal of knowledge drives Dana to find new and creative solutions for even the most complicated and seemingly unmovable case.

Dana received her accounting focused business degree from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University and began her career developing her financial analytic skills at Deloitte and Touche, attending the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Notably, while at Cardozo, Dana was part of The Innocence Project, a famously effective legal initiative that examines DNA evidence to reverse wrongful criminal convictions. She clerked for the Honorable David B. Saxe (Ret.) and for the Honorable Richard T. Andrias (Ret.) while they presided in the matrimonial division of the State Supreme Court. She litigated as a law student for the New York State Attorney General’s office and later worked with New York litigator Michael Dowd, an expert on the defense of battered women. Dana’s distinguished career had her making partner in the first seven years at one of the top matrimonial firms in the country and named in the annual Super Lawyers publication since 2009.

She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and serves as treasurer for their New York chapter for ten years ending in 2023. She also serves on a number of committees within the legal community, including the New York City Bar Association as well as the New York State Bar Association.

Julie M. Sheldon

COUNSEL

Julie M. Sheldon is counsel at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP. Julie’s practice includes all areas of family and matrimonial law including divorce, property distribution, child custody, parenting time, spousal support, child support, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.  Before practicing in this area of the law, Julie was an in-house attorney at JPMorgan Chase Bank, and a litigator at Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, where she represented commercial clients in tax, securities, and insurance litigation.

Julie has extensive experience handling complex financial issues as well as complicated custody matters, including those where the child or children refused to spend time with a parent and where drugs, alcohol, and/or mental health issues are factors.  She has represented clients on both sides of such matters, helping to restore appropriate access to the child or children and to implement appropriate safeguards.  She has experience both resolving such matters outside of court, with the assistance of mental health professionals, and litigating other such matters before various courts throughout New York.

Julie’s practice also includes litigating and settling divorce actions involving high net worth families, business interests, professional practices, real estate holdings, and assets held in trusts.  She works with forensic accountants and business valuation experts to help her clients achieve a just resolution. 

Julie works closely with her clients to understand their particular legal, financial, and emotional goals.  She takes care to thoroughly explain the divorce process and various strategy options to her clients, and to answer all of their questions. 

As Co-Chair of the New York State Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee and the Chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Matrimonial Law Committee, Julie participates in developing the standards and best practices in matrimonial practice and is continuously on the cutting edge of emerging areas and new developments in the field.

Kari H. Lichtenstein

counsel

Kari H. Lichtenstein is counsel at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP, and has more than twenty years of experience in family law. Kari is a strong advocate in the courtroom. Yet, given her background in social work and family law, she has an empathetic approach with her clients and helps them to navigate the emotional impact of divorce.

Kari is not only a vigorous advocate for her clients, but she is known for her compassion and unwavering support of them. Through her experience in family law and her background in social work, Kari has developed a deep understanding of the emotional impact a divorce can take on all involved.

Kari takes special care to find ways to lessen the toll on her clients as they go through this arduous process and is mindful of the impact that a divorce has on her clients’ children. Her empathetic approach and forethought can be seen whether she’s representing her client in settlement negotiations or advocating for them in court. Kari never backs down from a fight, and she prides herself on helping her clients navigate through the emotional storm of a difficult divorce.

For those couples who wish to work collaboratively in resolving the issues of their divorce, Kari is a mediator. In this role, she assists couples in finding effective and practical solutions while avoiding the litigious nature of the courtroom.

Kari received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her law degree, cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Kari is a member of the Executive Committee of the Family Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. She previously served on the Matrimonial Law Committee of the City Bar. Kari’s notable career has seen her regularly listed in the annual Super Lawyers publications.

Valerie H. Tocci

counsel

Valerie represents individuals and families in all aspects of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, custody, spousal and child support, equitable distribution of property, pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and divorce agreements, post-judgment matters, hearings and trials. Valerie is a litigator with extensive courtroom experience. Prior to joining AWFS, Valerie was a partner at several New York law firms, including, Mishcon de Reya NY, LLP, a major international firm, where she also focused on cross-border family law issues.

Valerie has experience in aiding high net worth families navigate the divorce process. Prior to devoting her practice to family law, Valerie served as a prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York and the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. Valerie also served as Court Attorney to the Honorable Esther M. Morgenstern, New York State Supreme Court Justice, in both the Kings County Family Court and the Queens County Integrated Domestic Violence Court, a unified part handling matrimonial, family court and criminal cases simultaneously, which she helped to establish. Valerie’s work with victims of crime and domestic violence gives her a unique perspective on the emotional challenges facing families dealing with divorce. Valerie is a passionate and pragmatic advocate.

Valerie is a “Super Lawyer”, a designation to which she was elected by her professional peers. She was a founding member of the Associates Board of New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), a not-for-profit legal services agency providing representation to low-income individuals. She is the co-author of Divorce Settlements Funded By Proceeds Of Fraud: Good News For Innocent Spouses’ New York Family Law Monthly, Vol. 13. No. 1, September 2011. Valerie has a B.A. from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. While an undergraduate, Valerie completed the general course at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She received her J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she was awarded the Heyman Corporate Governance Fellowship. Valerie was born and raised in Manhattan and is alumnus of the Ethical Culture Fieldston School.

MaryJane Gurriell

ASSOCIATE

MaryJane Gurriell is an associate at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP.  MaryJane represents her clients in all aspects of family and matrimonial law.

MaryJane received her Juris Doctor from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University where she served as a Staff Member for Volume 59 of the Family Court Review and had the honor of having her Note published in their October 2021 issue. She also served as the President of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society and competed on behalf of the law school’s Dispute Resolution Society. Upon graduation, MaryJane received the Gold Award for Public Service in honor of her devoted commitment to public service.

While in law school, MaryJane served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Edmund M. Dane, who sat in a dedicated matrimonial part in the Nassau County Supreme Court. She also completed a modern divorce advocacy course, which focused exclusively on matrimonial and family law in New York state. Prior to joining the firm, MaryJane interned for various matrimonial and family law firms, both on Long Island and in New Jersey.

MaryJane is an active member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York City Bar Association, and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and is licensed to practice in New York.

Allison Grinspoon

ASSOCIATE

Allison Grinspoon is an associate at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP. Allison’s practice has been exclusively dedicated to all aspects of matrimonial and family law. Prior to joining AWFS, Allison was an associate at a boutique matrimonial firm in New York City.

Allison graduated from Cardozo School of Law, where she graduated cum laude on a Dean’s Merit Scholarship. While attending law school, Allison served as a student mediator in Cardozo’s Divorce Mediation Clinic where she was responsible for mediating all aspects of divorce, drafting settlement agreements, and preparing and filing divorce papers. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Allison is an active member of the New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section, and is licensed to practice in New York.

Gabriella DeRitis

ASSOCIATE

Gabriella DeRitis is an associate attorney at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP. Gabriella represents individuals and families in all aspects of matrimonial and family law. Prior to joining AWFS, Gabriella served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, where she handled cases involving child abuse, sex crimes, and domestic violence.

Gabriella graduated from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law on a Dean’s Merit Scholarship. While at Cardozo, Gabriella participated in Safe Horizon’s Uncontested Divorce Project and the Prosecutor Practicum Clinic with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Gabriella also interned at a boutique matrimonial firm and at various District Attorney’s offices throughout New York City. Gabriella was a Staff Member for the Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice and had her note published in its Spring 2019 issue. Upon graduation, Gabriella received the Archie A. Garfinkel Award, given to the most promising and accomplished graduates entering the field of criminal law.  Gabriella received her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Colgate University.

Gabriella is an active member of the New York State Bar Association and is licensed to practice in New York. Gabriella is certified in the forensic interviewing of children.

Eric Birnbaum

admission pending

Upon admission to the New York Bar, Eric Birnbaum will be an associate attorney at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP. Eric joins AWFS team representing clients in all aspects of family and matrimonial law.

Eric received his Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law with honors recognition and a concentration in Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution.  While in law school, Eric co-founded Emory University’s Litigation Society and, in Fall 2023, was acknowledged as the Most Outstanding Advocate in his school’s Trial Practice Advocacy course.  Additionally, Eric served as a Student Attorney for the Barton Child Law and Policy Center’s Juvenile Defender Clinic, where he represented indigent clients through their juvenile delinquency proceedings.  Prior to joining AWFS, Eric interned for several boutique family law firms in Louisiana and Georgia.  Prior to attending law school, Eric received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Sociology from Tulane University.

Camille Placa

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Camille Placa is Director of Operations at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP. Camille joined the firm during its inception in 2016, and has been instrumental in the firm’s successful operations and growth.

Camille oversees AWFS’s team of support staff; develops and implements firm policies and procedures; manages and oversees the administration of HR policies, programs, and practices within the firm; and maintains accounts payable, receivables, and monthly billing. 

Camille also assists attorneys and clients, prepares statements of net worth, drafts divorce papers, manages discovery, prepares exhibits and other material for depositions and trials, assembles all materials for records on appeal, and proofreads, formats, and cite checks legal documents. 

Camille earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a focus on Public Relations from Iona College in 2004. She has worked in the legal field for over 20 years. 

Prior to AWFS, Camille joined Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP in 2004 as an assistant to attorneys in both family law and general litigation groups; she worked closely with the firm's matrimonial group until the founding partners of AWFS launched their new firm. 

Amanda Worley

LEGAL ASSISTANT

Amanda Worley joined the firm in 2021 as a legal assistant. In this role, Amanda assists attorneys and clients, prepares statements of net worth, drafts divorce papers, manages discovery, prepares exhibits and other material for depositions and trials, assembles all materials for records on appeal, and proofreads, formats and cite checks legal documents.

Amanda joined AWFS with experience working in the area of Medical Malpractice in Florida and Defense Civil Litigation. 

Amanda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University in 2014 where she was a NCAA Division I. Track and Field Athlete and Paralegal Certificate from Indian River State College in 2018.

Amanda was born and raised in Reading, England and moved to Florida as a pre-teen where she remained until moving to New York in 2019.  She enjoys traveling, concerts, finding new restaurants and exploring the city. 

Erika Espinal

LEGAL ASSISTANT / Docketing Clerk

Erika Espinal joined the firm in 2023 as a legal assistant and docketing clerk.  In this role, Erika assists attorneys and clients, prepares statements of net worth, drafts divorce papers, manages discovery, prepares exhibits and other material for depositions and trials, assembles all materials for records on appeal, and proofreads, formats and cite checks legal documents. As the firm’s Docketing Clerk, Erika calendars all Court deadlines and appearance dates. 

Julisa Martinez

LEGAL ASSISTANT

Julisa Martinez joined the firm in 2024 as a legal assistant. In this role, Julisa assists attorneys and clients, prepares statements of net worth, drafts divorce papers, manages discovery, prepares exhibits and other material for depositions and trials, assembles all materials for records on appeal, and proofreads, formats and cite checks legal documents.

Yessenia Flores

LEGAL ASSISTANT

Yessenia Flores joined the firm in 2024 as a legal assistant. In this role, Yessenia assists attorneys and clients, prepares statements of net worth, drafts divorce papers, manages discovery, prepares exhibits and other material for depositions and trials, assembles all materials for records on appeal, and proofreads, formats and cite checks legal documents.