Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP

After my wife and I mutually concluded that our 23-year marriage had reached its end, she remained on Long Island, while I returned to Manhattan, where our story began. It was there that I was served divorce papers. I knew they were coming, I just hadn’t given much thought to what I was going to do when they got here. So, not realizing that a timely response was in order, I didn’t do much of anything. Until reality set in. I was up the creek without a divorce attorney. As fate or fortune would have it, I found myself at the offices of BBN&R, with Jessica Toelstedt, yes, my lifesaving attorney. Jessica guided me through the twists and turns of the divorce process, demonstrating a level of professionalism, intelligence, sensitivity, commitment, and fairness, that left me feeling both reassured and envious. She rightfully considered the needs of my family, especially my son in college, and drafted an agreement that was right on the money, literally. Jessica and her associates, made me feel right at home at a time when it felt like I was between homes. Divorce is never easy. I’m just grateful that I had Jessica there to get me safely and sanely through it.

Evan Schein and Heather Schulman handled my divorce expertly and compassionately, combining efficiency with carefulness in just the right proportions. Can't recommend them and their firm more highly.

Jessica Toelstedt was an incredibly knowledgeable, responsive and supportive navigator. Even though my needs were not complicated, I received thorough and professional service throughout. I have the highest confidence in recommending Jessica and the team at Berkman Bottger Newman Rodd.

I was very lucky to find BBN&R - especially Barry and Kelly FIssell. They were recommended by one of the lawyers I most respect. This team wants best for their clients, it's absolutely genuine, which is a quality very hard to find. I truly believe that people who choose a career in family law are a separate group among lawyers. This is not corporate law, merger & acquisitions. These lawyers are dealing with emotions, love, resentment, injustice, rejection and children - and they have to draft agreements that will balance it all and shape people's lives. As a client, you have to be extremely demanding when choosing your lawyer - someone who will defend your interests, explain you the rules and keep you away from avoidable fights. You won't go wrong with them. : )

Jacqueline guided me through a daunting and overwhelming process. Always reachable, Jacqueline made me feel as though I was her only client (even though I know for sure that I wasn't). She has great insight into boiling down complexities and resolving conflict in a way that leaves both her clients and their children as unscathed as possible. Jacqueline is wise beyond her years and can be trusted to manage just about any matrimonial matter.

Kelly Fissell was my attorney, I also had assistance from Mark George-Cohen, both made for an efficient, calm experience with a successful outcome. I was clear I wanted a clean, low trauma divorce that could be finalized as quickly as possible and they gave me practical advice on how to achieve this, helping me understand my options, guiding me and executing everything with warm professionalism. I would happily recc this firm after my experience with Kelly & Mark - they are both pleasant people, I felt very comfortable in their presence, they communicate clearly, they are good listeners, and I always found them to be quick to respond via email and phone. Dealing with the administrative and billing side of the firm was also always pleasant and efficient.

Evan Schein, Kelly Fissell and their colleagues at BBN&R have been outstanding advocates for my family. Without Evan's and Kelly's expert legal advice, litigation experience, and personal dedication to the well-being of my daughter and her two young sons, I am not sure how we could have navigated a contentious, multi-year, divorce nightmare and come out on the other side protected and whole. In the face of what at times seemed an intractable situation, Evan and Kelly did what excellent counsel do: chart a legal path, spell out options, advise about costs and benefits, empower us to choose, support those choices, and remain available throughout the process to answer questions, no matter how trivial. In the universe of big divorce cases, ours, I am sure, was a small matter that did not involve lots of money, property, or big public personalities. To us it wasn't small. They treated us as if our legal needs were more important than any others on his desk. The humaneness and respect we received will never be forgotten. Our daughter and grand sons' happy lives are a testament to what Evan and Kelly stand for and what they can do. We're forever grateful.

Jacqueline and her staff are the most knowledgeable and professional team in the industry. The level of individualized client service that I received was second to none. Jacqueline’s experience was evidenced in every aspect of our interactions and I would highly recommend her to anyone that is looking for a top notch matrimonial attorney.

Evan and Kelly really tried they're best for me. I was quite pleased with the outcome of my divorce . They always got back to me if they weren't available at that very moment. I would highly recommend this law firm to
anybody involved in a divorce proceeding.
J.L.

As difficult as a divorce can be, it was a huge relief to know that Jessica Toelstedt was handling the legal aspect with such attention to detail, sensitivity, and in an ethical manner. I recommend BBN&R, and Jessica Toelstedt in particular, to anyone seeking legal counsel with thoughtfulness, knowledge, experience, and a strong moral compass.