Partners





Associates




Administrative





Case Managers






Support



Team Events

Vincent J. Russo
Managing Partner
vincent@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 683-1717
Vincent is the managing shareholder of Russo Law Group, P.C. He has championed the rights of seniors and people with special needs since 1985. Vincent is a Founding Member, Fellow and Fifth President of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and a Co-Founder of the Academy of Special Needs Planners and ElderCounsel, LLC. Vincent is the president of the United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County Guardianship Corporation. He is also a Co-Founder of the Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation (and the Theresa Academy of Performing Arts) established in memory of his daughter which helps children with special needs.
He is admitted to the New York, Massachusetts, and Florida state bars and is the co-author of New York Elder Law and Special Needs Practice (Thomson Reuters).
Vincent is happily married to his beautiful wife, Susan. Together they have four children, Dante, Elizabeth, Theresa (1986 -1991), and Robert. In his spare time, Vincent enjoys traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. He is also an avid Beatles fan and collects John Lennon lithographs.
Contact Vincent at 516-683-1717 or via email at vincent@vjrussolaw.com

Marie Elena Puma
Partner
mepuma@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 683-1717
Marie Elena first stared at Russo Law Group, P.C. as a summer associate while attending St. John’s University School of Law in 1990. Later she joined Team Russo as an attorney in September 1991. Currently, she is a law partner with the firm specializing in elder law, estate planning and trust and estate administration. Marie Elena has been married to her husband, Michael for over 20 years and together have a beautiful daughter. Besides spending time with her family, Marie Elena enjoys teaching religion to her daughter’s class, being a dance Mom, community service and all things Disney. Marie Elena’s talents also include playing the violin, cooking, and baking.You can reach Marie Elena at 516-683-1717 x2155 or by email at mepuma@vjrussolaw.com

Kim N. Christian
Partner
kchristian@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 683-1717
Kim joined Team Russo in February of 2006. She is a partner at Russo Law Group, P.C. and heads the Lido Beach office. As one of our lead planning attorneys, Kim meets with clients to devise a plan to help achieve their goals in estate planning, elder law, special needs, or Medicaid planning. Prior to joining the firm, Kim worked as an attorney for a general practitioner. Kim and her husband, have two children. In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time with family and friends.
To contact Kim, call 516-683-1717 x2136 or via email at kchristian@vjrussolaw.com

Deanna M. Eble
Partner
dmeble@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 683-1717
Deanna began with the firm in December 2008. Deanna is a partner at Russo Law Group, P.C. As one of our lead planning attorneys, she is responsible for meeting with clients in order to devise and implement a plan that fits their needs. She came to Russo Law Group, P.C. with not only experience in the Elder Law field as an attorney but with 10 years of experience working in a nursing home. The experience of working with the families and seeing the challenges presented in trying to care for a loved one inspired her to focus on Elder Law and related practice areas. Deanna is happily married to her husband Brandon, together they have two boys. In her free time, Deanna enjoys baking, cheering on her triathlete husband and playing with her boys.
To contact Deanna, call 516-683-1717 x2176 or email her at dmeble@vjrussolaw.com

Eric J. Einhart
Partner
ejeinhart@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3146
Eric joined Russo Law Group, P.C. in September of 2012. He is a Partner with the firm, responsible for representing clients in Trust and Estate Administration, Real Estate, Guardianship, Elder Law, Estate Planning and Tax matters. Prior to joining the firm, Eric was a licensed banker at JP Morgan Chase while attending law school at New York Law School. Eric is happily married to his wife, Elizabeth. Together they have three beautiful daughters and a dog named Quincy. In his free time, Eric enjoys playing with his daughters, playing guitar and following baseball.
You can contact Eric at 516-393-3146 or via email at ejeinhart@vjrussolaw.com

Joshua R. Berzak
Associate
jberzak@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3169
Joshua joined our staff in May 2016. He is an associate attorney and is responsible for Estate and Trust Administration, Probate and Real Estate transactions. Prior to joining the firm, Joshua practiced Matrimonial Law, Trusts and Estates and Real Estate at other law firms on Long Island. Joshua was born and raised on Long Island. In his spare time, Joshua enjoys cooking and watching his favorite sports teams: the Mets, Rangers, and Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
You can reach Joshua at 516-393-3169 or via email at jberzak@vjrussolaw.com

Diana Lattanzio, Esq.
Associate
DLattanzio@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 683-1717 Ext. 2194
Diana earned her law degree at Hofstra University School of Law. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Diana is licensed to practice law in the states of New York and New Jersey and is also admitted to the United States Supreme Court. Reach Diana at 516-683-1717 Ext. 2194 or by email at DLattanzio@vjrussolaw.com

Lauren E. Soule
Associate
lsoule@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3132
Lauren joined Russo Law Group, P.C. in August 2017. She is an associate attorney, practicing Elder Law, Estate Planning and Medicaid Planning. Prior to joining our team, Lauren worked as an associate attorney for a small Suffolk County based law firm. Lauren has two English Springer Spaniels. In her free time, she enjoys exploring local parks and museums, scrapbooking and spending time with family and friends. Reach Lauren at 516-393-3132 or by email at lsoule@vjrussolaw.com

Katie Ann Trotta
Associate
KTrotta@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 683-1717 Ext. 2142
Katie is an Associate with the firm of Russo Law Group, P.C. of Garden City, Lido Beach, Islandia, Bay Shore, and Manhattan, New York. She focuses on the areas of Estate and Trust Administration, Probate, and Estate Planning. Katie is licensed to practice law in the states of New York and New Jersey. Reach Katie Ann at 516-683-1717 Ext. 2142 or by email at KTrotta@vjrussolaw.com

Julie Allegretti
Community Relations Director
jallegretti@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3151
Julie joined our staff in April 2018. Some of her responsibilities include organizing both public and professional seminars, arranging planning meetings with the attorneys, aiding in the Peace of Mind maintenance program and attending/supporting community events. To attend one of our upcoming seminars or find out more about the services and staff of Russo Law Group, P.C. contact Julie at 516-393-3151 or at jallegretti@vjrussolaw.com

Paula Arrington
Bookkeeper
parrington@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3138
Paula has been with Russo Law Group, P.C. since October 2011. Paula is the bookkeeper in the firm and handles all the finances. Previously she was the controller for various organizations. Paula enjoys baking and reading in her free time. She also likes to travel and has frequented Jamaica the most out of her travels. Reach Paula at 516-393-3138 or at parrington@vjrussolaw.com

Melanie Castillo
Administrator
mcastillo@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3132
Melanie, our firms Administrator, started with Russo Law Group, P.C. in October 2008. Prior to joining the team, Melanie was a pre-school teacher. Melanie comes from a big family and in her spare time, loves to spend time with them. She also enjoys attending concerts and comedy shows with her husband, playing with her beagle, Riley and supporting the Theresa Foundation. Contact Melanie at 516-393-3147 or via email at mcastillo@vjrussolaw.com

Christella Francois
Administrative Assistant
CFrancois@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3172
Christella joined our team in November 2015 as the receptionist at our Garden City office. Currently, she is an administrative assistant who aids in various clerical tasks. Prior to working at our office, Christella was the receptionist for another Elder Law firm. In her free time, Christella enjoys spending time with her family and friends, staying active and shopping.
To contact Christella, call, 516-393-3172 or email her at CFrancois@vjrussolaw.com
Janet Corsetti
Administrative Assistant
jcorsetti@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3141
Janet first joined our team in February 1997. She is an administrative assistant, responsible for aiding Vincent in updating his treatise yearly and editing documents for the clients and firm. Janet is also a client service coordinator and assists in scheduling planning meetings for the lead planners. Before joining Russo Law Group, P.C. she was a legal assistant at an international law firm in Manhattan. Janet is married with three children. She enjoys decorating and shopping in her free time.
To schedule an appointment with one of our experienced attorneys, or to contact Janet, call 516-393-3141 or email her at jcorsetti@vjrussolaw.com

Ashley Glover
Intake Coordinator
aglover@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 683-1717
Ashley joined Team Russo in March, 2019 as their Intake Coordinator. Prior to the Russo Law Group, she worked with ElderCounsel, LLC as their Education Events Coordinator. She also has a background in sales, property management, and real estate. Ashley graduated from the University of Houston, B.S. in Psychology. She currently resides in Houston, TX.
Contact Ashley at (516) 683-1717 or at aglover@vjrussolaw.com

Jacqueline Bergeron
Case Manager
jbergeron@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3154
Jacqueline started with our firm in June, 2016. Prior to joining Russo Law Group, P.C. she was a legal assistant at another law firm for 20 years where she focused on estate planning, estate administration, and real estate. Currently, Jacqueline works in both the Lido Beach and Garden City offices for Kim N. Christian. She assists by working closely with her clients to help implement their estate plans. Jacqueline and her boyfriend have been together over 15 years and live in Lindenhurst. They have two boys, Adyn and Chase and two dogs. Her favorite Disney princess is the little Mermaid Princess, Ariel. She enjoys watching her boys play football, spending time with her family and friends and taking her dogs on walks.
Contact Jacqueline at 516-393-3154 or via email, jbergeron@vjrussolaw.com

Michelle Y. Byrd
Case Manager
mbyrd@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3144
Michelle Y. Byrd is a Case Manager with the law firm of Russo Law Group, P.C. and has worked with the firm since 2002. Ms. Byrd earned her undergraduate degree from Columbia University and her law degree from Fordham University School of Law where she served as Associate Editor of the International Law Review. Ms. Byrd works in the areas of Trust Administration, Estate Administration, Guardianship, Medicaid, and Elder Law. Ms. Byrd has completed Guardianship Training at the Samuel Sadin Institute on Law of the Brookdale Center on Aging at Hunter College. She has two children and enjoys traveling with her family. She also enjoys sightseeing in New York City, attending concerts and professional football and basketball games.
To contact Michelle, call 516-393-3144 or email her at mbyrd@vjrussolaw.com

Catherine A. Evans
Case Manager
cevans@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3139
Catherine started with our firm in March 2015. Prior to joining Russo Law Group, P.C. she was a legal assistant at another law firm for 27 years where she focused on estate planning, estate administration, business transactions and real estate. Currently, Catherine is the case manager for Deanna M. Eble. She assists Deanna by working closely with her clients to help implement their estate plans. She also helps in the real estate and estate administration department. Catherine has two children and a dog, Zoey. She enjoys the outdoors and volunteering with her son’s Boy Scout troop as well as wine tasting, attending concerts and spending time with her family and friends.
Contact Catherine at 516-393-3139 or via email at cevans@vjrussolaw.com

Kirrelle Freeman
Case Manager
kfreeman@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3134
Kirrelle joined team Russo in June 2010. Prior to working at Russo Law Group, P.C. she was an account manager at Bank of America. Currently, she is a case manager for the firm and assists in client matters. Kirrelle is happily married with 3 children and a dog named, Homie. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family.
You can reach Kirrelle at 516-393-3134 or via email at kfreeman@vjrussolaw.com

Mary E. Gagliardo
Case Manager
mgagliardo@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3143
Mary joined our team in September of 2014 as a legal assistant. Since then, she has taken on other supportive roles including case manager and client service coordinator. Mary handles the Social Security Disability/Social Security Income clients with the attorneys at Russo Law Group, P.C. When calling our offices to make an appointment with one of our attorneys, Mary is one of the qualified personnel to assist in the scheduling process. Mary enjoys spending time with her husband, watching their son ride and compete in horse shows all over Long Island. When her son is not competing, she finds it relaxing to visit the stables to take care of their horse, Charmin.
To schedule an appointment with one of our experienced attorneys, contact Mary at 516-393-3143 or via email at mgagliardo@vjrussolaw.com

Joanna A. Perez
Case Manager
jperez@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3156
Joanna has been with our firm since April 2003 as a case manager for Medicaid and Elder Law. Prior to joining the law firm, Joanna acted as the onsite Medicaid Coordinator at various Medical Centers. Her specialty lies in Medicaid, from beginning to end Joanna is involved in the whole Medicaid process and keeps our approval numbers amongst the best around. In her free time, Joanna enjoys spending time with her family, taking long walks on the beach and cooking. She also enjoys traveling and sight-seeing when she can get away. Her dream vacation is to go to Hawaii.
For more information on Medicaid and how Joanna and the attorney’s at Russo Law Group, P.C. may be able to help you and your loved ones, call Joanna at 516-393-3156 or email her at jperez@vjrussolaw.com
Marilyn Cantore
Case Manager
mcantore@vjrussolaw.com
(631) 582-1919
Marilyn has been with the firm since October 2005. She came to Russo Law Group, P.C. from another Elder Law firm where she was a Paralegal for over three years. As the case manager and paralegal for Vincent, she assists in their client matters. She is also responsible for overseeing the other case managers and software for documents. In her free time, Marilyn enjoys going for long bike rides, spending time with her family and playing with her pets.
You can reach Marilyn at 631-582-2838 or via email at mcantore@vjrussolaw.com
Susan E. Hellmuth
Case Manager
shellmuth@vjrussolaw.com
(631) 582-1919
Sue joined Russo Law Group, P.C. in May 2000. She is a case manager, assisting with client matters and a client services coordinator. When calling our offices to make an appointment with one of our attorneys, Sue is one of the qualified personnel to assist in the scheduling process.Sue’s pride and joy are her two grandchildren. She loves spending quality time with them when she can.
Contact Sue at 631-582-5838 or via email at shellmuth@vjrussolaw.com

Rosana Prisco
Receptionist
rprisco@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 683-1717
Rosana began at Russo Law Group, P.C. in April of 2016. Prior to joining our staff, Rosana was an Executive Administrator for 25 years. Currently, she is a receptionist at our Garden City office. Her responsibilities include, welcoming all visitors, answering and directing incoming telephone calls and overseeing the attorney’s schedules. When away from the front desk, Rosana enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and entertaining.
Reach Rosana at our Garden City location at 516-683-1717 or email her at rprisco@vjrussolaw.com

Susan Rieff
Receptionist/Assistant
srieff@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3162
Susan joined our law firm in October 2013. Prior to joining the firm, she worked as an interior designer. From her creative skill set, Susan was able to aid in the designing of our Garden City office. Currently, she is a legal assistant to Kim Christian, preparing advance directives and other documents for clients. Susan has two grown children. In her free time, Susan enjoys playing tennis, reading and going on bike rides.
Contact Susan at 516-393-3162 or via email at srieff@vjrussolaw.com
Kashenna Easley
Clerk
keasley@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3167
Kashenna joined Russo Law Group, P.C. in December 2018. Prior to coming here, she was a student and graduated with a B.A in Politics, Economics & Law. She worked in the medical field for 10 years. She will be starting Law School in September 2019. Kashenna is a mom & wife who loves to travel, cook & spend time with family! Her future goal is to practice Law.
You can reach Kashenna at 516-393-3167 or via email at keasley@vjrussolaw.com

Allison Brownstein
Clerk
Abrownstein@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3170
Allison joined Russo Law Group, P.C. in December 2019. She is a clerk, responsible for filing and scanning important documents and assisting with day to day operations. You can reach Allison at 516-393-3170 or via email at Abrownstein@vjrussolaw.com
Lynsey Springman
Clerk
Lspringman@vjrussolaw.com
(516) 393-3152
Lynsey joined Russo Law Group, P.C. in September 2018. She is a clerk, responsible for filing and scanning important documents and assisting with day to day operations. In her free time, Lynsey likes to go camping and watch movies. You can reach Lynsey at 516-393-3152 or via email at Lspringman@vjrussolaw.com