Other Practices
Competence. Insight. Results.
Our firm offers comprehensive legal representation in a broad range of other practice areas. Learn more about our capabilities by clicking on the links below:
- Mediation and arbitration
- Appeals
- Real estate and commercial litigation
- Wills, living wills, healthcare proxies and powers of attorney
- Business formation and transactional attorneys
Mediation and Arbitration
“A state is better governed which has few laws, and those laws strictly observed.” - Rene Descartes
At Helwig, Henderson, Ryan & Spinola, LLP, a former judge can preside as a mediator or arbitrator over your case. Joseph P. Spinola, partner, has served as justice of the New York State Supreme Court for Nassau County where he earned the reputation for rational and even-handed dispute resolution in many areas of the law, including breach of contract, personal injury and matrimonial matters. This service can be provided upon the mutual consent of the parties who may or may not be represented by independent counsel.
In the alternative, our firm can provide an experienced attorney to represent you before a mediator or arbitrator selected from a qualified panel.
Mediation and arbitration are alternative dispute resolution techniques that involve negotiation outside of the courtroom. A skillful mediator will help the parties to reach an agreement through compromise that is satisfactory to both sides. Arbitration requires both parties to present their sides of the case after which the arbitrator renders a decision. The primary difference between the two resolution techniques is that mediation is not binding on the parties and if an agreement is not reached, litigation in the courtroom may be necessary. Arbitration is binding on the parties and cannot be re-litigated in a courtroom setting.
The benefits of mediation and arbitration include the following:
- Cost-effectiveness. By eliminating the need for formal discovery, parties to a dispute can save time and money by reviewing documentation together openly.
- Convenience. The parties meet when it is mutually convenient rather than waiting for the court to set a date. This allows for early resolution of most matters.
- Choice of decision-maker. The parties choose a mediator or arbitrator who serves as a moderator. The mediator facilitates discussion and problem solving while the arbitrator elicits information necessary to make a binding decision.
- Discretion. In mediation and arbitration, the parties can contractually agree to keep the discussion and negotiations private.
If you have questions about mediation or arbitration call (516) 747-9700 or contact us to schedule a free consultation with a partner at the firm.
Appeals
“The verdict acquits the raven, but condemns the dove.” - Juvenal
Helwig, Henderson, Ryan & Spinola, LLP, has a long history of success as appellate counsel, having represented clients before the state and federal appellate courts. Our experience with appeals coincides with the same areas of law in which we offer skilled and expertise representation. These include personal injury, medical malpractice, automobile liability, divorce and family law.
Real Estate and Commercial Litigation
“A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.” - Samuel Goldwyn
The attorneys at Helwig, Henderson, Ryan & Spinola, LLP offer comprehensive legal advice on a full range of transactional matters including the purchase and sale of real estate. We also represent parties embroiled in contract fulfillment disputes.
Our real estate attorneys represent individuals and businesses who seek to acquire or sell real property. Negotiating a price satisfactory to our client is of paramount importance and requires careful and in-depth analysis of multiple factors. Our attorneys strive to represent our clients’ needs, regardless of whether they are buying or selling. Representing clients in this area is a learned skill which comes from our many years of experience.
Our business litigation practice handles commercial transactions and breach of contract matters. Business reputation and relationships with clients, suppliers and vendors are often at stake in this type of litigation. The firm offers clients the privacy of mediation and arbitration as alternatives to courtroom litigation. However, our tough litigators do not hesitate to take a case to trial when necessary.
Wills, Living Wills, Healthcare Proxies and Powers of Attorney
“No poet ever interpreted nature as freely as a lawyer interprets the truth.” - Gean Giraudoux
Critical decisions about your life and future need to be made well in advance of life-changing events. An absence of precautionary documents can expose your family members to future litigation and loss of assets. The law provides certain legal tools that help you enforce critical decisions without requiring your physical presence or mental capacity.
Your Last Will and Testament states how you want the assets you own at the time of your demise to be divided up among your beneficiaries. Without a will, the court will appoint someone to divide your assets in a way that may not follow your wishes. We will discuss with you the many options you have in choosing an executor and if appropriate, a legal guardian for your minor children as well as a trustee when necessary.
Your preferences regarding resuscitation, life support and other medical care decisions, should you ever become incapacitated, should be stated clearly in a Living Will. Give your family the gift of peace of mind by deciding now how you feel about life-sustaining medical care.
A Healthcare Proxy identifies the person or persons you designate to carry out your Living Will. Typical healthcare proxies designate a spouse, family member or close friend to act as your agent who will confer closely with your healthcare providers to make decisions necessary to carry out your wishes.
A Power of Attorney is the legal authorization of an agent to stand in your shoes. This person is given the power to make decisions in specific areas you have authorized in advance. This power continues even during a time of incapacitation and will only terminate upon your express desire or your demise. Power of Attorney can be used in a single transaction such as for the sale of a house or for ongoing everyday needs such as maintaining a checking account. We can help you carefully choose the authorization given by your power of attorney wisely to protect your personal interests and to fulfill your needs.
If you have any questions about wills, living wills, healthcare proxies or powers of attorney, do not hesitate to contact us or call the law office of Helwig, Henderson, Ryan & Spinola, LLP, at (516) 747-9700.
Business Formation and Transactional Matters
“Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through.”- Jonathan Swift
Shareholder interests need to be protected through contracts. To prevent future controversy and to plan for foreseeable conflict, it is important to select the right structure for your business and the right lawyer to represent you, particularly if something goes wrong.
The differences between a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership and other options are important. Selecting the right entity may help to limit your personal stake in the business and personal liability to others should anything go wrong. Our attorneys help you weigh the risks and benefits of limited liability companies (LLC), limited liability partnerships (LLP), Subchapter S election for corporations and much more.
The creation of a professional practice, personal service agreement as well as drafting employment contracts can involve greater initial costs and result in costly litigation if not handled correctly. At Helwig, Henderson, Ryan & Spinola, LLP, we have experience with these transactions and will provide comprehensive legal advice at cost-effective rates.
If you have questions about business formation or transactional matters, do not hesitate to email or call the law office of Helwig, Henderson, Ryan & Spinola, LLP at (516) 747-9700.
If you think you need a lawyer, chances are you do.
For more information about our practice, please email us or call our offices at (516) 747-9700.
From offices in Carle Place, New York, we serve clients throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Manhattan.
