News
We're excited! Over the past few years we've continued to change and grow to meet the needs of our expanding practice. 2009 was no exception! Merging our practice with our new partners and associates has lead to the opening two additional offices, one in Poughkeepsie and one in Bennington, Vermont. Here is the Press Release announcing the formation our new firm, Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C.:
December 1, 2009 PRESS RELEASE
Five veteran attorneys from the Capital District announced the formation of their new law firm this week. Principals at Towne, Bartkowski & DeFio Kean, P.C. have joined with Claudia Ryan and Christopher Lyons to form the law firm of Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C.
The new firm's principals include James T. Towne, Jr., Claudia A. Ryan, Susan F. Bartkowski, Christopher R. Lyons, and Elena DeFio Kean. Among the 15 attorneys practicing with the firm will be Michael Rhodes-Devey (of counsel), John F. Moore (of counsel), John J. Hoke and Amanda R. Stern. Also joining the firm, of counsel, is James M. Fedorchak who will be practicing out of Towne, Ryan's new Poughkeepsie office. In addition to offices in Albany, Saratoga Springs, Poughkeepsie, Burnt Hills and Schoharie, the new firm has also opened an office in Bennington, Vermont.
Towne, Ryan and Partners, P.C. is one of the 25 largest firms in the Capital District. The firm combines the litigation, commercial and general law practice of the former Towne, Bartkowski & DeFio Kean, P.C. with the litigation team of Ryan, Lyons, Moore and Stern, and others.
Claudia Ryan said, "I am very excited about the new firm. The new firm's collective legal abilities enhances our ability to serve our clients. This is a great group of lawyers and professionals who are wonderful people as well."
Jim Towne added, "This merger brings together a great mix of lawyers whose varying experience will enhance the base of our practice and help us continue to broaden the delivery of legal services to our clients."
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The 2007, 2008 and 2009 editions of Superlawyers.com announced that Jim Towne was selected as a SuperLawyer. The firm is proud that Jim has been chosen for this prestigious designation by his peers. The selection process designates the top 5% of attorneys in Upstate New York. Being selected for inclusion in the 2007 edition of the Upstate New York Region's first edition of this National publication is an honor.
The selection process for this prestigious designation is best described by the publication itself:
Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Hudson Valley Magazine's September 2007 edition carried the initial listing of those attorneys in the Upstate New York region who received this peer designation, as have the September 2008 and 2009 editions.
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Elena DeFio Kean
Elena was selected by Superlawyers.com for its 2009 edition. The firm is proud of Elena's inclusion in the publication as a recognition by her peers of her experience and dedictation to her clients. Congratulations Elena!
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Susan Bartkowski, firm principal, was recently elected to two board positions, continuing the firm's strong emphasis on public service:
- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Upstate New York voted Susan a Board Member in September of 2007. The critical work this society performs on behalf of the thousands of victims and families affected by this devastating disease is well known in the region. Susan's election as a Board Member is the Society's recogntiition of the tireless volunteer work Susan has performed for many years on behalf of the Society's efforts to end the devastating effects of this disease. The Upstate Chapter serves the nearly 10,000 victims of this disease and their families with much needed services throughout the 50 county region as well as raising much needed funds for research.
- In August of 2007 Susan was elected as a Board Member of the Saratoga Film Forum. "The Saratoga Film Forum is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing a wide variety of quality films to downtown Saratoga Springs. Founded on the principles of community involvement, interaction, and support, the Saratoga Film Forum has done more than just show provocative, entertaining, and educational films. Through its ongoing collaboration with other local not-for-profit and for-profit groups, the Film Forum has continually provided opportunities for a variety of voices in the community to be heard."