A Dutchess County Institution

Our firm is rooted in the traditions of Dutchess County.  Our esteemed founder, James DeWitt Benson, was Dutchess County Surrogate, Dutchess County Executive, and Dutchess County Attorney. He also operated his family’s farm, first settled in 1742. Judge Benson’s commitment to community involvement and public service provides the model for our firm’s practitioners today. 

Our Pawling office is located at a site that has continuously provided legal services to the community in eastern Dutchess County for over 60 years.  And for over 35 years, we have served the legal needs of our clients from our Poughkeepsie office.

Areas of Practice

Experienced litigators in all New York courts, our attorneys and their skilled paralegal staff offer the following full array of legal services:

Litigation

• Trials and Appeals in all New York courts

Municipal Law

• Zoning
• Land Use Planning
• Development
• Representation of Municipal Governments
• Bonds – Municipal Debt Issuances

Domestic Relations

• Matrimonial 
• Child Support
• Child Custody
• Family Court Matters

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
• Wills
• Trusts
• Probate Proceedings
• Medicaid Planning and Asset Protection
• Accountings

Real Estate

• Transactions
• Commercial
• Residential 
• Complex Leases and Financing
• Tax Certiorari Proceedings
• Agricultural Value Assessments and Protection of Farmers' Rights
• Landlord / Tenant
• Homeowners' Associations

Business

• Formation
• Acquisition
• Sales