Our History

Over 95 Years of Legal Service to the Capital District Community.

In 1925, in Albany, NY, Edward J. O’Connell, and Samuel E. Aronowitz, two young attorneys of different religious faiths and political persuasions, forged a friendship that lasted a lifetime and founded a law firm that, to this day, remains their enduring legacy to the legal community of the Capital District and the entire state.

3attorney-albany-nyDespite their diversity, they were united in the belief that the rule of law is a quintessential prerequisite for men and women of different backgrounds to live together in harmony and to achieve their full potential in a free and prosperous society. Together they founded a law firm dedicated to serving their community’s personal, business, and professional needs. Honesty, integrity, a culture of hard work, and commitment to their clients defined O’Connell and Aronowitz then, as it does now.

From those humble origins nine decades ago in a two-room downtown Albany office, O’Connell and Aronowitz have evolved into a modern, broad service law firm of over 60 attorneys, paraprofessionals, and clerical staff. We proudly stand among the oldest, most distinguished, and most reputable law firms in upstate New York. Our alumni include judges, a district attorney, a former Lieutenant Governor, and County Bar Association presidents. In addition to Albany, we have an office in Saratoga Springs.

Our diverse Civil and Criminal practice areas include Health Care, Accidents & Personal Injury, Malpractice, Product Liability, Commercial Real Estate, Business Law, Trusts and Estates, Elder Law, Divorce/Family/Matrimonial, Bankruptcy, Indian Casino Gaming, Constitutional Law with an emphasis on the First Amendment and White/Blue Collar Criminal Defense work.

Because of our presence in the state capital, our clientele includes statewide organizations and associations that require high-profile legal representation in Albany. As a result, O’Connell and Aronowitz have developed extensive Administrative Law and Appellate practices that entail frequent appearances before both governmental regulatory agencies and state and federal courts.

4attorney-albany-nyThe men and women who represent this generation of attorneys at the firm are honored to carry on the tradition of hard work and commitment that began more than 95 years ago. In doing so, we are mindful that we will always be guided by the example Mr. O’Connell and Mr. Aronowitz set for us when it all began back in 1925. We realize that is why we are still here today. It is also why, if we successfully emulate them, O’Connell and Aronowitz will be here 95 years from now as well.