New Attorneys Join O’Connell and Aronowitz

Four new attorneys have joined the law firm of O’Connell and Aronowitz, firm President Michael McDermott announced.

The recent additions – Rebecca Dunning, Ryan Forbes, Lillian Hahn, and Charles Serino – are based in the Albany office of O’Connell and Aronowitz, one the Capital District’s largest full-service law firms. O’Connell and Aronowitz was established in 1925 and is one of Albany’s oldest law firms.

“As we approach our centennial anniversary, we are excited to add Rebecca, Ryan, Lillian, and Charles to the long list of O&A attorneys who have proudly served the Capital District for almost 100 years. Our tradition of excellence will be enhanced by the addition of these fine attorneys as we continue to grow into the future,” said McDermott.

Rebecca M. Dunning practices in our Family and Matrimonial Law Department. Rebecca provides compassionate and knowledgeable legal support to clients who need assistance with matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence. Before joining our firm, Rebecca served as an Attorney for Children in the Appellate Division Third Department’s Assigned Counsel Program where she advocated for children involved in custody, divorce, and family offense cases. Rebecca holds a bachelor’s degree from Siena College, a Master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School.

Ryan A. Forbes practices in the Litigation Department, where he focuses on criminal defense, governmental investigations, and civil rights claims. He also dedicates a significant amount of time to pro bono work, representing non-profit organizations in civil litigation and plaintiffs in §1983 civil rights cases. Ryan’s commitment to r justice has led him to work with organizations such as Prisoners Legal Services of New York, The Legal Aid Society, and the Albany County Community Police Review Board. Through his work, he has contributed to positive changes and improvements in accountability standards. Ryan received his bachelor’s degree from Towson University and his Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School.

Lillian C. Hahn practices in our Family and Matrimonial Law Department. Prior to joining O’Connell & Aronowitz, Lillian was a Certified Legal Intern for the Albany County District Attorney’s Office in the Special Victims Unit where she dedicated her time to protecting vulnerable individuals. She brings a diverse set of skills, a passion for family and matrimonial law, and a commitment to justice. Lillian graduated magna cum laude in just three years from the University at Albany, earning a double major in Economics and Psychology. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School.

Charles E. Serino practiced in our Business Law, Construction Law, and Health Law Departments. He focuses on transactional law and assists with cases involving landlord-tenant disputes, and real estate transactions. Charles supports owners, general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, their sureties, and design professionals (such as architects and engineers) on a wide range of legal issues. Charles also handles litigation, regulatory affairs, and Medicare and Medicaid compliance for nursing homes and adult care facilities. Charles holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport, where he was a member of the men’s varsity baseball team for four years, and a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School.

Named a 2023 “Best Law Firm” by Best Lawyers and US News & World Report, and a 2023 Top Workplace four years in a row, O’Connell and Aronowitz is one of the Capital District’s largest and most diverse law firms. With more than 30 attorneys and offices in Albany and Saratoga Springs, the firm provides a full range of legal services to businesses and individuals throughout the state.