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Mario Alexis Joseph

Divorce and separation Attorney at Woodmere, NY

4.8   20 reviews
  • State Years
    New York - NY 26 years
    New Jersey - NJ 26 years
  • Licensed for 26 years
    State NY
    Acquired 1997
    Status
    Due to Register within 30 Days of Birthday No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 26 years
    State NJ
    Acquired 1997
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Mario

Learn Mario’s areas of practice.

Born in Cordoba, Argentina. Education: Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (J.D., 1995). Published: New York Real Estate Law Reporter. Background: Assistant Ombudsman to Governor Mario Cuomo, Department of State; Clerk, Judicial Commission on Minorities. Member: New York State Bar; New Jersey State Bar; U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit; U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York; U.S. District Court of New Jersey; U.S. Supreme Court. Associations: New York State Bar Association, Trial Lawyers Section; American Bar Association; New York County Lawyers' Association; Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. Honorary Positions: Chairman, Business Advisory Council, 2003 National Leadership Award; Director, Chinese American Bar Association.  Recipient: National Republican Congressional Committee, 2003 Certificate of Recognition; National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Certificate of Achievement, 1997 Interstate Bike Tour; New York Academy of Sciences, Certificate of Merit, 1994. Profiled: Who's Who in America (55th Edition), and Who's Who in American Law (13th Edition). Speaker: New York County Lawyers' Association, Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee, Oct. 10, 2000. Lecturer: Brandeis University, "The Interaction between Religious Divorce Law and Secular Family Law in North America; A Workshop on Practical Approaches and Theorectical Perspectives", (May 2017). Legal Expert: FOXNews article "Importance of Mother's Role Gives Britney Spears an Edge in Court",  January 22, 2008. Advisory Panel: American Bar Association, 2008. Favorite Quote: You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

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Legal eagle Mario Joseph makes the top 1 percent in the nation. http://www.liherald.com/stories/legal-eagle-mario-joseph-makes-the-top-1-percent-in-the-nation,102621
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Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  20 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Incredible! Our numbered 5-1 and still won everything!
My ex had seriously unlimited coffers, hired some of the most expensive lawyers in the USA, and in the end had 5 of them against Mario. My ex paid off school officials with donations, and used financial strength to bully anyone who would have helped testify about the reality. And guess what? Mario still won! And he did it with style!
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Posted by Mimi | June 18, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
What you want Mario Joseph as an attorney delivered
Mario has delivered everything he promised to do u won full custody in addition to legal fees, he made the process easier to know that he allways has my back in court and out. He has a great dialogue with my judge which was a huge help !! I had a extreme long difficult divorce that Mario is wrapping up now I say salute to Mario !! I also want to say in the staff and his partner John has also stepped up in need the office is on top of everything I didn’t have to remind them ever to follow up in what needed to be done !!
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Response from Mario Joseph June 19, 2020
Me and my team would be nothing without our clients, so thank you for trusting us and letting us know that you appreciate all that we do!
Posted by anonymous | November 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An excellent and well-recommended attorney
I am still grateful to Mario and his law partner John for their assistance in my divorce case. It didn't make a great deal of difference in the end, and I wish that I had just agreed the initial petition and saved myself the heartache, but, this was't really their fault. The counsel in opposition was, shall we say, difficult. I have fond memories of some of the lighthearted conversations I had with them regarding lawyer jokes or one of John's favorite phrases 'heretofore had herein' they did indeed go the extra mile for me. To their credit, they did try to get me to some of the work myself in order to reduce the size of my bill. Whilst I realize that Attorneys in general show a healthy interest in money, and in being paid, I appreciate their patience with me with respect to that. Let us be clear, divorce is unpleasant. My divorce was particularly unpleasant for me, and it's often tempting to view the people who helped you in that dark time in a somewhat rose-tinted fashion. However, one thing is certain - I have certainly not forgotten their assistance - it leaves one almost feeling a debt is due, such is the intensity of the experience. In conclusion, I was always very happy with the services that I received from the firm and have hesitation in recommending them.
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Response from Mario Joseph November 26, 2017
Our professional legacy will be based on the positive impact that we have on the lives of our clients. Your appreciation and positive feedback mean the world to us, as does your friendship. Thank you so much!
Posted by michael purpura | January 18, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Update
Divorce is ugly, scary and painful but a good attorney can make it easy. From my first consultation I felt I was in good hands, Mario's first question to me was what do I want? Of all the divorces of people I know since mine not one I know has been asked this by their attorney. Its always cookie cutter this is what you get and that's that pay me. Not here, I was explained in detail what will happen and how I can get what I wanted. I was well aware of the plan and procedures throughout. I was instructed what I should do and not be doing. I felt I was well prepared throughout the entire experience. In the end i won Custody of my 3 children and life goes on. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank Mario for all he did. I have recommended him to countless people who hire a lawyer from the yellow pages and wind up getting slaughtered. Its a big mistake, you cannot go wrong here he is the only divorce attorney you should call, no one can get the job done like Mario, John and staff. Thank you always Michael
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Response from Mario Joseph November 26, 2017
Thank you so much for recognizing our efforts! It means the world to me and my team. Enjoy your family, and I look forward to remaining a trusted family friend always.
Posted by Anthony | January 5, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Extremely knowledgable and always there for you.
I have worked with Mario several times over the last 15 years and I would highly recommend him as one of the best attorneys in New York. Very knowledgable and always there for you whether you need serious help or just a quick heads-up on a legal matter. Mario has gone beyond the call of duty for me many times including going out of his way to personally serve documents. In my opinion he is truly the best!
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Response from Mario Joseph January 6, 2017
As much as you appreciate all that I have done for you, I appreciate more that you did not take it for granted. Thank you so much. Incidentally, Avvo users should know that my law firm uses process servers more typically, but like everything else, if my involvement is warranted, I'll go the extra two miles to advance the interest of my client. Happy new year to you!
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Posted by anonymous | December 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best divorce lawyer ever
How many fathers go through a court battle in Nassau county and get custody of their 6 year old son? Not many. Mario helped me achieve that. Enough said.
Posted by Meems | December 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Compassionate
My divorce was not an easy one. (Is it ever?) Mario and John and the entire staff were extraordinarily professional and kind during the entire process. Even after the divorce was final, several other issues emerged, and the firm continued to provide sane and cogent advice.
Posted by Simon | December 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great divorce litigator attorney:)
Mario was my attorney in a long custody battle from my ex wife which I was already divorce but was neglecting the child... bc of Mario I was able to prove neglect on her part and won full custody of my son. He is an amazing litigator and always ready and prepare for court. I was amazed of how much knowledge and understanding of the law he has.
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Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
BEST MATRIMONIAL LAWYER IN THE NY /NJ AREA
After having been through several attorney's who all told me to give up...as my ex was facing 20 years in prison, claimed to be destitute ( of course) , and was incapable of holding down a job ( for various reasons) ...Mario, and his team, saw otherwise. After 4 weeks of trial , Mario proved and convinced the judge that my ex was a complete liar. The first sentence of the decision said...the court does not believe one word uttered by the defendant...need i say more!!!
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Response from Mario Joseph June 21, 2020
Custody of the kids, maximum support, two houses and your ex was responsible for the debt. I recall the case well. I am so happy that I was given a chance to help. Thank you!
Posted by anonymous | March 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellant Job
Mario is a gifted attorney who brings his all to every case he pursues. He was tremendously helpful in navigating me through the muddy waters of divorce and I would recommend him to anyone going through the same.
Posted by BradBerfas | February 24, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
ATTORNEY
Mario is an exceptional litigator, negotiator and top notch in the field of matrimonial law. He knows the law inside & out & is highly respected in the field, not only amongst his peer, but amongst his collegues as well. He also has come to become a great friend & someone that I have come to rely on & trust in this field as a constituent, not only from a business perspective, but on a personal level as well. Furthermore, he is a straight shooter & has always been upfront with his clients & gets them what they deserve. I highly recommend Mario as the best in his field! Keep up the good work & continue to shine!
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Posted by LS2515X | January 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce & Separation
Mario is so competent, pragmatic, and shrewd that His outstanding service helps to make my case from negative to positive.
Posted by Jorge | January 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney
Mario Joseph provided an excellent service combining rule of law, tact, and excellent negotiation skills. His ground work enabled me to secure the custody of my child and provide him with a better opportunity at life.
Posted by Josh | January 5, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exactly what I wanted and needed in a divorce attorney
When the stuff was hitting the fan Mario made time to see me right away. He clearly explained my options and possible consequences of different ways we could go. Most importantly, he was very confident and clear. I knew that whatever attorney my now ex-wife hired I would not be bullied or out-lawyered. I referred a friend to Mario , and she was equally happy with his services! I absolutely recommend him!
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Posted by Svetlana | January 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest, effective , great in court. Excellent Firm
If you want to know how Mario Joseph handle difficult divorces ask about my. We lived through 2 trials (1 with the jury)-WON both of them! !!!!! From the first day when I met and hire Mario I have never doubt my decision. Mario is smart, thoughtful ,not afraid to speak in court. I would recommend Mario Joseph and his team for any legal situation where you want a fair li gal outcome !
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Posted by anonymous | January 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you Mr. Joseph!
Thank you for all of your assistance during a most difficult time. Your countless hours spent reviewing and clarifying even the most mundane of matters made the experience that much easier to bear. I knew what I was to expect at every juncture, and nothing was surprising. Your vast knowledge of matrimonial law was only overshadowed by the way your easily practiced it. This was all the more evident when we spent time at the courthouse, where you met with nothing but respect by your fellow colleagues, as well as judiciaries and their staff. Mr. Joseph made sure that I knew exactly what I was doing before I did it. I even received calls "checking in on me" to see how I was doing. I highly recommend Mr. Joseph and his team. Ms. Dragazis is clearly taking tips from Mr. Joseph, as she incorporated a human approach to a tumultuous situation that is also emotionally draining. She sent many an email clarifying every single line of every single document that needed interpretation, along with 3 phases of review and revision. She always injected real life consequences to every decision that I was about to make. She not only made it clear what the legal consequences of those decisions would be, but she also removed those legal aspects to decision making and how those decisions would affect me and my children, which were the core of every decision that I made. Thank you for everything.
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Posted by Lateif | December 30, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney!
Few lawyers go the extra mile for you, and Mr. Joseph has exceeded my expectations on numerous cases. In my line of work we often need counsel and representation and I will always use Mr. Joseph and his firm for any NY matters.
Posted by Shelley | December 30, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A man of integrity!
Mario Alex Joseph goes above and beyond of what is expected of an attorney! An intelligent shark in the courtroom with a caring heart of gold to his clients! Mario always made himself available throughout my lengthy divorce trial. Incredible dedication! He takes his cases very seriously and was very well prepared. If you want to win your case, Mario is the attorney for you!
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Posted by anonymous | March 29, 2011
The A Team
As a world-class expert myself in my field, I was looking for someone who was of equal caliber .... I contacted my colleagues at Holland and Knight, who recommended Mario. When I first met Mario, I told a friend "I'm scared of this guy" -- scared of being on the other side of Mario in litigation. He's a brilliant negotiator and litigator. He's got a knack for getting judges to think along his lines. At an appellate level, the judges treat him as a knowledgeable colleague. Likewise, his partner John Smargiassi is also brilliant, methodical, and has deep technical knowledge. Their firm is resourceful, has good connections, and has access to a wide range of specialists.
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Posted by anonymous | October 26, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
review
I would never recommend to anyone. When you hear stories about sleazy attorneys he can be the poster boy. His ethics is something to be desired. During my divorce I lost my job. After hearing, Mr. Joseph wanted to be removed as my council. Soon after he wanted me to settle. He saw that the well was running dry. He was the attorney of record and with his advise persuaded me to settle for terms no other competent attorney would recommend. I attest to this because after finalizing, the settlement and chuld support I felt I was railroaded. It didn't feel right and it didnt make any legal sense. Less than a year, I tryed to modify the settlement without consul but was unsuccessful. You quicky realize that the court system is only for lawyers. Without one, the judge didnt want to hear it. I was told in not so modest words. I retained another attorney to undo/modify the settlement but based on the settlement it wasnt successful. Everyone knows, Judges don't like get involved in settlements.
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Response from Mario Joseph October 27, 2016
I am sorry that you feel this way and would like to provide more details for Avvo users, but ethically cannot. However, based solely on the information that you provided above, I hope this helps: Judges heavily consider historical income when calculating support obligations, not just recent unemployment (even if legitimate, which it often is not). Judges routinely impute income where a determination is made of underemployment or unemployment, even if not 'recent'. It is not a function of being 'railroaded', but of too many parties who will do anything to avoid paying their full support obligation. If a party wants to prove that their sudden decrease in income is bona fide and long term, s/he needs to proceed to trial with reliable evidence. The outcome of (expensive) trials cannot be guaranteed, and a historically monied spouse could well lose at trial and be directed to pay the legal fees of the other party. Were you (i) financially able to pay for an expensive trial with (ii) an unknown outcome for which you (iii) would be required to pay my counsel fees AND (iv) perhaps your spouse's attorney, while (v) able to produce evidence that your then-recent unemployment was bona fide? Was your purported unemployment bona fide and consistent with your online vocational profiles such as LinkedIn? Please consider that the attorney who you retained after me, perhaps overpromised and underdelivered. Parties have opportunities to secure a second (and third, etc) opinion before entered into a settlement agreement, and judges routinely ask those parties whether they (i) understand the settlement terms, (ii) accept them voluntarily, and (iii) are satisfied with their counsel. I invite you to post a copy of the transcript from that day. I invite you to post a comparison of what your settled support obligation was, versus what it would have been after trial had you lost. I also invite you to reconsider your negative review of me. Lastly, I work long hours and oftentimes weekends to go the extra mile for my clients. It is not a crime, unethical or immoral for me to require payment for my services, and any professional is well within their right to tell a client that they should hire someone else if they want to engage in a course of conduct that they cannot afford to pay for (especially when they are likely to lose). In fact, it is the attorneys who happily take money to engage in losing propositions who you should call 'sleazy' and 'incompetent', NOT the attorneys who very strongly counsel you against it.
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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner / Member
  • Joseph & Smargiassi, LLC
  • 1999 - Present
  • Senior Litigation Associate
  • Law Office of R.H.W. (Sole Proprietorship)
  • 1995 - 1999
  • Consultant
  • DraftDirect Worldwide
  • 1994 - 1995
  • Summer Intern
  • Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on Minorities
  • 1993 - 1993
  • Judicial Intern
  • New York State Supreme Court
  • 1993 - 1994
View all work experience

Education

  • Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1995
  • City University of New York, Queens College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1992

Legal Cases

  • Kestler v Organization for the Resolution of Agunot
  • Success. Case by Plaintiff dismissed
  • S.G. v. F.G.
  • Success.
  • Greenberg v. Greenberg
  • Significant imputed income
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • New York County Lawyers' Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • New Jersey State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • Chinese American Bar Association
  • Director
  • 1998 - 1999
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Languages Spoken

  • Spanish
  • Mandarin
  • Greek
  • Hebrew
View all languages

Honors and Awards

  • Certified as AV Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell / LexisNexis Attorney Peer Review Ratings
  • 2017
  • Certified as AV Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell / LexisNexis Attorney Peer Review Ratings
  • 2016
  • New York Area's Top Rated Lawyers
  • Legal Leaders, ALM
  • 2015
  • Certified as AV Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell / LexisNexis Attorney Peer Review Ratings
  • 2015
  • Top One Percent, Nation's Top Attorneys
  • National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • 2015
  • Certified as AV Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell / LexisNexis Attorney Peer Review Ratings
  • 2014
  • Certified as AV Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell / LexisNexis Attorney Peer Review Ratings
  • 2013
  • Certified as AV Preeminent
  • Martindale Hubbell / LexisNexis Attorney Peer Review Ratings
  • 2012
  • Certificate of Appointment
  • Business Advisory Council
  • 2003
  • National Leadership Award
  • National Republican Congressional Committee
  • 2003
  • Who's Who in American Law
  • Marquis Who's Who in American Law
  • 2003
  • Who's Who in America
  • Marquis Who's Who
  • 2001
  • Certificate of Merit
  • New York Academy of Sciences
  • 1994
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Publications

  • FOX News
  • Britney Spears' custody case
  • 2008

Speaking Engagements

  • Boston Agunah Taskforce
  • The Interaction between Religious Divorce Law and Secular Family Law in North America; A Workshop on Practical Approaches and Theoretical Perspectives
  • 2017
  • Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee
  • Of Counsel liability and concerns
  • 2000

Attorney endorsements

Received (8)
Given (7)
Endorse Mario
Litigation Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An exceptional litigation attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer."
Family Attorney | Mar 31
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Outstanding attorney. Honest and straightforward, and a worthy adversary. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Mario Alex Joseph. His reputation in the field is impeccable and I have seen in action and I am impressed by his work ethic and professionalism."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 19
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Mario was opposing counsel on a contested divorce which quickly became a learning experience for both of us. Admittedly, I was a little turned off from Mario when we began communicating, as it was limited to e-mail and prior to any face-to-face introduction. However, my opinion quickly changed after our first court appearance and as the case progressed. It became clear to both of us that Mario's client was making every effort to undermine the progress that he and I were making together to settle this contested divorce. Mario managed an extraordinarily difficult client with professionalism and competence, and to be quite frank, he did a better job representing his client than I ever would have been able to. It is a shame that his client viewed it differently, because few lawyers would have been able to accomplish the same job as Mario. To any future clients who are considering whether to go pro-se or hire Mario, you would be foolish to go with any option over hiring Mario."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Mario for a number of years. He is an excellent and tenacious litigator who works tirelessly to advocate for his clients. I recommend him highly in all of his areas of practice including, but not limited to criminal defense, divorce and separation, and civil litigation."
Family Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Mario Joseph is a diligent and dedicated attorney with extensive knowledge in family law. His compassion for his clients is astonishing. I highly recommend him to anyone needing legal representation."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent attorney with a great level of professionalism and experience."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mario is extremely efficient and insightful. I would welcome him onto my team anytime."
View more endorsements
Child support
Speeding and traffic ticket
Litigation
Divorce and separation
Social Security & Disability
Divorce and separation
Woodmere Divorce and separation Lawyer Mario Alexis Joseph
Mario Alexis Joseph
Divorce and separation Attorney
Woodmere, NY
Licensed for 26 years