Mario Alexis Joseph

Mario Alexis Joseph

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 29 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Woodmere, NY
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Litigation, Business ... +2 more

1024 Broadway, Woodmere, NY

About Mario

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Business 10%

29 years

10%
Litigation 10%

29 years

10%
Family 5%

29 years

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in New York for 28 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1997

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in New Jersey for 29 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Joseph & Smargiassi, LLC

1024 Broadway, Woodmere, NY, 11598

Joseph & Smargiassi, LLC

65 Broadway, Appointment Only, New York, NY, 10006

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Mario Alexis Joseph's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

20 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (20) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by michael purpura | November 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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 cutt...er 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

Mario Joseph

Replied last 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 anonymous | November 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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 wa...s, 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.

Mario Joseph

Replied last 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 Anthony | January 06, 2017 | 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 m...any times including going out of his way to personally serve documents. In my opinion he is truly the best!

Mario Joseph

Replied last January 06, 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!

Posted by anonymous | October 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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.

Mario Joseph

Replied last 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.

Posted by anonymous | March 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

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.

See All Client Reviews

Mario Alexis Joseph's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Mario
Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Litigation lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An exceptional litigation attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer."

Renata Weissman headshot
Renata Weissman

Family lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Outstanding attorney. Honest and straightforward, and a worthy adversary. I endorse this lawyer."

Michael E. Beer headshot
Michael Beer

Divorce and separation lawyer | 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."

Seth David Schraier headshot
Seth Schraier

Divorce and separation lawyer | 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."

Dena Operman headshot
Dena Operman

Divorce and separation lawyer | 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."

Maryam Jahedi headshot
Maryam Jahedi

Family lawyer | 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."

Nataliya I. Gavlin headshot
Nataliya Gavlin

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent attorney with a great level of professionalism and experience."

Florendia Dragazis headshot
Florendia Dragazis

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mario is extremely efficient and insightful. I would welcome him onto my team anytime."

View All Endorsements
Renata Weissman headshot
Renata Weissman

Child support lawyer

Michael E. Beer headshot
Michael Beer

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Dena Operman headshot
Dena Operman

Litigation lawyer

Seth David Schraier headshot
Seth Schraier

Divorce and separation lawyer

David Kuznicki headshot
David Kuznicki

Social Security & Disability lawyer

John Smargiassi headshot
John Smargiassi

Business lawyer

Florendia Dragazis headshot
Florendia Dragazis

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Certified as AV Preeminent, Martindale Hubbell / LexisNexis Attorney Peer Review Ratings

2016

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

2015

New York Area's Top Rated Lawyers, Legal Leaders, ALM

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

Certified as AV Preeminent, Martindale Hubbell / LexisNexis Attorney Peer Review Ratings

2003

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

2001

Who's Who in America, Marquis Who's Who

1994

Certificate of Merit, New York Academy of Sciences

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Partner / Member, Joseph & Smargiassi, LLC

1995 - 1999

Senior Litigation Associate, Law Office of R.H.W. (Sole Proprietorship)

1994 - 1995

Consultant, DraftDirect Worldwide

1993 - 1993

Summer Intern, Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on Minorities

1993 - 1994

Judicial Intern, New York State Supreme Court

Associations

2008 - Present

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Member

1996 - 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

1998 - 1999

Chinese American Bar Association

Director

Sample of 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

Mizrahi-Srour v. Srour

Custody to client, along with very favorable financial determinations and counsel fee award

Eydelman v. Eydelman

Unanimous decision to Plaintiff

Steifman v. Khenin

Client reinstated to management position and full control of company

Pelucco v. Pelucco

Success

Harris v. Harris

Success.

Farance v. Farance

Success.

Purpura v. Purpura

Success

Whitman v. Whitman

Success

Ward v. Ward

Success

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

City University of New York, Queens College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

Boston Agunah Taskforce

The Interaction between Religious Divorce Law and Secular Family Law in North America; A Workshop on Practical Approaches and Theoretical Perspectives

2000

Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee

Of Counsel liability and concerns

Publications

2016

New York Magazine 12th Edition (2016), Reasons to Love New York New York's Leaders In The Law

2008

FOX News Britney Spears' custody case

Languages

Spanish

Mandarin

Greek

Hebrew

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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