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About Penelope
Biography
Penelope ("Penni") Blizzard-McGrath founded the firm upon her admission to the New York State bar. Ms. Blizzard-McGrath's devotion to family law started back in 1994, when she was hired as a paralegal by a prominent matrimonial attorney after completing her Associates Degree in legal studies.
Penni obtained her Bachelor's Degree, magna cum laude, from Dowling College in 1996, and continued on with her career as a matrimonial paralegal. During her career as a paralegal, she quickly became well-known in the Long Island area as an industry best and was often sought by Family Law practitioners for consultation on various divorce issues, law firm management and Family Law software programs. As a paralegal, Ms. Blizzard-McGrath handled every aspect of divorce cases from the commencement of an action, preparing applications for pendente lite relief, financial statements for high net worth clients, trial preparation, assisting at trial, through the final Judgment of Divorce. When her son finished kindergarten, she began law school while working full-time at one of the highest volume matrimonial firms on Long Island.
During law school, Penni focused primarily on Family Law coursework and graduated with honors. She founded the Family Law Society to share her expertise with law students and to give them a glimpse into this difficult yet rewarding area of law. She was awarded two graduation awards and was also recognized for her superior understanding of Family Law during law school.
Ms. Blizzard-McGrath is currently a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association and the Suffolk County Bar Association where she participates on a Modest Means panel, representing low income clients. To extend her committment to family law, Penni particpates in many continuing legal education courses, far surpassing New York's requirements for attorneys.
Ms. Blizzard-McGrath is also an adjunct at a local college where she teaches both Family Law and Legal Research & Writing to paralegal students.
Being in the legal field for over 25 years enables Penni to fully understand each component of a case as an attorney. Whether being compassionate and patient during an emotionally difficult time in a client's life, investigating factual inconsistencies, gathering various intricate financial information, or providing gentle guidance to a client facing life altering decisions regarding children, Ms. Blizzard-McGrath promises to give her professional best to each client she represents.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 14 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Penelope J Blizzard-McGrath
4949 Express Drive North, Suite 205, Ronkonkoma, NY, 11779
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Penelope J Blizzard-McGrath's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
4 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Posted by eric | March 19, 2014
great legal experience
very accommodating, very understanding, professional, and absolutely no complaints during my entire experience with her. I have recommended her to friends and family and will continue to do so.
Posted by Bill | February 10, 2014 | Child Custody
AMAZING LAWYER
Penelope took my custody case that was a MESS turned it around and saved me 100K plus and potential jail time. I cannot begin to explain how detailed and competent Penelope is. I would recommend her to anyone.
Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2013
Knowledgeable
Penni was very professional in handling my matter. She was very responsible, dedicated, & responsive to my many calls. I highly recommend her.
Posted by anonymous | July 01, 2012 | Divorce & Separation
Dedicated attorney
I found Penni to be extremely professional in how she handled my divorce. She is very dedicated to her clients.
Penelope J Blizzard-McGrath's Lawyer Endorsements
"Smart, focused and caring attorney. Dedicated to client success. Highly recommended."
"Penni has worked in the Family Law field for over a decade, and it shows -- Penni has mastered this area of law and is well equipped to represent her clients both in and out of the Court room."
"I endorse this lawyer. A very smart and knowledgeable attorney who I would trust with my clients care."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"A truly excellent attorney well respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer as both a quality advocate as well as a pragmatic problem-solver. Whether your matter calls for aggressive and passionate representation or for even-keeled strategic dispute resolution, Penni has the tools, experience and skills required to resolve your case with stellar results."
"I fully endorse this attorney. Ms. Blizzard-McGrath has an abundance of an experience and is a zealous advocate. She has a caring approach with her clients and is an asset to our profession."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Blizzard-McGrath was a pleasure to have as an adversary. She is courteous and insightful. I look forward to our next case together."
"Penni has made a great start in family law, and can be counted on to diligently pursue a case to completion. She is always responsive, quickly returning calls, and is always pleasant to work with. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have met Penelope through a online group of attorneys from our former law school. She is a main contributor to the group and has continually demonstrated her passion and knowledge of domestic relations and family law through her numerous posts and responses to other attorneys questions. My primary practice area is not Long Island; therefore I would not hesitate to recommend a client to Penelope who needs a Long Island attorney"
"I am currently involved in a matrimonial action and Penni is representing my client's wife. I have found Penni to be very professional and she responds to telephone calls, emails and texts promptly."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Blizzard-Mcgrath is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. She is a strong and zealous advocate for her clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommond her legal services."
"I've known Penni for many years and her work has always been excellent. In law school and afterwards, Penni's work has always been top quality. I would strongly recommend her to anyone seeking an attorney."
"On numerous occasions I have had the pleasure of working with Penelope Blizzard-McGrath, Esq. I have been extremely impressed with her knowledge and abilities in the field of matrimonial and family law. I believe she is truly one of the best in the field and her name is not just well known, but well regarded. She is hard working and resourceful, as well as extremely intelligent and knowledgeable in all areas of matrimonial practice. There is no question in my mind that she is an asset and her abilities are unmatched in the legal field."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Outstanding Women in Law 2016, Hofstra Law & Long Island Business News
2016
Top Women in NY Metro Area, SuperLawyers
2016
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2015
2015 Super Lawyers Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
2015 Distinguished Alumni of the Year, Briarcliffe College
2015
Pro Bono Award, Suffolk County Bar Association
2010
Exceptional Contribution to the Growth of the Law Center, Touro Law School
2010
Exemplary Contributions to the Quality of Student Life, Touro Law School
2009
Family Law Practice Module -Excellence for the Future Award, Touro Law - CALI: http://www2.cali.org/index.php?fuseaction=excellenceawards.ViewOneAward&awardid=1a55ab30
2008
Family Violence - Excellence for the Future Award, Touro Law: CALI Award: http://www2.cali.org/index.php?fuseaction=excellenceawards.ViewOneAward&awardid=180dfd50
2007
Family Law -Excellence for the Future Award (see link above), Touro Law School/ CALI: http://www2.cali.org/index.php?fuseaction=excellenceawards.ViewOneAward&awardid=1652f740
2006
Legal Process - Excellence for the Future Award (see link above), Touro Law School: CALI: http://www2.cali.org/index.php?fuseaction=excellenceawards.ViewOneAward&awardid=14812540
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Assistant Town Attorney, Town of Brookhaven
2011 - Present
Owner/Principal Attorney, Law Office of Penelope J. Blizzard-McGrath
2012 - 2015
Adjunct Professor of Law, Briarcliffe College
1999 - 2007
Paralegal/Firm Administrator, Thomas K. Campagna, PC
1996 - 1999
Paralegal, Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, PC
1994 - 1996
Paralegal, Law Offices of Clifford Pestroske
Associations
2015 - Present
Longwood Central School DistrictElected Board Member
2013 - Present
New York State Dispute Resolution AssociationAttorney Member
2012 - Present
Central Brookhaven Lions ClubMember
2012 - Present
Central Brookhaven Lions ClubVolunteer
2011 - Present
Suffolk County Women's Bar Association
2010 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Suffolk County Bar AssociationAttorney member/Modest Means Panel Member
2006 - Present
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Wickline v. Wickline
Relocation denied after trial.
Education
2010
Touro College - Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor Cum Laude
1996
Dowling College
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2013
Junior High School Career Day
Career as a Lawyer
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Child Custody- Referee or Judge makes Custody decision/ Mediation?
09 May 2013
Q&A
Uncontested divorce in Suffolk County, NY
09 Jan 2013
Q&A
Steps to take after receiving New York UD-11?
15 Dec 2012