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Kathleen Anne Dipaola

Adoption Attorney at Albany, NY

5.0   5 reviews

also known as Casey Copps DiPaola, Casey DiPaola

  • Licensed for 7 years
    State VT
    Acquired 2015
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 13 years
    State NY
    Acquired 2010
    Status
    Currently Registered No misconduct found

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

About Kathleen

Learn Kathleen’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Adoption
    40%
    Casey Copps DiPaola represents adoptive parents in all types of adoptions (agency, private, foster care, second/step parent), birth parents and adoption agencies. She is experienced with ICPC and ICWA.

    13 years, 500 cases

  2. Family
    20%
    Casey DiPaola handles all types of Assisted Reproductive Technology matters, including surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation and embryo donation. Casey also handles fair hearings. Her firm also handles divorces, custody and child support matters.

    13 years, 100 cases

  3. Estate planning
    15%
    Casey DiPaola handles both simple and complex estate planning matters, including various types of trusts.

    13 years, 100 cases

  4. Probate
    15%
    Casey Copps DiPaola handles both simple and complex probate and administration proceedings.

    13 years, 100 cases

  5. Real estate
    10%
    Casey Copps DiPaola handles purchases and sales of residential property, drafts leases and handles evictions.

    13 years, 500 cases

Casey began her legal career as an associate attorney at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, Albany's largest law firm, where she practiced primarily in the areas of Labor and Employment, Education and Litigation.  In 2012, Casey decided to join her mother, Anne Reynolds Copps, in practice.  In 2014, Anne and Casey became partners and created Copps DiPaola, PLLC, the first mother-daughter law firm in the Capital Region.

Casey graduated summa cum laude and as the salutatorian from Albany Law School in 2009. During law school she was a senior editor of the Albany Law Review, the secretary of the Pro Bono Society, and a constitutional law research assistant.  Casey also completed internships with the Family Violence Litigation Clinic and the Warren County District Attorney's Office, and judicial placements in Albany County Supreme Court, and the Appellate Division, Third Department. Prior to law school, Casey graduated from Shenendehowa High School and from the Rochester Institute of Technology, with highest honors and as a member of the Honors Program. Casey currently lives in Clifton Park with her husband Jeffrey, a high school special education teacher, and their sons Evan and Corey.

Casey understands that many of her clients come to her during difficult and stressful times in their lives.  She strives to educate her clients on the law and their options so they can make educated decisions about the trajectory of their cases.  Casey understands that, while the matter that bring her clients to her are incredibly important to them, the vast majority of her clients have limited funds to spend on legal representation.  With that in mind, Casey openly discusses with her clients the relative costs of various options and helps them to engage in a cost-benefit analysis. 

Casey prides herself on being a creative problem solver and refuses to take a one size fits all approach to her cases.  She spends time with her clients getting to know the facts of their cases intimately so she can help them brainstorm possible solutions to the problem that brought them to her.  Particularly in matters involving families, Casey believes that working together to come up with a solution that addresses the needs and concerns of all involved to the best extent possible is almost always preferable to litigation, which can do irreparable damage to relationships.  That being said, Casey has extensive litigation experience and, in the event that settlement is not an option, she is willing and able to zealously litigate on behalf of her clients.

Casey focuses her practice in all areas of adoption law.  She has experience representing birth and adoptive parents in private adoptions, voluntary agency adoptions, foster care adoptions and step/second parent adoptions.  Casey also has experience representing adoption agencies and handling adoption subsidy fair hearings.  Casey also practices in the related area of assisted reproductive technology law (egg/sperm/embryo donation and surrogacy/gestational carrier agreements) and kinship guardianship (KinGAP).  Casey also practices matrimonial law and handles all types of family court matters and she also acts a neutral mediator in matrimonial/custody matters.  Casey also handles estate planning/trusts, probate/estate administration, guardianship (Article 81, 17 and 17A), residential real estate, not-for-profit/for profit/religious corporation formation and operations, name changes (including transgender name changes), education law, employment law and minor traffic matters.

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Similar lawyers nearby

Copps DiPaola, PLLC
126 State St Fl 6
Albany, NY, 12207-1637

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  5 customer reviews
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Posted by Hudson | June 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Such a good choice!
Casey helped me work through drafting a contract for the process of assisted reproduction with a close friend. I couldn't have asked for a better lawyer for this process. She helped me understand all the issues involved - on both a legal and a personal level - and she was extremely knowledgeable about the law as it stands and as it may change in the future. I was nervous about making sure that we drafted as strong a contract as possible. While she wasn't afraid to tell me when something I wanted wasn't possible, her supportive attitude during our conversations helped me feel much more comfortable with the document that we generated over the course of the process, and it ended up containing almost all of what I wanted. In addition, she was not only timely and responsive in our communication, she was also human - and a warm and caring human at that. It's clear that this field is important to her, and that she'll do her best for all of her clients. Casey is an excellent choice for anyone seeking legal counsel in this field.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | May 1, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Adoption
Is gunna talk me thru the process to help me and my husband adopt my daughter
Posted by Nicole | November 18, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
THE BEST
Hands down the best lawyer around. I had previously hired another lawyer for my divorce and adoption of my son, and after 5 months and several thousand dollars, nothing was accomplished. I was referred to Casey from a friend who had a great experience as well. Casey was able to break everything down and go over everything until I could understand the complicated situation I was in. With her by my side, we were able to accomplish our goals and finalize everything in a timely matter. She was never one of those lawyers who wanted to drag anything out just to drain me of more money (Like my previous lawyer). She was always available to reach when needed, even on a Saturday night!! I would recommend Casey to anyone who needs any sort of legal help. Hopefully I will never need legal services again, but if I did, I will be right back with Casey. Thank you again!!
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Posted by sav | June 24, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
well spoken, composed and very smart
we came to her devastated and she pulled us of the trouble we were in. this was my second case with her. she is exceptional, won't rob for your money, and will win the case as well. now that type of combination is hard to find these days. she knows absolutely what she is doing. I was suppose to go to the most expensive lawyer, as advised. but I did my research and came to find out that Casey, actually had more points than that $$$$ lawyer and also got an award for her unwavering services in 2014. hands down our attorney she was. everything went smoothly and such a great listener and very polite person as well. Best of Luck with all her endeavours.
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Posted by Chantelle | June 21, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Two Adoptions
Casey and her entire team were absolutely wonderful to work with. Our adoption cases weren't the easiest, but through the 2+ years, Casey was by our side walking us through every step. She was very knowledgeable on all of the different aspects of the laws in regards to our case, and took the time to always make sure we understood what was happening. My wife and I were able to complete two adoptions because of Casey, and we could never thank her enough for taking the time and putting forth such effort for our family.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 225-325 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC
  • 2018 - Present
  • Partner
  • Copps DiPaola, PLLC
  • 2014 - 2018
  • Associate Attorney
  • Law Office of Anne Reynolds Copps
  • 2012 - 2013
  • Associate Attorney
  • Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, LLP
  • 2010 - 2012
  • Law Clerk
  • Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, LLP
  • 2008 - 2010
View all work experience

Education

  • Albany Law School of Union University
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2009
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 2006

Associations

  • Junior League of Albany
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Rensselaer County Bar Association Courthouse Artwork Restoration Committee
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Albany County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Capital District Women's Bar Association
  • Treasurer
  • 2006 - Present
  • The Legal Project
  • Volunteer
  • 2005 - Present
  • The Legal Project
  • Director
  • 2012 - 2014
  • The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York
  • Volunteer
  • 2011 - 2012
  • Appellate Division, Third Department Committee on Character and Fitness
  • Member
  • 2011 - 2016
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - 2015
  • Albany Law Review
  • Senior Editor
  • 2007 - 2009
  • Albany Law Pro Bono Society
  • Volunteer & Executive Committee Member
  • 2006 - 2009
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Carol S. Knox Family Friendly Employer Award
  • Capital District Women's Bar Association
  • 2016
  • Rising Star (Family Law)
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2014
  • Outstanding New Lawyer Award
  • Capital District Women's Bar Association
  • 2013
  • Kurt Clobridge Memorial Award for Pro Bono Service
  • The Legal Project
  • 2012
  • Empire State Counsel
  • New York State Bar Association
  • 2011
  • Trustee's Second Prize (Salutatorian)
  • Albany Law School
  • 2009
  • Golden Key International Honour Society
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • 2006
View all awards

Publications

  • CDWBA
  • What is ART Law Anyways? (Hint: it has nothing to do with artwork)
  • 2017
  • CDWBA
  • Brooke S.B. (Non-Parent Standing in Custody/Visitation): How We got There and What’s Happened Since
  • 2017
  • CDWBA
  • Basics of Name Changes and Recent Developments for Transgender Individuals
  • 2016
  • CDWBA
  • New Categories of Individuals Eligible to Adopt (a possible solution for victims of domestic violence)
  • 2016
  • Capital District Women's Bar Association Newsletter
  • Well Intentioned Same-Sex Adoption Case Causes Unintended Consequences for Same Sex Couples
  • 2014
  • Albany Law Review
  • The Good, The Bad & The Future: An Analysis of the Effects & Suggestions for Further Improvements
  • 2009
  • The Journal of Social and Legal Research at RIT
  • Children Who Witness Domestic Violence
  • 2006
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • LGBT Law Series at Albany Law School
  • Legal Issues Facing LGBT Older Adults
  • 2017
  • Albany Law School Guardianship Class Guest Speaker
  • Guardianship
  • 2017
  • Legally Speaking: Estate Planning
  • Estate Planning
  • 2014
  • Legally Speaking: Estate Planning
  • Estate Planning
  • 2013
  • EAP: Estate Planning
  • Estate Planning
  • 2013
  • Resident Education
  • Estate Planning
  • 2013
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (2)
Given (1)
Endorse Kathleen
Adoption Attorney | Jul 01
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Casey is an extremely competent, intelligent, and hardworking attorney that has experience and knowledge in many areas of the law. Most notably, however, there are no better hands to be in when dealing with an adoption and the intricacies of adoption law and the complex and ever changing legislation and case law that comes with such a personal and life-changing decision. She is a wonderful person that is perfect to handle the delicate nature of such a proceeding and is respected both in and out of the courtroom."
Family Attorney | Jun 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Kathleen "Casey" Dipaola is an exceptional advocate. She is well versed in family law and adoption law and offers her clients sound advice and attention to detail. With a compassionate voice, she is a professional dedicated to navigating the most practical, effective resolution for her clients."

Avvo Contributions

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Albany Adoption Lawyer Kathleen Anne Dipaola
Kathleen Anne Dipaola
Adoption Attorney
Albany, NY
Licensed for 13 years