The law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to announce its nomination in the Suburban Essex Readers’ Choice Contest, “Best of Essex 2019,” in the Professional Services: Law Firms category. Karolina A. Dehnhard, a Member of the firm and Chair of its New Jersey Matrimonial & Family Law Practice Group, and Shana Siegel, a Member of the firm and Chair of its Elder Care & Special Needs Law Practice Group, have also been nominated in the Professional Services: Family Law and Professional Services: Elder Law categories respectively.
The “Best of Essex” contest has been an annual tradition for local, independently-owned businesses since 2008. The website allows consumers to find the best local shops, services, and dining options year-round. This year’s contest supports CASA of Essex in their mission to “Help Foster Children in Essex County Find Safe Homes.” Every vote cast will benefit the cause. For more information and to vote, please visit www.bestofessex.com.
Dehnhard, based in the firm’s Short Hills office, devotes her practice to matrimonial law including divorce, prenuptial agreements, child custody, parenting time, alimony, child support, and domestic violence issues. She assists with complex financial issues, including valuation of businesses both domestically and abroad; international custody rights; the impact of immigration status on divorcing spouses and their children; enforcement of foreign divorce decrees; and the complexities of alimony rights and post-judgment cohabitation.
Dehnhard has appeared on TV shows and news programs and published articles on family law topics in numerous print publications, including North Jersey Woman Magazine, Industry Magazine, VUENJ, and various Polish publications. In addition, she co-authored a chapter in “Understanding the Legal Issues Surrounding Same-Sex Marriage.” She is also the co-host of two radio shows, “The Law Matters” on WMTR Radio and “There’s Always a Way Out,” hosted in Polish, on Radio RAMPA.
Dehnhard has been a featured presenter at numerous women in business events on topics including women protecting their assets, becoming the CEO of your home, planning for the future, and promoting financial awareness before and during a divorce. She has also taken part in U.S. delegations to Ireland, Cuba, and Spain, to develop international business relations among women in business. Dehnhard was recognized by the Trade and Investment Section of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland for her influence and leadership in integrating women-owned businesses in both Poland and the United States. In 2018, Dehnhard launched the Polish-American Chamber of Commerce, North-East, covering Maine to Florida, to create business opportunities for both American and Polish businesses. She is also the Ambassador of the Leading Women Entrepreneurs Short Hills Leadership Lounge, a platform dedicated to the advancement of women globally.
Named to the “Top Women in Law” in 2018 by the New Jersey Law Journal, Dehnhard was also recognized in 2016 as one of the “Top 25 Leading Intrapreneurs in New Jersey.” She has been selected as a “Rising Star” by New Jersey Super Lawyers® and received the 2018 Leadership Award presented by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, a charity she has supported for more than a decade.
Dehnhard received her J.D. from New York Law School in 2009, and her B.A./M.A. in Psychology from the College of St. Elizabeth in 1999. Before entering private practice, Dehnhard clerked for the Honorable Rosemary E. Ramsay, J.S.C., in Morris County Superior Court, Family Part and Civil Part. While in law school, she interned for the Honorable Michael Ambrecht, J.S.C., in the Supreme Court, Criminal Part, Manhattan, and the Honorable Raymond T. Lyons, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of New Jersey.
Siegel, based in the firm’s Montclair office, concentrates her practice on elder law, focusing on representing seniors, individuals with special needs, and their families in connection with life care planning, public benefits, trust and estate planning, and long-term care advocacy. As one of the few Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA) in northern New Jersey to be certified by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), Shana has extensive experience in probate and estate administration, asset preservation, supplemental and special needs trusts, planning for disability, guardianship and estate litigation, resident rights, health care decision making, Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance appeals.
Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, Siegel was with WanderPolo & Siegel for over 10 years, five of which were as principal. She has been involved in health and long-term care issues for over 25 years, recently named a 2019 Essex County Top Lawyer in Elder Law by Morris/Essex Health & Life.
Siegel is a member of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, the State Bar Elder Law Section, and the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association. She is a past president of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), where she regularly met with legislators and government officials on behalf of the Elder Law Bar and their clients. In 2015, she was invited to join NAELA’s prestigious Council of Advanced Practitioners (CAP).
Siegel earned her J.D. from Georgetown University, with honors, in 1994 and her B.A. from Barnard College, with honors, in 1989.
Posted in: Elder Care & Special Needs Law, Karolina A. Dehnhard, Matrimonial & Family Law, News, Shana Siegel | Tags: Essex County, Karolina Dehnhard, Montclair, New Jersey Attorney, New Jersey Law, Norris McLaughlin, Shana Siegel, Short Hills
