Mishael Minnie Pine | New York City Criminal Lawyer

Well, over the past couple of years, I've handled several housing court matters where the tenants owed thousands of dollars in arrears and were able either remain in their apartments with grant assistance or have their arrears completely waived . In one case, the tenant owed over $15,000 and I was able to settle the case whereby the arrears were completely waived and the tenant was allowed to relocate without a final judgment against their record. I've also handled several cases in civil court where the defendants owed thousands of dollars and I was able to obtain dismissals with prejudice. With my family court matters, I've consulted with several single parents that came to the office distraught about their child custody and support circumstances; however they left the office with less stress because they were given the law and various steps that they could take to address their concerns

Right now, I am in the process of building a successful practice. My website will be running soon. In all honesty, it started with volunteering my services for programs like Access to Justice, which is a program geared to assisting the indigent community. Through this program, I met several other attorneys who saw my work and dedication to the clients' needs; furthermore, they assisted in providing me with more clients that I could help as a solo practitioner. The second thing I would say is that I continued to network at social functions by meeting other legal professionals who gave me sound advice on how to proceed with my practice. I'm not there yet, but I'm working to get there.

Honesty, Integrity, and Knowledge. Clients need attorneys that understand their problem, understand the law, are completely honest with them about their situation yet maintain a sense of integrity. So many of us have been considered unscrupulous in our approach to handling cases. Not all of us are that way! Clients need to know that for many lawyers, it is not all about the money. Their lives matter.

Very important; however I will say that every case is different. Local knowledge about the laws in the city and various city agencies and programs is very beneficial to people who are not familiar with the resources around them that are immediately available to them. For example, tenants who are facing eviction need to know about the charitable resources available to provide assistance. Elderly tenants who are unable to assist themselves need to know about Adult Protective Services (APS) and how this agency can assist them. In housing court cases, these resources are important because it can make the difference between keeping a tenant in their apartment or having them face eviction.

Basic information on the law and perhaps some steps they can take. The free consultation will be limited to 30 minutes

Background on the case

I've been an attorney for almost 10 years. I have handled landlord-tenant consumer debt, family law and some criminal matters. I don't just focus on the law 24 hours/day, 7 days/wk, 365 days of the year. I'm very involved in community outreach. I have worked with various non-profit organizations since I was in college. These are community outreach organizations that have been focused on helping everyone, particularly the poor and making a difference in their lives. It helps to understand the people around you. People need to know that you care, not just in the courtroom but outside of the courtroom as well. I am a very approachable attorney. For clients, first impressions matter. Some lawyers come across in an abrupt way. I try to help my clients understand that if I can assist them in any way, I will. I'm also the type of attorney that will not leave a person high and dry. If I cannot help them, if possible, I will try and point them to

To see people walk away satisfied that their lives can continue. So many clients come to me in distress of some sort, but to see them walk away with a smile and sigh of relief with thanksgiving says ""job well done"" to me.

Community outreach, music, sports, shopping

Very much so. Please see above.

• Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International
  American Bar Association
  Queens County Bar Association

• 1. Access to Justice - "Certificate of Recognition" -
  For Outstanding Work and Service
  Consumer Debt VLP for NYC
  November 1, 2011; October 2012
  
  2. Access to Justice - "Certificate of Recognition" -
  For Outstanding Work and Service
  Housing Court VLFD for NYC
  November 1, 2011

• LinkedIN