Welcome to Bertine, Hufnagel, Headley, Zeltner, Drummond & Dohn LLP

Bertine, Hufnagel, Headley, Zeltner, Drummond & Dohn, founded in 1929, is one of the oldest law firms in Westchester County.  From inception, we have been committed to fulfilling our professional responsibilities: dedication to and zealous representation of our clients; respect for the legal system; and striving to maintain the utmost level of competence in the areas in which we practice.  With our thirteen attorneys, a support staff of eight paralegals and administrative assistants, and the latest in technology, our firm has the resources to provide representation in matters that often are handled by larger New York City firms.  However, we give our clients the accessibility and individualized attention often lacking in such large firms, and in a more cost-effective manner.

Our firm represents a broad range of individual, commercial and non-profit interests.  We maintain a preeminent trusts and estates practice. We assist our clients in estate planning and administration; estate, income and gift tax; trust formation and management; charitable giving and foundations; elder law and Medicaid planning; special needs planning and all aspects of probate law, including litigation.  Whether dealing with the needs of individuals with simple estates or those with significant assets, the firm provides innovative strategies and solutions to meet the varied needs of our clients.

Our real estate lawyers are highly experienced in the areas of residential and commercial real estate transactions (purchases, sales and leasing) both in the County and the metropolitan area.  In addition to handling a simple real estate buy or sell, our expertise extends to resolution of complex title problems, zoning issues, new construction, and more complicated transactions for high net worth individuals.  Owners of shopping centers and office buildings, and local retailers throughout suburban Westchester are among our extensive list of commercial real estate clients.  We also represent banks and individuals in connection with mortgage and other secured transactions.  

Our legal services to individuals extend to their business and professional matters, including the formation and dissolution of closely-held corporations, professional corporations, and limited liability companies, and the preparation of the governing documents such as shareholder and operating agreements.  We counsel businesses and individuals in the acquisition and sale of assets, and represent them in dispute resolution. Our estate planning often encompasses business succession planning for those of our clients who own interests in businesses.

Our litigation practice in all federal, state and local courts supports our other practice areas.  Bertine Hufnagel’s litigators offer experience in the areas of civil litigation, including trust and estate litigation; real property disputes; commercial and residential landlord - tenant litigation; and general commercial litigation.  Our litigation practice also encompasses representing clients in general criminal matters, including vehicle and traffic offenses, and DWI and DUI defense.

Equally important to our practice is our firm’s commitment to improving the community in which we work through participation in local charitable, community and civic organizations.  Our attorneys actively participate in improving the legal profession and New York State court system through their membership and leadership positions in the Westchester County Bar Association, Westchester County Bar Foundation, and New York State Bar Association.  Our lawyers include four past presidents of the Westchester County Bar Association and are active in leadership roles of this Association as officers and members of the Board of Directors.  In addition, our attorneys have been active members and participants in the governance and committees of the New York State Bar Association.  Our long-standing roots in these organizations complement and enhance our commitment to our clients.