Mandel, Michelle

Biography for James Maisano, Esq.

Jim was raised in New Rochelle, after his family moved there in 1964 from Brooklyn. After serving in the United State Marine Corps and attending college and law school, Jim returned to his hometown of New Rochelle to practice law and enter into public service.

He currently practices law at his own firm in New Rochelle. Jim concentrates his practice on commercial litigation, real estate, financial services and government relations. He represents clients in federal, state and local litigation and arbitration actions, including cases involving business, real estate, financial institution, creditor’s rights, governmental and intellectual property issues. Jim has experience in all phases of the civil litigation process and in real estate and anti-trust transactional work.

Jim was recently a counsel with the New York law office of Crowell & Moring (2007 - 2011). Prior to Crowell & Moring, he practiced at the New York office of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney (2003 – 2007). Jim’s legal background includes working as a sole practitioner in New Rochelle (1995-2003), and practicing at New York City firms in the areas of insurance defense (1994-1995) and commercial litigation (1992-1994).

He has served on the Westchester County Republican Committee Judicial Screening Committee and the New Rochelle Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee for a mayoral judge appointment to the New Rochelle City Court. Jim has been a small claims court arbitrator in the New Rochelle City Court. He ran for New York State Supreme Court Justice in 2010 and fall just short in a close race.

Jim was re-elected to his seventh term on the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 2009. He represents approximately 53,000 people in the City of New Rochelle and Town of Pelham. First elected in 1997, Jim has held various leadership positions, including: Republican Minority Leader (2003, 2010); Republican Minority Whip (2002, 2008, 2009); Co-Chair, Rules Committee (2003); Chair, Public Works Committee (2000-2001); and Chair, Intergovernmental Relations Committee (2004-2005). He has served on the Committees on Legislation, Environment, Families and Labor.

Jim served in the United States Marine Corps from 1984 to 1988. He worked as a landing support specialist in embarkation and logistics. Jim served as platoon sergeant and supervised and trained a platoon of Marines. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant and received several awards and commendations during his service to our country.

Jim earned his B.A. in history and political science from the City University of New York at Hunter College in 1989. In 1992, Jim received his J.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and made the student commencement address at his law school graduation. Jim graduated from Iona Prep in New Rochelle in 1981.

Jim is a member of many civic and professional organizations, including: the New Rochelle Lions Club; Bronx-New Rochelle Elks Lodge #756; Marine Corps League; Casa Calabria Society; Irish Benevolent Society; Westchester Bar Association; and New Rochelle Bar Association. He is a coach in New Rochelle Little League and Youth Soccer of New Rochelle. Jim also runs a successful Toys for Tots drive in conjunction with the Marine Corps each holiday season.

In 1996, Jim married the former Jean Barno, and their son Michael was born in 2000. The Maisano Family has two dogs, Oakley and Marlee, and fosters dogs for Pet Rescue, providing a home for abandoned dogs until permanent homes can be found. Jean works as a fund raising and communications consultant for various nonprofit agencies in Westchester. Michael attends Daniel Webster School in New Rochelle. Jim and his family are members of the parish at Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Rochelle.