Sokol, J. Richard

As an avid horsewoman, as owner and competitor, Marcia has developed an equine law practice, honed by regular attendance at the National Equine Law Conference in Lexington, Kentucky. Her practice has included issues related to limiting equine liability, stallion breeding, disputes over sire breeding funds, sale and purchase agreements, entity formation, boarding contracts, establishing and enforcing liens, among other issues.

As a member of the firm's Business and Real Estate Teams her practice also includes land use development and municipal law. She has been the attorney for the Walden Fire District since 1996.

As the result of her prior business interests involving real estate investment and development and operating property management and investment companies she has gained extensive legal experience with residential and commercial real estate and land use development.

Marcia is a member of the New York State Bar Association, having served on the Special Committee on Animals and the Law and is a member of the Municipal Law and Real Estate Law Sections. She is also a member of the American College of Equine Attorneys, the United States Equestrian Federation, the Humane Society of the United States, and a Board member of the SPCA of Orange County.

Long committed to community service, in 1992, Marcia spearheaded the creation of a not-for-profit primary community healthcare facility, serving as Board President since 1992 and as Vice Chairperson of the parent corporation Hudson River Healthcare, Inc. since 1998.

Marcia was appointed by Orange County Executive in 1994 to serve as a Board member of the Orange County Water Authority and has served as its chairperson since 2006.

Since 2002, Marcia has been a Trustee of Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center, a board member of the Hudson Highland Nature Museum since 2007, a member of the Orange County Bar Association, Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan County and Town of Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.
Marcia was awarded the Women of Achievement award in 1996 by the YWCA of Orange County and Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council of Orange County.

Marcia started her law practice in 1987, until 1998, when she was joined by her husband Bryan Paz, Esq. and continued there until 2009. In January, 2010, Marcia and Bryan joined the firm of Jacobowtiz & Gubits, LLP.

A graduate of Goucher College, Marcia received her Juris Doctorate degree in 1985 from Pace University School of Law. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1986.