Wool, Alissa Joy

Born in Plainview, New York and raised in Woodbury, New York, I am among the second generation of attorneys in my family.  Growing up on Long Island, I idolized my father and two uncles, all of whom practiced law.

While attending Syosset High School, my father, Richard Wool, gave me a shot to get my feet wet in his law practice.  Skilled paralegals trained me to represent mortgage lenders originating residential mortgage loans.  I learned to read surveys, to clear title and to develop efficient organizational systems.  Most importantly, I gained the confidence to get on the phone, ask questions and find answers.  When it comes to legal research, I can sleuth. 

I brought this intellectual curiosity and self-assurance with me when I attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.  Exposed to people, cultures and ideals emanating from different corners of the world, I became engrossed in the study of religion.  The study of religion is truly a multifaceted discipline; it is the study of how people organize their individual worlds and social networks around sets of ethics, beliefs and morals.  The codification of the rules of these social organizations is law.  With an A.B. in Religion, a Certificate in Judaic Studies, a Minor in Women's Studies and a fantastic singing voice, my choice was still to go to law school (instead of becoming a Cantor which seemed more logical to others). 

Upon graduation from Duke, I was admitted to Georgetown University Law Center.  I had spent the summer between my junior and senior years of college as an intern in Washington, D.C. with Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA).  At WALA, I organized educational programs for artists, musicians, lawyers, lobbyists and politicians interested in art and music related legal topics: copyright, trademark, immigration, first amendment and contract law.  I loved Washington, D.C.'s vibrancy and friendliness.  Washington is a small and palatable city, the seat of our nation's government and a wonderful place to study law.

While attending Georgetown Law, I participated in the Harrison Institute's Housing & Community Development clinic.  As part of a team of students and lawyers, I counseled a community development organization based in S.W., Washington, D.C. on real estate and corporate matters.  One of my favorite projects was to mentor a group of teenagers publishing a neighborhood newspaper filled with good journalism, art, photography and creative writing.  With our help and the generosity of the United States Housing and Urban Development Department, a neighborhood morphed into a safer community with its own charter school and community center.  A positive change in their physical environment was just what this group needed to reinvigorate their souls.  Harnessing the right laws and the right financing avenues could make a real difference in peoples' lives.

Upon graduation from Georgetown Law, I joined the real estate group at the New York City office of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP.  Paul Hastings' real estate department is one of the most prestigious amongst the world's law firms.  I worked on complex and sexy transactions.  My clients were big corporations and the buildings were architectural icons.  My deals were reported on in the papers and in the trade journals, but after September 11, 2001, and I met my husband, Peter, I decided to leave the firm to form a legal practice where I could counsel real people and smaller businesses.  I longed for more human contact and the chance to make a palatable difference in the lives of others.

And so, the man who gave me my first shot, then gave me an office, a computer, a telephone and a chance to develop my own practice and clientele.  Teamed up with my father, Richard Wool, for over seven years, I have continued to practice law in New York City.  I also practice on Long Island and in Westchester, Rockland and Sullivan Counties.   My legal practice is general; however, I specialize in residential and commercial real estate law.  I help clients finance, buy, sell, lease and develop their properties.  Clients, many of whom I speak to daily, also seek my advice and counsel on corporate, matrimonial and criminal law matters. 

Please contact me at any time to discuss any legal issue you may be facing.  Together we can work to make a positive move in your business or personal life.