Lecturer Bios
Margaret M. Donohoe, Esq.
Margaret Donohoe (she/her) brings her clients a strong intellect, broad experience and a willingness to give frank advice, tempered by sensitivity and a sense of humor. Margaret has been practicing exclusively in the field of matrimonial and family law since 2000 and has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as one of the top family law attorneys in New York. She is a regular lecturer on family law subjects for the New York State Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association.
Margaret is one of the few matrimonial attorneys in New York with an Ivy League education, experience in an elite federal clerkship, and training at a top commercial litigation firm. Margaret graduated magna cum laude from Yale University in 1992, with a B.A. in English, and from Yale Law School in 1995, where she was chairperson of the Barrister’s Union. After law school, Margaret clerked for the Honorable John C. Lifland, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. She then spent three years engaged in complex commercial and securities litigation at Covington & Burling (and its predecessor). As a result of her federal clerkship and early litigation experience, Margaret entered the arena of matrimonial law with an understanding of complex commercial issues, and a thorough grounding in complex, civil litigation.
Margaret was drawn to family law by her desire to work with a diverse array of individual clients. She recognizes that family law matters are of vital importance, affecting every aspect of her clients’ lives. Margaret approaches each case as a unique problem solving exercise. Whenever possible, Margaret attempts to find an agreed solution. She is able to achieve settlements in the vast majority of her cases. If litigation is the best course to achieve a client’s goals, Margaret is in her element in the courtroom, where she brings to bear a wealth of experience, agile strategy and unrelenting dedication.
Margaret’s clients who are public and high profile figures are assured their matters are treated with the utmost discretion and integrity with respect to their privacy.
Margaret lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children. She serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Brooklyn Heights Montessori School.
Paul M. Talbert, Esq.
Paul Talbert (he/him) has built his reputation as an intelligent, passionate and tenacious advocate, both inside and outside the courtroom. Paul began his career in the general litigation department of Willkie Farr & Gallagher, one of New York’s preeminent law firms. In 1998, he left the practice of representing large commercial enterprises and began practicing matrimonial law so that he could have a direct impact on the daily lives of his clients. Paul’s commercial litigation background provides him with the necessary experience to master the complex financial assets that are often at issue in his clients’ matters. His fresh approach gives him the ability to craft innovative solutions to those complex situations.
Paul believes that every client’s situation is unique and requires its own carefully crafted strategy. He explains: “Although a divorce litigation often feels like a war, in reality, it is a chess match that requires thinking five moves in advance – not just blind aggression. The key is not to let a client’s emotions cloud his or her better judgment.” Paul has the litigation background and experience to provide aggressive, but intelligent, representation in all trial and appellate courts. At the same time, he is widely regarded as exceptionally compassionate, and remains mindful that his clients’ and their families’ emotional well-beings are of paramount importance.
Paul has been recognized by SuperLawyers as one of the top family law attorneys in New York. He is a member of the Matrimonial Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association. He is also a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York County Lawyers’ Association, and the American Bar Association. Paul has lectured on matrimonial law issues for the New York State Bar Association and the Appellate Division, First Department’s Law Guardian training for Supreme Court program.
Paul received his law degree in 1995 from Fordham University where he was a member of The Fordham Law Review. While at Fordham Law School, he was awarded the Fordham Law Alumni Association Medal in Constitutional Law and won Best Speaker awards for his participation in the moot court program. He received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers College in 1991.
Paul lives in New Jersey with his wife and three sons. He has a passion for coffee and spicy Asian cuisine.
