Our Mission & History
Our Mission
The mission of Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC is to provide skilled advocacy and knowledge to our clients. We work to educate our clients about the law and their options. At Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC we believe that clients are best served when they have the knowledge to make informed decisions throughout their cases, are fully engaged in strategy discussions, and participate in cost benefit analysis of potential actions.
We have remained uniquely focused, by design. Our concentrated practice areas allow us to provide personalized service that is tailored to each client’s specific needs. Our lawyers and staff will know your name. We will also know your goals and will work together to achieve them. We care. We are committed. That’s the small firm difference.
Legal matters are intensely personal and often have a long-term impact on your life or that of your loved ones. We understand that your legal matter is important to you. We work hard to help give you the greatest measure of control over your legal matter.
Our Promises
We know how important it is to resolve legal matters quickly, cost effectively, and in a way that addresses short and long-term goals. We commit to the following principles of practice:
- Caring and Responsive Attention to Your Case
We are dedicated to providing you with the individual attention, responsiveness, and professional care that you deserve. Your case is as important to us as it is to you.
- Full Explanation of the Law
At Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC we believe that, as a client, you deserve to understand your legal rights, the legal process, and the options available to you throughout the process. We fully believe that being knowledgeable about the law allows you to make the best decisions for yourself, your family, or your business. We are committed to ensuring that, as a client, you are educated and able to make informed decisions every step of the way.
- Full Explanation of Your Options
Our attorneys are trained to be able to address your matters through traditional litigation or through alternative dispute resolution options like settlement conferences, negotiations with counsel, or through conference with the Court. We will work with you to find the best way to approach your matter – whether it is negotiation, litigation, or some hybrid approach that is best suited to achieving your desired outcome. We care about finding the best solution for you.
- Handle Your Case in the Most Cost-Efficient Manner Possible
Legal representation can be expensive. We understand this reality and we do everything possible to make sure that your case is handled in the most cost-efficient manner possible.
Our History
The roots of Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC date back to 1995 when Anne Reynolds Copps opened a solo practice in downtown Albany, New York. In 2014, Anne and her daughter, Kathleen (“Casey”) Copps DiPaola, created Copps DiPaola, PLLC, the first mother-daughter law firm in the Capital Region. In 2018, as Anne transitioned to an Of Counsel role in the firm, Casey created a new partnership with Lorraine R. Silverman – Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC. In 2023, Kayla Leder and Joseph R. Williams were named as partners of Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC. Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC is the go to firm in New York’s Capital Region for adoption, surrogacy, assisted reproduction, family law, and estate planning/probate matters.
Our firm has a long-standing relationship with the Pride Center of the Capital Region as its pro bono counsel and our firm is welcoming to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Firm Awards
Albany County Bar Association 2021 Pro Bono Award
2020 Albany County Bar Association’s “Help Center” Award, for providing countless pro bono volunteer hours to litigants seeking limited legal advice and assistance from Albany County Bar Association’s Family Court Help Center during the pandemic through to the present.
Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC was voted the #1 Best Law Firm by the readers of Capital Region Living Magazine during its 2019 “Bestie” Reader poll.
New York State Bar Association President’s Pro Bono Service Award – 2019, 2020, and 2021: Each year on Law Day the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) proudly bestows the President’s Pro Bono Service Award on individuals and entities who have rendered extraordinary pro bono service. They present these awards to publicly recognize and thank those who provide pro bono service and also to convey a message to the profession and the public about the importance of pro bono efforts in achieving equal access to justice. Copps DiPaola Silverman, PLLC was selected to receive the NYSBA’s President’s Pro Bono Service Award for the Small Law Firm Category.
Barry A. Gold Law Firm Leadership Award – 2007 and 2021: The firm received this award from The Legal Project in recognition of the pro bono contributions that the Firm made to The Legal Project’s programs.
Albany’s Finest: In 2013, the Metroland named the Firm one of Albany’s Finest for its comprehensive adoption practice.
Individual Awards
Kathleen “Casey” Copps DiPaola
- Advocacy Award (for work on the Child Parent Security Act), YWCA of NENY, 2022
- Rising Star Award (Family Law), Super Lawyers Magazine, 2014-2023
- New York State Bar Association, Empire Counsel, 2011, 2017, and 2019
- Outstanding New Layer Award, Capital District Women’s Bar Association, 2013
- Clobridge Memorial Award for Pro Bono Service, The Legal Project, 2012
- Advocacy Award (for work on the Blue Ribbon Commission to Examine Forensic Reports issued in Child Custody Cases), YWCA of NENY, 2022
- Martin H. Belsky Award for Commitment to Public Interest
- Selected as a “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers Magazine for 2016-Present
- Selected to a two-year post graduate clinical fellowship position with Albany Law School where she worked exclusively in the field of family law with the co-author of the treatise of N.Y. Law of Domestic Violence
- Professionalism Award, New York State Bar Association, Real Property Section
- Distinguished Member Award, Capital District Women’s Bar Association
- Kimberly A. Troisi-Paton Leadership Award, Capital District Women’s Bar Association
- Attorney Professionalism Award, New York State Bar Association
- Pro Bono Award, New York State Bar Association
- Straight but not Narrow Award, Capital District Pride Center
- Kate Stoneman Award, Albany Law School
- Super Lawyer Award (Adoption), Super Lawyers Magazine, 2007-2019
- Empire Counsel, New York State Bar Association
- Mr. Williams is a two-time recipient of the Albany Law School Equality & Justice Scholarship for his work in advocating for equal rights and justice, particularly for members of the LGBT community. Mr. Williams is also a recipient of the Albany Law School Kate Stoneman Award for his commitment to equality and justice in the legal profession.
- Stanley A. Rosen Memorial Award for Service to Victims of Domestic Violence, April 2019
- Brigid Nolan Memorial Award for Pro Bono Service to Victims of Domestic Violence, The Legal Project, 2021
- Stanley A. Rosen Memorial Award for Service to Victims of Domestic Violence, April 2019
- Martin H. Belsky Award for Commitment to Public Interest, 2014
- The Capital District Trial Lawyers Association Prize, 2014
