Elena (Laney) Greenberg, a divorce lawyer for more than 24 years, is one of Long Island’s best examples of the successful, independent practitioner. She and partner, Florence M. Fass, lead one of the region’s most successful, boutique matrimonial law firms.

In many respects, Ms. Greenberg built her career in classic fashion – contributing to and participating in Nassau Bar activities, creating opportunities along the way. But she also took risks, like joining Ms. Fass and forming a new partnership, just after settling into a new position at a well-known Garden City firm.

Unpretentious and relaxed, Ms. Greenberg always knew she would become a lawyer. Described as a “feisty teenager, unafraid of debate” by her teachers, she headed for a career in law. Her political science background at Rochester University and juris doctor from St. John’s Law School had trained her for a big firm practice. But things turned out differently. “I knew I wouldn’t fit in a staid, pigeonholed practice,” she states.

Her first position out of law school had her trying cases, managing clients and making appellate court appearances at a level that many experienced practitioners would find daunting. But she thrived on it. “When I started, I was known as a tenacious and fearless advocate. I still am; but with experience came an appreciation of the “art” of lawyering, which is essential to success in this field.”

Ms. Greenberg has devoted her professional career to the practice of matrimonial law from the outset. “This is a very demanding area of the law. The law itself changes almost daily, and our clients look to us for both legal and emotional advice. We have to be there for them when they do.”

“Laney’s courage and commitment to her clients are two of her finest qualities as a lawyer. She is an outstanding practitioner,” says Ms Fass.

Ms. Greenberg has garnered the respect of her colleagues at the Bar and the Bench, alike, as demonstrated by her “AV” rating with Martindale Hubbell (the highest rating an attorney can attain). And that has not been easy in an otherwise male dominated profession. Her lecturing for the New York State and Nassau Bar Associations, as well as her column on “Family Law”, which is regularly featured in the New York Law Journal, have gained her recognition for her thought provoking approaches to the practice of matrimonial law. “I love to teach and to share with my colleagues and my clients, the wealth of information which my 24 years of practice has afforded me.” Indeed, she and her partner, Ms. Fass, are known in the legal community as the “go to” people in their field. Away from the office, Ms. Greenberg enjoys traveling, playing competitive-level tennis, theatre, music and film.