Chris Palermo, Esq.
"I attribute my overall success to the fact that I truly care. I know you are tackling very private and sensitive issues. I will be at your side during every step of the legal process."
Meet Chris Palermo
Since 2003, Chris Palermo has handled hundreds of divorce and Family Court matters and has been a partner at Palermo Law, P.L.L.C., since 2004. Chris immediately established the firm’s Family Court department. Since then, he has limited his practice exclusively to matrimonial and family law. He has extensive experience handling all types of cases, including divorce, child support matters, child custody cases, orders of protection, neglect matters involving Child Protective Services, paternity, adoptions, and Supreme Court post-judgment enforcement and contempt matters.
Chris takes a caring yet forceful approach to his practice, which has enabled him to effectively assist hundreds of New Yorkers going through significant and turbulent changes in their personal lives. He always seeks the quickest and most cost-effective path toward achieving an optimal result for his clients. However, circumstances sometimes make it necessary for him to utilize his superior trial skills, which have been honed over years of trying hundreds of cases throughout the various Supreme and Family Courts of New York State.
Chris attributes his overall success in the field of matrimonial law to the fact that he truly cares. He always has his clients’ best interests in mind throughout his representation and beyond. He understands that while the practice of matrimonial law is his profession, it is something far more significant to each of his clients and the families that depend on them. He looks forward to the opportunity to represent individuals who need his skillful and caring assistance.
Education & Admissions
Professional Associations & Awards
Q&A with Chris Palermo
When did you know you wanted to become a lawyer?
I actually always wanted to be a lawyer. I can remember in the fourth grade, my class was reading a play aloud. I volunteered to speak the part of the Lawyer. I remember telling my teacher that I wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up. She seemed totally uninterested, but that’s another story.
Why did you become a lawyer?
I have always wanted to be a lawyer – it fits my particular skill set. I have an ability to quickly analyze a situation and pragmatically resolve its present issues.
What is your favorite aspect of practicing law?
As cliché as it might sound, the best part of being a Long Island Divorce Lawyer is the satisfaction I get in helping clients. Many times, I am able to help clients achieve a certain amount of peace and perspective during their initial consultation.
What kind of impact do you hope to make on the lives of your clients?
As a Long Island Divorce Lawyer, I feel the best way I can impact my clients’ lives is to clear as many legal obstacles they have before them. Many times these legal obstacles are preventing their ability to enjoy their lives, and I feel great sense of sympathy toward that. Which is why I strive so hard in clearing these obstacles.
How do you feel about the trust a client places in you when they hire you to represent them?
I feel a strong sense of obligation to do everything within my power to demonstrate to my clients that placing their trust in me was the best choice they could have made.
How do you feel about standing up for people?
Prideful. I appreciate the opportunity to aid my clients and earn their respect and trust.
How many years do you plan on being at Palermo Law? Do you long for retirement?
I intend to be here forever. I have two sons, and if they’re interested I’d love for them to one day join the firm.
How do the personal relationships (siblings/friends) within the firm help win cases?
All of us at PTB have one goal in min – being the best firm we can be, while achieving outstanding results for our clients. The fact that all of our partners and many of our staff members have had lifelong relationships works in our clients’ favor. We’ve achieved consistency in client satisfaction. Consistency breeds predictable results and reliable success.
How do you feel about helping people?
It is the best part of my job.
How do you support your clients throughout the course of a lengthy case?
It’s often one of the hardest parts of being a Long Island Divorce Lawyer. We have all heard the saying, “The wheels of justice turn slowly”. Sometimes this is an understatement. To alleviate some of the pressure that goes along with these unavoidable delays we are constantly available to our client’s. We want to answer their questions and keep them apprised of all aspects of their cases. Sharing knowledge and addressing their concerns can help people stay the course while remaining calm.
Is there consistency at Palermo Law? Can I expect to have the same legal team throughout my case?
I think we have amassed an excellent team that expects to be here for the long haul. However, I am the only attorney in our firm that will handle Divorce or Family Court matters.
What was your happiest professional moment?
I am happy every time I’m relieve someone of obstacles that were causing them stress and anxiety. This can help them begin to better enjoy their lives.
What about your proudest?
My proudest legal moments are when I’m able to utilize my years of experience to do something out of the box that truly benefits one of my clients.
And what was your saddest?
I have had clients that have relapsed with drug and alcohol addiction, which affects my ability to advocate for them.
Are you quick to settle, or willing to go to trial?
I am never quick to settle. However, many times a quick and fair settlement is best for everyone.
How important is your support staff to you? Why?
Our support staff is vital to our firm. They represent our firm. If the attorney is in court or unavailable, they will be our client’s first point of contact.
What do they enable you to do?
Through years of specialized training and experience, our support staff is able to process many aspects of each clients’ case. This allows our attorneys to deliver timely and effective results.
How responsive are you with returning phone calls and filing paper work?
My responsiveness means a lot to clients…so very. We strive for 100% client satisfaction. This requires not only superior results at the end of each case, but truly great customer service throughout.
What’s the first thing you tell your clients?
That I can help them.
What’s the first thing you ask your clients?
- What’s going on in your life?
- What brings you in today?
- What is it that’s troubling you?
Who are the people that make Palermo Law successful?
Our partners and our support staff all play a vital role in PTB’s success.
What should a potential client look for when deciding on a firm to hire?
A client should look for reliability, consistency, and results. When a client meets his attorney, the client should know that this person is experienced, knowledgeable, and truly interested in helping.
How does a client know that you’re the right firm for them?
The client should look at our record success. The consistency of our partners and support staff, and rest assured that we are delivering superior results for all of our clients.
What is your reputation as a Long Island Divorce Lawyer?
Smart, tough, and a straight shooter.