Attorneys

 

Marilee G. Sercu | Partner

Marilee Sercu opened her own private practice in 2003 after a highly successful law career in matrimonial and family law at two Rochester , NY firms: Davidson, Fink, Cook, Kelly and Galbraith, LLP and Adair, Kaul, Axelrod and Santoro, LLP. In 2005, Marilee Sercu expanded her practice to become Sercu and Sercu, LLP with the addition of Stephen Sercu, Partner and Lara Badain, Esq. of Counsel.

Marilee combines her extensive experience with larger law firms to bring a unique perspective to the special needs of her clients. She is committed to providing superb representation to individuals in a time of crisis. Marilee has a reputation for excellence in the courtroom- as well as compassionate accessibility not only during office hours, but during evenings and weekends. Marilee is a graduate of Nazareth College and the Law School at The University of Buffalo.

 

Stephen J. Sercu | Partner

Formerly Deputy Chief of the Major Felony Bureau in the Office of the Monroe County District Attorney of New York State , Stephen Sercu joined the DA's office in February 1993 where he began his law career by serving in the Local Courts Bureau and County Courts Bureau. Just five years later, his successful trial record earned him a position in the Major Felony Bureau where Stephen successfully prosecuted hundreds of violent felons that includes winning 12 top-count convictions in a row. Sercu's distinguished record also includes being the Head of Project Exile, where he witnessed first-hand the need to leverage new legal techniques to combat gun-toting criminals and protect innocent victims.

Stephen Sercu's success in private practice has been greatly aided by the unique insight and experience he gained from his career in the DA's Office. He has been able to leverage key litigation skills learned from that experience - to benefit clients to overcome criminal and civil litigation matters and win favorable outcomes.

Sercu is a graduate of McQuaid, SUNY Albany and Western New England College School of Law.

 

Lara R. Badain | Esq. Of Counsel

Lara Badain joined Sercu & Sercu, LLP as Esq. of Counsel in June of 2005. Lara previously served for over four years as a key associate at Lacy Katzen , LLP where she practiced in the areas of commercial, personal injury and municipal litigation with concentration in land use and zoning.

A native of Rochester , and a graduate of the University of Rochester , Lara's accomplishments include serving five years as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable William H. Bristol, Monroe County Court. During that time, she acquired broad knowledge in all areas of criminal law and gained extensive writing experience, having co-authored a variety of published opinions. In addition, Lara has wide-ranging appellate experience having written many appellate briefs and argued numerous appeals.

Now with Sercu & Sercu since 1995 , Lara continues her role as an attorney for the Town of Parma , and has expanded her land use and zoning expertise to include practice in all areas of residential and commercial real estate. She also works closely with Marilee in the matrimonial and family law area. Sercu & Sercu considers Lara's exceptional research and writing skills to be a tremendous advantage that benefits all of the firm's clients.

Lara is an intuitive negotiator and a fierce advocate. Accessibility and personal attention to her clients is Lara's primary focus. She is admitted to practice in both New York and California .