Steven J. Mandel, Hon. Jane Pearl (Ret.) and Team Join Warshaw Burstein’s Matrimonial and Family Law Group
02/19/2026New York – Warshaw Burstein, LLP is pleased to announce that Steven J. Mandel and Hon. Jane Pearl (Ret.) have joined the firm as partners in the Matrimonial and Family Law Group.
In conjunction with these additions and the firm’s continued expansion of the practice, Mr. Mandel will serve as Co-Chair alongside Margaret Brady, the former Chair of the firm’s Matrimonial Group. Three additional members of the group formerly practicing as “The Mandel Law Firm” have also joined Warshaw Burstein: Tania Loghmani, Sharon Curry, and Simone Matassa.
“Steven Mandel is a well-known name in matrimonial law in New York. Together with his partner, Judge Pearl—herself a unique talent as a former New York City Family Court Judge and Ph.D. psychologist—he has developed a rich and diverse practice,” said Co-Managing Partner Frederick R. Cummings, Jr. “We are delighted to welcome Steve, Jane, and their team to the firm, where they will serve their clients in expanded ways while further deepening our matrimonial and family law capabilities, one of Warshaw Burstein’s core practice areas.”
“The relationships, experience and knowledge that Steve and Jane bring to Warshaw Burstein expand the client base we currently enjoy across multiple practice areas,” said Co-Managing Partner Tom Filardo. “We are excited to have them as additions to our firm.”
“Joining Warshaw Burstein is an excellent fit for our practice. I am pleased to become part of this established firm and to provide our clients with access to trusted counsel across a wider array of related services, including trusts and estates, real estate, immigration, and more,” Mr. Mandel said. “Our practice has always been client-centered, and this move will be a significant benefit for those we serve.”
Mr. Mandel maintains a robust practice in family law, including divorce litigation, child custody disputes, and complex financial matters in matrimonial cases. He is motivated by a commitment to helping clients navigate some of the most stressful and emotionally charged periods of their lives.
Because of his extensive experience handling complex financial and valuation matters in high-net-worth divorces, Mr. Mandel was invited to join the Advisory Board of the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators, where he continues to serve. For the third time, in January, 2026, he was selected by his peers to be the Co-Chair of the New York County Lawyers Association Matrimonial Law Section.
Mr. Mandel received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Adelphi University, and his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, as an esteemed member of the school’s First Class.
Hon. Jane Pearl (Ret.) represents parents and children in matrimonial and family law matters and also serves as a parent coordinator, mediator and trial consultant. Her mission is to help families resolve disputes amicably when feasible, and pivot to zealous advocacy when needed.
Judge Pearl served for nearly 22 years as a judge of the New York City Family Court, presiding in New York, Bronx, and Kings counties. Before entering the legal field, Judge Pearl had an extensive career in psychology. She worked as a clinician and forensic consultant in Chicago and held academic roles at the University of Illinois Department of Preventive Medicine and School of Public Health, and at Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.
Judge Pearl serves on the Office of Court Administration Statewide Family Court Advisory and Rules Committee; on the Mental Health Professionals Panel Oversight Committee, First and Second Judicial Departments; on the Board of Directors for the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts – New York (AFCC-NY); and on the Board of Directors for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ).
Judge Pearl holds the following degrees: George Washington University, B.A., Northwestern University, M.A., Northwestern University, Ph.D., Yeshiva University Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, J.D.
