Firm History

MILLER MAYER, LLP opened in 1985 with the goal of offering sophisticated legal services with a focus on business. The firm has brought together attorneys with decades of experience in a wide range of legal areas. 

Jim Miller and John Hinchcliff were among the firm’s founders. Jim has been with the firm since its first days and currently focuses on matrimonial and family law and real estate. John joined the firm in 1986 and concentrates his practice in trusts and estates with a strong background in civil litigation. They are proud of the legacy they began in the mid-1980s – a law firm which has been a stable downtown Ithaca business offering high quality legal services and serving as an exemplary employer to a large and diverse staff. The same core values they bring to their legal work permeates every aspect of the firm’s business.

The firm has always been a premier healthcare law firm. Elena Flash has practiced with the firm since 1989 and now concentrates her practice on representing hospitals, nursing homes, and not-for-profit corporations. In particular, Elena has developed a keen understanding of Continuing Care Retirement Communities, having handled the legal work for the first CCRC licensed by the New York State Health Department. Elena cherishes the firm’s tradition of being equally owned by women.

In 1990, Stephen Yale-Loehr returned to Ithaca from Washington, D.C., where he had gained considerable experience in immigration law.  Hilary Fraser and Rosanne Mayer expanded the firm’s range of specialized legal services by developing the immigration practice. Hilary and Rosie’s skills in management and legal practice complement Steve’s familiarity with developments in academia and policymaking in Washington. This combination has made the firm’s immigration practice unique. Since then, the firm has grown and become a nationally known member of the immigration law community.

Continuing the firm’s tradition of offering specialized legal services, Laurie Johnston joined the firm in 1996, offering her concentration in employment law. She continues to counsel exclusively on employment issues supplemented by knowledge of legal issues surrounding healthcare entities, particularly related to medical staff and individual provider issues.

In 2007 and 2008 the firm's next generation of partners were welcomed to the partnership. Carolyn Lee is an immigration attorney focusing on EB-5 investors, academics, and foreign medical graduates. Adam Schaye is a civil litigator with extensive experience in matters such as breach of contract, zoning and land use, Article 78 proceedings (contesting actions of municipalities and their boards) and appeals. Hayden Brainard advises a diverse group of entrepreneurs and small and medium size businesses in matters including venture capital and private placements, business formation and governance, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, and the purchase and sale of businesses. Our newest partner, Kim Rothman, works primarily with trusts and estates and commercial real estate.

Miller Mayer, LLP is a regional law firm with a reputation as one of the best firms in upstate New York. We offer services in both general practice and special concentrations. As a partnership of friends, colleagues and equals, the firm looks forward to continuing its traditions in the coming years.