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Real Estate, Estate Planning, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, and Small Business Matters

About Our Firm

Gardner Law Firm has been serving the Sound Shore region and Fairfield County for over 50 years. Founded by John J. Gardner, our firm was built on the principles of honesty, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on our clients and our communities.

Today, under the leadership of John P. Gardner, the legacy of our firm lives on. As the son of our founder, John continues to embody the values instilled by his father, ensuring that integrity and client service remain at the heart of everything we do. With a deep appreciation for our firm’s history and a forward-thinking approach to the practice of law, John leads our team of specialized attorneys and support staff and delivers big-firm results with personalized service.

Buying or selling your home is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make, and each home sale is unique; that's why we take a collaborative approach, delivering personalized attention and tailored solutions to meet your individual needs and goals. Our extensive experience and specialized knowledge of the local communities we serve, coupled with our personal and professional relationships with local government, service providers, and lending institutions allow us to provide you with unparalleled insight and access to resources that can streamline the buying or selling process.

We look forward to working with you!

Our dedicated team is here to listen, provide guidance, and offer the support you need.

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Practice Areas

Residential Real Estate

Personal Injury

Zoning / Land Use

Estate Planning and Elder Care

Criminal Defense

Small Business Legal Services

Our Firm

John P. Gardner, Esq

Managing Partner

John is the Managing Partner and President of Gardner Law Firm, PC. A former District Attorney, John joined his father’s practice, Lamden & Gardner PC, in 1993. Eventually, John took over the firm and began developing Gardner Law Firm into what it is today; a highly regarded, boutique firm specializing in real estate transactions in Westchester and Fairfield counties.

John has a proven track record of success, earning his reputation as a respected advisor and subject matter expert in real estate. Building his practice through hard work and a steadfast dedication to his craft, clients and real estate brokers alike seek out John’s counsel for their most complex matters, trusting in his ability to deliver effective solutions tailored to their needs.

John is also the Town Justice in Pelham, NY and serves with the Pelham Civic Association. When he’s not in the office, you can find him on the water or in the Cape with his wife, Karen, four children, and dog, Hank.

Education

• B.A., Villanova University, 1983
• J.D., Fordham University School of Law School, 1986

Court Admissions

• New York, Second Department, 1987
• Connecticut, 1986

Accreditations

• Town Justice, Town of Pelham

Ryan Schlotterback, Esq

Associate Attorney

Ryan is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s real estate department. He focuses primarily in residential transactions including purchases, sales, leases, and refinances. Ryan is well versed in state and municipal laws including zoning ordinances, licensing, permitting, oil tank removal, soil remediation, discharge compliance, and backflow prevention. He also helps clients navigate and resolve issues surrounding contract disputes, boundary disputes, and landlord/tenant disputes. Ryan has extensive experience in effectuating CEMA transactions, saving his clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in New York State mortgage tax.

Prior to joining the firm, Ryan represented banks, credit unions, and other institutional lenders in residential and commercial real estate transactions.  He has in-depth knowledge of federal and state lending laws and regulations, as well as internal loan processes and requirements of Tier 1 lenders. Before entering real estate law, Ryan practiced in cybersecurity and compliance, and held roles as General Counsel for a start-up in the blockchain sector and an Analyst with a firm specializing in diligence and risk analysis for mergers and acquisitions.

In his spare time, Ryan volunteers with Angelwish, a non-profit organization focused on digital giving initiatives for children with chronic illnesses. He enjoys hiking, camping, and boating with his wife, two children, and black lab, Moose.

Education

• B.A., University of Delaware, 2009
• J.D., Brooklyn Law School, 2015

Court Admissions

• New York, First Department, 2016
• Connecticut, 2017

Accreditations

• NACD Board Leader Fellow – National Association of Corporate Directors
• Cyber-Risk Oversight Certified – Carnegie Mellon University

Kristina Karathanasis, Esq

Associate Attorney

Kristina is an Associate Attorney, representing buyers and sellers of residential real property. She handles all aspects of the transaction process, including drafting and negotiating contracts, conducting due diligence, and assisting clients in preparing for closing. Kristina specializes in transactions involving condominiums and coops and has extensive experience with housing developments in both New York and Westchester counties.

Prior to joining the firm, Kristina worked as a Title IX Process Advisor at Sarah Lawrence College, advising complainants and respondents involved in Title IX matters. She assisted with discovery and evidence gathering, as well as conducting depositions and attending hearings, examining and cross-examining opposing parties and witnesses. Throughout law school, Kristina interned at both the Westchester County District Attorney’s office and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.

Kristina’s hobbies include photography, reading, and spending time with her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Brody.

Education

• B.A., Queens College, 2018
• J.D., Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, 2021

Court Admissions

• New York, Second Department, 2021

Accreditations

• Title IX Process Advisor, Sarah Lawrence College, 2021

Aisling Geraghty

Office Manager

Aisling is the firm’s Office Manager and Closing Coordinator. She supervises operations within the office and ensures each clients’ transaction is handled smoothly and efficiently. With over 20 years of experience in real estate, her wide range of knowledge makes her an invaluable member of our team.

Driving each transaction from contract to closing, Aisling coordinates office workflows and liaises between our clients and their lending institutions, various building and taxation departments, opposing counsel, title companies, real estate agents, and court clerks. She oversees all scheduling matters and organizes our firm’s busy closing calendar. She is well versed in all areas of residential real estate especially contract drafting, preparation and filing of closing documents, reviewing and clearing title reports, and management of client financing.

Aisling also handles small business matters including LLC formation and organization, corporate entity filings, and tax filings. Aisling began her legal career after moving to Westchester from Ireland in 2004. She soon joined John at Lambden & Gardner and the rest is history! Aisling also worked for two years as Office Administrator at one of the largest real estate agencies in Westchester before returning to manage Gardner Law Firm.

Outside of the office, Aisling volunteers with the Literacy Group of Tarrytown teaching English as a second language to adults in her community. She is a busy mom to her three beautiful daughters and loves travelling, reading, and Zumba.

Education

• B.A., History and Legal Sciences, National University of Galway, Ireland, 2003
• M.A., Sacred Heart University, 2013

Accreditations

• Paralegal Certificate, WCC, 2011
• Notary Public

Practice Areas

Residential Real Estate
Commercial Real Estate
Zoning / Land Use
Estate Planning and Elder Care
Criminal Defense
Small Business Legal Services

Our Firm

Our team of experienced attorneys brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various practice areas

John P. Gardner

Managing Partner / President

Aisling Geraghty

Office Manager

Ryan Schlotterback

Associate Attorney

Kristina Karathanasis

Associate Attorney

Ready to take the first step?

We take a collaborative approach, delivering personalized attention and tailored solutions to meet your individual needs and goals.