Cullen and Dykman LLP Adds Two Partners to Its Growing Higher Education and Labor and Employment Practices

Albany, NY and Garden City, NY – Growing northeast regional law firm, Cullen and Dykman LLP is proud to announce the promotion of Deirdre M. Mitacek to Partner and the joining of Brian B. Selchick as a Partner. These additions are part of the firm’s strategic plan to further meet the growing demands for Higher Education and Labor and Employment legal services.

Cullen and Dykman’s Managing Partner Christopher H. Palmer states, “We are thrilled to welcome both Deirdre and Brian as Partners of the firm. Their experience and talent will add strength and balance to their practice groups and they will be a vital part of our future growth and success as a firm. They will continue building our reputation for excellence and will deliver the outstanding levels of dedication and service that our clients expect.”

Deirdre M. Mitacek is being promoted from Of Counsel to Partner in the firm’s Corporate Department. Deirdre is a member of the firm’s Higher Education, Not-for-Profit and Charitable Organizations, and Tax practice groups. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in advising colleges and universities, public charities, and private foundations on corporate governance issues, obtaining and maintaining tax exempt status, conflicts of interest, charitable gifts, fundraising, endowments (including seeking cy pres relief to modify endowment restrictions), and compliance with state and federal laws. Deirdre earned her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and her B.S. from LeMoyne College.

On her promotion, Deirdre says, “Over the past few years, it has become clear that our not-for-profit and higher education clients continually face new and additional challenges – from legal to economic to social. I am excited to have this opportunity to play an expanded role in assisting the Firm’s higher education and not-for-profit clients navigate these challenges and continue to fulfill their educational, charitable and religious missions.”

Dina Vespia, Co-Chair of the firm’s Higher Education practice group adds, “Deirdre consistently provides the firm’s clients with critical advice and services. Her promotion is a testament to her invaluable contributions to the Higher Education practice group, which are essential for the firm’s continued growth in this area.”

Brian B. Selchick joins the firm from the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY) where he served as Director of Employee Relations & Training. Brian is highly experienced and steeped in Higher Education and Labor Relations. His practice focuses on serving the needs of public and private sector employers in collective bargaining, contract interpretation, shared governance, labor-management, as well as contract and disciplinary arbitrations. During his time at SUNY Albany, Brian managed a unionized workforce of approximately 5,000 employees represented by six different statewide unions. Brian earned his J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University and his B.A. from Union College.

“Working alongside the firm’s talented attorneys will give me the unique opportunity to augment both the higher education and labor and employment law practice groups,” expresses Partner Brian Selchick. “This work is my passion; being at a firm that values a practical client-centered approach to labor relations as well as strong advocacy will allow us to continue to deliver superior results that further the strategic plan and competitive advantages of each client.”

“I am excited to have Brian B. Selchick joining the firm as a Partner. His labor and employment experience adds to our commitment to expanding our services in the Capital District to meet our client’s needs,” noted Brian T. FitzGerald, the partner-in-charge of the firm’s Albany office.

About Cullen and Dykman’s Higher Education Practice Group

Our firm’s Higher Education practice group is a multidisciplinary team committed to helping colleges and universities navigate the ever-changing higher education landscape. Our attorneys have expertise in various areas affecting academic institutions, including: regulatory compliance, labor and employment, governance, corporate transactions, bond financing, tax, intellectual property, real estate, construction, environmental, data privacy and cybersecurity, internal investigations, advising distressed institutions, and litigation.

About Cullen and Dykman’s Labor and Employment Practice Group

Our labor and employment attorneys represent private and public employers of all sizes and in all industries, including utilities, banking, health care, private and public education, not‑for‑profit entities, and government. We advise our clients regarding all phases of the employment and independent contractor relationships, from hiring and retention through voluntary retirement and involuntary severance. We assist our clients with the development and implementation of personnel policies, employee handbooks and affirmative action plans, and we help our clients maintain compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and the various other federal and state laws that apply to employers in New York and New Jersey.

About Cullen and Dykman LLP

Cullen and Dykman (www.cullenllp.com) has been providing legal services to institutional clients since 1850. The firm represents a wide range of clients, including banks and other financial institutions, energy, telecommunications and water companies, construction companies, insurers, educational institutions, religious organizations, and not-for-profits. With over 190 attorneys in seven offices located throughout the Northeast and MidAtlantic regions, Cullen and Dykman is strategically positioned to meet the changing needs and demands of our clients.