Certilman Balin promotes Bentley as of counsel and Traganas as a partner

Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP has promoted Jennifer Bentley to of counsel, and Kristen Traganas as a partner. Bentley, formerly an associate in the labor practice group, has been named of counsel. Her service includes union contract negotiations, interest arbitrations, improper labor practice proceedings, grievances, administrative proceedings before state, city and county agencies, and a related appellate practice. In addition, she has represented public sector employees in obtaining NYS disability retirement benefits. She has extensive knowledge and experience drafting proposed legislation, especially bills that impact the rights of police and fire personnel on the state and city levels. She has also advocated for member benefits through the drafting of support and opposition memoranda. Bentley earned her bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from State University of New York at Stony Brook and her Juris Doctor degree from the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 2004. She served as associate editor of the Touro Law Review in addition to serving as a teaching assistant in the Writing Skills Center for which she was honored with the Outstanding Service Award for each of her three years of service. She is admitted to practice in the State of New York and in federal court, both the Eastern and Southern Districts, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Judicial Circuit. When not practicing law, Bentley channels her time and skills to assist people with disabilities. She currently serves as the board chair of the Long Island Advocacy Center, a private not-for-profit agency dedicated to protecting the legal rights of students and individuals with disabilities. She is also a devoted supporter of Camp A.N.C.H.O.R (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation.) Traganas, formerly an associate in the commercial lending practice group, has been named a partner.Traganas represents institutional lenders in providing financing for multifamily and commercial properties, as well as for middle market and small business borrowers. Her practice includes the representation of lenders, and she also acts as counsel to banks with respect to the negotiation of Lockbox, Deposit Account Control, and other types of Tri-Party Agreements. In addition, she represents current and prospective homeowners and commercial property owners in the purchase of property and refinance of debt. She also acts as counsel to both landlords and tenants in the negotiation of commercial and residential leases. Prior to joining Certilman Balin, Traganas worked in the music industry in the Manhattan offices of two international record labels. In 2006, Traganas graduated from Hofstra University School of Law. She earned a bachelor of arts in Music Business from New York University's Steinhardt School of Education in 2003. She was the recipient of a Merit Scholarship, earned a place on the Dean's List and also was a member of the Music Business Association. Traganas is admitted to practice in the state of New York.