Classic values and non-traditional attitudes.
A collaborative, informal, and egalitarian spirit.
And an abiding commitment to professional civility and personal courtesy.
These are the qualities that guide us, inspire us, and set our firm apart.
About Us
Our firm has been advising clients on a diverse range of estate, trust, and other family matters for nearly two decades. We know that the unique challenges faced by individuals and families are often sensitive and complex. So to every client we offer singular advice, tailored planning, and caring solutions. We assist people at every asset level, age, and stage of life. We bridge generations. And we are proud our clients think of us as insightful family counselors as well as trusted legal counsel.
Practice Areas
We advise and advocate for clients in a variety of personal and family matters, including:
- Estate Planning (including preparation of Wills, all forms of Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Documents)
- Probate
- Trust and Estate Administration
- Estate and Gift Tax Planning
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
- Transactional Residential Real Estate
- Medicaid Planning
- Family Foundation Administration
- Charitable Giving and Planning
Who We Are
John P. Engel, Partner
Admitted to the New York Bar in 1976, John P. Engel has been practicing law for nearly four decades, specializing in family trust and estate-related law since 1986. Prior to forming Engel & Davis with R. Mark Davis in 2002, Mr. Engel was a partner in the firm of Dammann & Engel and principal of the firm John P. Engel & Associates. Earlier in his career he served as Special Counsel to the Police Commissioner, City of New York; as General Counsel, South Bronx Development Organization, Inc.; and as Coordinator, NYC Arson Strike Force.
Mr. Engel received his J.D. degree from Harvard University Law School in 1975 and his B.A. degree from Yale University in 1968. He is a past member of the New York City Conditional Release Commission.
R. Mark Davis, Partner
Admitted to the New York Bar in 1988, Mark Davis has dedicated his career to serving clients in legal matters related to trusts and estates. A prolific legal writer, Mr. Davis has been a regular contributor to New York Civil Practice for two decades and has authored numerous chapters in Warren’s Heaton on Surrogate’s Court Practice, which is accepted by courts as the leading authority on this subject.
Mr. Davis attended the University of Texas at Austin where he received his B.B.A. degree, summa cum laude, in 1984 and his J.D. degree, cum laude, in 1987. He is a member of the Order of the Coif, an honorary scholastic society for excellence in legal education, and was Note Editor for the Texas Law Review.
Deepali Patel-Sagar, Paralegal
Deepali Patel-Sagar has been with Engel & Davis since the firm’s inception in 2002, following three years of employment with its predecessor firm.
Ms. Patel-Sagar received B.A. and M.A. degrees from Queens College in 1999 and 2002.
Barry Klatzkin, Paralegal
Barry Klatzkin has been with Engel & Davis since 2017, following 5 years as a technical writer in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
Mr. Klatzkin earned a B.A. from Connecticut College in 2001 and a J.D. from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 2010.
Lorraine M. Callaghan, Paralegal
Lorraine M. Callaghan has been with Engel & Davis since the firm’s inception in 2002, following 17 years of employment with its two predecessor firms.
Ms. Callaghan received a B.A. from Siena College in 1980.