Our Team
John A. Gemelli
John A. Gemelli is the founding partner of the firm. John has expertly handled all aspects of divorce and family law throughout his nearly 40-year career. He has successfully tried many cases to conclusion, and has received numerous accolades from peers, clients, and the Bench and Bar for his dedicated service and zealous advocacy.
David M. Gross
As a litigator and mediator, David employs practical, common-sense approaches to resolving conflicts, pursuing creative solutions to some of the most difficult issues in divorce and family law matters.
David handles the firm’s mediation matters and is appointed by judges in Queens and Nassau Counties to mediate divorce, custody, and support matters.
David lectures to the Queens County Bar Association annually concerning an update on important cases from the Appellate Division and Court of Appeals.
David is recognized by Super Lawyers, Top 10 Family Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell for excellence in ability and ethics.
Erica L. Shapiro
Erica Shapiro joined Gemelli Gross Shapiro & Marino in 2018 and was made a partner in 2020. Her practice is focused on contested matrimonial and family law matters. Erica earned her B.A. in Political Science from Binghamton University and her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law. Prior to joining the firm, Erica worked as a senior associate with a focus on matrimonial and family law matters at a general practice law firm in New York City.
Josephine M. Marino
Josephine joined the firm in 2015 as a law clerk while completing her legal education at St. John’s University School of Law. She received her Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law in 2016.
After sitting for the Bar Exam, she accepted an associate position at the firm and has continued to dedicate her legal career to family and matrimonial law at both the trial and appellate levels.
Josephine was made partner in 2020 and has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers.
Howard R. Teichner
Howard recently joined the firm as Senior Counsel. For the past 40 years, Howard has been engaged in the general practice of law, including divorce/family law, criminal defense, wills & trusts, and real property transactions.
Howard is certified to serve on multiple panels by the Appellate Division, including as a certified arbitrator for FINRA, involving disputes between the public and brokerage houses. Howard has also acted as an evaluator for the Nassau County Supreme Court in the Early Neutral Evaluation program in contested matrimonial matters with the goal of having litigants reach an agreement without ongoing proceedings.
Mark I. Plaine
Mark joined the firm in an of counsel role. Mark has practiced primarily in matrimonial and family law for more than 35 years, and is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. He has conducted numerous trials, hearings, and appeals in divorce litigation, as well as financial and custodial matters.
He is a member of the Florida Bar, the Queens County Bar Assocation, the New York County Lawyer’s Association, and the Nassau County Bar Association.
Mark is also a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (“AAML”) and the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators. Mark has taught Family Law as an adjunct college professor and has published numerous articles related to divorce, custody issues, property distribution, and support.
Mark has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.