Jacalyn F. Barnett

Jacalyn F. Barnett, Esq. brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in matrimonial and family law, initially when she headed the matrimonial department at the law office of Shea & Gould prior to creating her boutique practice, The Law Office of Jacalyn F. Barnett, P.C. in 1993.

Having testified as an expert witness on New York State divorce law, Jacalyn has been a frequent legal commentator on NBC, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, COURT-TV and CNBC among others on issues concerning divorce, family law and children. She contributed the chapter on Cross-Examination in a Deposition to the book “Take the Witness: The Experts Speak on Cross Examination” published by Juris Net LLC, and was the lawyer featured in the matrimonial chapter in the book “Lawyers at Work” published by Apress. She was selected for Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40.

She has been cited regularly in numerous periodicals and newspapers such as The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, Crain’s New York Business, Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Bride’s Magazine, Forbe’s, Harper’s Bazaar, L.A. Herald Examiner, L.A. Times, Manhattan Lawyer, Time Magazine, USA Today, Women’s Wear Daily, New York Post and Vogue Magazine.

She has served as a legal consultant to Salomon Smith Barney on “Women in Transition”, a nationwide educational program offering financial advice to women involved in divorce or widowhood. Jacalyn was the Quote of the Day for the New York Times published on September 15, 2007 – “No one cares more about the things you do than the person that used to be married to you” on the rising use of electronic evidence such as email in divorce proceedings. Jacalyn was recently a featured lecturer for the New York State Society of CPAs, Entertainment, Arts and Sports Committee, for their seminar entitled, “How to Protect Your Client’s ASSets and Your Own”.

Among her clientele are celebrities and individuals of high net worth, who rely upon her discretion and creativity to resolve complicated problems efficiently while respecting their privacy and that of their families. She is a fierce advocate, especially when the best interests of a child are at stake. Jacalyn earned her BA from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1974, studied at the University of London and received her law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1977. Jacalyn has been a member of the bar in New York State and U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York since 1978.

As Seen On

  • CBS Morning News (CBS)
  • Court TV, Legal Commentator
  • Extra Magazine (NBC)
  • Eyewitness News (ABC)
  • Fox News (FOX)
  • Miller’s Law (Court TV)
  • Newstalk
  • On Consent: Judging the Judges (Court TV)
  • Prime Time Justice (Court TV)
  • Sally Jessy Raphael Show (ABC)
  • Smart Money (CNBC)
  • Steals & Deals (CNBC)
  • The Montel Williams Show (WOR)
  • The Ricki Lake Show (WOR)
  • The Today Show (NBC)
  • Today’s Business (CNBC)
  • World News Tonight (ABC)

As Cited In

  • A Guide for Women in Transition
  • Better After 50
  • Boardroom Reports
  • Bride’s Magazine
  • Crain’s New York Business “40 Under 40”
  • Daily Mail, “You” Magazine
  • Daily News
  • Daily News Magazine
  • Financial Planning
  • Forbes
  • Harper’s Bazaar
  • International Herald Tribune
  • Jewish World
  • A. Herald Examiner
  • A. Times
  • Manhattan Lawyer
  • New York Post
  • New York Times
  • Time Magazine
  • USA Today
  • Vogue Magazine
  • Wall Street Journal
  • Women’s Wear Daily

As Published In

  • Brooklyn Journal of International Law
  • Lawyers at Work (Chapter 6: Family Law)
  • Take the Witness: The Experts Speak on Cross-Examination – Chapter 2:  Cross-Examination in A Deposition
  • Taxstringer: To Have and To Hold But To Not Be Held Accountable
  • Women’s Record – Contributing Writer of Monthly Legal Column, Legal Ease

Speaking Engagements

  • Academy of Finance
  • American Jewish Congress
  • American Society of Women Accountants
  • Association of Divorce Financial Planners
  • Business Circuit New York
  • Chase Exchange of Chase Manhattan Bank
  • Family Business Consultants
  • Federation of Jewish Philanthropies Convention
  • Gay & Lesbian Community Center Father’s Forum
  • GET Organization
  • Legal Awareness for Women
  • National Association of Female Executives
  • New York Institute of Credit
  • New York State Society of CPAs
  • New York Women’s Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section
  • Parents Without Partners
  • Park Avenue Synagogue
  • Salomon Smith Barney, “Women In Transition”
  • Sutton Place Synagogue
  • Wall Street Network Group
  • Wharton School of Business Club
  • Young President’s Organization, Family Business Section