Family Law

• Guardianship
  In the law firm's general litigation practice area, zealous representation of your claim is offered on a variety of issues. Our attorneys have experience in personal injury claims, insurance defense, landlord/tenant issues, small claims, traffic infractions, contract disputes, employer/employee matters and education law, just to name a few. We provide representation at all levels of New York State courts, including the appellate divisions and Court of Claims. Representation in the U.S. federal courts can also be provided when needed. Guardianship proceedings and disputes involving trusts and estates, such as will contests, are also handled by this practice group.

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  Richard F. Schwerzmann (1918-2000) was one of the Founders of the firm having joined with Anderson Wise in 1985. He practiced in the areas of Business and Corporate Law, Trusts and Estates and Real Estate. He started his practice in Watertown, New York in 1941 after receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn in 1938 and law degree with honors from Albany Law School in 1941. He was known for being as talented a businessman as he was a lawyer. Among his many community activities he served as a member of the Watertown Airport Commission, director of the Agricultural Insurance Company, director of Seaway National Bank, trustee and past president of the Children’s Home of Jefferson County, trustee of the Watertown YMCA and co-chairman of the Watertown Community Chest campaign. He was a member of the New York State, American and Jefferson County (past president) Bar Associations.
• Business Disputes
  The Business Law practice area is led by attorneys Keith B Caughlin and Steven C. Haas. Information regarding these attorneys can be found by clicking the links.
• Business Transactions
  Attorney Steven C. Haas primarily handles the commercial transactions, while all of the attorneys in the office are actively involved with individual purchases and sales, and lender matters. Keith B. Caughlin handles mortgage foreclosures. Please click on each attorney's link to learn more about them.

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
• Real Estate Transactions
  Schwerzmann & Wise, P.C. handles residential and commercial real estate transactions ranging from the simple to the complex. We represent several lender clients in addition to individual residential and commercial clients. All aspects of the transaction are managed beginning with the initial purchase offer through closing. Our attorneys are assisted by an extensive group of real estate assistants with a working knowledge base that is second to none and more than 100 years combined experience.
• Land Use and Zoning
  Steven C. Haas is a principal in the firm, focusing his practice on commercial lending and business transactions, real estate, and land use and development. Mr. Haas graduated in 1967 from Syracuse University where he received a B.A., and from George Washington University where he was awarded a J.D. in 1970. After serving as Squadron Section Commander in the United States Air Force, Mr. Haas returned to the North Country. He was admitted to practice before courts in New York and the District of Columbia and New York State, along with the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. Mr. Haas is a member of the New York and Jefferson County Bar Associations (past president).

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Keith B. Caughlin is a principal in the firm. He has built a general litigation practice concentrating in the areas of real estate, education, municipal law, insurance defense, personal injury and commercial and contractual disputes. Mr. Caughlin was graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1982 with a B.A. in English, where he stayed to later earn a J.D. in 1985. After law school, he served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corp with the 10th Mountain Division and 2nd Infantry Division in Korea. In 1990, Mr. Caughlin began a career in private civil litigation and has represented clients at both the trial and appellate levels. He is a member of the New York and Jefferson County Bar associations, and is admitted to practice before all New York courts and the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Catherine Burns Quencer is a principal in the firm and concentrates her practice in the areas of trusts and estates and real estate. Mrs. Quencer received a B.A. in 1982, magna cum laude, from Syracuse University. She returned to her alma mater to earn a J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law in 1985. She is a member of the New York State and Jefferson County Bar associations (past president). Mrs. Quencer was admitted to practice before all New York courts, the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, and the United States Supreme Court.
• Wills
  Our Estates, Wills & Trusts practice area offers individualized counseling regarding estate planning needs, including the drafting of end-of-life documents, Last Will & Testament, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and trust agreements. Our attorneys also offer assistance with general estate planning and charitable giving. Guidance with trustee duties, general accounting and trust closure is also offered.
• Trusts
  When a loved one passes, the steps involved to settle the estate or trust can be complicated and confusing. We assist our fiduciary clients with all aspects of estate and trust administration, including preparation of court documents, marshalling the assets, opening bank accounts, bookkeeping, preparation of tax returns, accounting and closure.
• Power of Attorney

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
• Foreclosure