Hometown lawyer opens office in Copake

COPAKE — Jeanne Mettler, a native of Copake Falls, is back home.

Mettler, a criminal defense lawyer for more than 30 years, recently opened law offices in downtown Copake.

Mettler graduated from Roeliff Jansen Central School in 1970. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in Albany in 1978 and left the surrounding area to become a trial attorney with the criminal division of the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County.

Mettler has practiced criminal defense in both the public and private sectors. She has an extensive trial record including homicide cases, but has most recently maintained a law office in Katonah, where she represented individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors including charges of driving while intoxicated.

In 1996, Mettler became the first woman president of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

But recently Copake came calling. And now that she’s back in her hometown Mettler’s settling down to more quiet public roles; currently she’s chairing the town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee.

“I grew up here,� she said during a phone interview. “I loved growing up here and this is where I ultimately wanted to be. I love Copake and I love living here now. This is something I had always planned to do. I started out life here and I always wanted to come back eventually.�

Mettler’s offices are located at 1647 Church St. in Copake and can be reached by phone at 518-329-2006.