A Small Team With Big Reach

Our close-knit team of attorneys and licensing specialists are the best in the industry.   
We work with you to obtain complex government approvals, while making the process understandable, predictable, and timely.

Robert S. Bookman
​rbookman@pb.law

​Partner

Robert S. Bookman is a recognized leader of the New York hospitality industry. Robert began his legal career as counsel to the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs.  He has since specialized in representing small businesses before numerous City and State agencies, the New York City Council, and the courts.  In addition to representing individual clients, Robert also specializes in representing the industry, first as co-founder and counsel to the New York Nightlife Association, and now as counsel to its successor organization, the New York City Hospitality Alliance,  Robert is a nationally recognized expert on nightlife business and organizational issues and is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences. He is quoted widely in the media and is the author of numerous op-ed articles on regulatory issues which have appeared in such publications as the New York Times and the Daily News. 

An interview with Robert Bookman on RHI Thought Leaders | Watch

Max Bookman
max@pb.law

​Partner

Max Bookman has spent the past fifteen years working in the New York City business regulatory space.   At P&B, he advises clients during all phases of the alcoholic beverage, tobacco, and marijuana licensing processes.  Max is known throughout the industry as a skilled advocate with a detailed knowledge of the New York Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, the practices of the State Liquor Authority, and the requirements of New York City Community Boards.  He has represented businesses of all sizes and sophistication, across all three tiers of the alcoholic beverage industry, and in both on-premises and off-premises retail categories.
Before joining the firm, Max was a civil litigator at Smith Mazure Director Wilkins Young & Yagerman in Manhattan.  He is an alumnus of the Grand Central Partnership Business Improvement District in midtown, and the Manhattan Borough President's Office.  Max is a graduate of the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he was Notes Editor of the Cardozo Public Law Policy and Ethics Journal.  He obtained his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont.

An Interview with Max Bookman on Selling Craft Beer  |  Listen  |  Spotify  |  Apple

Janelle Alexander
janelle@pb.law

Director of Licensing

Janelle Alexander is P&B’s Director of Licensing.  She specializes in complex and high-profile alcoholic beverage applications.  Her decade of experience in alcoholic beverage licensing gives her unique insight into the issues that arise over the course of the application process.  Janelle works with major clients including multinational hotel groups, private equity funds, real estate developers, and publicly traded companies on the detailed disclosures required when these organizations invest in businesses selling alcoholic beverages in New York.  She has filed literally hundreds of applications.  Janelle is a graduate of Andrews University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Education and her master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance.  

Melissa Morales
melissa@pb.law

Senior Licensing Specialist

Melissa Morales has been a licensing specialist with P&B since 2013.  She works with clients large and small on alcoholic beverage license applications for submission to the State Liquor Authority.  Her encyclopedic knowledge of Community Board procedures and deadlines makes her a valuable resource for clients applying for liquor licenses in New York City.  A native New Yorker, Melissa combines practical advice and creative solutions to prepare strong applications. 

Phil Dorn
phil@pb.law

Associate

Phil Dorn is an associate attorney at P&B, focusing on alcoholic beverage licensing and general corporate matters.  He has an extensive background in the hospitality industry, which he draws upon when advising clients.  Phil is also at the forefront of adult-use marijuana licensing in New York State.  Prior to joining the firm, Phil was a litigation associate with Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan LLC in Manhattan, and a judicial intern for the Honorable Joseph L. Latwin.  Phil graduated from Fordham University School of Law, where he was an active member of the Sports Law Forum.  He attended undergraduate school at Tulane University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management.

Sorraya Surpris
sorraya@pb.law

Office Administrator

Sorraya Surpris is often the first member of the P&B team who clients interact with.  She works with clients in the early stages of the alcoholic beverage application process, assisting attorneys in documenting clients' licensing strategy, and filing initial notices with municipalities and New York City Community Boards.   Sorraya has been with the firm since 2017.  

Sherilyn Bennett
sherilyn@pb.law

Licensing Specialist

Sherilyn Bennett is a certified paralegal with several years of legal experience.  She draws upon this background to work with clients on a wide range of alcoholic beverage applications, with a focus on the deadline-sensitive liquor license renewal process.  She also specializes in tobacco and electronic cigarette licensing.  Sherilyn has a bachelor’s degree in Professional Communications from Farmingdale State College and obtained her ABA Paralegal Certificate from Hofstra University.  

Yakeima Simms
yakeima@pb.law

Licensing Specialist

Yakeima Simms is the newest member of the P&B team.  Keima is a certified paralegal with several of years of experience in the legal field.  At P&B, Keima works with a broad array of firm clients on every aspect of alcoholic beverage license applications.  She also works with sidewalk newsstand and convenience store clients on tobacco and electronic cigarette applications.  Keima obtained a bachelor's degree in Visual Arts and Business Management from Wells College, and her Paralegal Certification from Boston University.

Warren B. Pesetsky
wpesetsky@pb.law

Partner (Ret.)

Warren B. Pesetsky is widely recognized as  the Dean of hospitality attorneys in New York.  He developed his skills in hospitality law as General Counsel to the the State Liquor Authority from 1976 to 1981. Warren has been in private practice ever since.  For over a quarter of a century, he has represented thousands of hospitality establishments of all sizes, from mom and pop bistros to the largest hotels and restaurants, each benefiting from his unique blend of experience and advocacy. ​

Contact

hello@pb.law
212-513-1988
325 Broadway, Suite 501
​New York, NY 10007