Ingerman Smith LLP Welcomes Three New Associates to the Firm

lauraballereau
Jan 7
2 min read

January 1, 2026

Ingerman Smith LLP is pleased to announce that Stephanie E. Darand and Anjelica Mantikas have joined the firm’s Hauppauge office as Associates and that Ethan Zucker, has joined the firm’s Harrison office as a Law Clerk pending his admission to the New York State Bar.

Ingerman Smith LLP Welcomes Associate Obianuju Chukwuanu to the Hauppauge Office — Stephanie E. Darand, Esq.

Stephanie E. Darand brings valuable experience from her work at the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, where she investigated complaints alleging violations of federal civil rights laws in federally funded education programs. Her background offers clients practical insight into compliance and risk management, assisting school districts in navigating complex regulatory requirements while fostering equitable and inclusive educational environments. Ms. Darand earned her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, where she was a member of the Syracuse Journal of International Law and Commerce.

Ingerman Smith LLP Welcomes the Return of Senior Counsel Colleen Dowd to the Hauppauge Office — Anjelica Mantikas, Esq.

Anjelica Mantikas joins Ingerman Smith LLP after practicing at Make the Road New Jersey and Safe Passage Project, where she represented children and families throughout their immigration processes. Ms. Mantikas will concentrate her practice in education law and labor and employment law. Ms. Mantikas earned her J.D., cum laude, from St. John’s University School of Law, where she participated in the Child Advocacy Clinic and served as a member of the Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development. Ms. Mantikas is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey.

Ingerman Smith LLP Welcomes Associate Christopher Gavin to the Hauppauge Office — Ethan Zucker

Ethan Zucker joins Ingerman Smith with a focus on education, labor, and employment law. Prior to joining Ingerman Smith, Mr. Zucker gained hands-on experience in employment and intellectual property law as a legal intern with MLB Network, UBS Arena, and the National Hockey League. Mr. Zucker earned his J.D. from New York Law School and is currently pending admission to the New York State Bar.