Melanie S. Rausch and James M. Scaramozza Join Cohen and Wolf, P.C. as Principals

Cohen and Wolf, P.C. is pleased to announce the addition of Attorneys Melanie S. Rausch and James M. Scaramozza as Principals of the firm. Prior to joining Cohen and Wolf, Melanie and James were partners at a Hartford-based business law and litigation firm, where they practiced together for more than 20 years.

Melanie S. Rausch joins Cohen and Wolf's Community Development Finance & Affordable Housing, Real Estate, Business & Corporate, Commercial Finance, and Common Interest Communities Groups. She represents individuals, developers, businesses, lenders, housing authorities, and various organizations in a variety of commercial real estate and corporate transactions throughout Connecticut. Melanie also provides general corporate representation and regularly forms 501(c)(3) entities, advising clients on governance, compliance, and ongoing operational matters. In addition, she represents for-profit developers, non-profit organizations, and housing authorities in the acquisition, financing, and development of affordable housing. 

Active in her community, Melanie serves on the Executive Committee of the Jewish Family Services of Greater New Haven, Inc. She is a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and Hartford County Bar Association and is a former member of the Connecticut Senate Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Melanie has been named to the Connecticut Super Lawyers^® "Rising Star" list from 2013 – 2019. She earned her J.D. from University of Connecticut School of Law and obtained her B.A. from Middlebury College.

James M. Scaramozza joins the firm's Community Development Finance & Affordable Housing, Real Estate, Business & Corporate, and Commercial Finance Groups, representing clients throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. He has extensive experience in the development and financing of affordable and supportive housing, including representing non-profit and charitable organizations, for-profit developers, community development corporations, public housing authorities and financial intermediaries. 

In his real estate practice, Jim handles complex commercial real estate transactions, which includes advising and representing sellers and buyers, ground lessors and ground lessees, and landlord and tenants of commercial and mixed used properties. He also assists clients with the formation of limited partnerships, corporations (including tax exempt organizations), and limited liability companies.

Dedicated to supporting his community, Jim currently serves on the Boards of Directors for Westerly Area Rest Meals, Inc. (WARM Center) and Community Housing Land Trust of RI, Inc. He has also served as a Trustee for the Wheeler Library of North Stonington. Jim is member of the American Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association, and Rhode Island Bar Association. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Vermont Law School and obtained his B.A., cum laude, from Fairfield University.

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