WHO WE ARE

Fred Lichtmacher – Attorney

Fred Lichtmacher has fearlessly backed his clients by holding abusers of power accountable and going against governmental abuse. His decades of legal experience and commitment to representing clients with the utmost vigor have resulted in an extensive body of successful victories. “It is the greatest privilege of my life to be able to stand up for those facing the worst catastrophes of their lives,” says Lichtmacher. His sheer intolerance of systemic injustices victimizing vulnerable groups drives his passionate persistence in standing up to oppression.

Prior to his legal career, Lichtmacher spent the first 17 years of his working life as a jazz musician. He went on to attend Queens College, graduating magna cum laude with a B.A. in English Literature. While working to support his young children, Lichtmacher attended Hofstra University and won the annual trial competition before graduating with a J.D.

Lichtmacher’s zeal and devotion for equality have effectively advanced the civil rights of New Yorkers by setting a new standard for the treatment of sexual harassment cases. Lichtmacher’s impact has validated the voices of these victims, their trauma, and their realities, by fighting to change the way their suits brought pursuant to the New York City Human Rights Law are evaluated. Clients can now win based on a totality of the circumstances evaluation, instead of having to meet the more stringent and difficult-to-prove severe and pervasive standard demanded by Federal Law. Lichtmacher’s legal strides have also changed the way police brutality cases are handled in New York City. Largely due to his victory in defending the young daughter of Shirley Fontanez, if the NYPD receives a complaint about an off-duty officer acting violently, they must follow up on the incident or be liable for the officer’s violent acts.

Fred Lichtmacher is a battle-tested, unflinching, and skilled trial attorney who tirelessly fights for any client he takes on, making it his mission for their voices and stories to come out of the dark and be validated through results.

Mirela Kucevic – Attorney

Mirela Kucevic is a zealous advocate for her clients, whether it is in the courtroom or negotiating deals. She has developed her skills in criminal law, specifically perfecting her craft as a dedicated trial attorney. She has handled various cases involving gun possession, murder, narcotics, trafficking, white-collar crimes, and more.

Ms. Kucevic fully devotes her time and energy to helping her clients fight for their freedom. She is a fierce defender and her rigorous work ethic sets her apart from the rest.

Ms. Kucevic’s dedication and professionalism in the legal realm was immediately noticed and appreciated as she was assumed as a Law Clerk to a nationally recognized, and prestigious criminal defense firm where she assisted Lead Counsel in several high-profile, media recognized matters at both State and Federal level. Ms. Kucevic is integral to the defense team and is adroit in working with clients from inception to verdict, and beyond.

Natalie Renee Shepherd, Esq

Natalie is a formidable attorney known for her sharp litigation skills, relentless commitment to social justice, and creative legal approach. At the Law Office of Fred Lichtmacher, P.C., she litigates complex cases in both state and federal courts, handling everything from drafting and arguing motions to managing appeals, helping to shape case strategy, and navigating key court proceedings. She is recognized for her ability to craft persuasive legal arguments, conduct in-depth research, and approach every case with passion and creativity. Natalie is also deeply committed to her clients, ensuring they feel heard and fiercely represented at every stage of litigation.

Before transitioning to civil rights law, Natalie worked as a public defender at the Nassau County Legal Aid Society, where she represented indigent clients in criminal proceedings, conducted felony arraignments, and litigated suppression hearings. Her extensive background in both criminal justice and civil rights work has given her a comprehensive understanding of the legal system from multiple angles.

Before entering the legal profession, Natalie built a career in storytelling, working as a screenwriter in the television industry in Los Angeles and as an assistant producer at a social justice-oriented documentary film production company. Her ability to craft narratives with impact informs her approach to advocacy, helping her distill complex legal issues into compelling arguments. She also spent two years as a Teach For America corps member, teaching in underserved schools in the Mississippi Delta and Inglewood, California, where she developed the patience, adaptability, and deep sense of justice that now drive her legal practice.

With a career spanning law, media, and education, Natalie brings a rare combination of analytical rigor, creative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to justice to every case she takes on.

Natalie earned her J.D. from Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law, where she was a Bradley Criminal Law Fellow and active member of the Habeas Litigation Clinic. She also holds a B.A. in English Literature and Cultural Anthropology from The Ohio State University’s Honors Program.

Madeline Arnoldy – Paralegal

“Giving up” and “throwing in the towel” are phrases foreign to Madeline Arnoldy. Steadfast and strong-willed, she is a fierce fighter who turns roadblocks into road maps for change. Madeline pours the utmost effort into all endeavors she embraces and stops at nothing in the name of progress. Her meticulous work ethic, compassion for our clients, and dedication to combating societal injustice make her a worthwhile addition to our team. Madeline has spent her life morphing challenges into advancements, and she’s always had a clear vision of her life’s mission. A natural-born leader, advocacy is her intuition, and Madeline’s choice in career path stems from lifelong passions for analytical thought, ethics, and behavior. She graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with B.A. degrees in Psychology and Philosophy. As just one of three women in the Philosophy program, Madeline held the highest G.P.A in her graduating class. She earned her Paralegal Certificate from Stony Brook University Center for Legal Studies. With her unstoppable drive and limitless resilience, she plans to continue her legal education in contribution to a future where civil rights are within reach for all.

Emily Reyes – Legal Assistant

Emily Reyes has a mission and that is to be a part of the change; that long delayed societal shift making equality attainable for all individuals in this country. As the daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants, she is no stranger to the civil injustices impacting the Hispanic community and first- generation families. Born and raised in the Bronx, Emily graduated magna cum laude from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a B.A. in Law and Society and double minors in English and Journalism. Her tenure at the office of Councilmember Marcos Crespo further ignited the spark in her spirit for law. There, she acquired inspirational insights that affirmed her ambitions for a legal career and led her to the Law Office of Fred Lichtmacher, P.C. Her position at this firm has taught her that outspokenness opens opportunities, and small adjustments can lead to ample advancements in both legal cases and personal livelihood. Most importantly, it is hearing, receiving, and resonating with the experiences of our clients that drives Emily’s dedication to continue her legal education and fight on behalf of those overlooked by the system. Her career goals go beyond professional pursuits, as the gas to her gumption is pride: pride for her family’s resilience, pride for her culture and community, and pride for who she is and where she is going.