French Community Events in New York

Jacqueline Harounianis a Partner of the Law Firm of Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, P.C. established in 1976, and a recognized leader in the field of matrimonial and family law. Her unique multidisciplinary background, including a graduate degree in Behavioral Forensic Psychology and Family Systems Therapy, enables her to adeptly handle complex divorce, custody and support matters in the Family and Supreme Courts on Long Island and New York City. Recognized as a highly experienced trial and appellate advocate, Ms. Harounian nevertheless believes that a negotiated settlement is often the best strategy, especially if there are minor children and co-parenting is desired. Her approach is straightforward, responsive, and client focused. She emphasizes respect and compassion during the divorce process, and guides her clients towards a holistic and cost effective resolution of their matter that is in their best interest. Among her many accolades over 20+ years of practice, she was chosen to the Super Lawyers list for seven consecutive years, and also repeatedly selected to its most prestigious list – “Top 50 Women Lawyers” in New York, as the only Long Island matrimonial lawyer. She was top rated in Family Law by New York Law Journal and Avvo, and recognized as AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell. In 2016, she was appointed to the Board of the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, and served as the Chair of the Matrimonial Committee. Ms. Harounian served as an Adjunct Instructor of Family Law at Hofstra Law School for over ten years. She lectures regularly to attorneys, mental health professionals, accountants, and women’s groups, and is a sought after speaker for a range of topics including financial and legal empowerment, sexual harassment, parenting issues, negotiating skills, and mental health / addiction issues. Her book, Divorce Reality Check, published in 2016, is available on Amazon (print and Kindle) and other major booksellers.

Julia Grégoire is a French-American lawyer admitted to practice law in France (Paris) and the U.S. Her firm Avocat Grégoire is your legal bridge between France and the U.S. Whether you are an American in Paris, a business looking to get established in France, or a French citizen seeking to move to the U.S., we stand ready to help you achieve your goals simply and efficiently. As one of our clients, you will receive personalized, top-notch legal advice regarding your matter.

Priya Prakash Royal is a recognized tax law and cross-border planning expert with over 16 years of experience representing clients on sophisticated and international trusts and estates law, business law, and related tax issues, including those affecting nonprofits and persons with cross-border interests. She is a former IRS Estate Tax Attorney and admitted to practice in DC, MD, NY, NJ, and PA. At the IRS, Priya audited prominent and ultra-high-net-worth estates and gifts. Priya founded the Royal Law Firm PLLC in 2009, representing a similar clientele, and has structured sophisticated estate and gift plans on transferring domestic and international intergenerational wealth, business succession/asset protection, and charitable planning. The firm has developed an international family collaboration to further women's empowerment by furthering opportunities for exceptional legal professionals. She has also served as an expert witness addressing sophisticated tax and planning issues and has been retained as a tax consultant by other legal professionals. In addition to running the Royal Law Firm PLLC, she is Of Counsel for a prominent New York-based law firm and advises on the firm’s international tax matters. She remains committed to making women empowerment and diversifying the face of wealth. Through the Royal Law Firm PLLC, she has developed a multinational family collaboration between India and the US supporting exceptional legal professionals in the field. Priya is on the Board of STEP Mid-Atlantic as Treasurer. She is also on the Tax Steering Committee at the DC Bar and was the Vice-Chair of the DC Bar Steering Committee in Estates, Trusts, and Probate Law (ETPL). She was named Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2021. She is a frequent speaker and author in the tax and trusts & estates field. She has been published by the ABA, Bloomberg Tax, and various trade journals, including Heritage Auctions, and is a frequent speaker at bar associations, national, and international conferences and events, including the DC Bar, NAPABA, SABA, USPTO, National Appraisal Institute, AIP, and various podcasts. She is an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) and International Trusts and Estates Practitioner (TEP) and was awarded Trailblazing Attorney of the Year by the DC Bar Communities. Priya has a JD and LL.M. from Villanova, a BA from Rutgers, and an MBA from APUS. She is conversant in Hindi, Tamil, Spanish, and French.

Serving the Buffalo, NY French community, the French Honorary Consul represents a unique bridge between France and Western New York, appointed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support and protect French nationals in the region. Honorary Consuls are carefully selected individuals—either French citizens or citizens of the host country—who volunteer their expertise and commitment to fostering Franco-American relations without compensation. This distinguished role carries official recognition and diplomatic standing under international law, enabling the Honorary Consul to advocate for French interests while building meaningful connections within the Buffalo community. Beyond administrative duties, the Honorary Consul in Buffalo plays a vital cultural and economic role, promoting French arts, business opportunities, and cultural initiatives that strengthen ties between France and the United States. The position reflects France's commitment to supporting its citizens abroad while nurturing bilateral relationships that benefit both communities. Whether assisting French expatriates navigating consular matters, facilitating business partnerships, or organizing cultural events, the Honorary Consul embodies France's dedication to maintaining a strong presence in Buffalo and fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

Serving the New York, NY community and surrounding regions, the Consulate General of France represents the French government and supports French citizens throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Bermuda. At its core, this diplomatic mission is dedicated to helping French expatriates navigate consular matters while simultaneously building enduring partnerships between France and the American Northeast. The consulate recognizes that French citizens abroad need reliable support for life's important moments—from educational opportunities and family matters to retirement planning and social services. Beyond citizen assistance, the institution champions France's cultural, educational, and economic presence in the region, working to strengthen ties that benefit both nations. A distinctive commitment involves nurturing French entrepreneurship in New York, actively supporting startups seeking to establish themselves in this dynamic business environment. As part of France's broader diplomatic network of ten consulates across major American cities, the New York office stands as a vital bridge connecting French nationals with essential services while promoting French innovation, culture, and values throughout the region. The consulate's mission reflects a deep commitment to community service and international cooperation, ensuring that French citizens feel supported while advancing France's interests and relationships in the United States.

Representing the French government at the heart of international diplomacy, the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations in New York embodies France's dedication to multilateral cooperation and global governance. The mission's core mission centers on monitoring UN activities, relaying France's positions to international bodies, and ensuring French interests are considered during critical global negotiations. Through its team of experienced diplomats and professionals, the mission advocates for peace, justice, and effective international solutions to global challenges. The mission reflects France's values through its active engagement in peacekeeping operations, human rights initiatives, and climate action at the UN level. Operating from New York, NY, the mission extends its influence beyond traditional diplomacy through specialized economic and military divisions that support French interests in procurement and international security matters. With nearly 80 dedicated staff members working collaboratively with European counterparts, the mission demonstrates France's commitment to building effective multilateralism and addressing complex international issues through the United Nations framework. The mission serves as a bridge between the French government and the international community, fostering dialogue and cooperation on matters ranging from peacekeeping to sustainable development.