We DELIVER high quality legal representation to everyone in our community
Our Story
Paolantonio | Crawford was founded by Zoe Paolantonio and Joyce Crawford, two experienced attorneys with a shared vision: to create a law firm dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation that prioritizes compassion, inclusivity, and client empowerment.
Zoe and Joyce bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective shaped by their backgrounds in public service, domestic violence advocacy, and family law. This firm is more than just a business; it’s a calling to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients and community.
The firm exists to empower you.
Our Values
At PC Law, we are guided by our commitment to providing excellent service and our commitment to supporting the most vulnerable people in our community. Our trauma-informed and client-centered approach ensures that every individual feels heard, respected, and empowered throughout the legal process.
Compassion
We understand the sensitive nature of the issues our clients face. Our trauma-informed approach ensures that every client feels heard, respected, and genuinely cared for throughout their legal journey.
Trust
Trust is the foundation of our practice. We are committed to transparency, integrity, and open communication, ensuring that you feel secure and confident in every step we take together.
Respect
We believe in treating every client with the utmost respect, valuing their unique stories, and advocating for their rights with dignity and dedication.
Empowerment
Empowerment is at the heart of what we do. We provide clear, honest legal guidance to help you make informed decisions, giving you control and confidence in your future.
OUR TEAM
Zoe and Joyce joined forces in 2024 to create a local law firm delivering high quality legal representation to everyone in our community. Their shared vision, diverse skills, and unique backgrounds come together to deliver positive interactions and successful outcomes for their clients.
Zoe Paolantonio, Esq
Partner
Zoe Paolantonio is one of the leading family court attorneys in Columbia and Greene Counties. She has over a decade of experience representing adults and children in high conflict custody, child support, order of protection, divorce and child welfare cases. She specializes in representing domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. She is committed to providing her clients with high quality, zealous representation, along with the advice and support they need to feel empowered by their legal choices.
Zoe has dedicated her career to helping people seek safety and access justice through the family courts. She was educated at the Northeastern University Domestic Violence institute, where she received and provided extensive training about trauma informed and client centered legal advocacy, and served as the Equal Justice Works Fellow from 2009-2011.
Zoe has been working in Hudson Valley and Capital District family courts since 2015, first in her role as the Domestic Violence Attorney for Columbia and Greene Counties at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, and then in her Hudson based solo practice. Through this work she has represented hundreds of individuals and families in the local family courts, and achieved excellent results through litigation and negotiation. Zoe is proud of her strong, trusting attorney-client relationships.
Zoe is passionate about serving her community as well as her clients. She is a member of the Columbia County Bar Association and the Capital District Women’s Bar Association, where she has served on the judiciary committee. She has served on the board of the Columbia County Resource Center and WiseBodies, and has volunteered with the Columbia County Recovery Kitchen. A devoted yoga practitioner, Zoe earned her yoga teacher training certificate from the Sadhana Center for Yoga and Mediation in Hudson. She volunteers with Sadhana’s service project, Moving Potential, where she teaches yoga to women incarcerated at the Columbia County Jail. She lives in Columbia County with her husband and their two daughters.
Joyce Crawford, Esq
Partner
Joyce Crawford is a highly skilled attorney and Partner at our firm, with a strong commitment to advocating for victims and survivors of domestic violence. She joined the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office in 2016 as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA), where she distinguished herself as a dedicated sex crimes prosecutor. Joyce has specialized training in handling cases of child physical and sexual abuse, and she has been a relentless advocate for the most vulnerable members of the community.
In September 2018, Joyce was recognized for her exceptional contributions to law enforcement with a "Special Service Award for Outstanding Efforts" from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Presented by Commissioner Basil Seggos and DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Kenneth Lynch, this award honored Joyce’s critical assistance in an investigation that led to the seizure of nearly 100 illegal endangered species specimens in the City of Hudson, NY.
During her tenure as an ADA, Joyce tried dozens of cases, demonstrating her expertise and compassion in the courtroom. She handled thousands of cases during her time as an ADA, at all stages in the pursuit of justice; including assisting with search warrants, presenting cases to the grand jury, and writing and arguing appeals before the Appellate Division.
Before joining the District Attorney’s office, Joyce worked at the Law Office of Backes & Backes, LLC, where she handled trusts and estates as well as matrimonial cases. Her diverse legal background has given her a broad perspective on the complexities of the law and the needs of her clients.
Joyce began her career after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Northeastern University with a Bachelor's degree in International Affairs and Political Science. She worked in Boston as a Legislative Aide, assisting constituents and drafting legislation. Joyce then earned her law degree Cum Laude from Seton Hall University School of Law, after which she was recruited by Polaris Management Partners. There, she served as a Business Management Consultant, advising Fortune 500 pharmaceutical and medical device companies on Federal and International laws.
Outside of her professional life, Joyce is a devoted mother to her four children. She and her family enjoy spending time outdoors, embracing the beauty of Columbia County.
Joyce Crawford’s extensive legal experience, dedication to advocacy, and commitment to her community make her an invaluable partner at our firm.