Marcella Maxine Jayne, Esq. PLLC

Big-case experience. Small firm accountability.

Marcella Maxine Jayne helps clients assess risk, apply pressure where it counts, and resolve disputes efficiently--through pre-litigation negotiation and counseling, motion practice, and trial. She represents businesses in complex litigation and individuals in strong consumer and employment cases.

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Business Dispute, FRCA, FDCPA, Discrimination, Unpaid Wages, Commercial Real Estate, Foreclosure Lawyer

About Marcella Maxine Jayne, Esq. PLLC

Super Lawyer Rising Stars: 2024 - 2025

Marcella featured on the Path and Practice Podcast

Marcella interviewed by Reuters about law school debt

About the Firm:

This firm was built with a simple premise: sophisticated litigation does not require institutional bloat.

After nearly a decade in large law firm practice handling complex commercial disputes, the firm was founded to offer clients the same high-level legal strategy and advocacy—without the inefficiencies, layers, and rigidity that often accompany traditional models. Clients benefit from direct access to experienced counsel, streamlined decision-making, and a litigation strategy tailored to their specific objectives, not institutional process.

The firm focuses on complex commercial litigation, including real estate disputes, commercial foreclosures, and financial services litigation. It regularly handles high-stakes matters involving significant financial exposure, where strategic thinking, precision, and responsiveness are critical.

At the same time, the firm was intentionally designed to serve a broader range of clients than those traditionally represented by large law firms. Many successful businesses—often deeply rooted in their communities—have historically been overlooked by the traditional legal market despite facing equally complex and high-stakes legal issues. The firm bridges that gap, providing those clients with the same level of sophistication, attention, and strategic advocacy typically reserved for larger institutions, in a way that is direct, practical, and approachable.

The firm also expands access to high-quality legal representation in another important way. In select cases, it represents individuals in consumer protection and employment matters on a contingency basis—applying the same level of rigor and advocacy to those matters as it does for institutional clients.

The firm takes a disciplined, results-oriented approach to litigation. Every matter begins with a clear-eyed assessment of risk and opportunity, followed by a strategy designed to apply pressure where it matters most—whether through motion practice, negotiation, or trial.

This is not a volume practice. The firm is selective in the matters it takes on, ensuring that every client receives focused attention, thoughtful strategy, and experienced advocacy at every stage of the case.

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Business Dispute, FRCA, FDCPA, Discrimination, Unpaid Wages, Commercial Real Estate, Foreclosure Legal Team

Meet the team

About Marcella

Marcella M. Jayne’s path to the legal profession was not conventional—and that perspective continues to shape the way she practices law.

She began her academic career at Greenfield Community College, where she graduated with high honors before earning a scholarship to attend Mount Holyoke College as a Frances Perkins Scholar. From there, she went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law, also on scholarship, while raising two young children as a single parent. She graduated cum laude and was recognized for both her academic achievement and commitment to service, including receiving the Archibald R. Murray Public Service Award, the Outstanding Evening Student Award, and a Women in Law recognition.

Throughout her career, Marcella has combined academic excellence with a deep commitment to public service and advocacy. Prior to law school, she worked with the Springfield “No One Leaves” Project, assisting homeowners facing foreclosure and eviction, and with the Prison Birth Project, supporting incarcerated women through pre- and postnatal education and services.

During law school, she gained experience across a wide range of legal institutions. She interned with the Federal Trade Commission in both the Bureau of Consumer Protection and the Bureau of Competition through the New York Bar Foundation, worked with the New York State Division of Human Rights clerking for the Chief Administrative Law Judge on discrimination matters, and served in the Enforcement Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission, where she contributed to investigations involving potential violations of federal securities laws. She also interned with the New York City Council’s Legislative Division, assisting in the drafting and refinement of proposed legislation, and later served as a summer associate at Foley & Lardner LLP before beginning her legal career there.

Marcella’s early experiences were shaped not only by her professional work, but also by her involvement in community advocacy. Before moving to New York City, she lived in one of the oldest public housing communities in the country, where she participated in organizing efforts to prevent its demolition—an effort that ultimately succeeded, leading to the preservation and renovation of the development.

After nearly a decade in large law firm practice representing institutional clients in complex commercial litigation, Marcella founded her own firm to provide a more direct, strategic, and accessible model of legal representation. Her practice reflects both sides of her experience: sophisticated, high-stakes litigation for businesses and institutions, and a continued commitment to representing individuals and smaller businesses who might otherwise lack access to that level of advocacy.

Marcella approaches her work with the same principles that have defined her path—discipline, resilience, and a clear focus on results.

Admissions

Marcella is admitted to practice law in the state courts of New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey and the following federal courts: Southern District of New York; Northern District of New York; Eastern District of New York; District of Massachusetts; and District of New Jersey.