With a legal pedigree spanning three generations, Jerome Scharoff has emerged as one of Long Island’s leading matrimonial lawyers. Now in his early 50s he has trained and worked with some of the top matrimonial practices on Long Island, and he’s handled complex custody and asset-valuation cases from early in his career. Peers say he’s well known and well liked in the Nassau legal community -- and in courtrooms from Long Island to the five boroughs. As evidence of his standing in the legal community, he was not long ago named to the Nassau Bar’s Grievance Committee, an important and prestigious role. Today he has one of the most active courtroom practices of any matrimonial/family lawyer in Nassau.

Scharoff established himself early: he launched his own practice at the tender age of 31, reflecting a rare confidence and faith in his skills. Scharoff - the son of the late Steven R. Scharoff, the well-known and respected Nassau County judge who died in the late 90s - brings many of the qualities to the law that his father and grandfather (his namesake), once did: Peers say he has an enthusiasm for the law, the instincts of a classic litigator, and a community-mindedness rare among many lawyers today. “My family has always been part of the life of Long Island,” says Scharoff. “I know that gives me a special perspective, especially as a family lawyer.”

Growing up in Merrick, Scharoff followed his father’s law practice - and, later, his appointment to the bench - with natural interest. He majored in political science at the University of Delaware, and went on to Touro Law in Huntington. While in law school, Scharoff had already chosen divorce law: He interned with a respected divorce law practice, and after graduation worked first for a prominent firm in Garden City. But Scharoff, inspired in part by his father’s career, was drawn to public service, and accepted a position with the Nassau District Court Law Department, where he researched and wrote opinions for the 26-judge court. He ultimately became the department’s acting supervisor. Not long thereafter Scharoff went to work for a renowned Long Island matrimonial lawyer. Approximately two years later, in 2004, he launched his own practice. “I felt as though I was ready. I felt I’d worked with the best. I had great teachers and mentors and now felt it was time to do things my way.” Throughout his career he has focused on the range of modern divorce topics - business and asset valuation, and support and family-maintenance issues. Colleagues today say Scharoff is strong in many of the broader problems that can be tangential - yet often crucial - to divorce: Real estate, investments, even criminal matters. He’s known too for good relations with the matrimonial law bar colleagues - who are often his adversaries. Many senior lawyers, former mentors and opposing counsel refer cases to him today. Says Scharoff, “I take that as a huge compliment, as it means that my colleagues respect me and my method of practice.”

He is on the board of We Care, the charity arm of the Nassau County Bar Association, and was recently named a SuperLawyer “Rising Star.” He’s also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Merrick. He and his wife Lindsey have two children.