Mari K. Townsend, Esq. (formerly Mari K. Cania) is a graduate, cum laude, of Ithaca College and obtained her juris doctorate at the State University of New York at Buffalo.  In Buffalo, Mari worked at the law firm of Venzon Brockway, LLP, and at Neighborhood Legal Services providing assistance with matrimonial and Family Court matters for low-income clients. During the summer of 2003 Mari was an intern at the Tompkins County Human Rights Commission, assisting clients with cases relating to employment and housing discrimination. In the fall of 2004 Mari returned to Ithaca, New York, to work at a local law firm.  During this time Mari assisted with various litigation matters and became well versed in the local Criminal and Family Court systems.  On June 1, 2006, Mari opened a new office located in the heart of the Commons in Downtown Ithaca, New York.  During her first two years as an independent attorney Mari has assisted clients with various legal matters, from hotly contested custody battles to criminal matters and traffic tickets.  Mari is also a member of the Tompkins County Assigned Counsel Panel and the Third Department Law Guardian Panel. Mari has been involved with the Finger Lakes Women's Bar Association (FLWBA) since its founding as a chapter of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY) in March of 2007.  During the 2007-2008 term Mari served as Vice-President of the FLWBA.  During the 2008-2009 term Mari is proudly to serving as President of the FLWBA.  Mari is also a member of the Tompkins County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association. Starting in the fall of 2008 Mari took on the new role of Lecturer, teaching Legal Environment of Business I at Ithaca College. Office located at 202 East State Street, Suite 201, Ithaca, New York 14850 Telephone: (607) 272-4529 Email: mari@canialaw.com