Phelps Employment Lawyers

Practical, pragmatic advice and representation offered to clients to resolve real world complex problems.
Thoughtful dispute resolution and mediation services offered to litigants and their counsel.
Cost-effective strategies.
Depth of experience.
Individual focus.

The art of representing people.

Michael A. Rosenhouse concentrates his Rochester, NY, based practice in appeals and complex trial court motions, and includes experience both with and against prominent New York City and Chicago lawyers. He has received the highest rating from the oldest and most reputable peer-review institution in the profession. His successful appellate practice is supported by years of experience in complex civil litigation. He is the author of several books and articles on a wide variety of legal subjects and has lectured for national and local, specialized and general, legal educational organizations.

Whether you're divorcing or you've met with some conflict in the workplace, you can turn to The Cimino Law Firm, PLLC for local representation. Attorney Michelle Cimino, has been providing clients in Rochester, NY, with advice and guidance since 1997. She's a member of several organizations, including the New York State Bar Association and New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. Clients come to us when they have questions related to:

Divorce law
Child custody law
Child support law
Employment law

We know how stressful some legal situations can be. Whether your divorce is amicable or contested, our firm will defend your rights as a...

Jon Bonavilla is a highly experienced and aggressive litigator. His practice focuses on civil matters with a particular emphasis on personal injury, matrimonial and family law, sexual harassment and discrimination, employment law, business disputes, and estate litigation. He also provides real estate advice and general estate planning for his clients. Jon’s focus is on assisting his clients successfully through the legal process. In dealing with any legal matter he seeks to ensure his clients are fully informed, taking the time to explain difficult issues and decisions that are often involved. Jon’s depth of experience makes him...

I founded Cordello Law PLLC to focus entirely on labor and employment litigation on behalf of employees throughout the Rochester, New York area. Since that time, my law firm has been instrumental in obtaining significant financial recoveries for clients through the litigation and negotiation of employment disputes. While a firm’s success is generally measured from a financial standpoint, I am proud of the fact that my cases have also led to changes in illegal and abusive employment practices.

Richard Pawelczyk handles transactions and litigation for individuals, as well as companies of all sizes. He has represented household names, both individuals and companies, in music, sports, fashion, food & beverage. He was counsel to several prominent entertainment companies and helped guide their business development. Rich is also a seasoned intellectual property attorney, with vast experience in trademarks and copyrights for celebrities and media companies. He co-authored a legal brief that advocated for extension of copyright protection in a case that was before the United States Supreme Court. Rich’s experience includes corporate transactions, commercial real estate, food & beverage, fashion,...

As an Associate at Tully Rinckey PLLC, Zachary handles both federal labor and employment plaintiff’s cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Merit Systems Protection Board – in which he defends the rights of federal employees against a range of abuses, including discrimination and retaliation claims, as well as wrongful personnel actions – as well as defending against criminal charges in all town and county courts surrounding the Rochester Office and federal charges within the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. Zachary has enjoyed great success in aggressively and effectively representing federal employees and...

I am one of the founding partners of Thomas & Solomon LLP. Ihave more than a decade's experience in employment law litigation and counsel. I litigate a range of matters from complex employment class action lawsuits to litigation involving all types of individual workplace disputes, ranging from claims of illegal termination and harassment, to actions to recover unpaid benefits.
I am also a certified Federal Court mediator with WDNY, with over 25 certified hours of training and role-play. Completed at least one observation and two meditations under the supervision of the WDNY program director. Maintains a minimum of 6...

When I was nine my aunt told me I should be a lawyer when I grew up because I argued about everything, really, really well. That's when I learned I could make a living doing what I loved: winning arguments. After graduating from Columbia University, New York City's only Ivy League school I went on to Fordham Law. Fordham was the only law school ranked in the top twenty-five nationwide that offered a night program in New York. Since I was working full time to pay my own way, Fordham's top tier night division was perfect for me. After two...

Attorney James D. Hartt represents victims of employment discrimination statewide. He has significant experience representing clients in the NYS Division of Human Rights, EEOC and in State and Federal Courts. Call Attorney James D. Hartt today to set up your free initial telephone consultation.
With Offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and a Satellite Office in Manhattan, Attorney James D. Hartt is proud to offer his legal expertise to New Yorkers statewide.

James practices in several other areas of law, including but not limited to: criminal defense, professional licensure defense, civil litigation, education law, and others!

I am a founding partner of Thomas & Solomon LLP. Where I practice solely in employment law, first at a large firm advising employers, and then, since 2000, as partner at Thomas & Solomon LLP representing employees. Currently, I concentrate my practice on national wage and hour, class and collective action litigation. I have represented hundreds of thousands of employees, and recovered back wages resulting in tens of millions of dollars for those clients. I have been selected to be a mediator for the United States District Court for the Western District of New York and regularly mediates federal...

Ms. Cressman is experienced in representing and advising employees regarding workplace issues, such a wage and hour matters, workplace harassment, wrongful termination, EEOC proceedings, employee benefits and contract matters. Ms. Cressman is also an experienced litigator, representing employees in state and federal court, including extensive experience litigating class actions.

Jeff is an associate attorney at Littler Mendelson P.C. in Rochester, New York. Jeff graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 2020.

Over 20 years' experience in all facets of employment law and labor law. Founded Ithaca New York Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA), and serves as its current President. Practice limited to employment law, employment discrimination, labor law and education law. Caring, competent representation. You will not be passed from a partner to an associate to a paralegal at Hall Law. We are "counselors" at law, not just lawyers. We strive to live up to the tradition of Cornell Law - "Lawyers in the Best Sense." Experience: Attorney for a prestigious, nationally prominent labor and employment law firm as...

Karen R. Sanders, Senior Counsel in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Rochester office, focuses her practice on Civil Litigation (Personal Injury, Civil Rights and Whistleblower Actions) and Employment Law.

Karen was admitted to the bar in New York State in 1994. She also is admitted in the U.S. District Court for the Western and Northern Districts of New York, the Bankruptcy Court in the Western District of New York, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Karen practiced with the firm of Harris, Chesworth, Johnstone & Welch, LLP (2015-Present). She was previously associated with Harris,...

Jonathan M. Cerrito counsels sponsors of multiemployer and single-employer plans, companies, tax-exempt entities and executives on all matters of tax, ERISA, employee benefits, nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements and the employee benefit aspects of mergers. Jonathan was named by the Whitman School of Management of Syracuse University as one of the 2009 -40 Under - based on extraordinary achievement in his career and contributions to the community. Jonathan regularly advises on the design, operation, merger and termination of tax-qualified pension plans and welfare benefit plans. His practice includes advising ERISA fiduciaries on the investment of plan assets, reporting and disclosure, prohibited transaction...

Regina Sarkis is an experienced NY and NC labor & employment law and business attorney experienced in a variety of labor & employment law areas of practice including employment discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and ADA discrimination cases. She advises clients and business partners at all levels of leadership on a wide range of business, labor, and employment-related matters, including employee claims, wage & hour issues, non-compete and no-solicitation agreements, high-risk performance management issues, workplace safety, disability and medical leaves, reasonable accommodations, collective bargaining agreements, employee benefits and more.

Brian J. LaClair represents private and public sector labor unions, employee benefit plans and individuals in a broad variety of labor and employment matters. Brian’s practice focuses on litigation, including federal court litigation, labor and employment litigation, ERISA litigation, labor arbitrations, proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board, employment discrimination, and employee benefits matters. Brian also provides pro bono representation to indigent persons seeking unemployment insurance benefits. Prior to joining Blitman & King LLP, Brian was an associate in the litigation department at a major international law firm in New York City. Before that, Brian served as law...

Mr. Evans concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, labor and employment litigation, and education law. His commercial litigation practice includes the representation of a variety of business clients regarding contractual disputes, injunctive relief, matters raising questions of constitutional due process, regulatory compliance, labor and employment issues, as well as risk management. Mr. Evans also represents a number of insurance carriers concerning coverage and compliance issues. He also provides extensive litigation support to utility clients concerning regulatory matters, including issues regarding compliance with the New York Public Service Law, the regulations of the New York Public Service Commission, and Utility Tariffs....

Bryan Arnault’s practice is primarily focused in labor and employment law. His representation of private and public sector labor unions involves the research, counseling and dispute resolution of workplace issues that affect unions and their members. Bryan also represents individual employees in a variety of workplace issues. Bryan’s representation includes the counseling of unions with the variety of challenges and conflicts that they and their members face in the modern workplace. This includes conflict resolution through arbitration, advising during the grievance process, and other avenues of dispute resolution. Through his counsel, Bryan seeks to develop...

Michael R. Daum counsels clients on the rules and regulations set forth under the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA regarding the design, administration, merger and termination of qualified and nonqualified pension plans as well as health and welfare plans. Through his counsel, Mike seeks to assist his clients avoid complex regulatory issues before they arise. In law school, Mike served as an extern for the Honorable David W. McKeague, Judge for the Sixth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals. In addition, Mike served as research assistant for Mary A. Bedikian – Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program at...

Jessica McKee is a small business lawyer in Central New York with experience in civil litigation, real estate law, land use, landlord tenant matters, and labor/employment law.

Nina Juncewicz, Esq. has 25 years experience in representing those internationally seeking to obtain physical access to the United States market for commercial work and/or family reunification. Her experience was developed early as an outstanding scholar for the agency formerly known as INS at the U.S/Canadian border, and later in its Buffalo District Office’s litigation Department. This experience brought her first-hand knowledge of the technical nuances of complex U.S. immigration law and the government adjudication process which experience she uses for her client’s benefit. She later practiced business and family Immigration in a statewide corporate law firm before opening her...

Mr. Johnsen is an attorney at Tiveron Law primarily focusing in the firm’s Litigation Department. While attending SUNY Buffalo Law School, Mr. Johnsen was part of the University’s Consumer Financial Advocacy Clinic and was the recipient of the CALI Excellence for the Future Awards for his work with the program. While in law school, he was a clerk at New Era Cap Co., Inc. Following law school, Mr. Johnsen has gained exposure to several areas of his litigation practice, including special education claims against school districts, employment discrimination claims, general business disputes and work in Erie County Surrogate's Court on...

Jeffrey Tyrpak, an Amherst native, attended Fordham University and obtained his BA in International Political Economy in 2010. In 2013, he earned his JD at UB Law School with a concentration in Finance Transactions.

He started practicing law at a small firm in New York City before returning home and joining our team in December of 2016. While working in New York City, Mr. Tyrpak handled litigation in federal court regarding collective bargaining agreements and ERISA for employee benefit funds. He also worked on government compliance matters under the Affordable Care Act and ERISA.

Currently, Mr. Tyrpak resides in HoganWillig's Real Estate...

As Managing Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, Anthony relies heavily on his vast leadership experience in overseeing the daily operations of the Buffalo office and its staff. As a military leader, having served over 22 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, Anthony brings decades of leadership training and experience to the Buffalo office. Anthony has previously served as a senior drill sergeant, a combat intelligence advisor to the New Iraqi Amy, and a first sergeant and acting commander to a combat engineer drill sergeant company. Anthony is currently serving in a brigade-level staff sergeant major position. Anthony has...

JIM BARNA BRINGS A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO EMPLOYMENT LAW REPRESENTATION. Throughout his career, Jim Barna has focused his practice on employment law. Jim did his undergraduate studies at Syracuse University and Stony Brook University. Jim attended law school at Washington University in St. Louis, a Top Twenty law school with an extensive employment law curriculum. While in law school, he had the opportunity to work for a national leader in employment law and womens rights litigation, Mary Anne Sedey. “From Mary Anne Sedey, I saw that big cases can bring big changes, and that a life devoted...

As an Associate at Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Binghamton office, Tyler defends the rights of federal and private employees who require assistance with harassment, disability retirement, retaliation, disciplinary, discrimination and adverse action, among a range of other legal matters including Title IX representation. Drawing from his experience as a litigation attorney with several notable law firms within the nation’s capital, Tyler brings a fresh perspective on federal labor and employment law to the area’s practice group at the firm.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Tyler was a litigation attorney with a prominent Washington, D.C. law firm, where he gained extensive experience...

Currently, Kathryn is of counsel at Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP. She practices in the medical malpractice group. She also advises clients, both employers and employees, in all areas of labor and employment law, including preparation of employment agreements and employment manuals and policies, litigation including mediation and arbitration, as well as trials, appeals, and administrative hearings. She also advises clients on general litigation matters.

Previously, Kathryn practiced mainly military law; regularly handling cases involving Article 15s, letters of reprimand, courts-martial, security clearance and officer/enlisted separation proceedings. She also handled discrimination complaints before the Equal Employment Opportunity...

Rachel Wright is an attorney practicing in Tiveron Law’s Corporate & Business Law Department with a heightened focus on the needs of the hospitality industry, nonprofits, small businesses, and compliance. Prior extensive experience in the hospitality industry gives Rachel a unique understanding of the legal needs of that industry. Rachel is equipped to handle Joint ventures, issues in corporate governance and structuring, commercial contracts, entity formation, business compliance, mergers and acquisitions, liquor licensing for bars and restaurants, and issues in employment law. Ms. Wright obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Buffalo School of Law. She also holds a Master...

James R. O’Connor, Esq. is a labor and employment law associate in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Buffalo office, where he focuses his practice on representing clients in federal and private sector employment law claims, including claims involving the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), New York Labor Law, New York Executive Law and Qui Tam claims.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, James was...

Adela graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a triple major in Health Services, Administration of Justice and Communications. She obtained her J.D., cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, with certificates in Civil Litigation and Health Services.

Following graduation, Adela spent almost three years in Boston, Massachusetts representing clients in a variety of matters, including personal injury, summary process, contract disputes, and class action cases. In 2017, she moved to Buffalo, New York where she concentrated her practice in litigation, medical malpractice defense, nursing home defense, employment discrimination defense, and corporate health care matters....

Kevin Burke is a Buffalo business attorney focused on the litigation of contract disputes, labor and employment issues, intellectual property protection, and trade secret cases. Kevin has represented both individuals and businesses since he moved home from Washington, D.C. in 1999, where he graduated with honors from Georgetown University and George Washington University Law School. Kevin has tried dozens of major commercial and employment cases to verdict. He regularly handles appeals before the Appellate Division, State of New York and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. He frequently writes and lectures on employee mobility issues, including the evolving area of...

Katherine Liebner is a shareholder attorney with Buffalo-based Gross Shuman P.C. Her practice areas include estate planning, estate and trust administration, and labor and employment law. Katherine received her J.D. from the University at Buffalo and is admitted to practice before all New York State Courts, Florida State Courts, the federal district courts for the Western District of New York, the Northern District of New York, the District of Colorado and the United States Tax Court. Katherine was named to Buffalo Business First’s inaugural 30 under 30 class in 2012 and selected as a Super Lawyers Upstate New York Rising...