Athol Springs Lawyers

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...

John I. LaMancuso is a Partner and serves as the Chairman of Lewis & Lewis, P.C. John represents individual, business, and municipal clients in litigation and transactional matters in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Erie Counties. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, Super Lawyers named John a Rising Star. To be eligible for designation as a Rising Star, the attorney must be 40 years old or younger and in practice for 10 years or less. No more than 2.5% of lawyers in New York State are designated Rising Stars. John has substantial personal injury experience representing individuals seriously injured in car accidents, work...

Remember the adage, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Well, at Cellino Law, we make sure we get it right the first time. Since joining the firm, I have made it my focus to provide clients with exceptional service and with the utmost integrity. I have devoted my career to helping severely injured individuals and understand the commitment you both need and deserve. I take pride in being part of a team that has achieved tremendous success for clients in a variety of personal injury areas. The consistent courtroom victories are the result of the attorneys’...

Jeffrey Reina is a senior partner at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria and is the head of the Matrimonial Law Practice Area. He has experience handling a variety of matrimonial issues, including divorce, separation, spousal support, same sex marriage, prenuptial agreements, post-judgment, and complex high net worth divorce. Mr. Reina also oversees the firm’s Business & Commercial Litigation Practice Area. He resolves disputes for clients involving contracts, employment agreements, trademarks, copyrights, and partnership and shareholder matters. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mr. Reina spent nearly a decade working in the restaurant industry. For several years, he served as...

When a person suffers a serious injury and places their faith in me to represent them it is a responsibility I take very seriously. I pride myself on open and honest communication with all my clients and give my best effort to explain what can often be a complex legal process every step of the way. Countless times I have represented people who did not believe they were receiving a fair shake from an insurance company. For years, I worked with some of the best defense attorneys in Western New York. I learned invaluable lessons that put me in...

Rachel Wright is an attorney within the Corporate Department of Rupp Pfalzgraf. Rachel's practice has 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...

Ryan D. Ledebur is an attorney at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC, and had initially started with the firm in 2012 when he was employed as a law clerk, and assisted the firm’s litigators in conducting legal research and drafting and editing motions. Prior to joining Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford as an associate attorney in 2016, Mr. Ledebur worked as staff attorney at a legal services agency providing residential foreclosure defense and assisting with consumer debt issues. Currently, Mr. Ledebur concentrates his practice in prosecuting claims against bankrupt asbestos companies on behalf of clients with asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer....

Jonathan D. Schechter is a shareholder attorney with Gross Shuman P.C. in Buffalo, New York. His practice and experience includes business counseling and corporate law, commercial real estate and financing, estates, trusts, taxation and cross-border and business tax planning. Using his in-depth knowledge of tax law, he assists owners of both publicly traded and closely held businesses with their legal needs as well as their personal estate planning. Jonathan provides day-to-day counsel and representation to publicly traded companies, small business enterprises, charter schools and not-for-profits on a wide variety of legal matters. He prides himself in providing services to clients...

John K. Rottaris is a shareholder attorney with Gross Shuan P.C. in Buffalo, New York. He concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial and business litigation, creditors’ rights, commercial collections, landlord-tenant law, bankruptcy law and tax certiorari. He also represents manufacturers and manufacturers’ sales representatives in commission and contract disputes. Mr. Rottaris has represented clients in all phases of trial and appellate practice before local, state and federal courts, as well as alternative dispute resolution forums. He has extensive experience in the area of commercial and business litigation and tax certiorari proceedings. His clients include individuals, small and large business...

Sarah P. Rera is an experienced litigation attorney with Gross Shuman P.C. in Buffalo, New York. Ms. Rera focuses her practice in the areas of personal injury and business litigation. She has served as trial counsel in multiple complex business disputes and personal injury claims in New York State Supreme Court, receiving numerous successful verdicts for her clients. She is also an experienced appellate practitioner and has appeared before the Appellate Division and the New York Court of Appeals, the highest Court in New York.

John F. Leone has practiced over 25 years in the practice areas of pensions, qualified retirement plans, wills, estate planning, estate and trust administration, and residential and commercial real estate. He received both his J.D. and B.S. degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo. In connection with his wills and estates practice, John has successfully defended proponents of wills subject to will contests, contested wills on behalf of beneficiaries, and has filed claims relating to breaches of fiduciary duty by individuals using a power of attorney for their own benefit. John is a frequent author of articles...

Robert Michalak represents contractors, owners, and surety companies. His experience includes contract negotiations, bidding issues, project closeout consultation, mechanic's lien and trust fund filings and challenges, and claim prosecution and defense. Mr. Michalak also represents clients in structuring business and shareholder relationships, real estate development and commercial leases. He regularly represents clients in mediation, arbitration, and litigation.

In addition to his Doctor of Jurisprudence, Mr. Michalak has degrees in mechanical and chemical engineering and has held engineering positions in county government and a Fortune 500 company. Mr. Michalak has been a business law lecturer at the University at Buffalo and a...

Michael Reiser is an Associate Attorney practicing in the firm’s Corporate and Business Department, and handles contract formation and enforcement, corporate matters, collections, and property matters.

Mr. Reiser obtained his B.A. in English, with a minor in Political Science, from John Carroll University, in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Reiser received his Juris Doctor from SUNY Buffalo Law School in 2016, graduating cum laude.

Before joining HoganWillig, Mr. Reiser practiced in real estate, mortgage servicing, mortgage foreclosure litigation, and title resolution.

Jessica B. Smith is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Real Estate Law Department; assisting buyers and sellers through the closing process. Ms. Smith also handles post-closing issues, property tax challenges and landlord-tenant issues.

Ms. Smith obtained her B.A. in Government from Saint Lawrence University, and received her Juris Doctor in 2013 from Barry University School of Law in Orlando, FL. Ms. Smith is admitted to practice law in both New York & Florida.

Before joining HoganWillig, Ms. Smith provided legal advocacy to clients facing eviction, assisted clients to obtain and retain housing subsidies and representing clients in public and subsidized...

I started Mazzu Law PLLC in 2020 as a plaintiff’s personal injury law firm for construction site injuries, auto and trucking accidents, and serious personal injury cases.

In 2009, after working for 10 years as a union ironworker, I suffered a serious spinal injury on a construction site. Rather than letting my injuries define me, I set out to carve my own path and completely redefine who I am and what I’m truly capable of. In 5 years, I completed an associates, bachelors, and a law degree.

In 2015, I started working with some of the top trial attorneys in...

Emily R. Spitzer is a Senior Immigration Attorney at Kruger Immigration Law. Ms. Spitzer is particularly dedicated to using a personal approach to figuring out creative solutions to even the most challenging of matters. She prides herself on navigating her clients through the complex labyrinth that is the court and agency system with the support they need to successfully move forward in this next chapter of their lives. Ms. Spitzer received her Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, graduating cum laude and on the Dean’s Honor List. Additional school recognition also includes the Jacob Hecht Pro Bono...

Harry J. Forrest is a shareholder attorney with Gross Shuman P.C. in Buffalo, New York. Mr. Forrest focuses his legal practice on personal injury claims involving motor vehicle collisions, construction site accidents, fall-down accidents and wrongful death. He also practices in the areas of civil litigation, business counseling and long-term disability claims and appeals. He has successfully handled cases in both federal and state courts and has tried cases to verdict involving claims for personal injury, property damage, contract disputes and constitutional civil rights violations. Mr. Forrest is a graduate of the State University of New York at Brockport where he...

Kevin Lelonek joined Gross Shuman P.C. as a law clerk in May 2014 and then as an attorney in January 2017. He provides counsel to clients in the areas of business bankruptcy and reorganization as well as commercial and business litigation. He earned his M.B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Management and his J.D. from the University at Buffalo Law School in 2016. He also earned his B.A. from SUNY Brockport in 2012.

Mark Rodgers has been litigating cases throughout the eight Western New York cases for more than 25 years. He is proud to be a Buffalo injury attorney. His practice includes the representation of individuals who have been injured in accidents. He has received a top rating from a national peer review organization for both ethical standards and legal ability.

Trevor M. Torcello is a shareholder of Gross Shuman who focuses his practice in the areas of commercial real estate, business transactions, agribusiness and working with emerging businesses. He brings a unique blend of legal experience and business acumen to every matter he handles and has extensive experience representing various parties in complex business transactions. Trevor has a broad background in civil litigation, mediation, and arbitration in handling disputes between businesses. He provides counseling to businesses on a number of current technology-driven issues, including addressing the use of technology and social media in the workplace. Trevor is active in the Western New...

Mary M. Comerford joined Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC as an attorney in March 2012. Ms. Comerford is an attorney whose work focuses on the representation of individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of exposure to asbestos, lead paint, and other toxic substances. Her practice is focused in personal injury litigation. From 1987 to 1992, Ms. Comerford previously served as an associate attorney at Phillips Lytle, LLP, and Cohen Swados Wright Hanifin Bradford & Brett, LLP from 1993-1995. Affiliations Ms. Comerford is a current member of the Board of Directors of Western New York BloodCare, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit New York...

Ms. Gannon joined Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC in 2013, and her work focuses on the representation of individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of exposure to asbestos and other toxic substances. Her practice is focused in asbestos and mesothelioma litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Gannon served as the Director of Alumnae at Mount Mercy Academy where she planned and executed institutional advancement initiatives through marketing and events with alumnae, donors and the community. She was also an associate at a Buffalo law firm in the department that concentrated its practice in toxic torts.

Brian K. Towey, Esq. focuses his practice on plaintiffs’ personal injury, including car accidents, slip & falls, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. Brian also handles criminal defense cases and real estate transactions. Prior to starting his own law practice, Brian was an attorney at local plaintiffs' law firm, where his practice was focused on representing individuals who were injured due to medical malpractice, car accidents, slip & falls, and other personal injury matters. Brian also handled estate administration and litigation matters, estate planning, and real estate transactions. During law school, Brian focused his studies on civil litigation, trial practice, and labor...

Concentrating her practice in toxic tort insurance defense, Jessica works extensively with defendants alleged to have sold "asbestos-containing components" and provides experienced legal advice to a wide range of asbestos clients. These include equipment and friction manufacturers and retailers. This work involves coordinating a team of attorneys and paralegals in managing discovery and preparing cases for trial in high volume, document intensive cases. Jessica handles all aspects of non-asbestos litigation including other product liability matters, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, labor law injuries, coverage litigation, and dog bite claims. Jessica has tried one bench trial to a directed verdict and...

Michael Kuzma is a solo practitioner in Buffalo. He has long viewed the law as being a tool to bring about social, political and economic change. For over three decades, Mike has fought to make government more open and accountable through use of the federal and state Freedom of Information (FOI) laws. He has litigated a number of FOI cases against agencies such as the CIA, FBI and New York State Department of Correctional and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Mike has represented Native American activist and political prisoner, Leonard Peltier, Jalil Muntaqim, Occupy Buffalo and Leslie James...

Jeff is an experienced and proven Workers’ Compensation attorney. Before starting his own firm, Jeff focused his practice on workers’ comp law as a lawyer for another large law firm in Buffalo, NY. When it comes to Workers’ comp law firms in New York State, bigger is not better. Jeff Steenberg will provide the personal attention you and your family deserve. Call today and speak directly with Jeff Steenberg. Let us provide you with peace of mind today.

Throughout my career and currently as a proud trial attorney at Cellino Law, my first and foremost goal and duty as your attorney is to zealously represent you to ensure that you obtain the best possible result. I take pride in my practice being easily accessible to clients, keeping you apprised every step of the way, and involving you in the strategy/decision-making processes of your litigation. My background is deeply rooted in the pursuit of legal endeavors. I hold a B.A. in Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought from Amherst College. I went on to obtain my law degree from Ohio Northern...

I have spent thirty years representing families and professionals across the United States during times when they need a strong advocate by their side. As a member of the Supreme Court of the United States, as well as the Florida and New York bars, I represent men and women in matters such as high net worth divorce, child custody, international custody disputes, parental alienation cases, divorcing the narcissist, complex high-conflict divorce, family business dissolution, child support, and domestic violence. In addition to family law, I handle business matters, including providing human resource advice to small businesses, assisting with start-ups, representing businesses...

Dan is an accomplished trial lawyer with over a decade of experience devoted exclusively to litigating medical malpractice actions. He received his J.D. Magna Cum Laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 2010, where he was an Editor of the Law Review, and his B.A Summa Cum Laude in Philosophy from Syracuse University at Utica College in 2006. Dan served in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Sergeant and being decorated for achievement in 55 combat operations during deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been admitted to practice law in New York State and the Northern...

Michael is a highly accomplished trial attorney based in Upstate New York. A student leader at Harvard who distinguished himself through Army R.O.T.C., he served on active duty in the U.S. Army JAG Corps after earning his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. Devoting his practice to representing injured individuals and families in catastrophic personal injury cases, Mike has secured multiple million-dollar verdicts across consecutive trials, demonstrating his exceptional skills and dedication. An active lecturer and member of various bar associations, Mike currently resides in Fayetteville with his wife and children.

Siana McLean practices exclusively in the area of immigration law, in particular immigration defense. She represents clients in immigration court through applications for relief from removal. Siana also handles all family based immigration cases as well as asylum cases, special immigrant cases and limited business immigration cases. She also handles naturalization cases.

As an immigrant herself, being born in Jamaica, she is uniquely able to understand the intricacies of her client's cases.

Siana prides herself on her honesty and integrity and dedicates herself to every case that she receives.

She considers it an honor to represent her clients through the immigration process.

Katie joined the Workers’ Compensation practice at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC in 2020. She focuses her practice on the representation of injured workers and their families in front of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Prior to joining the firm, Katie spent six years representing employers and insurance carriers in civil litigation, including Workers’ Compensation cases. She also spent time working for a non-profit, representing low income individuals with various housing matters. Ms. Dibble received her undergraduate degree from Binghamton University and her J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law. After law school, Katie...

David Carr is a founder and principle of Santoro, Carr PLLC. He is admitted to practice in New York and the Southern District of New York Federal Court. He is also a member of New York State Bar Association, New York State Trial Lawyers Association and American Bar Association.

Prior to opening the firm, David attended Brooklyn Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 2001 and Fordham University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1998. He previously worked for multiple leading Matrimonial Law firms in New York where he received...

Aggressive yet considerate. The case is about the client. That is my job and my pledge. You will receive all my efforts, experience and energies.

My firm has handled significant injury and wrongful death cases for over 30 years. I served a Past President of the Western New York Trial Lawyers. I have been named to Superlawyers and the Legal Elite of Western New York for many years. I have received the highest ratings from AVVO and Martindale Hubbell. I limit my practice to representing people impacted by significant injury or the death of family members.

I've lived in New York all my life, earning my B.A. from S.U.N.Y. Buffalo in 1975. In 1977, I also earned my Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law. I believe being an active participant in the community is essential for a successful law practice. My law firm partner and I have been working with Buffalo and WNY residents for almost four decades, so we're not surprised when clients tell us we've helped a member of their family or neighbor in the past. We have 13 locations across New York and practice law in many areas. Our website has numerous free...