Burdett Lawyers

Nick is a lifelong resident of Syracuse, and of the City’s “Northside.” A graduate of Henninger High School, Nick holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (summa cum laude) in Political Science from Brockport State University, in Brockport, New York, and a Juris Doctor Degree from Western New England College, School of Law, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Nick began his legal career in 1986 by serving as a Deputy County Attorney with the Onondaga County Department of Law, where he prosecuted child abuse and neglect cases. He then went on to serve for 16 years as an Assistant District Attorney with the...

Brent Xavier has been President at Anelli Xavier, since partnering with Tom Anelli in 2006. Over the year, he has helped bring in many former prosecutors and experienced criminal litigators together to form what he believes is the most powerful team of DWI defense lawyers in New York State. His goal is to make sure his team protects clients from the serious consequences of DWI charges. His firm philosophy is that as a whole, individual efforts add up to something bigger collectively for our clients in form of great representation. Brent Xavier received his B.A. degree from Cornell University...

JULIE V. MERSEREAU, ESQ. focuses her practice on Collaborative Family Law and Divorce Mediation. MEDIATION provides assistance to couples as they negotiate towards the resolution of divorce, separation, reconciliation, parenting and other family issues. Mediation is a cooperative settlement process entered into voluntarily. The mediator acts as a neutral professional who helps the participants make practical, informed decisions to resolve their differences. This process encourages the participants to reach a voluntary agreement that is mutually satisfactory. The goal is to accomplish a “win – win” outcome wherein both parties have their needs and goals addressed and are “okay”...

A native Rochesterian, Mark grew up in Penfield, New York. After attending Bishop Kearney High School, Mark pursued a bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Rochester. While attending the U of R, Mark competed nationally within the University Athletic Association conference for the school's indoor and outdoor Track and Field teams, where he was named the team's field captain for his leadership. In his junior year, Mark was accepted into an accelerated 3-2 program for the school's top ranked Public Policy Analysis Program. Mark's master's thesis was a well-received study on the effects of political action committee...

I began my career in 1994 at the City of Syracuse Office of the Corporation Counsel representing the City in workers' compensation matters. I joined the firm of McDonough, Digby and Leiter in 1997, and ultimately formed Leiter and Brune in 2005. In 2006 I joined the firm of Wolff, Goodrich and Goldman specializing in New York Workers' Compensation matters, and was named a partner in 2008. In 2014 I formed The Brune Law Office and now dedicate the firm to representing injured workers.

Benjamin Rabin was admitted to practice law in NY in 1994. After a brief stint as a public defender in Syracuse, NY, he worked for a small practice in Syracuse where he helped start the personal injury department. From there, Ben was hired as counsel for Cigna Insurance Company, and he handled cases all across New York, defending Cigna Insureds who were sued.

In 1999, Ben went back to his passion of representing injured people, working for a personal injury firm in Syracuse. He did that exclusively for over a decade, along the way handling major cases, and great numbers of...

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...

George Gray is a partner in the law firm of Gray & Feldman LLP, where his practice concentrates in the areas of special needs planning, estate planning and administration, business and tax law. He is a member of the Monroe County and New York State Bar Associations and is active in the Tax and Trust and Estates Sections of these associations. He serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Monroe County Estate Planning Council and is active on its Program Committee. SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING: Through his long association with the...

Alison Rich counsels individuals and businesses regarding their entity formation and ongoing operational and contract issues that develop while running their businesses, including financing matters, ownership issues and real estate matters. She also assists in the purchasing and selling of ongoing businesses, including stock and asset acquisitions, mergers and succession planning. In addition, Alison represents individuals and businesses in all aspects of commercial and residential real estate matters. This includes negotiating contracts, assistance with due diligence analysis and closings. Alison also represents commercial borrowers and lenders in various aspects of their financing needs, including commercial mortgages, construction financing, sale-leaseback transactions...

Jerry has been practicing law for over 30 years and concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, trusts & estates and business law. Mr. Antetomaso previously worked with the firms of Culley Marks et al. and Pettig, Overbeck and Reid and most recently operated his own practice for over 22 years. As a complement to his work as an attorney, Jerry has extensive experience in dispensing business counsel. From daily operational matters to long term succession issues, his focus is on maximizing value and mitigating complexity. He endeavors to help clients identify what is important to them and...

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...

For over 35 years Bill Kurtz has been practicing in Syracuse, Onondaga County and throughout Central, New York. We pride ourselves in fighting for our clients and always preparing our cases to go to Court and proceed through the Court until a Judge or Jury makes a decision. We have found that being ready to go to trial allows us to avoid trials and still obtain the best results for our clients. When considering a lawyer ask the lawyer if he has actually had any trial recently in that court or in that area of the law....

20+ years experience in Divorce and Family Law, Support, Adoption, Order of Protection, Post-Divorce, and Estate Planning

Krieger Family Law has a "Unique Skill Set". We know how to win "Order Of Protection" and "Child Custody" cases. We focus specifically on only those 2 subjects. Only in Monroe County. Only in Family Court. No other subjects. No other courts. So we know just what to use in our "legal tool bag" - where to "tap" the case, where to "hit" if necessary - and where to not touch. That only comes from deep experience. Call For A Prompt Consultation: 585-773-1991 Please mention "Justia" for expedited handling of your inquiry.

Criminal defense lawyer currently representing defendants in Monroe County, NY and surrounding areas. I've practiced criminal law for over 30 years – first as a prosecutor, then as a defense attorney – and have defended clients against many different kinds of criminal charges. Some of these areas of expertise, including assault, homicide, drug crimes and more, are listed on my website, loboscodefense.com.

From a very young age, I knew two things – (1) I wanted to be a lawyer, and (2) I wanted to help people. Growing up in a small rural community in Western New York instilled in me certain values that guide me not only in my personal life but also in my professional life as an attorney. I approach every interaction with my clients based upon my belief that I owe them a duty to represent their interests and service their needs to the fullest extent possible. My clients all get my personal attention and deal with me directly...

Spencer D. Shapiro is a litigator at Horn Wright, LLP, with extensive experience handling civil rights, personal injury, and municipal law cases in the New York State Supreme Courts and Federal District Courts. As a Deputy County Attorney for the Litigation and Appeals Bureau of the Nassau County Attorney’s office, Mr. Shapiro aggressively defended the County against claims of municipal liability through motion practice, depositions, and at trial, taking several cases to verdict. As a founding member of the Early Case Assessment and Litigation Support Section, Mr. Shapiro also oversaw the intake and triage of notices of claims received by the...

Michael T. Dwan is principal of The Law Offices of Michael T. Dwan. Mr. Dwan handles Real Estate transactions, Estate Planning and Criminal Defense. Mr. Dwan is one of the top trial lawyers in Erie County.

Mr. Dwan is the son of longtime Judge and trial attorney Timothy J. Dwan.

Mr. Dwan received his undergraduate degree from Niagara University, and received his J.D. from the University of Buffalo Law School. He has also served as an adjunct criminal justice professor at Erie Community College and is frequently asked to be a guest lecturer at the University of Buffalo.

I am a Central New York Native, and in addition to my law practice experience, I have over 30 years of experience as an educator at the grade school and college levels. I am also the step-parent of a special needs child, and this has been instrumental in my development of skills as an advocate for special needs students. I have also had extensive experience as a Managing Partner for two law firms in Central New York. In September of 2021, I returned to Madison County to continue my practice with Taylor & Miller, a highly respected law...

I joined Dwyer, Black & Lyle, LLP as an associate attorney in 2008 and became a partner there in 2011. In 2015, we changed the name to Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP. I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York at Brockport and graduated cum laude from law school at the State University of New York at Buffalo. I am admitted to practice law in both New York and Pennsylvania. I am a member of the American Association for Justice, New York State Trial Lawyers Association, Allegany County Bar Association...

Ms. Colavita completed her undergraduate studies at St. Bonaventure University, where she graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science. She attended law school at the Charlotte School of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree. To date, Ms. Colavita has represented hundreds of clients with a strong commitment to client satisfaction and excellence in the practice of law. During the course of her legal career, she has published several legal articles in peer-reviewed journals and has instructed her peers in a Continuing Legal Education course on Social Security Disability. Ms. Colavita is admitted...

- Eagle Scout - BS and MS in Computer Science - former Attorney for the Village of Cherry Valley New York - former Attorney for the Town of Edmeston New York - Attorney for the Cherry Valley Children's Christmas Fund, Inc.

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...

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.

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...

Denis has been a lifelong resident of Western New York, a graduate of Kenmore West, High School, a U.S. Naval Aviator, and an attorney for over 40 years.

A native of Rochester, New York, Derek S. Wild, Esq. graduated from Syracuse University College of Law. Mr. Wild has dedicated his entire career to DWI Defense and Criminal Defense. For over a decade Mr. Wild has represented clients accused of a wide variety of crimes, from minor violations to serious felonies.

Gabriella MacDonald, Esq. was born and raised in Monroe County. She is a graduate of the New York State University at Buffalo Law School, where she was presented with awards including a spot on the Public Service Honor Roll, and also the CALI award, which recognizes her outstanding achievements in trial advocacy.

While attending law school, Ms. MacDonald also spent time as a teaching assistant, she was a member of the UB Law Mock Trial Team, and she was a member of the Erie County Woman’s Bar Association. She also volunteered to coach mock trial students at a local...

Palmer J. Pelella is dedicated to providing outstanding service and legal advocacy for clients throughout Central New York. His practice areas include Estate Planning, Probate, and Traffic Tickets, Real Estate, and Business Law needs. A former Assistant District Attorney, Palmer brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to a multitude of legal matters.

Palmer J. Pelella Esq. is a full service, boutique law firm committed to delivering exceptional representation with reliability, efficiency and integrity. If you would like to talk, please reach out to schedule a Free Consultation.

A good lawyer can make the difference!

Donald Fox practices in the areas of real estate, trusts and estates and business related issues. He also has a busy practice in the area of not-for-profit organizations and serves as counsel for churches, fire departments and numerous other community organizations. Don counsels extensively with the firm’s business clients in all areas of contracts, leasing and business transactions. His extensive background in tax gives him a unique understanding of complex business issues from multiple perspectives. This skill also permits an in-depth analysis in the area of estate planning. In the face of many public policy uncertainties, Don’s in-depth knowledge...

I have prosecuted hundreds of DWI cases at both the misdemeanor and felony level, including matters involving serious injuries, repeat offenders and vehicular homicides. I've successfully conducted numerous DWI trials and my knowledge of DWI law combined with my courtroom experience provides a level of expertise that serves to ensure that our clients receive the best representation possible when charged with DWI and related offenses. I was also responsible for the prosecution of violent felony offenses including burglary, robbery, assault, illegal weapons possession and homicides. These duties included conducting countless hearings and trials. My experience in handling the most...

Scott R. Kurkoski is the Assistant Managing Partner in the Binghamton, New York law firm of Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP. Mr. Kurkoski concentrates his practice in the areas of business and real estate transactions, wind and solar energy projects and commercial litigation. He is Chair of the firm’s Energy and Cannabis Practice Groups.

Justin Salkin has experience in all phases of litigation in medical malpractice and insurance defense matters. He handles motions, depositions, and has achieved the dismissal of cases and strong settlements for his clients. He routinely defends civil service employees at arbitration as well.

I have successfully represented people injured in construction accidents by developing special expertise in the area, working with renowned experts in the field and have played a role in the development of the law. I also regularly resolve cases involving products liability, chemical exposure, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and wrongful death. As part and parcel of my representation of people injured or damaged I regularly take on insurance companies who deny coverage.

I practice in the New York State courts of Southern and Central New York including the counties of Broome, Tioga, Delaware, Chenango, Tompkins, Cortland, Steuben,...

Holly Avery has 13 years of experience representing clients in matters involving business and corporate law, residential and commercial real estate, leasing and oil and gas law. Her practice includes assisting clients in areas such as Binghamton, Owego, Ithaca, Cortland, Syracuse and Broome County, Onondaga County and Erie County.

With nearly three decades of professional experience, I have a broad background in commercial real estate transactions. My skills range from drafting and negotiating operating agreements to advising on syndications, which includes financial analyses and preparing presentations, as well as vetting deals. I am also adept at negotiating purchase agreements, mortgage agreements, and more. My career has seen me work at one of the largest law firms globally in their New York City offices, serve as General Counsel for a prominent real estate company, and manage my own real estate assets in the Tri-Cities area. Although I am trained as...

Extensive courtroom experience.