Houghton Lawyers

Michael T. Benz is an associate attorney in the firm’s litigation department; handling personal injury, medical malpractice, and criminal defense cases. His motto and practice is to prepare every case as though it will be a jury trial; and he is confident that his trial preparation is the key to getting the best result for his clients.

Mr. Benz brings vast trial experience with him to HoganWillig, having tried hundreds of cases as an Assistant Defender at the nationally recognized Defender Association of Philadelphia, before starting his own private criminal defense practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a native “Buffalonian” he...

A skilled trial lawyer, Craig Small has been practicing law since 1995, and in the State of New York and Buffalo, New York since 1998. Craig Small's law firm, Small Law Firm, focuses its attention on representing injured people. Small Law Firm helps with injuries caused by car accidents, nursing home abuse, nursing home pressure or bed sores, fall-downs, biking, boating, and traumatic injuries including brain injuries, paralysis, fractures, and herniated discs. Craig Small has settled significant cases and has won verdicts throughout Western and Central New York. Small Law Firm is a small law firm...

Sandra K. Cassidy practices in HoganWillig’s Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Criminal Defense departments, she brings with her extensive experience as a former criminal prosecutor for the Erie County and Genesee County District Attorney’s office. Ms. Cassidy also served as legal counsel for the famous environmental advocate Erin Brockovich, investigating complaints of chronic cancers in two separate towns in New York, one of which involved the cross-border dumping of illegal toxins. Prior to joining HoganWillig, Ms. Cassidy also practiced law in the Western New York area for several years under her established law practice. Ms. Cassidy has a passion for guiding young...

Jonathan's practice helps businesses of all sizes grow whether it is from inception to a DPO (Direct Public Offering). We are here to provide you and your company with exceptional legal service in one of the most trying times of your business; growth. Additionally, Dunsmoor Law also helps clients with contract disputes, employer/employee agreements, and various other business matters.

Jonathan's prior experience includes being of counsel for a small, international securities firm and various areas of public interest law including a legal fellowship with the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania. Dunsmoor Law represents clients throughout the world regardless of size.

Experienced...

In law school, Mr. London specialized in taxation and after graduation joined a large firm in Buffalo where his practice emphasized tax planning for businesses, individuals and estates. Mr. London established his own practice which over the years grew through referrals from clients, accountants and lawyers. His business clients are both small and large U.S. and Canadian companies and credit unions. "When clients have had unusual challenges I have often been able to fashion unique solutions which enabled a transaction to occur. I believe it is not sufficient for a lawyer to tell a client why something can't be done...

Were you injured in an accident? Did your loved one die due to the negligent or wrongful actions of another person or party? Turn to the personal injury team at Richmond Vona, LLC for reliable legal representation and compassionate, one-on-one counsel. Based in Buffalo, the firm serves clients throughout Western New York. Over the course of more than two decades of combined experience, the firm’s partners have secured more than $150 million for their clients, including over $17 million in jury verdicts. They have the skills, tenacity, and resources to advocate for you.

Because Richmond Vona, LLC takes on fewer...

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...

Jillian Stenzel is an associate attorney with the Real Estate Law Department, focusing her practice on Residential Purchases & Sales, Mortgage Lending, and Title Insurance. Jillian’s past legal experience has been varied, but she became skilled at transactional law while clerking for a solo real estate practitioner. Ms. Stenzel provides legal guidance for real estate closings for private home sales and adeptly represents lending partners when closing real estate contracts. Ms. Stenzel obtained her undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Sociology from SUNY Buffalo State College and her Juris Doctorate from the University at Buffalo School of Law. While at...

Pia Perfetto is an associate attorney at HoganWillig, primarily focusing her practice in the Corporate and Business Practice Group. Ms. Perfetto is also a member of the litigation team who initiated numerous constitutional challenges pertaining to the State of New York’s COVID-19 governmental restrictions. Ms. Perfetto graduated from Canisius College and the University at Buffalo School of Law in 2016 and 2019, respectively. Prior to joining HoganWillig as an attorney, Ms. Perfetto clerked with the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, was a legal intern for the Kinship Care Legal Services Program with the Center for Elder Law and Justice, and worked for...

We are Western New York's largest bankruptcy law firm. We have been in business for 25 years and have helped more than 15,000 individuals and businesses through the bankruptcy process. Our chapter 7 fees start at just $795, and we can file chapter cases with as little as $100 in legal fees up front. We offer free online bankruptcy evaluations, and we also offer free telephone consultations, which can generally be scheduled within 24 hours. We have 12 offices located in the Buffalo and Rochester region.

Jessica Peraza is Counsel working with the firm’s Trusts & Estates Department. She focuses her practice on Estate Planning and Administration, Medicaid and Long-term Care Planning, and Wealth Management. As a law student, she interned for the Hon. Barbara Howe in Erie County Surrogate’s Court and worked in the Public Benefits Unit of Neighborhood Legal Services. Her previous experience includes residential foreclosures, public and private sector labor law, contract negotiations, probate matters, third party credit collections, and representation of clients in administrative hearings and arbitrations. Ms. Peraza attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York where she graduated with a...

A graduate of the SUNY Buffalo Law School, Catherine D. Aughey, Esq. joined Faraci Lange in 2018. At the firm, Catherine focuses her legal practice on medical malpractice cases. She has experience in all phases of civil litigation including depositions, motion practice, hearings and medical malpractice trials.

Prior to joining Faraci Lange, Catherine practiced as an associate attorney in the Litigation Department at HoganWillig, where she started as a Law Clerk in 2014. She also interned at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office in the Domestic Violence Bureau.

Catherine was selected by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as “New...

Nicholas A. Taylor is an Associate Attorney in HoganWillig’s Corporate and Business Department, handling contract formation and enforcement, corporate matters regarding formation, restructuring, and dissolution, and issues regarding commercial leasing of property.

Prior to joining HoganWillig, Mr. Taylor practiced insurance defense litigation, representing insurance carriers, employers, and third party administrators in workers’ compensation proceedings throughout Western New York.

Mr. Taylor graduated from Penn State Law at Pennsylvania State University and is an inducted member of the Woolsack Honor Society, which recognizes academic excellence. He is admitted to practice law in New York and is a member of the New York State and...

Frank M Bogulski was born and raised in Hamburg, NY along the lakeshore where he enjoyed water sports and played ice hockey. He graduated from Frontier High School and received a United States Army ROTC scholarship to attend Cornell University. While at Cornell, Frank studied economics and business and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations. He was active in the Army ROTC program and completed the United States Army Advance Camp at Fort Brag, NC. Following his educational career at Cornell, he was commissioned as a United States Army officer and served in the military...

Amanda Weber is an attorney practicing in Tiveron Law’s Corporate & Business Law, as well as Estate Planning & Elder Law Departments, with an emphasis on business formation, contracts, long-term care planning, and trusts. Ms. Weber obtained her Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, Rhode Island, and her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Niagara University. Amanda has been admitted to practice law in New York, Minnesota, and the District of Columbia. Before joining Tiveron Law, Ms. Weber worked for a local WNY firm focusing on Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Veteran Disability Appeals. Amanda is...

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...

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...

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...

Stephen R. Silverstein concentrates his practice in the areas of estate and disability planning, estate administration, guardianships and elder law.

He is a graduate of the University of Rochester and the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law. He is a former bank trust officer, where he worked on administration of estates, trusts and employee benefit plans.

Mr. Silverstein is a member of the Bar Association of Erie County Surrogate’s Court Committee and serves as the Committee’s Recording Secretary. He is also a member of the Bar Association of Erie County Elder Law Committee and...

Tyler J. Eckert is an attorney, in Tiveron Law’s litigation department, focusing his practice with the Criminal Defense Practice Group. Mr. Eckert obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of California Berkeley and his Juris Doctorate from Penn State Dickinson Law. While in law school, Mr. Eckert was a Regional Champion of the 72nd National Moot Court Competition and a recipient of the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Negotiation/Mediation. Tyler was also a judicial intern to the Honorable William Tully in the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas and had experience clerking for the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office.

JEREMY RICHARDS is a licensed lawyer in the United States, and a Foreign Legal Consultant with the Law Society of Ontario, who devotes his legal practice to US Immigration Law and related matters. He has successfully handled immigration matters for businesses of all sizes and citizens from countries all over the world. He has a broad understanding of US immigration and nationality laws, and can assist with most US immigration law matters, having successfully handled immigration matters for medical professionals, students, professors, individuals, families, employees, small to large businesses, international corporations, colleges and universities, and others. Prior to attending law school...

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...

Joshua F. Scrivani is a litigation attorney in Tiveron Law’s Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice departments. His focus areas within the Personal Injury Department include automobile accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, dog bite incidents, and construction accidents. Before joining the firm, Mr. Scrivani worked at several local personal injury law firms. Early in his legal career, he developed his unwavering passion for helping his seriously injured clients achieve the best possible results. Joshua understands the unique hardships endured by each client and prides himself on his personal approach to every case. Mr. Scrivani grew up in the City of Buffalo...

Michael A. Ponterio is a founding partner of Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC. Since 1985, Mr. Ponterio has represented families who have suffered injuries as a result of exposure to asbestos. He also practices in the areas of catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, defective products and motor vehicle accidents. Mr. Ponterio has dedicated his practice to securing justice for clients who have suffered catastrophic and life-changing injuries. Since 1985, Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford has obtained over one billion in settlements or verdicts on behalf of the firm’s clients. Mr. Ponterio has been representing people suffering from mesothelioma caused by asbestos for...

We help nuclear weapons and uranium workers with their Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) and Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) claims. These are two federal programs that pay compensation to nuclear weapons workers and uranium miners, millers, transporters as well as on-site participants (who were on-site for a test of a nuclear weapon either at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) or in the South Pacific and Downwinders (who lived downwind of the Nevada Test Site during the nuclear weapons testing that took place in the 1940s- 1960s. We also assist parents and their children with certain birth injury...

Our firm focuses on providing effective, compassionate representation in family law cases. Our attorneys have years of experience in representing individuals and families in all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, adoption, and support. We provide aggressive advocacy when warranted while seeking a fair outcome which will help our clients get through a difficult period and on the road to a brighter future. If you are seeking responsive, dedicated representation, please contact our firm to see if you are a good fit for our services.

Jordan C. DiBernardo is an attorney practicing in Tiveron Law's Real Estate, Estate Planning, and Matrimonial and Family Law departments. Mr. DiBernardo received his Juris Doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo and received his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Geneseo in Political Science and International Studies. Prior to joining HoganWillig, Mr. DiBernardo worked for The Law Offices of Randy H. Gugino focusing on helping clients through the estate planning process and closing real estate transactions. In addition, he gained experience working as a law clerk for the Erie County Attorney’s Office. Mr. DiBernardo...

Laraine Kelley is recognized as one of the Western New York region's preeminent medical malpractice attorneys. She has significant experience representing victims of medical malpractice, fighting for clients' rights, finding answers to what happened, and obtaining successful results so justice is served for clients. Her legal skill, track record of results, and professional ethics have been acknowledged by peers, earning her several industry recognitions, including "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America; inclusion in Super Lawyers; and an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Denis Scinta is a member of the Matrimonial & Family Law group at Tiveron Law. Mr. Scinta has focused his practice exclusively in the area of Family Law, with particular expertise in Family Court matters, including: divorce, modification and enforcement proceedings, custody, child support, and more. Over an illustrious career, Denis also has specialized in other more atypical matters, such as adoptions, delinquencies, PINS affairs, and issues regarding the termination of parental rights. Given his diverse work, Mr. Scinta provides Tiveron Law an abundance of experience in all sectors of Family Law. From 1971-1997, Mr. Scinta worked as a partner for...

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...

The Rosenblum Law Firm is the largest and highest customer rated traffic violations law firm in NYC. Experienced and skilled criminal defense and traffic violations attorneys, the Firm has a reputation for aggressive representation for anyone facing criminal charges and traffic violations that may result in jail time, heavy fines, points and license suspension or revocation. Regardless of how simple or complicated the case, the Firm has helped thousands of clients get excellent results. The attorneys at the Firm pride themselves on giving an honest evaluation of the case, being accessible to clients throughout the representation and working relentlessly...

Jillian Faltyn is an associate attorney primarily focusing her practice in the Corporate and Business Law Department. Jillian’s experience representing insurance carriers to resolve complex coverage disputes gave her a strong understanding of labor laws and personal injury-related claims from a commercial litigation focus. Ms. Faltyn obtained her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from SUNY Buffalo State College. After receiving her Juris Doctorate from the University at Buffalo School of Law, Ms. Faltyn has practiced Civil Litigation and Insurance Defense. Ms. Faltyn takes a hands-on approach to assisting corporate clients in developing strategic and innovative solutions to their most challenging litigation matters. Jillian...

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...

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...

Ariel A. Bauerle is a litigation attorney practicing in HoganWillig’s Business, Estate Planning and Matrimonial & Family Law departments. She brings with her a wealth of legal knowledge as a student attorney working for the Family and Women’s Rights Clinic in Buffalo, representing clients in family law issues, including custody, visitation, and support cases. As well as court room experience while serving as a Judicial Intern in Erie County Court.

While receiving her J.D. at the University at Buffalo School of Law, Ms. Bauerle was the Vice President of the Domestic Violence Task Force, a contributing editor for the Buffalo Public...

Paul J. Cambria, Jr. is recognized as one of the nation's preeminent attorneys. He focuses his practice in the areas of criminal trials, criminal appeals, constitutional law, First Amendment law, zoning and land use, antitrust, and professional licensing defense. Mr. Cambria has built a strong reputation for successfully representing individuals and businesses in complex, high-profile cases at all levels of the courts, including state, federal, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Cambria's practice is nationwide, and he divides his time between the firm's offices in Buffalo and Los Angeles. He has represented many prominent individuals, including the...

Joseph C. Crozier is an attorney in Tiveron Law’s Matrimonial and Family Law departments. Mr. Crozier received his Juris Doctorate from the State University at Buffalo School of Law and his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport in Sports Management. During Law School, Joseph concentrated his studies on Matrimonial, Family, and Sports and Entertainment Law. Mr. Crozier’s experience as an intern for Erie County Family Court, Neighborhood Legal Services, and as a Law Clerk for the Erie County Attorney’s Office, as well as many years working with children in local school districts, has given him the ability to understand the complexities of Matrimonial...

Lois is a graduate of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University School of Law and graduated from McMaster University, summa cum laude. While at Hofstra, Lois participated in the Criminal Prosecution Practicum Clinic. Here, Lois gained hands-on experience with numerous types of offenses, including misdemeanor violations, and traffic infractions. Lois is particularly focused on assuring all clients receive continuous and comprehensive communication throughout their legal proceedings. She is licensed to practice law in New York.

Barry Covert focuses his practice New York State and federal criminal trials and appeals; constitutional law, including First Amendment, Second Amendment, and civil rights actions; Qui Tam Act, also known as the False Claims Act; defending against allegations of scientific misconduct, scientific fraud, research misconduct, research fraud, plagiarism, and fabrication of evidence; defense of professional licensing, including for attorneys, doctors, and nurses. Mr. Covert has represented numerous professional clients relating to licensing issues and defended a prominent research scientist against allegations of scientific fraud and misconduct involving several federally funded research projects involving the Office of Research Integrity (ORI)....

Harmony A. Healy is an attorney practicing in HoganWillig’s Matrimonial & Family Law, and Criminal Defense departments. Prior to joining the firm, Harmony was recognized as a focused, ten-year veteran of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office, and an undefeated felony trial attorney with unparalleled experience. Ms. Healy’s previous casework included a broad range of duties, from litigating diverse actions involving violent felonies to leading narcotics investigations and drafting and executing search warrants. Ms. Healy was the Managing Partner of her previous firm, which she led as a highly meticulous and diligent practitioner. Exemplary research and writing skills, along with...