Reading Center Lawyers

My name is Nicholas Andrews. I decided to become a lawyer when I was a junior in high school. Before that, I never really knew what I wanted to be. In elementary school I thought I would be a fireman because they drove cool trucks, or maybe an “army guy” like my big brother. In junior high, I thought about being a chemist. But I quickly discovered I was not cut out for that. Nothing else really appealed to me, until I heard someone mention how someone else would make a good lawyer. That got me thinking that maybe I...

We chose to remain a small law office to provide personal, dedicated and aggressive service to our clients. My office costs a few dollars more but excellent service takes time and strategy. Offsetting our higher fees we have payment plans. We have seven lawyers working together to get the best solutions. As a small firm we call upon all areas of the law to form a comprehensive strategy and plan. As in a game making the right move determines the outcome of the case. A divorce case is often helped by a bankruptcy or our tax law knowledge. We create...

As a Senior Associate in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Real Estate Law practice, Raymond focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate financing transactions, commercial real estate transactions and development, title review and commitment preparation. He represents developers in subdivision acquisitions, and he represents lenders in commercial and residential mortgage transactions, as well as commercial and residential purchasers and sellers.

Raymond has extensive experience drafting residential and commercial contracts of sale, leases and mortgage documents including, but not limited to: commitment letters, promissory notes, mortgages, security agreements, assignment of rents and leases, environmental compliance and indemnity agreements, unlimited guarantees and UCC-1...

Jason graduated cum laude from St. John Fisher College in 2010. He then attended SUNY Buffalo Law School where he graduated cum laude in 2013. While attending law school, he worked as a law clerk at two local personal injury firms and saw firsthand the hardship individuals are forced to endure after a serious personal injury. He decided to focus his legal career on helping individuals suffering from serious personal injuries. Jason handles cases from intake through resolution and has experience handling various personal injury matters, including motor vehicle crashes, motorcycle crashes, tractor trailer crashes, dog bites, slip and falls, 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...

Ben Calkins is an honors graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School.After law school, Mr. Calkins clerked for a Federal Judge before joining one of the World's largest law firms, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey.Mr. Calkins has also worked at and been a partner in several of the other most prominent old style law firms.

Ben Calkins started listening to the clients and to their many complaints about old style law firms.Mr. Calkins was committed to complete and total client satisfaction from the start of his legal career and recalls, with some pride, a client at his first...

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...

Steve Boyd spent 16 years as a reporter telling people’s stories. As an attorney, he has travelled the country studying the art of storytelling in the courtroom. His goal is to find the most open and honest way to share the true nature and full extent of the losses suffered by his clients.

Steve is the first New York attorney to graduate from the top two trial colleges in the country: The Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming and the Keenan Trial Institute in Atlanta. Recently, Steve has travelled to eight states to study, teach and stay on the cutting edge of...

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”...

Peter Rodgers represents individuals in trials involving personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, wrongful death and business disputes. He is a frequent lecturer on trial practice for the New York State and local bar associations. He has authored articles on trial practice. His work in medical malpractice has involved cardiac, neurologic, obstetrical, orthopedic, vascular and infectious disease lawsuits including the failure to diagnose cancer, heart disease and infectious disease. Peter has represented patients who are victims of surgical error and emergency room neglect. He also has represented those injured or killed in auto, premises and workplace accidents.

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...

As a Partner in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Binghamton office, Kevin focuses his practice on real estate law and trust and estate law. He represents buyers, sellers and lenders in real estate transactions, and he appears before courts for out-of-area landlords in landlord-tenant disputes. Additionally, he works with clients on matters involving wills and estates.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Kevin operated his own real estate practice in Binghamton for more than 20 years. As part of his practice, Kevin is as an authorized agent for Stewart Title Insurance Company. He previously worked at several Binghamton-area law firms, which gave him...

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...

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...

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...

Attorney Goldenberg is the founder of the New York law firm, the Law Office of Simon Goldenberg, PLLC. Mr. Goldenberg acknowledges how stressful it is to be in a position of financial difficulty, and he strives to help every client obtain relief from their debts. Whether you are considering filing for bankruptcy or being harassed by debt collectors, you can trust that Attorney Goldenberg will provide you with trusted counsel and an effective solution. To find out more about retaining Mr. Goldenberg’s representation, contact the firm today!

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...

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...

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.

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...

I practice in all areas of personal injury at The Dietrich Law Firm, fighting for the rights of those that were wrongly and seriously injured by someone else’s negligence. I welcome the opportunity to advocate for your rights when you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle collision, slip and fall, worksite construction accident, trucking collision or on someone’s property. I strive to maintain personal contact throughout your case from inception to conclusion; listen to your concerns; guide you step-by-step through the legal process; and, aggressively pursue your interests for just compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not have your...

Ms. Thomas is a partner at Lacy Katzen LLP in the firm's litigation group. She is chair of the firm’s personal injury litigation department and has been a trial attorney for over 31 years. Her practice is focused in civil litigation including personal injury, medical malpractice, hospital malpractice, nursing home negligence, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, construction site accidents, dog bites, commercial and estate litigation. Ms. Thomas is knowledgeable in the area of insurance coverage litigation and represents insurance policy holders in coverage dispute litigation against their insurance companies. She has also represented policy holders as...

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...

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....

Thomas B. Mafrici started the Mafrici Law Office in 1993. At the time he was employed part time as Session Counsel to the NYS Assembly Transportation Committee. Since the beginning the emphasis has been on traffic tickets anywhere in the State of New York. It wasn’t easy to get a volume of tickets before the internet so Mafrici catered to covering appearances for other attorneys in NY and Canada. With the advent of the internet the Mafrici Law Office PC has grown to become one of the leading law firms in New York State focusing solely on traffic ticket representation....

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...

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.

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...

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...

Danielle DeJoseph is an Associate Attorney at Pfalzgraf Beinhauer Grear Harris Schuller LLP. Her practice is focused in the areas of Probate, Estate Administration, and Estate Planning. Danielle was admitted to the Bar in the state of New York in 2018 and is a member of the Erie County Bar Association. She has been practicing as an estate attorney in Western New York for four years. Danielle graduated summa cum laude from Buffalo State College in 2013 with a major in English Literature. She received her legal education at the University at Buffalo School of Law, where she graduated with a J.D....

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...

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.

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.