Wanakena Lawyers

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....

Jathniel Shao is a lawyer in New York, Chicago, Cleveland, and Manila. Originally from Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, Jath grew up bouncing between Asia and America and speaks Hokkien, Mandarin, and Tagalog fluently. Jath received his BA from Beloit College in Wisconsin, and his JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he was a founding board member of the Asian Law Student Association (ALSA) and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of Ohio (FALA Ohio). At the same time, he was a law clerk here at Herman Legal Group. Prior to rejoining Herman Legal Group as Of...

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...

Joseph de Perio is an associate attorney with Gross Shuman P.C. in Buffalo, New York. He focuses his practice in the areas of Business and Corporate Law and Real Estate and Development. He has worked closely with our teams in both practice areas to serve our clients. His experience in those areas includes: Business & Corporate Law Drafting Corporate Governance documents, including bylaws and board resolutions Assisting in the formation and dissolution of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs) and partnerships Drafting operating agreements for LLCs Real Estate and Development Drafting real estate closing documents Assisting in title examination Assisting in the submittal of a minor subdivision...

Anne E. Joynt is a Junior Partner at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC, and she has spent her entire legal career at the firm, having joined straight out of law school in 2005. She focuses her practice on representing those affected by childhood lead poisoning, and also has experience in other cases including those involving asbestos exposure, motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, and defective products. She also represents clients who sustained abuse as children. She has participated in all aspects of a personal injury case, including trial. In October of 2014, she, along with Joseph Kremer and Zachary...

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...

Debra Cohn is the Managing Partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Binghamton office. She focuses her practice on Family and Matrimonial Law, including Divorce, Child Support, Child Custody, Child Visitation, Spousal Support and Paternity. Debra has over 10 years of experience and skill representing clients in a vast array of topics relating to family and matrimonial law. She is dedicated to providing exceptional representation and the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Debra is a member of the New York State Bar Association and Broome County Bar Association. She has an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating. Debra received...

A tough, aggressive trial lawyer, Michael Anthony Rossi began practicing in New York in 1981 and went on to form The Rossi Law Firm. The Rossi Law firm is a “results oriented” criminal and civil litigation firm with offices in Downtown Buffalo, representing clients throughout NY State. In his 42 years of practice, Michael has focused his expertise in the areas of serious personal injury claims, complex divorce and custody matters, and criminal and DWI defense. As senior trial counsel of the firm, Michael is a fierce advocate for his clients because he knows how important results are. He has demonstrated...

Michelle practices exclusively in the field of matrimonial and family law, concentrating on matrimonial and family law, custody, domestic violence, and interstate issues. She has extensive experience representing clients in both Supreme and Family Court.

Our goal is to be trusted advisors who are accessible and responsive to our clients needs and concerns. It is our belief that our success has been a result of our commitment to provide our clients with exceptional service.

Christopher ("Chris") Luhn practices law primarily in New York's Capital Region, which is to say in the Upstate counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, and, oftentimes, in Warren and Washinton counties, as well. Chris moved to Saratoga Springs with his wife and two step-children Immediately after completing his law studies at the University of Baltimore School of Law in June 1985. After passing both the Maryland and the New York Bar exams, he began practicing exclusively in the field of personal injury trial law until August 2000 when he joined the New York State Attorney General's Civil Litigation Trial...

Highly rated upstate New York litigator.

Glenn did his undergraduate work at the Boston University School of Management (B.S.B.A magna cum laude), received a Master’s Degree from the Philosophy Department at the University of Chicago and his J.D. from Albany Law School. He has been practicing Law in Schenectady, NY since 1985, initially in the Criminal Defense Arena and for the past 25 years in Trusts and Estates, Elder Law and Real Estate.
Glenn is Co-Vice Chair of the Health Care Committee of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association; and a Member of the National Academy of Elder Law...

Peter Lomtevas is a licensed family law attorney specializing in divorce, child support, and child custody cases formerly in Schenectady and the New York Capitol region. A graduate of The Kew Forest School, Hofstra, and Touro College Law Center, Peter is also a member of the New York State Bar Association. Education • The Kew Forest School, 1966 - 1978 • Hofstra University, 1978 - 1981 • Touro College Law Center, 1993 - 1996 Civilian Awards • Distinguished Public Service Award, 2006: Brooklyn Borough President • Businessman of the Year, 2006: National Republican Congressional ...

Michael M. Marques is the founder and principal attorney of The Marques Law Firm, PLLC. The firm focuses on estate planning, wealth preservation, tax audit, business formation as well as internet, eCommerce and personal injury. Michael was previously with the Law Offices of Kiepura & Associates, a sophisticated boutique law firm focused on personal and corporate tax and finance law. Michael has represented numerous clients on a wide range of issues from comprehensive estate plans to large Internal Revenue Service and state audits.

Richard W. Gunger has been practicing Law for almost 30 years with offices located at 5 Court Street, Auburn, New York proudly serving clients throughout Central New York and the surrounding areas. He works tirelessly for his clients and prides himself on obtaining the absolute best result for each and every client.

General Practice of Law including Bankruptcy (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13), Divorce, Separation, Wills and Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, Probate, Adoptions, Automobile Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Brain Injures, Guardianship, Adoption, Personal Injury, Small Claims, Appeals, Civil and Criminal Litigation, Real Estate, Real Estate Litigation, House...

EXPERIENCED, COMPETENT AND COMPASSIONATE DIVORCE ATTORNEY Moving forward towards separation and divorce can be a difficult and confusing time. Jo Ann Shartrand has the experience to guide you through the best legal process to meet your individual situation. She is an experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorney, but she also specializes in alternative dispute resolution options such as Collaborative Divorce and Divorce and Family Mediation. Choosing the best option for your divorce and separation is an important first step, so please contact Ms. Shartrand for a consultation to discuss all of the options for your individual...

Mr. John (“Jack”) Dennis is a seasoned CPA and law professional with an illustrious career in both law and accounting. Admitted to practice as an attorney in August of 1972, he achieved another milestone the same month by passing the CPA exam. He honed his skills while working alongside, renowned tax attorney, Louis Lombardi until Mr. Lombardi’s passing. Subsequently, Jack joined Peat Marwick & Co., where he excelled in both the audit and tax departments for several years. In 1977, Jack ventured into his own private practice, establishing his legal and accounting practices in the well-regarded firms of Dennis & Bloch...

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.

Scott is a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law and received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University. Scott’s passion for analyzing complex issues and breaking them down into simpler terms led him to law school and ultimately to Rosenblum Law where he excels at working to help clients understand the law and the legal options available to them. A technology enthusiast, Scott’s hobbies include building computers and entertainment systems for his friends and family. Mr. Glatstian is licensed to practice law in both New York and New Jersey and joined Rosenblum Law in 2020. He is a member of...

Matthew J. Simone is a partner at the law firm of Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Gerstenzang. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Binghamton University in 2010 and graduated from Albany Law School in 2013. During Matthew’s tenure at Binghamton University, he majored in financial management, was a Division 1 Scholarship Athlete and captain of the baseball team in his senior year. In law school, Matthew interned at the Schenectady County Public Defender’s Office and the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. Prior to joining the firm, Matthew was an associate attorney at a local firm where he practiced in the areas of DWI...

Jonathan Cohn is a partner at Gerstenzang, Sills, Cohn & Gerstenzang. His practice is focused on criminal defense -- with an emphasis on alcohol-related offenses. This includes litigating difficult DWI cases where the outcome is of the utmost importance for his clients. In addition, Jonathan Cohn routinely lectures throughout the State on DWI topics.

April is a Partner at Whiteman Osterman Hanna LLP. With over 20 years of experience, she is a seasoned litigator and trial lawyer. Her practice focuses in the areas of Matrimonial and Family Law, and Personal Injury including divorce, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, separation agreements, custody, family offenses and child support. April received her B.A., cum laude, from the State University at Albany in 1998. Her J.D. was earned, cum laude, from Albany Law School in 2001. April is admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals For the Second Circuit, United States District...

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...

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...

Brendan focuses his practice on developing and managing global talent acquisition programs for large and small employers seeking to fill highly skilled positions in the United States. He counsels employers located throughout New York, the United States and internationally and assists with obtaining immigration status and employment authorization for employees in both nonimmigrant and immigrant (permanent resident/“green card”) visa categories. His practice includes an emphasis on assisting college/university faculty members and medical professionals with complex immigration issues such as J-1 waivers, O-1 visas, and permanent residency through the National Interest Waiver, Outstanding Professor/Researcher, and Alien of Extraordinary Ability categories. Brendan...

Mr. Pinnisi is the Chief Legal Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the GoDigital Media Group, an international conglomerate engaged primarily in the purchase and licensing of music and film catalogues. Immediately prior to undertaking that position he as a Partner of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, where he handled corporate and litigation matters; and before that the General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of Hudson Executive Capital LP (for Douglas Braunstein, Vice Chairman of Wells Fargo and formerly Vice Chairman of JPMorgan Chase). He is a "lawyer's lawyer," having advised and represented attorneys listed in "Best Lawyers...

Former Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years gaining extensive trial advocacy experience. Worked as the Assistant City Attorney for a suburban city in Franklin County practicing in Ohio municipal law. Entered private practice serving the needs of clients in a wide number of legal areas. My practice is now limited to Family Law matters and Divorce in New York state. Also licensed in Ohio.

Thomas P. Setser, a Senior Associate in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Rochester office, possesses extensive courtroom experience in all matters of litigation, having served the last 19 years as a military defense counsel, civilian counsel and Assistant District Attorney.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey, Thomas began his legal career as U. S. Navy Judge Advocate, where he served on active duty as a military defense counsel, legal assistance attorney, discipline officer and brig officer. Upon leaving active duty, he opened his own legal practice as a solo practitioner and continued his military service as a Navy Reservist. After a one-year...

Donald O. Chesworth, a Partner in the Rochester office of Tully Rinckey PLLC, focuses his practice on governmental compliance, business law, municipal liability, commercial law, employment law and management issues.

Donald was admitted to the bar in Connecticut in 1966 and in New York in 1972. He is no longer active in the Connecticut bar. He is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Donald graduated from Graceland College, magnum cum laude in 1963 and from Yale Law School with a Juris...

Matthew Winchell, an Associate at Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Rochester office, specializes in criminal law, military law, and the protection of 2nd Amendment rights. He has successfully defended numerous clients in a wide range of criminal cases, including drug, weapon, and sex crime charges. Matthew represented multiple clients in New York State Supreme Court concerning Extreme Risk Protection Orders and has authored several articles advocating for 2nd Amendment rights. Matthew's professional journey began in the United States Navy immediately after high school. Over ten years of service, he held various roles and achieved the rank of Operations Specialist 1st Class. He served in...

I have been practicing law in Rochester, New York, and nearby towns for the past 13 years. I concentrate my practice in matrimonial and family law. I counsel my clients on divorce, separation, custody, relocation, child support, adoption, premarital and postmarital agreements. More specifically, I assist my clients with such matters as: * Adoption * Alimony/Maintenance * Annulments * Child Abuse * Child Custody * Child Support * Child Support Enforcement * Dependency Proceedings * Divorce * Domestic Partnerships * Domestic Violence Orders * Family Court Proceedings * Family Law * Fertility and Surrogacy * Foreign Adoption * Foster Care * Grandparent Custody & Visitation Rights * Grandparent Rights * Guardianship * Name Change * Parental Rights * Paternity * Postnuptial Agreements *...

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.

The Law Office of Paul G. Barden, PLLC focuses on personal injury litigation, medical malpractice claims, and healthcare licensing issues. As a former JAG officer, I have the experience and knowledge necessary for helping my clients obtain the justice they deserve. Contact the office today for a free consultation!

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,...

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...

Mr. Finkelstein is the Managing Partner of Finkelstein & Partners. He has become a noted consumer activist through his representation of injured individuals against corporate wrong doers and irresponsible parties. An accomplished litigator, Mr. Finkelstein has represented Plaintiffs in wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases arising from defective drugs, dangerous consumer products, automobile, bus and motorcycle accidents, dog bites, fall down accidents and air craft crashes. He has successfully handled dozens of multi-million dollar cases, including a $9 million dollar recovery for catastrophic injuries from a construction accident, $3.5 million dollars for injuries sustained in a car...

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.

Kenneth Kraus helps individuals and families prepare their estate plan, including Wills, asset protection Trusts, Supplemental Needs Trusts (SNTs), Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies. He also assists with the probate process including the preparation of income, fiduciary, gift and estate tax returns and the sale of real estate. In addition, Ken works with families to help them understand the complexities of long-term care financing, including Medicare, Medicaid, home care and nursing home planning. Given the ever-changing estate and income tax laws and the increasing concern of special needs and long-term care planning, Ken’s depth and breadth of experience...