Rye Business 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...

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...

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...

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...

Jim Hacker is a 1981 graduate of Hamilton College and a 1984 graduate of Albany Law School. He is a member of the Hamilton College Board of Trustees and is The Chair of the Albany Law Board of Trustees.

He is an elected Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. The College is comprised of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada and membership is by invitation only. He is also an elected fellow of the International College of Trial Lawyers whose membership is limited to...

Sabastian S. Piedmont is an Associate Attorney at Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC, where he brings a unique combination of courtroom experience, strategic insight, and a client-centered approach to a wide range of legal matters. Based in the firm’s Rochester office, Sabastian represents clients throughout Western and Central New York in cases involving insurance defense, family and matrimonial law, labor and employment disputes, municipal law, education law, and complex civil litigation. A former educator turned litigator, Sabastian approaches the practice of law with the same principles that guided his work in the classroom: collaboration, communication, and creativity. His background in adolescent education—both general...

As a tax attorney at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, my role is to advise clients on how to reduce tax liability and limit exposure to additional taxes and penalties. I advise our business clients in many complex transactions, such as triangular mergers, spin-offs, and stock-for-stock acquisitions. I also assist our business clients in complicated planning issues, such as analyzing new markets tax credits, drafting opinion letters, and selling businesses and assets. I help clients avoid exposure to civil and criminal tax penalties at all stages from audit to trial. I have represented...

After graduating from Manhattan College in 2009, Jacob began his career as a Special Education Advocate & Paralegal. For seven years he worked for a reputable Manhattan-based law firm that concentrates on advocating for students with special needs. As an Advocate, Jacob would often attend Committee on Special Education (“CSE”) meetings alongside parents, providing them with assistance in the development of their children’s Individual Education Programs (“IEP”) and/or 504 Plans. When disputes arose with local school districts, Jacob assisted attorneys in all phases of the administrative due process procedure provided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA"). This often...

With more than 15 years, in the estate and long-term care planning field, James provides counsel to individuals, families and business to guide them to achieve their planning goals by implementing strategies customized for each client's unique circumstances.

James focuses his practice in elder law, trusts and estates, guardianship, special needs planning, and business formation and succession planning.

Sam Breslin represents both individual and corporate clients in a variety of matters, from state and federal criminal defense to personal injury and complex commercial litigation. Criminal: Sam represents clients in all criminal matters including DWI/DUI charges, as well as all other violations, misdemeanors and felonies in federal, state and local courts. Many criminal charges, no matter how minor, carry the risk of long-term consequences. In defending his clients, Sam strives to make them aware of these collateral consequences and craft a defense strategy to minimize them. Personal Injury: Sam aggressively represents clients injured as the...

Lisa specializes in complex financing and property transactions. She represents borrowers, lenders, developers, builders, investors, and sellers. Lisa has forged a reputation as being thorough, attentive, and detailed. Her trademark fine tooth comb approach has proven to be an invaluable asset to her clients. It has resulted in her closing over 100 million dollars’ worth of loan transactions and being selected to represent some of the area’s leading commercial lenders and developers. She also has experience in tax credit equity financing, entity matters and helping her clients navigate through the economic development process.

I am a graduate of Wesleyan University and the Boston University School of Law. During my career as an attorney, prior to my current solo practive, I have worked as a government regulatory trial attorney for the State Public Service Commission, an in house counsel for a Fortune 100 corporation, and as a partner or counsel for a several Albany and Syracuse based medium sized law firms. I am committed to helping people and small businesses with their legal problems at a reasonable, fixed "no surprises" rate not based on the common "hourly billing" model. I am...

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...

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...

Julia is a passionate litigator practicing in commercial litigation and general liability insurance defense. She is also a skilled advisor to individuals and businesses in the cannabis industry, advising clients on cannabis related contracts, licensing, regulations, and compliance matters. Julia’s long-time passion for aiding the cannabis industry began by seeing how life changing cannabis was for her grandmother battling terminal cancer. Her dedication to helping people achieve their goals within the cannabis community is unrivaled. Julia understands the inherent risks with entering an industry that remains federally illegal and highly stigmatized, and hopes that through community outreach, education, and positive...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

Shaw & Murphy is a general practice law firm focused on providing high-caliber, personal and commercial legal service to clients in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier of New York.

We are a general practice on purpose: We believe clients benefit from a broad view of the law. We understand, for example, how divorce, custody, visitation and child support impact your business or that buying a house can also impact your estate planning.

Our lawyers and paralegals work together to provide clients with cost-effective solutions. We offer our wide experience in many areas of the law and our varied life experiences as...

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...

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.

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.

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!

Douglas James Rose is a Partner in the litigation department of Tully Rinckey PLLC. Douglas focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation issues, including real estate, zoning, and land use, as well as contract actions and creditor-debtor relations. He previously worked in the Albany office of Deily, Mooney, & Glastetter, LLP. Prior to entering the legal profession, Doug served in the United States Coast Guard. Deployed primarily on law enforcement patrol duties in the Caribbean, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade). Doug received his J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law, where he was a Dean’s Merit...

The Ganje Law Office has earned a reputation for quality in the areas of Business and Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Banking and Financial Institution Law, and Real Estate Law. We have been providing comprehensive legal services to businesses for over 20 years. We have gained the respect of regional and national corporations and strive to foster strong business relationships with our clients. The Firm provides legal counsel and day-to-day operational guidance to banks, financial institutions and corporate clients. The firm provides legal services for commercial banks, finance companies and other financial institutions. We offer counsel in connection with financing, lending...

Richard practices general business law with an emphasis on taxation. He has wide-ranging experience in legal issues facing businesses includes: organizing corporations, limited liability companies, purchasing and selling businesses, leveraged buy-out transactions, financing arrangements, capital raising, venture capital, leasing and leveraged leasing, reorganizations/restructurings, shareholder agreements and disputes, qualified pension/profit sharing plans, ESOPs, and executive compensation plans. He represents clients in disputes with federal and state taxing authorities. Richard also engages in estate and management succession planning, particularly involving interests in closely-held businesses.

Richard was an Adjunct Professor of Law at Albany Law School from 1975 to 1999, where he taught courses...

Provide closing and title services to national and local banks, mortgage companies, loan officers, brokers, and consumers. Write deeds, search titles, prepare and process closing documents, disburse settlement funds, and execute closings. Landlord-tenant law. Analyze legal liability of businesses and implement crucial policies necessary to safeguard against potential legal claims. Form domestic and foreign corporations and other business entities. Prepare various legal disclaimers and contracts essential to protect businesses including but not limited to employee handbooks, confidentiality agreements, and corporate resolutions. Represent parties at school meetings, mediation sessions, and due process hearings. Civil litigation. Select constitutional law and discrimination cases...

Hayden R. Brainard, Jr. is a Partner in Miller Mayer’s Corporate Law and Intellectual Property practice groups. Mr. Brainard focuses his practice on corporate law. Mr. Brainard’s corporate practice includes advising entrepreneurs and small and medium size businesses in business formation and governance, employment matters, commercial real estate, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, succession planning, and financing, including venture capital. Mr. Brainard also practices intellectual property law, including advising clients in intellectual property protection, trademark and copyright registration, licensing, negotiation and preparation of software development and service agreements. Mr. Brainard is a member of the New York...

John has practiced law in Rochester for over 15 years and is admitted to practice in the following courts: New York State Court, U.S District Court for the Western District of New York, and United States Bankruptcy Court. He also currently serves as a justice for the Town of Pittsford, where he presides over civil matters including contract, real property, and municipal law, small claims, and criminal matters including felony preliminary hearings and misdemeanors. He is actively involved in his local community and participates in the following community activities: * Pittsford Town Board, Past Councilperson *...