Bellona Lawyers

Ms. Gannon joined Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC in 2013, and her work focuses on the representation of individuals who have suffered injuries as a result of exposure to asbestos and other toxic substances. Her practice is focused in asbestos and mesothelioma litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Gannon served as the Director of Alumnae at Mount Mercy Academy where she planned and executed institutional advancement initiatives through marketing and events with alumnae, donors and the community. She was also an associate at a Buffalo law firm in the department that concentrated its practice in toxic torts.

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...

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...

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

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

Mark Rodgers has been litigating cases throughout the eight Western New York cases for more than 25 years. He is proud to be a Buffalo injury attorney. His practice includes the representation of individuals who have been injured in accidents. He has received a top rating from a national peer review organization for both ethical standards and legal ability.

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

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

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

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

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

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....

Cynthia Ann K. Manchester has over 25 years of experience in the handling of personal injury cases, including car, motorcycle and trucking accidents, slip or trip and fall accidents, wrongful death cases, sexual abuse cases and other complex personal injury claims in both state and federal court. In addition, she routinely represents clients in estate planning, Medicaid planning and estate litigation.

She regularly represents clients in the Binghamton, Whitney Point, Greene, Owego and Cortland, New York areas and serves clients throughout Broome, Tioga, Cortland, Tompkins and Delaware county.

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...

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...

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

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

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....

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.

Michael Reiser is an Associate Attorney practicing in the firm’s Corporate and Business Department, and handles contract formation and enforcement, corporate matters, collections, and property matters.

Mr. Reiser obtained his B.A. in English, with a minor in Political Science, from John Carroll University, in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Reiser received his Juris Doctor from SUNY Buffalo Law School in 2016, graduating cum laude.

Before joining HoganWillig, Mr. Reiser practiced in real estate, mortgage servicing, mortgage foreclosure litigation, and title resolution.

Robert Michalak represents contractors, owners, and surety companies. His experience includes contract negotiations, bidding issues, project closeout consultation, mechanic's lien and trust fund filings and challenges, and claim prosecution and defense. Mr. Michalak also represents clients in structuring business and shareholder relationships, real estate development and commercial leases. He regularly represents clients in mediation, arbitration, and litigation.

In addition to his Doctor of Jurisprudence, Mr. Michalak has degrees in mechanical and chemical engineering and has held engineering positions in county government and a Fortune 500 company. Mr. Michalak has been a business law lecturer at the University at Buffalo and a...

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

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...

Extensive courtroom experience.

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!

Brian K. Towey, Esq. focuses his practice on plaintiffs’ personal injury, including car accidents, slip & falls, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. Brian also handles criminal defense cases and real estate transactions. Prior to starting his own law practice, Brian was an attorney at local plaintiffs' law firm, where his practice was focused on representing individuals who were injured due to medical malpractice, car accidents, slip & falls, and other personal injury matters. Brian also handled estate administration and litigation matters, estate planning, and real estate transactions. During law school, Brian focused his studies on civil litigation, trial practice, and labor...

Attorney Chris O’Brien is the founding attorney at the Buffalo personal injury legal office, The O’Brien Firm, PC. Mr. O’Brien earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1988 from Washington & Lee Law School in Lexington, Virginia, and began his legal career in 1990. Although he initially believed he would be pursuing a career as a tax lawyer, it did not take Attorney O’Brien long to realize that he actually wished to represent individuals who had been injured in accidents that were caused by the negligence of others. For 25 years, Mr. O’Brien has been working tirelessly representing residents of Buffalo...

Attorney Charles A. Messina is a native of Buffalo who has devoted his career to matrimonial and family law. He graduated from the University of Buffalo Law School (SUNY) in 2004 with honors and established his own family law practice in November of 2009. Today, Attorney Messina is recognized for his reputation as a knowledgeable resource on the topics of divorce, child custody, and family court proceedings.

Attorney Johanna K.P. Dennis, of Dennis Law, PLLC (formerly JD Law Associates, LLC), has a special passion for both law and education; both are fundamental parts of who she is. As a twice-immigrant, Attorney Dennis immigrated as a child with her parents from Jamaica to Canada, and later immigrated to the United States with her family as a college-bound teenager. Growing up in Canada, Attorney Dennis is fluent in French and English. Through her own experiences and in practicing immigration law over two decades, Attorney Dennis personally knows the ins and outs of the U.S. immigration system. She has "been...

Jerry Gambino is an accomplished attorney representing injured workers since 1985. He has handled thousands of Workers Compensation cases since 1985.

Jerry’s goal has always been to achieve best possible result for his clients. This could be with or without litigation. With his extensive experience in handling Workers Compensation cases, Jerry definitely has the necessary skills to achieve excellent results for the injured workers he represents.

He takes pride in providing his clients a clear understanding of the complicated Workers Compensation system. No injured worker should try to navigate the Workers Compensation system on their own. With Jerry’s extensive experience and skills,...

I have been practicing law for approximately 30 years, with a focus on family issues: divorce, custody, support and adoption. I recently become certified in mediation, and I now offer complete mediation services for those couples looking to mediate their divorce or custody issues. I pride myself in always being honest with clients, and trying to have clients form realistic expectations regarding what will happen with their issues if a court is forced to decide how to handle their case. I am not a yes person for my clients. i will absolutely advocate and work hard...

David Carr is a founder and principle of Santoro, Carr PLLC. He is admitted to practice in New York and the Southern District of New York Federal Court. He is also a member of New York State Bar Association, New York State Trial Lawyers Association and American Bar Association.

Prior to opening the firm, David attended Brooklyn Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 2001 and Fordham University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1998. He previously worked for multiple leading Matrimonial Law firms in New York where he received...

Throughout my career and currently as a proud trial attorney at Cellino Law, my first and foremost goal and duty as your attorney is to zealously represent you to ensure that you obtain the best possible result. I take pride in my practice being easily accessible to clients, keeping you apprised every step of the way, and involving you in the strategy/decision-making processes of your litigation. My background is deeply rooted in the pursuit of legal endeavors. I hold a B.A. in Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought from Amherst College. I went on to obtain my law degree from Ohio Northern...

Siana McLean practices exclusively in the area of immigration law, in particular immigration defense. She represents clients in immigration court through applications for relief from removal. Siana also handles all family based immigration cases as well as asylum cases, special immigrant cases and limited business immigration cases. She also handles naturalization cases.

As an immigrant herself, being born in Jamaica, she is uniquely able to understand the intricacies of her client's cases.

Siana prides herself on her honesty and integrity and dedicates herself to every case that she receives.

She considers it an honor to represent her clients through the immigration process.

My firm has handled significant injury and wrongful death cases for over 30 years. I served a Past President of the Western New York Trial Lawyers. I have been named to Superlawyers and the Legal Elite of Western New York for many years. I have received the highest ratings from AVVO and Martindale Hubbell. I limit my practice to representing people impacted by significant injury or the death of family members.

Katie joined the Workers’ Compensation practice at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC in 2020. She focuses her practice on the representation of injured workers and their families in front of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Prior to joining the firm, Katie spent six years representing employers and insurance carriers in civil litigation, including Workers’ Compensation cases. She also spent time working for a non-profit, representing low income individuals with various housing matters. Ms. Dibble received her undergraduate degree from Binghamton University and her J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law. After law school, Katie...

Aggressive yet considerate. The case is about the client. That is my job and my pledge. You will receive all my efforts, experience and energies.

I have closed my law firm to take a job with a not-for-profit organization. I am not currently accepting outside clients. If you are a former client in need of information from your file, please feel free to call.