Canastota Lawyers

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...

Since his time at Syracuse University College of Law, David has had a passion for Criminal Defense and made his career about representing clients in need.

David prides himself on client-centered representation. He believes in the diligent and aggressive defense of the client’s rights and a maintains a strong commitment to the field of Criminal Defense.

Early in his career, David learned that often with criminal matters, clients also need assistance with Family Law matters.

As a result, David turned his focus not only on Criminal Matters but also on being able to provide premium Family Law services.

Mike Bersani is an experienced and highly respected New York State trial lawyer concentrating his practice almost entirely on personal injury claims. He is a widely published author on personal injury law. He has published numerous articles on the subject, and wrote and published the book "Understanding Your New York Personal Injury Claim", which can be ordered on his website.

Mike Bersani graduated Magna Cum Laude (top 5% of his class) from Syracuse University College of Law in 1993. He went on to a two-year clerkship with an appellate court in Rochester, NY. Since then he has devoted...

Thank you for considering my firm for your divorce or family law matter. I know the system and how to save you both time and money on your divorce.

Please contact me by phone or by email to schedule a free consultation.

I enjoy helping people transition in a difficult part of their lives. On average, I help about 100 people (per year) get divorced.

The fastest divorce I have done was about 30 days but (on average), a divorce takes between 60-90 days.

I have a proven track record of success, sound judgment and discretion.

As for our firm, we are conveniently...

Described by his clients as an attorney of the “highest quality”, Jeff DeFrancisco, Esq. has made a career achieving top results in his field of medical malpractice and personal injury. A few examples of his many great achievements include: PARALYSIS: $10,000,000 jury verdict following a 3-week trial against 3 defense lawyers for a case where an individual became paralyzed due to medical malpractice. BRAIN INJURY: $17,500,000 in payments: $3,000,000 cash; $12,000,000 expected payout between a lump sum payment and lifetime monthly payments to an individual who sustained a brain injury; and $2,500,000 in guaranteed lifetime payments to the child of the...

Mary T. Colwell (nee Pasqualino) graduated from Albany Law School of University in Albany, New York in 2001 with a concentration in Criminal Law. While at Albany Law School, Mary was a member of the Moot Court Board, the Women’s Law Caucus and Vice-President of the Italian-American Law Students Association. Ms. Colwell was admitted to the New Jersey State bar in December of 2001 and the New York State bar in January of 2002. She is also admitted in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States District Court for the Northern District...

Paul J. Tortora Jr. is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in family and matrimonial law. As a Partner at Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC, Paul leads the Syracuse office’s legal team, ensuring efficient case management, high-quality representation, and client satisfaction. He plays a key role in firm leadership, overseeing associate attorneys and support staff while providing expert counsel in a broad range of family law matters, including divorce, custody disputes, child support, and domestic violence cases. With a legal career spanning over a decade, Paul has held prominent positions at a number of respected law firms. His impressive track record includes managing...

Introducing Tom Anelli, Your Expert Defender Against DWI Charges Unlocking nearly two decades of dedicated expertise, Tom Anelli stands as the Senior Partner at Tom Anelli & Associates—a distinguished practice entirely devoted to DWI defense. With a fervent commitment to refining the most effective strategies, Tom has honed his skills to protect individuals facing DWI allegations. Tom's remarkable achievements extend far and wide, including prestigious recognitions such as selection to Super Lawyers, the Nation’s Top One Percent, and the Nation’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Notably, Tom has received specialized training directly from National Patent Analytical Systems, the leading manufacturer of the breath-testing devices...

Our law office is a preeminent Personal Injury and Immigration law firm helping individuals for over 28 years with personalized attention and concrete, concise advice to achieve their Personal Injury and Immigration goals. With a dedicated practice concentration in car accidents, we limit our case intake to ensure each client we choose to represent will receive the qualities this law office was founded upon 28 years ago-Integrity. Attention to Detail. Making a Difference. Feel free to call for a free consultation.

Led by Judge John Cherundolo, former Acting New York Supreme Court Justice and Super Lawyer, The Cherundolo Law Firm represents people who have suffered serious/catastrophic injuries. We have helped hundreds of clients win $1,000,000 and multi-$1,000,000 dollar verdicts and settlements. Our practice is limited to only the most catastrophic of cases and we do what it takes to WIN! We WIN BIG CASES for our seriously and catastrophically injured clients!!!

Here is an example of just a few of our Previous Cases:
$17,000,000 - for a client injured in a pedestrian bridge collapse
$7,100,000 - for the family of an...

Born and raised in Utica, NY, Attorney Nicholas A Passalacqua knows his clients. But more importantly he knows the law. Through his training and experience Mr. Passalacqua is ready to handle any of your even most complex legal matters.

Mr. Passalacqua’s education and training in trial law began back at T.R. Proctor High School as a member of the Mock Trial team. He then went on to Sacred Heart University, where he founded and led SHU’s first collegiate Mock Trial Team to two regional championship tournaments. Finally, at Michigan State University College of Law he was a member of the Moot...

I am a native of the Rocky Mountains, having grown up in Evergreen, Colorado. Since settling in New York, I have developed a broad and sophisticated client base. I concentrate my practice in the areas of estate planning, trust and estate administration, and estate and gift taxation. It is important to me to consider each of my client’s values and background as I help them decide which type of estate plan will best fit their needs. I use a practical approach to my practice. Offering the assurance of complete confidentiality and responsive service, I try...

Anthony Bottar is an experienced and accomplished Trial Attorney in Upstate New York. For more than 40 years, he has represented clients with legal needs including Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury and Products Liability. Mr. Bottar has a a track record of extraordinary recoveries for his clients, he is dedicated to the best possible outcomes.

Mr. Botar's honors include being listed in The Best Lawyers In America since 2001 and Upstate New York Super Lawyers since 2007. He has been named Best Lawyers's Syracuse Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year for multiple years. In 2018 and 2019, Mr. Bottar was listed in...

Peter Catalano Injury Lawyers knows how to help injured clients while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Our track record of success inside and outside the courtroom has helped thousands of clients to recover physically and financially. The moments following any accident are critical. Receiving the medical care you need is priority one. The next day and the days after that can also make a crucial difference. We’ll walk you through what steps to take to ensure your recovery and make sure you’re feeling comfortable and supported.

Peter Catalano Injury Lawyers will do everything necessary to make sure you receive full...

Kaitlin Foley is the managing attorney at The Colwell Law Group, having joined the firm in August of 2016. Kaitlin graduated cum laude from Albany Law School of Union University, located in Albany, New York, in May 2016. During her time at Albany Law School, Ms. Foley served as the Executive Editor of Research and Writing for Albany Law Review, was the Family Law Associate on the Moot Court Board, and acted as a Teaching Assistant in Criminal Law under the supervision of Professor Vincent Bonventre. Ms. Foley is currently admitted to the New York State Bar and is...

For more than 15 years, Michael Bottar has dedicated his practice to the pursuit of justice in Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Construction Accidents, and Wrongful Death matters. Mr. Bottar brings a depth of knowledge and experience to every case. He is committed to providing exceptional legal representation.

Mr. Bottar is an accomplished attorney and has received numerous honors and awards. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers In America and named Syracuse's 2019 Lawyer of the Year for Medical Malpractice and Product Liability. The National Trial Lawyers have named him as one of the Top 100 in New York State....

Mr. Leone is Senior Counsel at Bottar Law. He has over 30 years of experience advocating for clients with Personal Injury disputes. His practice areas include Automobile Accidents, Premises Liability and Medical Malpractice. Mr. Leone is committed to civil justice. He is dedicated to fighting for your rights and interests, focused on the best possible results.

Mr. Leone received his B.A. from the State University of New York at Cortland. In 1982, he graduated from Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law with a J.D. His jurisdictions include the State of New York and the United States District Court, Northern District...

Jeff has over 25 years of experience as an attorney and is the principal at Radley and Rheinhardt. He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)* through the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) and is an active member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Jeff also serves as a delegate to the Elder Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. He is a member of the Herkimer County Bar Association and a frequent seminar presenter and contributor to local publications on issues affecting seniors and the disabled. *Certified Elder Law Attorney by National Elder...

Maria is a Partner with Youngman & Morse, PLLC, focusing her practice on Family and Matrimonial Law, as well as Education/School Law. Prior to co-founding her own firm, Maria was an attorney with Nave Law Firm, PLLC, where she continues to practice as an Of Counsel Attorney. Maria has years of experience representing parents and grandparents in Family Court cases in New York State regarding custody, visitation, and child support matters, adoptions, juvenile delinquency, family offense and domestic violence, as well as child abuse and neglect proceedings. Similarly, Maria also represents parents and educators involved in Office of Children and Family...

Janet has proven herself to be a trusted advisor to her clients, helping businesses, families and students navigate the immigration system. Janet can help your family come together through the green card or visa process, including fiancé visas, immigrant visas, adjustment, and citizenship processes. She helps international students transition from studying to working in the US. She also helps businesses build new locations in the US and retain talented people from around the world. Janet has experience preparing clients for interviews and hearings, handling denials, notices of intent to deny, requests for evidence and other problems that can arise...

Kim Wolf Price is the Director of Externship Programs at Syracuse University College of Law. Having spent nearly eight years as a legislative coordinator at the New York Public Welfare Association and senior regional coordinator at the New York State Assembly - Communications Services, and three years a securities and white collar criminal defense attorney with the New York City office of Clifford Chance LLP. Ms. Wolf Price is admitted to practice in all New York State courts, as well as the United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern and Southern Districts. She is a member of the American Bar...

The Law Offices of Andrew T. Coyle provides zealous legal advocacy throughout New York State and New Jersey with a focus on matrimonial, family law, and commercial litigation matters. Andrew T. Coyle, Esq. began his legal career with the express purpose of helping others. He is passionate about achieving his client's goals and navigating them through any complex legal issue. He strives to maintain open, honest, and prompt communications so that clients know what is going on in their cases. He is a highly experienced and competent attorney with judicial clerkship experience in both federal and state court. The Law Offices...

Tim DeMore is an experienced trial attorney having successfully tried numerous high profile cases to verdict in State and Federal Courts since 2000. Tim’s practice is primarily focused on representing individuals who have been severely injured as a result of medical malpractice, automobile accidents, products liability claims, construction site accidents and wrongful death claims. Based upon Tim’s history of success with personal injury and medical malpractice claims, he has attained an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and professional ethics. He has also been selected by his peers for inclusion in the Super...

When looking for an attorney to help with your divorce or family law case, you want an attorney that you can relate to, one with the right level of compassion and commitment to ensure your goals are met, and one that knows the law. That attorney is Lisa DiPoala Haber, Esq. Lisa takes the time to get to know her clients on a personal level and understand their goals. With her assistance, you can efficiently and effectively resolve your divorce or family matter. Attorney Lisa DiPoala Haber is dedicated to providing her clients with attentive, personal service. Rather...

JIM BARNA BRINGS A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO EMPLOYMENT LAW REPRESENTATION. Throughout his career, Jim Barna has focused his practice on employment law. Jim did his undergraduate studies at Syracuse University and Stony Brook University. Jim attended law school at Washington University in St. Louis, a Top Twenty law school with an extensive employment law curriculum. While in law school, he had the opportunity to work for a national leader in employment law and womens rights litigation, Mary Anne Sedey. “From Mary Anne Sedey, I saw that big cases can bring big changes, and that a life devoted...

For over 35 years, George Hildebrandt has represented clients in federal and state courts in drug conspiracy and smuggling, murder, white collar, firearm and other serious cases, achieving many acquittals, dismissals and reductions to lesser charges. George has built his reputation on his hard work, preparation, substantial trial experience and knowledge of the law.

David is life-long resident of upstate NY. David graduated Magna Cum Laude from Syracuse University School of Management and then earned his law degree from the Syracuse Law. Prior to joining Michaels Bersani Kalabanka, David was a partner in prominent Syracuse insurance defense firm. It was there that David learned the "how to's ” of insurance companies andthe manner that insurance defense firms evaluate and defend cases. David has been successful using this knowledge to “turn the tables” on the insurance companies to obtain large settlements and verdicts for his injured clients. Dave has consistently been rated and selected as...

Ms. Riggi's practice focuses on cases sounding in medical malpractice, workplace accident, motor vehicle, product liability, wrongful death and severe personal injury matters.

Ms. Riggi sits on the Board of Directors of the Central New York Women's Bar Association (CNYWBA), and is a CNYWBA delegate to the New York State Women's Bar Association. She also authors the 1st Department Update for the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, and has been selected for inclusion on The National Trial Lawyers "Top 40 Under 40" list for New York.

Ms. Riggi is a graduate of Siena College, magna cum laude,...

Attorney Robert King is an experienced and highly accomplished Rochester criminal defense & personal injury lawyer who has tried hundreds of cases. He founded King Law with the goal of protecting the rights and freedoms of clients during their time of need. Mr. King has provided effective representation for countless clients facing all types of criminal charges or who have been injured by a negligent party in New York. As a former prosecutor, Attorney King has experience on both sides of the courtroom and is a veteran of many trials.

Robert King was featured in the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019...

A lifelong resident of the Syracuse area, Charles L. Falgiatano, graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a concentration in pre-law in 1994. Mr. Falgiatano was on the Nazareth College Men's Basketball team and a member of the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society. Following his undergraduate work, Mr. Falgiatano worked as a legislative aid to State Senator John A. DeFrancisco concentrating on state budget matters, economic development projects and constituent service. Mr. Falgiatano received his Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University in 2001 and was a member of the Syracuse Law...

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...

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”...