East Rochester Lawyers

Peter is the Managing Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Rochester Office, where he practices criminal defense.

With over 30 years of criminal defense experience, Peter has handled thousands of criminal cases, including violations, misdemeanors, felonies and appeals. He has primarily represented defendants in felony cases in both state and federal courts. Peter is certified as “learned counsel” in federal court capital cases. Prior to New York State’s abolishment of capital punishment, he was likewise certified to handle death penalty cases in state courts.

On multiple occasions, Peter has won acquittals or verdicts to lesser charges for clients charged with murder. Additionally, he...

Michael A. Rosenhouse concentrates his Rochester, NY, based practice in appeals and complex trial court motions, and includes experience both with and against prominent New York City and Chicago lawyers. He has received the highest rating from the oldest and most reputable peer-review institution in the profession. His successful appellate practice is supported by years of experience in complex civil litigation. He is the author of several books and articles on a wide variety of legal subjects and has lectured for national and local, specialized and general, legal educational organizations.

Eugene Welch is a Partner in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Rochester office, where his practice encompasses federal and state litigation and governmental issues. After being specially invited to do so by all of the Federal Judges in the Western District of New York, Gene is a Certified Federal Court Mediator available to mediate your litigation. Gene’s experience as a Federal Prosecutor, trial instructor for Justice Department attorneys and his experience in the New York State Attorney General’s Office give him unique qualifications to assist clients to make sure they are in compliance with both New York State and Federal laws and...

P. Adam Militello, Esq., graduated cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, where he received the Law Faculty Award for outstanding clinical work. Mr. Militello has focused his practice on DWI and Criminal Defense for the last 15 years. His website has details on trial results, upfront pricing, and outstanding client reviews.

John Refermat is an experienced, AV rated trial lawyer whose practice includes complex civil and commercial litigation, real property tax certiorari/condemnation/eminent domain, zoning and municipal/land use litigation, environmental matters, securities arbitration and construction litigation. An experienced appellate advocate, John has successfully prepared and argued appeals before various departments of the New York State Appellate Division and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. John’s commercial litigation practice includes a wide variety of shareholder/partner/limited liability entity disputes, contested dissolutions, trademark, licensing, unfair competition, warranty and Uniform Commercial Code issues, and restrictive covenants/non-compete/solicitation agreements; he also has experience...

Danielle manages a client-centered law practice focused on criminal appeals and post-conviction advocacy. She joined Kaman, Berlove, Marafioti, Jacobstein & Goldman, LLP, as of counsel in February 2021, after running a successful solo practice for three-and-a-half years. Previously, she worked as an associate attorney (criminal defense) at Easton Thompson Kasperek Shiffrin LLP, where she also gained experience working on wrongful conviction and civil rights matters. Danielle is admitted to practice law in the State of New York, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. She is...

Wisner & Wisner LLP, The DWI Defense Attorneys, have a law practice devoted solely to representing the citizen accused of Alcohol Influenced Operating Offenses. We limit our law practice to DWI Defense, Vehicular Crimes, and Appellate Advocacy. Our law firm is based in Rochester, NY, however we routinely handle cases in Buffalo, Syracuse and the surrounding communities.

For over 26 years Todd J.W. Wisner has successfully represented those accused of Alcohol Influenced Operating Offenses. A graduate from McQuaid Jesuit High School and Denison University, he then worked in the litigation department at Squadron, Ellenoff, Pleasant & Lehrer (now Hogan &...

Jeffrey M. Johnstone is Of Counsel in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Rochester office, where his practice is concentrated in estate planning, trusts, estate administration. He is admitted to practice in New York and Florida, in addition to the U.S. Court for the Western District of New York, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the U.S. Tax Court. Prior to joining Tully Rinckey, Jeffrey was an equity Partner with Harris, Chesworth, O’Brien, Johnstone & Welch, LLP. Upon graduating from law school, Jeffrey became associated with the Rochester, New York, firm of Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle (now the national law...

As a Senior Associate at Tully Rinckey, PLLC, Christine is part of the Family and Matrimonial Law group, where she focuses on divorce and child custody cases. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in family and matrimonial matters, working as both a private practitioner and public defender. She is also a member of the Tully Rinckey Trust and Estates group, representing persons with a wide variety of estate planning and directives.

Before joining Tully Rinckey, Christine spent 10 years as a Court Attorney and Referee to the Hon. Patricia Gallaher, acting state Supreme Court Justice and Family Court Judge...

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...

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...

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 *...

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...

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...

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...

Our firm focuses on providing effective, compassionate representation in family law cases. Our attorneys have years of experience in representing individuals and families in all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, adoption, and support. We provide aggressive advocacy when warranted while seeking a fair outcome which will help our clients get through a difficult period and on the road to a brighter future. If you are seeking responsive, dedicated representation, please contact our firm to see if you are a good fit for our services.

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”...

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...

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...

Letty Laskowski, a Senior Associate in Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Rochester office, focuses her practice on civil litigation in state and federal courts, including municipal liability defense and personal injury.

Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Letty was associated with Harris, Chesworth, Johnstone & Welch, LLP since 2015. She previously was affiliated with Harris, Chesworth, O’Brien, Johnstone & Welch, LLP (2011-2015); Special Counsel, Inc., (2010-2011); and Thomas & Solomon, LLP (2010).

While in law school, Letty participated in the Community Development Law Clinic, assisting clients with the organizational and regulatory needs of both for-profit LLCs and not-for-profit corporations. She is currently a member...

Attorney James D. Hartt represents victims of employment discrimination statewide. He has significant experience representing clients in the NYS Division of Human Rights, EEOC and in State and Federal Courts. Call Attorney James D. Hartt today to set up your free initial telephone consultation.
With Offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse and a Satellite Office in Manhattan, Attorney James D. Hartt is proud to offer his legal expertise to New Yorkers statewide.

James practices in several other areas of law, including but not limited to: criminal defense, professional licensure defense, civil litigation, education law, and others!

A native of Rochester, New York, Derek S. Wild, Esq. graduated from Syracuse University College of Law. Mr. Wild has dedicated his entire career to DWI Defense and Criminal Defense. For over a decade Mr. Wild has represented clients accused of a wide variety of crimes, from minor violations to serious felonies.

Gabriella MacDonald, Esq. was born and raised in Monroe County. She is a graduate of the New York State University at Buffalo Law School, where she was presented with awards including a spot on the Public Service Honor Roll, and also the CALI award, which recognizes her outstanding achievements in trial advocacy.

While attending law school, Ms. MacDonald also spent time as a teaching assistant, she was a member of the UB Law Mock Trial Team, and she was a member of the Erie County Woman’s Bar Association. She also volunteered to coach mock trial students at a local...

Matthew Piston is a dedicated advocate for his clients, whether through court room proceedings or negotiating a resolution to his clients’ matters. His practice is focused on assisting individuals and businesses in a variety of litigation needs, including divorce, commercial, employment and personal injury litigation. Additionally, Matt’s past experience with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office affords him the ability to thoroughly represent individuals in all types of criminal proceedings and governmental investigations.

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...

Safa Robinson-Ferrer is admitted to practice law in the State of New York. She is admitted to practice law in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. She also has the ability to practice law in federal courts throughout the United States. Ms. Robinson-Ferrer earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roberts Wesleyan College, where she graduated cum laude. During her undergraduate career, Ms. Robinson-Ferrer focused her studies on the criminal justice system. She is a graduate of State University of New York Buffalo School of Law where she obtained her Juris...

Stephen Bennett represents clients in a wide variety of matters. Steve represents business owners throughout the lifecycle of their business from start up, to hiring their first employee, to acquisitions of equipment and other businesses, all the way to sale or transition to inside or outside ownership. Steve’s experience in representing many local lenders in secured transactions also allows him to provide a different perspective to his business clients. In addition, Steve counsels clients in both basic estate planning (Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Proxies) and in more complex estate and estate tax planning. Long-term care is a...

Jared Hirt is a Business Law, Divorce & Family Law, DWI & Criminal Defense, Litigation and Real Estate attorney in Rochester, NY.

I've lived in New York all my life, earning my B.A. from S.U.N.Y. Buffalo in 1975. In 1977, I also earned my Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law. I believe being an active participant in the community is essential for a successful law practice. My law firm partner and I have been working with Buffalo and WNY residents for almost four decades, so we're not surprised when clients tell us we've helped a member of their family or neighbor in the past. We have 13 locations across New York and practice law in many areas. Our website has numerous free...

I am a trust and estates attorney practicing at a boutique firm in Rochester, New York. I help clients protect their assets and create a legacy for their children, grandchildren, and charitable causes.

Dan Bronk is an accomplished attorney with over twenty- six years of trial experience. He has handled thousands of Workers’ Compensation cases since 1992. He has an established record of trial wins in State and Federal courts in New York and Connecticut. He has handled more than eighty trials, including cases involving medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, products liability, fires, construction accidents, car and truck accidents and other negligence claims. He regularly appears at Social Security Hearings on behalf of his clients. While Dan’s goal as a legal advocate for his clients is to achieve...

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 *...

An outstanding attorney in the area of general civil practice. Steve is direct and to the point and handles your matters efficiently, intelligently and diligently. You'll know where you stand with Steve. He has practiced in every New York State Court from the lowest to the highest and is rated very high by a National Ethics Rating Firm.

Bill has been in private practice for more than 30 years during which he has mastered numerous areas of practice, from pure real property, title, title insurance, real estate finance, associations, corporate, banking, estate planning and administration, landlord tenant, and more. Bill has served as Town Attorney, and since 1998 as Town Justice of his town of residence. He is a long time Rotarian and twice president of his Club. He is the proud father of three children, now all grown and productive members of society. Bill and his wife and best friend Mary of 38 years are both working...