Model City Lawyers

Nicholas J. Ingrassia is an attorney and shareholder of Gross Shuman P.C. in Buffalo, New York. He concentrates his law practice in the areas of Real Estate & Development, Banking & Finance, and Business & Corporate Law. Mr. Ingrassia also has extensive experience assisting clients with Estate Planning & Administration, and Canada-U. S. Cross Border legal issues. He is admitted to practice in New York State and as a Foreign Legal Consultant in Ontario, Canada. Mr. Ingrassia is active in the Western New York community. His volunteer work includes assisting the Kenmore Special Olympics, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters...

I have seen firsthand the suffering and hardship people endure when they are injured due to the negligence of others. The impact an injury has on a person and their family goes beyond the physical pain. It has devastating consequences in almost every aspect of their life, the lives of their family, and in the community. I joined Cellino Law because the attorneys and staff are committed to helping injured people in their time of need. It is a philosophy and way of thinking I adhere to.

Hard work, communication, and honesty are the keys to success in any field – especially law. I learned about hard work while putting myself through college and law school while working in my father’s business – a “mom and pop” corner grocery store in Hamburg, NY. At this job, I met and spoke with thousands of people from all walks of life. I realized that while every person is different, all should be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect. Upon completing law school, I joined a firm with experience in civil litigation which handled cases for the insurance companies. I eventually...

Robert P. Hamilton, Jr. is an attorney. In 2024, Robert “Rob” P. Hamilton, Jr. was selected as a Professional Who's Who and Best Lawyers in America, selected him as “Ones to Watch” in 2023 & 2024. In 2023, Rob had two State Jury Trials to verdict and a Federal Jury Trial. Rob received a Pro Bono Certificate from the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York for his work in 2023. Rob was the second person to complete the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers’, Masters of Trial Advocacy Program in 2023. To be certified, it...

Jonathan D. Schechter is a shareholder attorney with Gross Shuman P.C. in Buffalo, New York. His practice and experience includes business counseling and corporate law, commercial real estate and financing, estates, trusts, taxation and cross-border and business tax planning. Using his in-depth knowledge of tax law, he assists owners of both publicly traded and closely held businesses with their legal needs as well as their personal estate planning. Jonathan provides day-to-day counsel and representation to publicly traded companies, small business enterprises, charter schools and not-for-profits on a wide variety of legal matters. He prides himself in providing services to clients...

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...

Sarah P. Rera is an experienced litigation attorney with Gross Shuman P.C. in Buffalo, New York. Ms. Rera focuses her practice in the areas of personal injury and business litigation. She has served as trial counsel in multiple complex business disputes and personal injury claims in New York State Supreme Court, receiving numerous successful verdicts for her clients. She is also an experienced appellate practitioner and has appeared before the Appellate Division and the New York Court of Appeals, the highest Court in New York.

Katherine Liebner is a shareholder attorney with Buffalo-based Gross Shuman P.C. Her practice areas include estate planning, estate and trust administration, and labor and employment law. Katherine received her J.D. from the University at Buffalo and is admitted to practice before all New York State Courts, Florida State Courts, the federal district courts for the Western District of New York, the Northern District of New York, the District of Colorado and the United States Tax Court. Katherine was named to Buffalo Business First’s inaugural 30 under 30 class in 2012 and selected as a Super Lawyers Upstate New York Rising...

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.

Jeff is an experienced and proven Workers’ Compensation attorney. Before starting his own firm, Jeff focused his practice on workers’ comp law as a lawyer for another large law firm in Buffalo, NY. When it comes to Workers’ comp law firms in New York State, bigger is not better. Jeff Steenberg will provide the personal attention you and your family deserve. Call today and speak directly with Jeff Steenberg. Let us provide you with peace of mind today.

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.

Michael Kuzma is a solo practitioner in Buffalo. He has long viewed the law as being a tool to bring about social, political and economic change. For over three decades, Mike has fought to make government more open and accountable through use of the federal and state Freedom of Information (FOI) laws. He has litigated a number of FOI cases against agencies such as the CIA, FBI and New York State Department of Correctional and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Mike has represented Native American activist and political prisoner, Leonard Peltier, Jalil Muntaqim, Occupy Buffalo and Leslie James...

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.

Concentrating her practice in toxic tort insurance defense, Jessica works extensively with defendants alleged to have sold "asbestos-containing components" and provides experienced legal advice to a wide range of asbestos clients. These include equipment and friction manufacturers and retailers. This work involves coordinating a team of attorneys and paralegals in managing discovery and preparing cases for trial in high volume, document intensive cases. Jessica handles all aspects of non-asbestos litigation including other product liability matters, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, labor law injuries, coverage litigation, and dog bite claims. Jessica has tried one bench trial to a directed verdict and...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

William Mattar, P.C. is the largest motor vehicle injury accident firm in New York State.* With the entire firm focused on auto injury cases, we have successfully represented thousands of injured clients throughout New York State, including the Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany regions since 1990. Hurt in a Car? Call William Mattar. 844-444-4444. (*RDC Study)

I started Mazzu Law PLLC in 2020 as a plaintiff’s personal injury law firm for construction site injuries, auto and trucking accidents, and serious personal injury cases.

In 2009, after working for 10 years as a union ironworker, I suffered a serious spinal injury on a construction site. Rather than letting my injuries define me, I set out to carve my own path and completely redefine who I am and what I’m truly capable of. In 5 years, I completed an associates, bachelors, and a law degree.

In 2015, I started working with some of the top trial attorneys in...

Vincent G. LoTempio is a Registered Patent Attorney with experience in patent law in both corporate and private practice. His practice focuses on all intellectual property matters including patent, trademark, copyright prosecution and infringement litigation. Mr. LoTempio is a consultant to corporations regarding IP management and strategy. Vincent G. LoTempio has had a varied professional career as a trial attorney, educator, and patent practitioner. He has lectured and taught CLE courses regarding patent and trademark law. Mr. LoTempio is an instructor in continuing education programs and currently teaches a course for corporate R & D employees entitled Patent Fundamentals:...

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...

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.

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.

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.

We offer quality legal representation along with the personal attention your case deserves. Our firm focuses on areas of real estate, bankruptcy, estate planning & tax law. We understand that each client's case is unique and promise to devote our expertise and attention to getting you the results you deserve and expect.

Matthew L. Kolken is a trial lawyer with experience in all aspects of United States Immigration Law – including deportation defense before Immigration Courts throughout the United States, appellate practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the U.S. District Courts, and U.S. Courts of Appeals. He is admitted to practice in the courts of the State of New York, the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and has been a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 1997.

Mr. Kolken has appeared nationally...

I have spent thirty years representing families and professionals across the United States during times when they need a strong advocate by their side. As a member of the Supreme Court of the United States, as well as the Florida and New York bars, I represent men and women in matters such as high net worth divorce, child custody, international custody disputes, parental alienation cases, divorcing the narcissist, complex high-conflict divorce, family business dissolution, child support, and domestic violence. In addition to family law, I handle business matters, including providing human resource advice to small businesses, assisting with start-ups, representing businesses...

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...

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About Me:
As the daughter of Italian immigrants, the values of hard work, education, and integrity were instilled at a young age. In two decades of practicing law, I have learned not only the mechanics of Elder Law, Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate, and Guardianships, and but also the importance of compassion and understanding in dealing with clients who are enduring emotionally difficult times. I receive immense satisfaction from serving clients in their greatest times of need. What I love most about my job is helping people. Many times a client comes to...