New York Lawyers

John A. Pappalardo is a Partner in the law firm of Farber, Pappalardo & Carbonari. He has been an active matrimonial practitioner for 32 years handling moderate to very complex litigation involving matrimonial and family law cases. He oversees a very experienced matrimonial department. He also has a private matrimonial mediation practice, is certified in matrimonial collaborative law, sits as a matrimonial arbitrator, and is New York State Certified as an attorney representing children. He has served as Guardian Ad Litem in matrimonial proceedings and is admitted to the State and Federal Bar in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts....

Michael A. Ponterio is a founding partner of Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC. Since 1985, Mr. Ponterio has represented families who have suffered injuries as a result of exposure to asbestos. He also practices in the areas of catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, defective products and motor vehicle accidents. Mr. Ponterio has dedicated his practice to securing justice for clients who have suffered catastrophic and life-changing injuries. Since 1985, Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford has obtained over one billion in settlements or verdicts on behalf of the firm’s clients. Mr. Ponterio has been representing people suffering from mesothelioma caused by asbestos for...

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...

Dzifa Gan is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Real Estate Law Department; handling all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. Ms. Gan has varied legal experience having previously worked as a family and matrimonial attorney in London. Her priority across practice areas has always been her clients and ensuring that their needs are met.

Ms. Gan obtained her B.A. in Psychology and concurrently her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Western Australia in 2008. Ms. Gan is admitted to practice law in New South Wales, Australia; England & Wales, UK and New York State, USA.

Before joining HoganWillig,...

Rachel J. B. Weisman


Rachel Weisman, a strong, cunning, and dedicated divorce lawyer on Long Island, is considered one of the most captivating divorce litigators in the Greater New York City Area. She provides her clients with very specific, personal attention to their divorce and family law cases and gives special care when dealing with domestic violence cases.

If you're looking to get a divorce, or looking for a trusted, unbiased divorce mediator to handle the finalization of your marriage, look no further. Rachel Weisman is a certified divorce mediator and has participated in many previous divorce mediations, several of which actually...

Barry Janay, Esq. represents small to medium-sized businesses, individuals, and families in legal matters such as Estate Planning, Business Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate and Real Estate. Barry also advocates for emerging businesses in matters relating to Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property Infringement matters and other Intellectual Property Litigation (including misappropriation of confidential and trade secret information), Employment and Labor Law, Collections, Defamation, Privacy and Media Law litigation matters. He serves as counsel for clients in industries ranging from publishing, software, retailers, and consumer products to online businesses.

Steven J. Seiden is a founding member of Seiden & Kaufman and has practiced exclusively personal injury law for more than thirty years. He has recovered millions of dollars for injured victims of accidents and surviving family members in wrongful death actions. Attorney Seiden has successfully handled thousands of cases in the New York State Courts, Federal Courts, and Court of Claims arising from all types of motor vehicle accidents, premises accidents, and construction accidents. Mr. Seiden is also an accomplished appellate attorney, having won numerous cases in the Appellate Division and New York State's highest court, the...

Since 1984, I have had the honor of representing clients in civil and criminal appeals, and complex litigation. During that time, I have continually been learning from my colleagues, and also contributing to the advancement of the law by lecturing and authoring articles on appellate practice and other legal topics. A commitment to excellence is the driving force behind my approach to each and every case.

We are Western New York's largest bankruptcy law firm. We have been in business for 25 years and have helped more than 15,000 individuals and businesses through the bankruptcy process. Our chapter 7 fees start at just $795, and we can file chapter cases with as little as $100 in legal fees up front. We offer free online bankruptcy evaluations, and we also offer free telephone consultations, which can generally be scheduled within 24 hours. We have 12 offices located in the Buffalo and Rochester region.

Diane Tiveron is a Partner and the Chairperson of the Corporate & Business Law Department at Tiveron Law PLLC. With over 29 years of legal experience and a educational background in economics and business administration, Ms. Tiveron assists clients with business formations (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations, and limited liability companies), acquisitions, sales or dissolutions, as well as the preparation of any commercial document/contract, ranging from an employment agreement to a lease. She counsels non-for-profit organizations on nonprofit law and governance, obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status and 501(c) classifications. Ms. Tiveron also advises individuals and businesses with bankruptcy issues (Chapter...

There are times in life when you need the help of a legal professional who cares about you. Everything I do revolves around my core values of Honesty, Integrity and Loyalty. I take a compassionate approach toward my clients who are often dealing with some of the most difficult situations life can serve up. Dealing with the everyday legal tasks associated with divorce, custody, support, aging parents, traffic fines, or planning for the future can be stressful and I'm here to help you find your way through. I aim to provide a friendly family atmosphere with a reputation for timely personalized...

Derrick Storms, Esq., of Queens Divorce Lawyers & Family Lawyer, leaves no stone uncovered in his pursuit for justice. He provides a level of one-on-one attention that few firms can match. He tirelessly finds witnesses, documents, and other evidence to give clients the most favorable outcome possible. In addition, Mr. Storms is an appellate practitioner and skilled brief writer. He has won appeals against large corporations, such as State Farm, and Judges know he will appeal if they deviate from the law. He carefully weighs evidence and presents it in a highly persuasive fashion in...

Jessica Peraza is Counsel working with the firm’s Trusts & Estates Department. She focuses her practice on Estate Planning and Administration, Medicaid and Long-term Care Planning, and Wealth Management. As a law student, she interned for the Hon. Barbara Howe in Erie County Surrogate’s Court and worked in the Public Benefits Unit of Neighborhood Legal Services. Her previous experience includes residential foreclosures, public and private sector labor law, contract negotiations, probate matters, third party credit collections, and representation of clients in administrative hearings and arbitrations. Ms. Peraza attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York where she graduated with a...

I was admitted to practice law in 1994, and since then the bulk of my practice has been focused on matrimonial and divorce law, appeals and closely related areas such as foreclosure defense.

My approach in representing clients is straightforward. Good people sometimes find themselves in bad situations, and people come to lawyers for solutions. That means whenever possible, negotiating a fair agreement is often the best route. Nevertheless, agreements, negotiations, litigation and appeals are only the tools used to obtain these answers. By taking a broader holistic approach, it allows me to see solutions that others may miss.

Reaching a fair...

I serve individuals and businesses of all sizes in dealing with legal issues that arise in the modern world of e-commerce and technology.

LITIGATION - LEGAL ADVICE - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY - ONLINE BUSINESSES and WEBSITES - TRANSACTIONS - CONTRACTS - ADVERTISING - REGULATORY COMPLIANCE - BRAND PROTECTION - STARTUPS - SOCIAL MEDIA - FAIR COMPETITION - TRADE SECRETS - NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS - COMMERCIALIZING INVENTIONS

Call for a FREE, NO-RISK, CONFIDENTIAL consultation.

Carissa is a former professional ballet dancer-turned lawyer who is licensed to practice law in New York, Washington D.C., and Florida. Aside from anchoring on the Law & Crime Network as a show host with Dan Abrams, you may have seen her on Nancy Grace, Dr. Drew, Fox News, CBS, CNN/HLN, NBC, Sirius radio and other major news media outlets as the Legal Expert.

Before founding her own INJURY law firm in order to be a caregiver for her ballet teacher-mentor, Carissa worked as a Prosecutor where she tried close to 100 cases, a litigation attorney at Greenberg Traurig, a law...

Actively at the helm of the law firm he built from scratch, Adam Leitman Bailey, Esq. practices residential and commercial real estate law. Among New York’s most successful and prominent real estate attorneys, Mr. Bailey is one of two attorneys from a law firm with less than 30 attorneys that has been ranked in Chambers & Partners, honored with a Martindale-Hubbell “AV” Preeminent rating, a Best Lawyers ranking for himself and his law firm, selected by Super Lawyers as one of New York’s “Top 100” attorneys, a list that included only five real estate law firms’ attorneys and selected among...

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...

Stephen Bilkis graduated from Touro Law School in 1997. Soon after he passed the bar exam of New York and established the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates. In over 20 years of practice, Mr. Bilkis has successfully represented scores of clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island, and Staten Island in matters related to personal injury, probate law, criminal law, and family law.

Mr. Bilkis strongly believes that each client is unique and each case is different. His solutions are never “one size fits all.” He prides himself...

My practice is primarily focused on providing legal counsel in the areas of business law and technology law. Armed with the necessary experience to be both practical and creative in helping clients achieve their objectives, I advise clients on all manner of legal matters related to their daily operations, including entity structuring and formation, strategic planning, corporate governance, compliance, and other entity and operational matters. Early-stage companies require business lawyers who can provide practical-to-implement and cost-effective legal advice that is tailored to the businesses risk posture, resources, and unique place on the organizational maturity curve. The technology...

L.J. D’Arrigo is a Partner & Co-Leader of the Immigration Practice Group at Harris Beach, PLLC, one of the country’s Top 250 law firms. Although his practice is nationwide, he is based at Harris Beach's Capital Region & New York City offices. L.J. specializes in corporate/professional immigration involving employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions, as well as family-based immigration. L.J. is counsel to the largest system of universities in the U.S., the largest public health care system in the U.S., and the largest commercial landscape company in the U.S. He represents our nation's top employers, including state university & hospital systems,...

Chris O'Brien is one of WNY's most experienced and successful trial lawyers. He has built a reputation over thirty years of being client-focused. Having taught both locally, nationally and internationally, Chris brings the latest and most effective trial tactics to every case, resulting in more than 98% of his cases settling before trial. He never charges for an initial appointment and takes the time to explain the law to all of his clients.

40 years experience, the last 25 of which have been devoted exclusively to matrimonial and family law, including appeals, division of retirement plans, and high net worth matrimonial matters. I have been a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs for local and NYS Bar Association programs as well as for judges.

Dennis Nave has been passionate about defending individuals facing DWI, traffic, and criminal charges for most of his legal career. Dennis approaches each of his client’s cases as unique and each person as his equal, always going the extra mile to ensure his clients are fully educated on their case and knowing they are receiving the best quality representation and best defense of their rights and interests. Dennis is the founding and managing partner for Nave Law Firm located in Syracuse, New York where he was born and raised. Dennis is devoted to staying in and serving his local community. Call him...

Richard Hochhauser is the founding partner at the Law Office of Richard Hochhauser, PLLC. As a former Assistant District Attorney, Mr. Hochhauser is a proven trial attorney having successfully taken numerous criminal cases to verdict and is highly experienced in all aspects of criminal law. As an ADA, Mr. Hochhauser prosecuted thousands of criminal cases, including DWI, hit and run, drug sale and possession, assault, domestic violence, larceny, financial fraud, ID theft, and many others. Further, Mr. Hochhauser was chosen to be a member of a specialized unit which focused on DWI and DUI prosecution.

As part of this appointment,...

Chair of the largest residential real estate department in Western New York. Extensive third party relocation, REO, commercial and residential lending representation. Recently closed a $3 Million dollar refinance, and a $965,000 commercial purchase secured by properties in Western New York and Florida. Experienced in time share, zoning, land use, condominiums and cooperatives, real estate negotiations and litigation. Voted for inclusion in "Best Lawyers in America" for the past four years.

I was born and raised on the east side of Buffalo, NY. After graduating high school, I served in the United States Marine Corps, and then became a City of Buffalo Police Officer. I completed my B.S. and J.D. while working full-time as a police officer. I left the department in 2005 to start practicing law. After a long stent with a local law firm, I partnered up with another attorney from the same firm to form Richmond Vona, LLC. Our firm extensive experience handling asbestos cases (Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer), as well as other...

William A. Lorenz, Jr., joined HoganWillig as an Associate Attorney in the fall of 2013. He currently focuses his practice in the areas of Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, and Real Estate Law.

Mr. Lorenz brings a variety of legal experience with him to HoganWillig, having worked in the areas of civil litigation, criminal practice, family law, intellectual property law, landlord-tenant law, and real estate law. Since admission to the New York State Bar, Mr. Lorenz has appeared in courts in both Erie and Niagara County on various matters, including evictions and civil litigation. Recently, he lobbied in Albany for the Child...

Mr. Pulos enjoys a very successful, diverse professional career. A trial lawyer by training, Mr. Pulos returned to his hometown of Alfred, New York following his graduation from Albany Law School and opened a general law practice by hanging out his shingle on Main Street. He is the only person born and raised in Alfred to have graduated from law school and returned to open a law practice in Alfred. From there, Mr. Pulos has developed a reputation as a lawyer for people that have been wronged by others in the workplace or by vehicular accidents or...

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...

Marie has been an attorney for over twenty-three years. She has experience handling personal injury, medical malpractice, employment discrimination and mass tort matters. Marie earned her J.D. from St. John’s University Law School and her L.L.M. degree from New York University (NYU) School of Law. She has worked for the New York Appellate Division, 2nd Department and has taught CLE courses on Tort & Civil Procedure at St. John’s University School of Law.

As a founding partner of Napoli Shkolnik, PLLC, Marie was involved in many depositions and has tried multiple cases to verdict. Marie understands the breadth of the...

Andrew Cherkasky Andrew Cherkasky is a former federal prosecutor best known for his work as an elite complex litigation attorney with a tremendous range of professional experience. He has become a premier national civil rights attorney through his wide range of legal experience, spanning from complex criminal litigation, to commercial and corporate transactions, to advising Generals in combat, to leading multi-million-dollar federal lawsuits. Andrew is a regular contributor on Fox News, CNN, and other national networks and has also been recognized for his expertise by a wide range of national news outlets, to include: The New York Times, The Washington...

Simon, our seasoned immigration lawyer in New York City, brings over 11 years of experience and a track record of over 2,000 successfully completed immigration cases. Simon's journey includes working in large firms as well as smaller boutique firms and various humanitarian organizations. His expertise spans employment immigration (EB1, PERM, National Interest Waivers, O1, L1, Es, H1B, TN visas), and he's well-versed in fiance visas (K1), family green cards, and humanitarian cases. Simon earned his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 2012. Mr. Craven also received various awards including an Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project Award. Admitted to practice immigration...

Formerly with the Law Offices of Alex Hernandez, Mr. Hernandez is now CEO of ARH Consulting LLC a National Law Firm; A multi area litigation practice; Federal and State matters in New York, New Mexico, and California Pro Hac Vice (immigration nationally) With over 20 years of legal experience, Alex R. Hernandez Jr. has represented thousands of clients. Economist, Author, and Attorney, Alex has worked for several decades getting justice for his clients. Alex comes from a family of legal professionals, his father was the first Hispanic County judge and is currently the sitting County Court at Law Judge, his mother has been...

Avi is an experienced General Counsel turned entrepreneur. As the Principal Attorney at Manifest Law -- a modern law firm located in New York City and focusing on immigration and employment law -- Avi brings a wealth of experience and common sense to help clients realize their objectives. Avi has deep experience in the start up world, in consumer electronics and in distressed finance and M&A. These skills are brought to bear in bringing together a team of super talented lawyers that are focused on helping bringing clients fairness and justice. Strong legal professional graduated from University of Pennsylvania...

Nina Juncewicz, Esq. has 25 years experience in representing those internationally seeking to obtain physical access to the United States market for commercial work and/or family reunification. Her experience was developed early as an outstanding scholar for the agency formerly known as INS at the U.S/Canadian border, and later in its Buffalo District Office’s litigation Department. This experience brought her first-hand knowledge of the technical nuances of complex U.S. immigration law and the government adjudication process which experience she uses for her client’s benefit. She later practiced business and family Immigration in a statewide corporate law firm before opening her...

Jonathan D. Warner is the co-founder and managing partner at Warner & Warner, PLLC in Albany New York. Jonathan focuses his practice in the areas of Consumer Bankruptcy Law, Foreclosure Defense Law, Consumers’ Rights Law, and Mortgage Modification assistance. Prior to attending law school, Jonathan graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from SUNY Albany in 2007. Thereafter, Jonathan graduated from the Michigan State University College of Law in 2011. During law school, Jonathan participated in the Jessup International Moot Court Team, served as an elected student leader in two student organizations, and worked as the Senior...

John Tolley is a former Prosecutor & Insurance Defense lawyer licensed in the States of New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Tolley has tried over 45 criminal and civil jury trials. He is the co-owner and a partner in JT Law Firm where he represents clients in disputes regarding homeowner's insurance claims and criminal defense. Mr. Tolley attended Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor in 2014. While in law school, Mr. Tolley was an active member of the Nova Trial Association and the Moot Court Society, representing his law school in...

Robert has decades of experience with disputes and investigations concerning the securities industry. Robert approaches each assignment with the benefit of having served as an in-house lawyer for a brokerage firm, and also having sat as a FINRA arbitrator for securities industry disputes. Robert’s practice is focused on securities litigation/arbitration and regulatory enforcement matters before FINRA and the SEC and CFTC. Robert advises broker/dealers, investment advisers, securities industry professionals and defrauded investors in varied litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters. Robert is certified as an arbitrator for FINRA, AAA and the NFA.

An active participant in the bar, Robert has...