Byron Lawyers

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

Jason Snyder focuses his practice on wills, trusts, estate administration, and real estate law. Upon graduating from law school, Jason went right into solo practice. After drafting wills for several clients, he quickly realized a passion for estate planning and helping seniors plan for the future. He later worked for several law firms in Rochester, where he performed estate planning, estate administration, and all facets of real estate transactions. Jason received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Jason is admitted to practice law in New York State...

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'm an affordable full service bankruptcy lawyer. I have helped 1,000’s of people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and all of Western New York. If you are behind on your car payment, mortgage or property taxes, please contact me to see if I can help you with these payments. If you have credit card debts you are struggling to pay, or if you have a judgment against you or your wages are being garnished, I can help you resolve these problems. Please contact me for free consultation to review your situation. I offer in...

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.

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.

From a very young age, I knew two things – (1) I wanted to be a lawyer, and (2) I wanted to help people. Growing up in a small rural community in Western New York instilled in me certain values that guide me not only in my personal life but also in my professional life as an attorney. I approach every interaction with my clients based upon my belief that I owe them a duty to represent their interests and service their needs to the fullest extent possible. My clients all get my personal attention and deal with me directly...

I am a founding partner of Thomas & Solomon LLP. Where I practice solely in employment law, first at a large firm advising employers, and then, since 2000, as partner at Thomas & Solomon LLP representing employees. Currently, I concentrate my practice on national wage and hour, class and collective action litigation. I have represented hundreds of thousands of employees, and recovered back wages resulting in tens of millions of dollars for those clients. I have been selected to be a mediator for the United States District Court for the Western District of New York and regularly mediates federal...

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...

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!

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...

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...

For over 15 years Darren Swetz has been helping individuals and business navigate a range of legal issues to help them achieve financial success, economic stability or a fresh start. At Tully Rinckey PLLC he is a Partner who represents New Yorkers with the preparation of wills, trusts and advanced directives; Medicaid planning; and real estate transactions and leases. Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Mr. Swetz served as Managing Partner at Kelly & Swetz for more than a dozen years, where he focused his practice on wealth management and asset preservation. Before that he operated...

Dan is an accomplished trial lawyer with over a decade of experience devoted exclusively to litigating medical malpractice actions. He received his J.D. Magna Cum Laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 2010, where he was an Editor of the Law Review, and his B.A Summa Cum Laude in Philosophy from Syracuse University at Utica College in 2006. Dan served in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Sergeant and being decorated for achievement in 55 combat operations during deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been admitted to practice law in New York State and the Northern...

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...

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...

Michael is a highly accomplished trial attorney based in Upstate New York. A student leader at Harvard who distinguished himself through Army R.O.T.C., he served on active duty in the U.S. Army JAG Corps after earning his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. Devoting his practice to representing injured individuals and families in catastrophic personal injury cases, Mike has secured multiple million-dollar verdicts across consecutive trials, demonstrating his exceptional skills and dedication. An active lecturer and member of various bar associations, Mike currently resides in Fayetteville with his wife and children.

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,...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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.

Thirty years of experience throughout the United States representing families and professionals when they most need a strong advocate in their corner. A member of the Supreme Court of the United States, Florida and New York, Julia represents men and women in high net worth divorce, child custody, international custody disputes, parental alienation cases, divorcing the narcissist, complex high conflict divorce, family business dissolution, child support, domestic violence. Business matters include human resource advice to small businesses, assisting the small business in start-up, representing small business before the local planning and zoning boards, drafting articles of incorporation and governing...

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.

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.

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...