Ionia Lawyers

With nearly three decades of professional experience, I have a broad background in commercial real estate transactions. My skills range from drafting and negotiating operating agreements to advising on syndications, which includes financial analyses and preparing presentations, as well as vetting deals. I am also adept at negotiating purchase agreements, mortgage agreements, and more. My career has seen me work at one of the largest law firms globally in their New York City offices, serve as General Counsel for a prominent real estate company, and manage my own real estate assets in the Tri-Cities area. Although I am trained as...

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...

Scott R. Kurkoski is the Assistant Managing Partner in the Binghamton, New York law firm of Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP. Mr. Kurkoski concentrates his practice in the areas of business and real estate transactions, wind and solar energy projects and commercial litigation. He is Chair of the firm’s Energy and Cannabis Practice Groups.

Justin Salkin has experience in all phases of litigation in medical malpractice and insurance defense matters. He handles motions, depositions, and has achieved the dismissal of cases and strong settlements for his clients. He routinely defends civil service employees at arbitration as well.

Holly Avery has 13 years of experience representing clients in matters involving business and corporate law, residential and commercial real estate, leasing and oil and gas law. Her practice includes assisting clients in areas such as Binghamton, Owego, Ithaca, Cortland, Syracuse and Broome County, Onondaga County and Erie County.

Palmer J. Pelella is dedicated to providing outstanding service and legal advocacy for clients throughout Central New York. His practice areas include Estate Planning, Probate, and Traffic Tickets, Real Estate, and Business Law needs. A former Assistant District Attorney, Palmer brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to a multitude of legal matters.

Palmer J. Pelella Esq. is a full service, boutique law firm committed to delivering exceptional representation with reliability, efficiency and integrity. If you would like to talk, please reach out to schedule a Free Consultation.

A good lawyer can make the difference!

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...

I have successfully represented people injured in construction accidents by developing special expertise in the area, working with renowned experts in the field and have played a role in the development of the law. I also regularly resolve cases involving products liability, chemical exposure, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and wrongful death. As part and parcel of my representation of people injured or damaged I regularly take on insurance companies who deny coverage.

I practice in the New York State courts of Southern and Central New York including the counties of Broome, Tioga, Delaware, Chenango, Tompkins, Cortland, Steuben,...

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...

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.

Shaw & Murphy is a general practice law firm focused on providing high-caliber, personal and commercial legal service to clients in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier of New York.

We are a general practice on purpose: We believe clients benefit from a broad view of the law. We understand, for example, how divorce, custody, visitation and child support impact your business or that buying a house can also impact your estate planning.

Our lawyers and paralegals work together to provide clients with cost-effective solutions. We offer our wide experience in many areas of the law and our varied life experiences as...

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...

I am a 60-year veteran of the music industry and more recently designed and built special effects for Hollywood films. My earlier academic background is in Andean anthropology, and I graduated summa cum laude from the University Of New Mexico in 1989, with a special focus on linguistic anthropology, archaeology, and population genetics. After obtaining my Master's Degree in the same field from Cornell University in 1992, I began my work in the feature film industry, later enrolling in the Syracuse University College Of Law where I earned my Juris Doctor and began practicing law. As the quintessential country lawyer,...

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.

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...

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...

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 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.

Hayden R. Brainard, Jr. is a Partner in Miller Mayer’s Corporate Law and Intellectual Property practice groups. Mr. Brainard focuses his practice on corporate law. Mr. Brainard’s corporate practice includes advising entrepreneurs and small and medium size businesses in business formation and governance, employment matters, commercial real estate, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, succession planning, and financing, including venture capital. Mr. Brainard also practices intellectual property law, including advising clients in intellectual property protection, trademark and copyright registration, licensing, negotiation and preparation of software development and service agreements. Mr. Brainard is a member of the New York...

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...

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.

Julia is a passionate litigator practicing in commercial litigation and general liability insurance defense. She is also a skilled advisor to individuals and businesses in the cannabis industry, advising clients on cannabis related contracts, licensing, regulations, and compliance matters. Julia’s long-time passion for aiding the cannabis industry began by seeing how life changing cannabis was for her grandmother battling terminal cancer. Her dedication to helping people achieve their goals within the cannabis community is unrivaled. Julia understands the inherent risks with entering an industry that remains federally illegal and highly stigmatized, and hopes that through community outreach, education, and positive...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

Alycia K. Kimmel practices in the areas of estate planning and estate administration, elder law, real estate and not-for-profit matters. She is admitted to practice in the states of New York and Florida. She practices primarily in Broome County, as well as the following surrounding counties: Tompkins, Tioga, Chemung, Steuben, Chenango, and Schuyler.

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.

Ms. Miller has practiced law since 1996. She has litigated a variety of personal injury actions, such as premises liability, dram shop actions, construction litigation, auto accidents and premises liability suits. She has also represented both employees and employers with respect to workplace disputes, including claims of retaliatory discharge and employment discrimination. She litigates in state, federal, administrative and appellate courts, and is a member of the Onondaga County Bar Association Judiciary Committee. Ms. Miller lives in DeWitt, with her husband and two children.

ROGER J. YEHL / FORMER CHAPTER 13 TRUSTEE STAFF ATTORNEY Mr. Yehl has now opened two offices in New Jersey while maintaining two office locations in New York. Roger Yehl has been an attorney since 2002 upon his admission to the New York State Bar. In 2004, Mr. Yehl moved to NJ upon his successful completion of the New Jersey Bar Examaination. Mr Yehl began employment in 2004 as a staff attorney to Chapter 13 Trustee, Isabel C. Balboa in New Jersey. At this position, Mr. Yehl refined his skills in Bankruptcy while working on thousands of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy cases over...