Swain Lawyers

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...

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...

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 He is no longer active in the Connecticut bar.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...

Joseph C. Crozier is an attorney in Tiveron Law’s Matrimonial and Family Law departments. Mr. Crozier received his Juris Doctorate from the State University at Buffalo School of Law and his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport in Sports Management. During Law School, Joseph concentrated his studies on Matrimonial, Family, and Sports and Entertainment Law. Mr. Crozier’s experience as an intern for Erie County Family Court, Neighborhood Legal Services, and as a Law Clerk for the Erie County Attorney’s Office, as well as many years working with children in local school districts, has given him the ability to understand the complexities of Matrimonial...

I am one of the founding partners of Thomas & Solomon LLP. Ihave more than a decade's experience in employment law litigation and counsel. I litigate a range of matters from complex employment class action lawsuits to litigation involving all types of individual workplace disputes, ranging from claims of illegal termination and harassment, to actions to recover unpaid benefits.
I am also a certified Federal Court mediator with WDNY, with over 25 certified hours of training and role-play. Completed at least one observation and two meditations under the supervision of the WDNY program director. Maintains a minimum of 6...

When I was nine my aunt told me I should be a lawyer when I grew up because I argued about everything, really, really well. That's when I learned I could make a living doing what I loved: winning arguments. After graduating from Columbia University, New York City's only Ivy League school I went on to Fordham Law. Fordham was the only law school ranked in the top twenty-five nationwide that offered a night program in New York. Since I was working full time to pay my own way, Fordham's top tier night division was perfect for me. After two...

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...

Ariel A. Bauerle is a litigation attorney practicing in HoganWillig’s Business, Estate Planning and Matrimonial & Family Law departments. She brings with her a wealth of legal knowledge as a student attorney working for the Family and Women’s Rights Clinic in Buffalo, representing clients in family law issues, including custody, visitation, and support cases. As well as court room experience while serving as a Judicial Intern in Erie County Court.

While receiving her J.D. at the University at Buffalo School of Law, Ms. Bauerle was the Vice President of the Domestic Violence Task Force, a contributing editor for the Buffalo Public...

My name is Nicholas Andrews. I decided to become a lawyer when I was a junior in high school. Before that, I never really knew what I wanted to be. In elementary school I thought I would be a fireman because they drove cool trucks, or maybe an “army guy” like my big brother. In junior high, I thought about being a chemist. But I quickly discovered I was not cut out for that. Nothing else really appealed to me, until I heard someone mention how someone else would make a good lawyer. That got me thinking that maybe I...

Stacey Subryan-Gerber is an attorney practicing in the firm’s Personal Injury and Litigation departments. Her experience with liability defense as in-house counsel at Liberty Mutual and then in private practice is an asset for her current focus on plaintiff-side matters. Ms. Subryan-Gerber obtained her Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University- Thomas M. Cooley Law School and her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Stacey has been admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey. Stacey is an advocate for autism awareness, which is a cause near and dear to her heart, and is...

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...

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...

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...

In representing clients, I always take the approach to represent a client the way I would want to be represented in his or her situation. I always evaluate, research, investigate and zealously defend a case as the client requests as long as it complies with my ethical duties. Frequently, I compare the attorney-client relationship to that of a taxi cab driver-passenger relationship. The taxi can driver knows the fast roads, best routes and has the skills to get where the passenger needs to go. Like the passenger, the client decides what direction the case goes. I try to do everything...

John I. LaMancuso is a Partner and serves as the Chairman of Lewis & Lewis, P.C. John represents individual, business, and municipal clients in litigation and transactional matters in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Erie Counties. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, Super Lawyers named John a Rising Star. To be eligible for designation as a Rising Star, the attorney must be 40 years old or younger and in practice for 10 years or less. No more than 2.5% of lawyers in New York State are designated Rising Stars. John has substantial personal injury experience representing individuals seriously injured in car accidents, work...

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...

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...

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!

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 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.

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...

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...

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...

I joined Dwyer, Black & Lyle, LLP as an associate attorney in 2008 and became a partner there in 2011. In 2015, we changed the name to Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP. I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York at Brockport and graduated cum laude from law school at the State University of New York at Buffalo. I am admitted to practice law in both New York and Pennsylvania. I am a member of the American Association for Justice, New York State Trial Lawyers Association, Allegany County Bar Association...

Brian Shiffrin is a partner at Easton Thompson Kasperek Shiffrin LLP, a law firm dedicated to criminal defense. Brian specializes in post-conviction representation. He has argued appeals in numerous courts, including the New York Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Additionally, he has been counsel representing clients at trials, including murder trials. Brian is Past President of the Rochester Chapter of American Inns of Court and a former Trustee of the Monroe County Bar Association. He has twice served as Chair of the Criminal Justice Section of the Monroe County Bar Association. Brian is the co-author of...

I concentrate in complex, serious military criminal defense and appellate matters as well as State criminal defense and appeals. I also handle military post-conviction matters; administrative separations or discharges; Article 15 (Captain's Mast) defense; and Officer misconduct matters. Additionally, I handle security clearance issues for both military and civilians.

Allen Lim, Esq. is an attorney in the Litigation and Personal Injury Departments of Horn Wright, LLP. Allen grew up and attended school in Orange County, California. He attained a B.A. in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton, and his J.D. at Western State College of Law. An internship with the Orange County Public Defender started his desire to help those in need, and he carries that same drive to this day. Additionally, he utilizes his prior experience in customer service to ensure that each client is heard and that all of their questions are addressed. Allen is bilingual...

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...

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 *...

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...

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

25 Years of Experience | Personal Attention | Reasonable Rates I grew up in Monroe County, in Penfield, New York. I have spent my entire legal career in Monroe County, New York. I was a prosecutor in the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office for over 10 years, where I prosecuted misdemeanor and felony level DWIs and related offenses, felony level drug and gun crimes and violent felonies. Throughout my legal career, I have conducted hundreds of trials and hearings, and I have represented clients in Federal, State, Town and City Courts throughout Monroe County and the surrounding Counties....

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...

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...