LastUpdated:1/3/2024
WDNY Mediator Biographies (Buffalo)
Florina Altshiler
Background:
Ms. Altshiler was born in Ukraine; raised and educated in New York City and moved to
Buffalo by way of Alaska.
Education: Binghamton University B.A. Psychology 2002 (Rosenberg Scholar); St. John’s University
School of Law, J.D. 2005 (Merit Scholar)
Work History: Partner, Russo & Gould LLP, Aug. 2015 – Present
Litigate and defend complex, multi-party matters in a variety of civil liability practice areas including
medical malpractice, labor law and general negligence from preparation of answer through final
disposition including trial and appeals. Exclusive Legal Analyst, WKBW ABC 7 SCRIPPS Network
Sept. 2015 – Present: Offer regular legal commentary regarding topics including high profile criminal
matters, constitutional protections and civil matters of national significance. Arbitrator, Civil Court of the
City of New York 2009 – Present: Part-time, summer quarter, binding arbitrator for matters of limited
jurisdiction. Current teaching responsibilities include trial advocacy, torts and legal research and writing
courses at Buffalo State College, Daemen College, and Columbia University in NYC. Previous work
history includes work at Webster Szanyi with defense of Section 1983 excessive force and constitutional
violation claims through trial; Assistant District Attorney, handling felony sexual assault and homicide
cases on behalf of the State of Alaska; plaintiff’s side trial litigation for Wingate Russotti & Shapiro in
NYC; civil litigation defense work for Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP in NYC; and
medical malpractice defense work for NYC-based firms.
Areas of Practice: Medical Malpractice; Civil Rights; Torts; Commercial Litigation; General Litigation;
Criminal Defense
Professional Achievements: Ms. Altshiler is a frequent author and lecturer on topics including
constitutional law, civil litigation, trial technique and criminal law across the country including
presentations to the Utah Defense Lawyers; Indiana State Prosecutors; Kentucky Attorney General’s
Office; NYS Attorney General’s Office; NITA; DRI; DTLA; Erie County Institute of Law; Lawline; and
Clearlaw among others. Her awards include: 2017, 2018 and 2019 Super Lawyers New York Rising Star;
Above the Law’s Top 20 Women Faculty of 2016 and 2021; Avvo 10.0 Rating; State Director, Women’s
Bar Assoc. of the State of NY, Western NY Chapter; Journey’s End Refugee Services, Board Member,
Jan. 2017 – 2020; Crisis Services, Buffalo, NY Board Member, Aug. 2017 –2020; St. John’s School of
Law, Alumni Assoc. WNY Chapter President, Dec. 2015 - Present; Binghamton University, State
University of New York Harpur Law Council Steering Committee Appointee 2016 –Present; New York
Legal Assistance Group, Associate Board Member, 2011 – 2016; Defense Research Institute (DRI)
Member, 2016 – Present; Buffalo Claims Assoc. (BCA) Member, 2015 – Present; American Assoc. for
Paralegal Education, Member, 2016 – Present; Erie County Bar Assoc., Member, 2014 – Present; DTLA
Board 2017-Present.
Personal Achievements: Completed the 2009 NYC Marathon, 2010 NYC Marathon and 2010 Marine
Corp. Marathon; former USA Luge competitor; National Ski Patrol in Alaska
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Hedwig M. Auletta
Background: Born in New York City; lived in Florence Italy for several months; moved to Buffalo
following graduation from Law School in 1986
Education: Marymount Manhattan College, BA, History and languages, magna cum laude 1974;
Fordham University School of Law JD, cum laude, 1986
Work History: Confidential law clerk to Hon. Jon T. Elfvin: 1986-1988; Barclay Damon, LLP (formerly
Damon Morey, LLP) 1988- 2018; Roach Brown McCarthy & Gruber 2019-Present.
Areas of Practice: Negligence; Labor Law 240; FDCPA
Professional Achievements: Best Lawyers in America, 2012
Personal Achievements: Board of Directors, American Red Cross, local chapter Trustee, Holy Spirit
R.C. Church Volunteer reader, Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service
Mitchell J. Banas
Background: North Tonawanda, New York (1960-present)
Education: Grove City College; SUNY College at Fredonia, B.A. 1982; SUNY Buffalo Law School,
J.D. cum laude 1985
Work History: Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel LLP/Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC Commercial litigator
1985- Present
Areas of Practice: Commercial litigation; breach of contract; business torts; intellectual property; civil
rights
Professional Achievement: Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America; Fellow, Trial Lawyer Honorary
Society; Past President, Advocates Club of Western New York; Past Treasurer. Western New York Trial
Lawyers Association; Buffalo First "Lawyers Who Mean Business"; Best Lawyers in America
Personal Achievement: Vice President of District Operations and Board Member; Greater Niagara
Frontier Council Boy Scouts of America; Eagle Scout
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Judith A. Biltekoff
Background: A native of Long Island, NY, I live in Snyder, NY.
Education: State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Law, J.D.; Boston University College
of Communications, B.S. in Communications.
Work History: From Sept. 2009 – Aug. 2016, I served as Senior Trial Attorney for the United States
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, (“EEOC”) Buffalo, NY Office. The EEOC oversees all
federal employment discrimination laws including Title VII, PDA, EPA, GINA, Title IX, ADA and
ADEA. The Buffalo office of the EEOC has jurisdiction over all federal discrimination charges in
Western & Upstate New York. While at the EEOC, I successfully litigated individual and systemic
employment cases in Western NY and in federal courts throughout the United States. I also represented
the EEOC in all mandatory mediations for cases filed in the Western and Northern District Courts of
NY and negotiated effective settlements and Consent Decrees benefiting hundreds of individuals. I also
advised EEOC’s legal and enforcement staff on all aspects of federal employment law, policies,
procedures and training programs to insure compliance with federal laws and regulations. September
2005-Aug 2009, Brown & Kelly, LLP-Of Counsel; September 2002-September 2005, Sullivan,
Oliverio & Gioia, LLP-Of Counsel; August 1998-September 2002, Law Office of Judith A. Biltekoff;
September 1993-August 1998, Allen & Lippes. Prior to my years in public service I litigated and
counseled clients at all stages of individual, class-action and complex matters including employment
discrimination and harassment, tort, product liability, consumer fraud, contract and environmental
cases. I also mediated and negotiated successful settlements benefiting all parties.
Areas of Practice: All areas of Employment and Labor Law: Discrimination, Harassment, Age,
Disability, Wages, Civil Rights, Employment Contracts, Policies & Procedures, Severance, Non-
compete & Waivers Confidentiality Agreements.
Professional Achievements: Negotiated a $1 million class settlement, injunctive relief and important
revisions to employment policies and procedures for 67 African-American employees in a race
discrimination, harassment and retaliation case in Rochester NY; Represented a single African-
American steelworker in an egregious race discrimination case in WNY that resulted in a $25 million
jury verdict; Represented over 3,000 African-American employees in a race discrimination class-action
in Rochester NY that resulted in a $21.4 million settlement and significant revisions to corporate
procedures and policies. Director of CLE for the EEOC, NYDO (2014-2016); Guest Speaker at
community outreach, professional & academic programs; Member of National Employment Lawyer’s
Assoc. & Bar Assoc. of Erie County, Employment & Labor Law Section.
Personal Achievements: My husband, Peter, my daughter and son; my four incredible grandchildren &
my faithful Tibetan Terrier, Ziggie.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Michael A. Brady
Background: Buffalo, NY
Education: Le Moyne College, B.S., 1970; Cornell University, J.D., cum laude, 1975
Work History: Michael A. Brady has devoted his legal practice exclusively to litigation and trial work.
Before forming Hagerty & Brady in 1989, Mr. Brady was a law clerk to then Chief Judge John T.
Curtin, WDNY (1975-77); a litigation associate at Hodgson Russ LLP (1977-79); an Assistant United
States Attorney, WDNY (1979-83, ending as the Chief, Criminal Division); and as an associate and
then a partner in the litigation department of Moot & Sprague (1983-89).
Areas of Practice: Mr. Brady's litigation practice has been widespread, including personal injury,
insurance defense, construction law, environmental law, commercial law, employment disputes, legal
malpractice and aviation law. He has tried complex cases in state and federal court on behalf of
plaintiffs and defendants. Mr. Brady has been on the Mediation Panel since the commencement of the
Western District of New York's Mediation Program in 2006. Mr. Brady has mediated hundreds of
Federal Court lawsuits. These mediations have included wrongful death actions, commercial disputes,
trademark litigation, admiralty disputes, construction disputes, personal injury actions, ERISA disputes,
FDCPA actions and numerous other matters. In addition to his role as a Federal Court panel mediator,
Mr. Brady is frequently requested to mediate State Court disputes in Buffalo and Rochester. He has also
been engaged to arbitrate disputes both as single arbitrator and as a member of a panel.
Professional Achievements: On the occasion of the dedication of the new Federal Courthouse in
Buffalo, on May 3, 2012, the judges of the Court recognized Mr. Brady with the Court's first
Professionalism Award. The award recognized Mr. Brady's contributions to the Court's mediation
program, his pro bono work at the Court, and his efforts in the community, specifically his 17-year
involvement in the high school Mock Trial program. Mr. Brady was recognized by the Attorney
General of the United States for his work in a series of bank fraud prosecutions in Federal Court in
Buffalo. He was also selected by Judge Richard J. Arcara as a Special Prosecutor in federal court on a
series of contempt citations. More recently, he has been recognized by various peer reviews including
Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers and Business First's Who's Who in Law, Business First’s
Who’s Who in Law, Legal Elite of WNY, Lawyer of the Year and 2022 Lawyers of Distinction by the
New York Times and The National Law Journal. In 2019, Mr. Brady and his partner and son Daniel
were awarded the Pro Bono Award by the Judges of the WDNY. He has long held the Martindale-
Hubbell AV rating and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
David G. Brock
Background: Forty-eight years in the litigation of personal injury and insurance-related claims,
including product liability, premises liability, professional liability and ethics (including medical and
legal malpractice), municipal liability of police and fire departments, New York State claims counsel for
a Northeast regional waste disposal company, local counsel for a global truck and highway equipment
manufacturer. Twelve years as a member of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, 8th District
Attorney Grievance Committee (Chair, 2013-2014).
Education: Union College, Schenectady, NY, B.A., English, 1967; UB School of Law, J.D., 1972
Work History: Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Staff Counsel, 1973-1977; Jaeckle Fleischmann &
Mugel, LLP., Partner, 1977-2016; Kavinoky Cook LLP, Senior Counsel, 2016- 2019; The Coppola Firm,
Senior Counsel, 2020-present; U.S.D.C., Western District of New York, Certified Mediator, 2006-
present.
Areas of Practice: Personal injury; Legal and Medical Malpractice; Professional Responsibility & Ethics
(Attorney discipline); Insurance coverage; Contractual liability; Product liability; Premises liability;
General Litigation
Professional Achievements: Robert M. Kiebala Defense Trial Lawyer of the Year, 2010; Fourth
Department, 8th District Attorney Grievance Committee (Chair, 2013-2014); Best Lawyer 2022 Lawyer
of the Year – Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants.
Personal Achievements: Temple Beth Zion Brotherhood Maurice Tabor man of the Year Award, 2009
Temple Beth Zion Board of Trustees, President, 1995-1997 Planned Parenthood William B. Hoyt
Advocacy for Choice Award, 2012 Park School of Buffalo Board of Trustees, President 2018-2020
Michelle Bullock
Background: Raised in Western NY and resident of East Aurora, NY 1989 to present. I have had the
pleasure of residing in Birmingham, AL and Roswell, GA from 1985-1989. I also spent my first year of
law school at Capital University in Columbus, OH.
Education: Canisius College, B.A. 1993; SUNY Buffalo Law School J.D. 1996 (concentration in Real
Estate Development).
Work History: Independent Contractor Erie County Law Dept. (intern 1991-93), Erie County District
Attorney’s Office Sex Offender Unit (intern); Associate at Hall, Ricketts, Marky & Gurbacki 1999-2009;
Law Office Michelle S. Bullock 2009 to present- currently Michelle S. Bullock Law & Mediation,
PLLC.
Areas of Practice: Established Mediation practice since 2009 including areas of contract dispute, family
matters, divorce matters and neighbor disputes; legal practice includes real estate, Court appointed
Referee, estate planning, divorce, family, collaborative divorce, custody, adoption, Qualified Domestic
Relations Orders, representing children as Attorney for the Child in Erie and Genesee Counties; panel
mediator in Erie County Family Court. Previous experience in bankruptcy, traffic/criminal matters and
commercial litigation.
Personal Achievements: I took a few laps around the track at Watkins Glen with a group of enthusiastic
Mini Cooper owners. More importantly, I am proud to have established a solo legal practice so many
years ago and include mediation as the focus of that practice. Leaving a firm and successfully branching
out on my own while raising my children as a single parent is my best personal achievement to date.
Being selected to participate in the WDNY Mediator Panel is a very close second.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Christen Civiletto
Background: Ms. Civiletto is an attorney, ADR professional, author, and adjunct law school instructor
who brings a variety of experiences to a multifaceted legal career. She has an extensive background
litigating complex intellectual property matters in state and federal courts, spearheading mass toxic tort
actions, and co-managing ADR programs for institutional clients. She is licensed to practice in New York
and Georgia.
Education: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL (Nashville, Tennessee) Doctor of
Jurisprudence, May 1993 Recipient, Vanderbilt Appellate Advocacy Award (1991); STATE
UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO (Buffalo, New York) Bachelor of Arts, Political
Science/Communication, May 1990 Summa Cum Laude.
Work History: ATTORNEY, PRIVATE PRACTICE (Buffalo, NY) June 2002-present. UNIVERSITY
AT BUFFALO LAW SCHOOL, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (Buffalo, NY) Adjunct
Faculty, 2003 to present (responsible for content and teaching of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
course, which focuses on the substantive and procedural aspects of ADR, including mediation, neutral
evaluation, mini-trial, and arbitration, and also Environmental Law courses). MEDAILLE COLLEGE
(Buffalo, NY) Adjunct Faculty, 2016-2020 (courses relating to Business Law and Business Ethics).
ENTRUST ADR RESOURCES (Buffalo, NY) Executive Director/Mediator, 2003-2012. ALTMAN,
KRITZER & LEVICK, P.C. (Atlanta, Georgia) Of Counsel Attorney, Litigation, 1997-2002. POWELL,
GOLDSTEIN, FRAZER & MURPHY, LLP, n/k/a BRYAN CAVE LLP (Atlanta, Georgia) Associate
Attorney, Litigation, 1993-1997.
Areas of Practice: Handled all phases of commercial litigation and arbitration matters in both federal and
state courts, including negotiation, discovery, trial, and confirmation proceedings. Litigated complex
intellectual property matters such as patent, trademark, trade dress, copyright, and trade-secret cases.
Currently counsel of record for a series of toxic tort cases in Wheatfield/North Tonawanda, New York and
Niagara Falls, New York.
Professional Achievements: Recipient, Ken Joyce Award for Excellence in Teaching (UB Law 2017)
Certified Mediator, Resolution Resources Corporation (Atlanta, Georgia) 2001 Certified Arbitrator,
Resolution Resources Corporation (Atlanta, Georgia) 2001 Ms. Civiletto recently established a faith-based
conflict resolution organization with area attorneys and businesspersons. EntrustADR.org. She is a
frequent guest panelist or lecturer on subjects relating to the professional development of new lawyers, and
other law-school related subjects.
Personal Achievements: Ms. Civiletto has authored non-fiction books for law students and new lawyers,
as well as a recent suspense novel. She has judged The Eric Hoffer Award for Book and Prose since 2014.
She is an avid outdoorsperson.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Robert B. Conklin
Background: Born and raised in Buffalo, New York. Moved to Orchard Park in 1974.
Education: Canisius College BA (English); SUNY Buffalo Law School JD (cum laude), Law Review
Work History: Upon graduation, I clerked for US District Judge, John T. Curtin. Thereafter, I joined the
litigation department of Hodgson, Russ, Andrews, Woods and Goodyear where I have continued my
career, ultimately as a Senior Partner, President and General Counsel.
Areas of Practice: (1) Product Liability; (2) Employment Litigation; (3) Railroad Law; (4) Professional
Responsibility and Legal Ethics; and (5) Complex Business Litigation.
Professional Achievements: Recognized in "commercial litigation" or business litigation by Best
Lawyers in America (20 years) and Super Lawyers. Also recognized in the "Bet The Company" category
of Best Lawyers in America. Also recognized by UB Law Review for Distinguished Service in 2005.
Personal Achievements: Formerly member of the Board of Directors of the Shea's Performing Arts
Center, Buffalo, New York. Currently Emeritus Member of the UB Law School's Dean's Advisory
Counsel.
Jessica L. Copeland
Background: Ms. Copeland grew up on Long Island and attended college and law school in New York
City. She began practicing law in New York City, focusing on patent and trademark litigation. Ms.
Copeland moved to Buffalo in 2009 with her husband and newborn son. After moving to Buffalo, she
joined Hodgson Russ, where she developed broad commercial litigation skills, while honing her expertise
in Intellectual Property disputes. Ms. Copeland has also developed a flourishing cybersecurity and data
privacy practice, where she advises clients on privacy compliance issues, as well as manages incident
responses and advises on potential liability that could flow therefrom. Ms. Copeland recently moved to
Bond, Schoeneck & King where she is the chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property and Cybersecurity
practice groups
Education: New York University, BA Mathematics, 2001
St. John’s University, School of Law, 2004
Carnegie Mellon University, Certificate in Cybersecurity Leadership, 2018
Work History: Morgan & Finnegan, New York, NY, summer associate – senior associate (2003-2008)
Locke Lord, New York, NY, Senior Associate (2008-2009)
Hodgson Russ, Buffalo, NY, Senior Associate – Partner (2010-2019)
Bond, Schoeneck & King, Buffalo, NY, Member (2019 – present)
Areas of Practice: Commercial litigation (including breach of contract, breach of non-compete,
business tort); Intellectual Property (patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, trade dress); Business
disputes; Cybersecurity; Data Privacy
Professional Achievements: Listed as Business First rising star in Intellectual Property and Intellectual
Property Litigation; Elected President of the Board for CHC Learning Center (2014-2017); Director of
the Board for New York Intellectual Property Law Association (2014-2017); Co-chair Women in IP for
NYIPLA (2017-present).
Personal Achievements: Marathon and Half-marathon runner; mother of two wonderful children who
consistently challenge my mediator skills.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Douglas S. Coppola
Background: Doug Coppola has been married to Mimi Barnes Coppola for 43 years. His wife is retired
from the Buffalo Board of Education where she was a teacher trainer/coordinator of the Special Education
Training and Resource Center. In retirement, Mimi helped cofound the Elmwood Village Charter School.
Doug and Mimi have three sons and 6 grandchildren. Steven is a 2006 Princeton graduate and bronze medal
winner in the Men's 8 Rowing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Kellen is a 2009 graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania and Rutgers University Law School, Class of 2014. He works in the General Counsel’s office
at M&T Bank. Evan is a 2010 graduate of Canisius College and holds an MBA in Finance. He is an equity
analyst at Hudson Advisors. Their three sons are alumni of Canisius High School.
Education: Doug Coppola graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law in
1975 and was admitted to practice in February 1976. He received his undergraduate degree in 1971 from the
University of Notre Dame.
Work History/Areas of Practice/Professional Achievements/ Personal Achievements: Coppola has
been a practicing attorney in civil litigation for over 40 years representing both plaintiffs and defendants in
various complex personal injury and commercial litigation matters including products liability, labor law
matters, commercial premises liability cases, insurance coverage disputes, medical/ dental malpractice, and
general contract/business litigation. He has also represented the interests of excess carriers in serious
personal injury matters. He has tried to verdict numerous cases in state and federal court. He has been AV
Rated by Martindale Hubbell and earned their "pre-eminent" designation for over 30 years. Currently, 100%
of Doug's time is devoted to ADR through either mediation or arbitration. Coppola was privileged to be part
of the initial trained panel of approved attorneys to handle mediation of commercial matters for the Eighth
Judicial District in the New York State Courts in 2000 and he has continued with additional training in
addition to his active case resolutions. He is on the current Court ADR panel for mediations, arbitrations,
and neutral evaluations for the entire Eighth Judicial District Supreme Court and has regular referrals from
the many Justices to mediate pending personal injury and non-personal injury matters. He underwent
Federal Court mediation training in February 2009 and is a member in good standing of the WDNY
Mediation Roster. Coppola has been involved in 750+ case resolutions as mediator, neutral or sole arbitrator
since 2000. Since 2009, he has conducted 900+ mediations resulting in $150+ million dollars in settlements
and 500+ arbitrations as a neutral or sole arbitrator. Coppola has been honored to be selected in the
Business First 2007-2011 editions of "Who's Who In Law Western New York" for arbitration and
mediation nominated by his peers in the legal community. He has been selected for ADR annually in New
York Super Lawyers since 2009. Doug is honored to be a Charter Member of the NY Chapter of the
National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. Coppola received the 2008 Charles H. Dougherty Civility
Award from the Bar Association of Erie County after nomination by the Bar's Judge's Committee. He is a
former member of the Erie County Bar Association board of directors and has served on the Bar's
Nominating Committee. Coppola was an original member of the City of Buffalo Board of Ethics since 1999
and former chair. He is a former past president of the Western New York Trial Lawyers Association and
UB Law Alumni Association. Currently, Doug continues to serve as a no-fault arbitrator for the AAA since
2012.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Lisa A. Coppola
Background: Born and raised in Buffalo and Tonawanda, NY. Graduate of Kenmore East High School.
Current residence is Snyder, NY.
Education: Syracuse University, B.S magna cum laude; dual degrees in advertising and marketing;
Syracuse University College of Law, J.D. summa cum laude
Work History: Prior to founding and managing The Coppola Firm, Lisa Coppola worked for a decade at
Hodgson Russ where she was named the first female equity partner in its litigation department. She also
spent a dozen years as a partner at then-named Rupp, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham & Coppola. Ms.
Coppola began her career at Phillips Lytle and served for two years as law clerk to the Hon. H. Kenneth
Schroeder, Jr., United States Magistrate Judge for the WDNY from 2000 to 2002.
Areas of Practice: Ms. Coppola’s practice is broad and rewardingly diverse. She has been lead counsel in
jury trials in New York State and federal courts, including trying tried high-exposure cases to verdict, and
has argued appeals in various courts including the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Her litigation practice
has ranged from personal injury to employment-related claims, commercial/business litigation, and general
litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defense throughout the years. She has litigated against
government agencies and practiced before administrative tribunals and commercial arbitration panels. She
has owned several law and non-law-related businesses and has a keen, practical sense for business
challenges and strategy.
Professional Achievements: Syracuse University WNY Alumni of the Year (2019); Amherst Chamber of
Commerce Woman-Owned Business of the Year (2019); Top 25 Women Upstate New York Super Lawyers
(2019); Girl Scouts Women of Distinction (2017); Legal Elite Top 10 (Business First) (2016); NAWBO
Buffalo Niagara Member of the Year (2016); NYS Bar Association Empire State Counsel Outstanding Pro
Bono Volunteer (2015); Volunteer Lawyers Project Immigration Award (2014); Upstate New York Super
Lawyers (2009-2019); Legal Elite (Business First), 2014, 2016-2019; Women of Influence (Business First)
(2011); Women Who Mean Business (Business First) (2005).
Personal Achievements: Active board member of the National Association of Women Business Owners
(Washington, D.C.), Roswell Park Alliance Ambassadors, and MedLaw Cancer Partnership of WNY.
Former board trustee of Health Sciences Charter School. Proud single mother by choice to two
accomplished and kind young women.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
James D. Donathen
Background: Born and raised in the South Bend, Indiana area, moved to Buffalo after graduation from
Notre Dame Law School in 1978, and since 2021 has split time between Lakewood Ranch, Florida and
Buffalo.
Education: University of Notre Dame Law School, cum laude; University of Notre Dame, B.A., magna
cum laude.
Work History: Confidential Law Clerk to Hon. John T. Elfvin, 1978-80; Staff Attorney, NLRB Division of
Enforcement Litigation, 1980-84; Partner, Moot & Sprague, 1984-90; Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP, 1990-
2020; Of Counsel, Phillips Lytle LLP, 2021-2023; Donathen ADR, LLC 2014 to present.
Areas of Practice: Practiced in the areas of labor and employment law and commercial litigation for over
40 years; provided proactive advice to clients and litigated a wide range of workplace matters, including
Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, New York Human Rights Law, FLSA, New York Labor Law, ERISA,
LMRDA, SOX, OSHA, covenants not to compete, theft of trade secrets and confidential information,
breach of employment contracts, and other workplace fraud/disloyal employee disputes; spoke frequently
on labor and employment topics; and conducted harassment and other internal investigations.
Professional Achievements: Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Top 50, listed in Chambers,
USA, and recognized in The Best Lawyers in America as well as other prominent legal publications.
Personal Achievements: Served as Officer, HR Committee Chair and Board Member, YMCA Buffalo
Niagara (20 years); Board Member, Resource Council of Western New York; and Vestry Member, Calvary
Episcopal Church, Williamsville, New York. Now volunteers in the Attorney Emeritus Program (pro bono
work) and plays trombone in the Manatee Community Concert Band, Bradenton, Florida.
Kevin J. English
Background: I was born in Buffalo, New York in 1959.
Education: I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Canisius College in 1981, and my Juris Doctor
Degree, cum laude, from Southwestern University in 1984.
Work History: Upon graduation I began my career with the New York City firm of Bigham Englar Jones
& Houston where I was an associate in the Firm’s Aviation Defense Litigation Department. In late 1986, I
returned to Buffalo and joined Phillips Lytle LLP as an associate in the Firm’s Litigation Group. In 1992, I
was elected to partnership. I became the Practice Group Leader of the Firm’s Litigation Practice Group in
January 2008 and served in that role through 2017. On January 1, 2018, I became the Firm’s Risk
Management Partner.
Areas of Practice: My practice is a diversified one, which includes commercial and tort matters in both the
state and federal courts. On the commercial side, I represent plaintiffs and defendants in commercial
matters, including non-compete cases, closely held corporate business disputes, breach of contract cases,
insurance disputes and construction cases. On the tort side, although the majority of my work is
representing defendants in product liability matters, I have also successfully represented plaintiffs in
negligence and products liability cases.
Professional Achievements: I have successfully tried or arbitrated complex commercial and tort cases to
verdict or decision, in the Western District of New York, the Southern District of New York, and in New
York Supreme Court, Counties of Niagara, Erie and New York. I have been ranked in Chambers USA:
Leading Lawyer’s for Business (2015-2019); Listed in The Best Lawyers in America; and Upstate New
York Super Lawyers list (2007 - 2018).
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Ann E. Evanko
Background: President/Managing Member, Hurwitz & Fine, P.C.
Education: University at Buffalo Law School (J.D., 1979); State University of New York at Buffalo (M.A.,
1973); State University of New York at Oswego (B.A., 1972)
Areas of Practice: Ann Evanko advises clients on all aspects of employment law issues and defends
employers in the full range of litigated matters, including claims of discrimination, employment contract
disputes and covenants not-to-compete. A highly regarded mediator in both the board room and in the court
room, she is regularly engaged in the mediation of complex business, commercial and employment
disputes. Ms. Evanko is a court selected mediator, having undergone extensive training through the
International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, and has been a member of the United States
District Court for the Western District of New York’s approved mediation panel since its inception. She is
also trained in mediation of commercial cases through the Commercial Division, Supreme Court, Erie
County. In addition to extensive experience as a court trained and recommended mediator, Ms. Evanko
serves as a Fair Hearing Officer in connection with disciplinary and Fair Housing proceedings.
Professional Achievements/Personal Achievements: Ms. Evanko is identified by Buffalo’s Business First
as one of the most powerful and influential people in Western New York, named to both the “Power 250”
list which recognizes the men and women who “wield the most clout in the region,” as well as the “Power
125 Women” list which showcases the region’s most influential and powerful women. In 2016, Business
First honored Ms. Evanko with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Women of Influence for her
contributions to the community, to the women focused charitable organizations she champions and to the
firm, and previously recognized her with the inaugural Business First “Women Who Mean Business”
Award. Ms. Evanko was the 2019 recipient of the Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, the highest award the
University at Buffalo School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow. She is annually named
to the list of the Legal Elite of WNY in Business First and is recognized as one of the Top 25 Women
Lawyers and Top 50 Lawyers in Upstate New York by New York Super Lawyers Magazine. Ms. Evanko
was recognized with special distinction in 2015 as “Lawyer of the Year” for Employment Law –
Management by Best Lawyers in America. She is Chair of the Board of Directors for the WNY Women’s
Foundation where she serves on the Executive Committee and is also a member of the Board of Directors of
the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. She was a founder and past President of the Western NY Chapter of the
Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York and served as a member of the Board of Directors, VP,
Treasurer, and Chair of the Finance Committee of the NYS Women’s Bar Association. Ms. Evanko served
as an elected director of the BAEC and is a member of the WNY Trial Lawyers Association. She
previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of Everywoman Opportunity Center, Inc. Ms.
Evanko received the Athena Award in 2008, an award given by the WNY Women’s Fund and the Buffalo
Niagara Partnership to an individual who demonstrates support for the goals of women professionals and
provides significant and selfless assistance on their behalf. Ms. Evanko also served four consecutive terms
as President of the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Western New York. Ms. Evanko is a frequent
lecturer and panelist on issues of employment discrimination and women in leadership roles.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Robert J. Feldman
Background: A native of Brooklyn, Mr. Feldman resides in Snyder, New York with his wife, Lisa.
Together they have two children, Sarah, an appellate law clerk in Oregon, and Sam, studying to be an
architect in Buffalo, and are the proud owners of Murphy, a prize-winning Labradoodle.
Education: Mr. Feldman graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1969 and has a B.A. in
History from the State University of New York at Binghamton, 1973. He is a 1976 magna cum laude
graduate of University at Buffalo Law School where he received the Robert J. Connelly Trial
Technique Award.
Work History: Since receiving his J.D. in 1976, Mr. Feldman has worked at the law firm of Gross
Shuman Brizdle & Gilfillan, P.C. where he has been a shareholder since 1981. In addition to private
practice, Mr. Feldman is trained as a mediator for the United States District Court for the Western
District of New York ADR program.
Areas of Practice: Mr. Feldman’s practice is devoted principally to the areas of corporate and business
bankruptcy law and financial restructuring, commercial litigation and general business representation.
He has extensive experience representing debtors, creditors and creditors’ committees in Bankruptcy
Court in business reorganizations under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and in
bankruptcy proceedings under Chapters 7, 11 and 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code for
individual business owners and professionals. His business and commercial litigation experience
includes partnership and shareholder disputes, commercial litigation, construction disputes and banking
litigation. He serves as general outside counsel to a number of businesses, including several in the
healthcare industry. He has represented school districts, administrators, teachers and students in
education law matters for more than 35 years.
Professional Achievements: Member of the American and New York State Bar Associations and the
Bar Association of Erie County; past chair of the Commercial and Bankruptcy Committee of the Bar
Association of Erie County; current member of the SUNY Buffalo School of Law Dean’s Advisory
Council; current member of Buffalo and Erie County Board of Directors Assigned Counsel Program;
past member of UB Law School Alumni Association Board of Directors. He has lectured extensively
in the areas of business litigation, business bankruptcy and education law for the New York State Bar
Association, Bar Association of Erie County, Western New York Education Council, National
Business Institute and Lorman Business Institute.
Personal Achievements: Board of Directors of United Way of Buffalo and Erie County; past Board
member of Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Jennifer L. Friedman
Background: Born, raised and live in Lancaster, New York (with the exception of my years in Ithaca
for law school). I am married with two children and we have traveled extensively throughout the
country and world.
Education: Cornell Law School, 1997 cum laude; SUNY at Buffalo, 1994, summa cum laude
Work History: Schröder, Joseph & Associates, LLP 2016-present; McGee & Gelman 1997-2016
Areas of Practice: I am an experienced attorney with broad-based knowledge of many areas of law
especially those relating to business entities. I have participated in numerous commercial, intellectual
property and labor/employment mediations, arbitrations, settlement negotiations and litigation
involving multimillion dollar claims and I provide mediation/alternative dispute resolution services.
My practice is equally divided between plaintiff and defendant side work. I have been first and second
chair in federal court litigation involving patent infringement, trademark, trade secret and breach of
contract disputes including in New York, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, Wyoming and Michigan. I have
actively litigated commercial cases involving, among other things, breach of contract, corporate
dissolution, trade secrets, minority shareholder issues, breach of covenants not to compete, breach of
confidentiality agreements and breach of fiduciary duty. I have extensive experience litigating patent
and trademark disputes in various federal courts around the country. I have authored numerous
appellate briefs and have argued in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. I
represent employers on employment discrimination matters including age, sex, race, national origin and
disability claims.
Professional Achievements: Recognized in Intellectual Property by Super Lawyers.
Obtained a successful jury verdict in a breach of contract action in the first jury trial verdict in the
Supreme Court Erie County Commercial Division. Professional memberships: Western District of
New York Local Rules Committee and Local Patent Rules Committee; Erie County Bar Association
ADR, Intellectual Property, and Labor Law Committees.
Personal Achievements: Garden Walk Buffalo Niagara, Inc. - Member of Board of Directors - 2015-
2018; Girl Scout Green Angel Volunteer Award – 2016; Girl Scout Leader - 2003-2017; Girl Scout
Gold Award Mentor - 2014-present; Lancaster Garden Club, 2005-present, Past President - 2007-2009,
Past Vice President - 2009-2011; Paws for Love Pet Therapy Volunteer - 2015-present; SPCA of Erie
County, Foster Parent - 2006-present.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Bernadette Gargano
Background: Bernadette Gargano is a Western New York native, who currently resides in Snyder,
New York, with her family.
Education: Cornell Law School, J.D., cum laude; UNC-Greensboro, M.A. in English Literature;
University at Buffalo, B.A. in English and Women’s Studies (dual degree), summa cum laude, Phi Beta
Kappa
Work History: Ms. Gargano is currently the Vice Dean of Student Affairs and a Lecturer-in-Law at
the University at Buffalo School of law, where she teaches advanced legal skills courses (federal and
state practice), civil rights litigation, and civil rights seminars. Ms. Gargano also directs the legal
writing program and the Access to Justice Hybrid Clinic, f/k/a the Pro Se Practicum, and the Pro Se
Assistance Program on behalf of U.B. Law. Ms. Gargano has presented at international, national, and
regional conferences on a variety of legal topics, and she serves on national and internal academic
committees. She currently only practices on a pro bono basis. Preceding her academic career, Ms.
Gargano practiced as a commercial and business litigator, including broad-based business counseling
and advising. Her practice focused on the areas listed here, but she also has experience in estates and
trusts, tax, and product liability. Prior to practice, Ms. Gargano served as a confidential law clerk to the
Honorable William M. Skretny in the Western District of New York.
Areas of Practice: Civil Rights/Constitutional law; Commercial, complex contract, and business law
Construction law; Education/Higher Education Law; Employment law; Intellectual Property
Professional Achievements: ECBA-VLP, Champion for Justice – Federal Court Award, 2018
Jacob D. Hyman Award in recognition of significant contributions to excellence among students of
color, 2018; Commencement Faculty Award in recognition of teaching excellence, 2016
Women Lawyers of WNY, Lawyer of the Year, 2015; ECBA Justice Award, 2015, awarded to the Pro
Se Practicum and ECBA-VLP as co-recipients; Association of Legal Writing Directors, Teaching Grant
for Innovative Curriculum, 2012 & 2016
Personal Achievements: In service to undergraduate education at the University at Buffalo, Ms.
Gargano developed and taught the University’s pilot program for “extended learning,” entitled
“Lawyers as Agents of Social Change.” This week-long program was housed on the Chautauqua
Institution and taught in collaboration with the Robert H. Jackson Center. The program focused on the
Nuremberg Trials, the related development of international courts, and Justice Jackson’s roles as the
first U.S. prosecutor at Nuremberg and an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. This program
ran for three years and was the only undergraduate program of its kind.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Lynn Gates
Background: I grew up in Pasadena California and Vancouver Island Canada. I moved to New York
City in 1970 and travelled in Europe, England and part of Africa in 1972. I moved to Buffalo in 1973
and have lived here ever since.
Education: Smith College, State University of Buffalo Law School 1976
Work History: Prior to graduating from law school I worked for a non-profit television station in Los
Angeles and then worked as a producer at KABC, the local ABC affiliate. I also helped start an
education program (BUSCA or Barrio Union for Supported Community Action) for Mexican
Americans in the Los Angeles area.
Areas of Practice: Personal injury, products liability, medical malpractice, asbestos defense,
arbitration and mediation.
Professional Achievements: Listed in Who’s Who in the Arbitration/Mediation section of the Buffalo
Law Journal and Business First for 5 years; Honoree Legal Elite by Buffalo Law Journal and Business
First; Rated Super Lawyer for Alternative Dispute Resolution Upstate Division;
Rated AV preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
Personal Achievements: American Board of Trial Advocates (incoming president); Roswell Park
Ambassadors Alliance 1996-present; Erie County Bar Association Board of Directors (past); Erie
County Bar Foundation Board of Directors (past); Western New York Trial Lawyers Board of
Directors (past); Judiciary Committee Chair (present); Buffalo Squash Rackets Association Board
Member (present)
Sharon Stern Gerstman
Background: Born in Brooklyn, raised in Central New Jersey, in Western New York since 1980.
Education: Brown University, AB 1972; University of Pittsburgh, JD 1975; Yale Law School, LLM
1977
Work History: University of Toledo Law School, Visiting Professor, 1975-6; University of Missouri-
Kansas City Law School, Assistant Professor, 1977-1980; Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel, 1980-1981;
New York Supreme Court (confidential law clerk and matrimonial referee, 1981-2009; Court Attorney
and Referee 2009-2010); Magavern, Magavern, Grimm LLP, Counsel 2010-present.
Areas of Practice: Civil Litigation; Appellate Advocacy; some Guardian work and some Estate work
Professional Achievements: President of the New York State Bar Association (2017-2018), Member
of the American Bar Association Board of Governors (2000-2003), President of the Erie County Bar
Foundation (2002-2003), Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, Life Fellow of the New York
State Bar Foundation, Elected Member of the American Law Institute, many officer, director and chair
positions within the American, New York State, and Erie County Bar Associations
Personal Achievements: Award of Merit by the Bar Association of Erie County, 2008; Many other
awards presented by American, New York State and Erie County Bar Associations
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Krista Gottlieb
Background: Ms. Gottlieb resides in Orchard Park, New York; Ms. Gottlieb was born in Prague
Czechoslovakia, now Czech Republic. Because Czechoslovakia separated into two countries, amicably and
without conflict or violence, she may be “genetically” or “nationality” predisposed to mediation. Upon
“escaping” communism, and a one year “waiting period” in then West Germany to be eligible to enter the U.S.
under the then existing political asylum quota, she came to the U.S. with her parents in her early teens. After a
New York City area education (Barnard), an upstate law school hiatus (Albany Law) and her 5 initial years of
law practice in NYC, she moved to Buffalo in 1986, built a home, a practice, and has become a great promoter
of the benefits of mediation and living in Western New York (while travelling the world for fun!).
Education: BARNARD COLLEGE, B.A., 1976, Political Science – International Relations and Law Honors:
Cum Laude, Dean’s List 1974-1976; ALBANY LAW SCHOOL – Juris Doctor, 1979, Moot Court Semi-
finalist; Law Review Candidate; Conference Coordinator for International Law Symposium; Assistant to editor
of “Practitioner’s Handbook"
Work History: KRISTA A. GOTTLIEB, ESQ. ADR CENTER & LAW OFFICE—Buffalo, NY 2014-Present.
MATTAR, D'AGOSTINO & GOTTLIEB, LLP - Buffalo, NY 1986-2013; Partner and manager in full service
general practice firm. Emphasis on wide ranging civil, employment, consumer, contractual, corporate and
commercial negotiation, mediation, arbitration and all aspects of litigation, enforcement and resolution.
Counseling and consulting on cost effective problem-solving strategies, dispute avoidance and resolution, in
and outside of litigation. Intensive mediation practice. MORITT, WOLFELD & RESNICK - Garden City, NY
1983-1985; Full range general civil practice, notably in corporate, commercial and employment related fields.
All aspects from pre-formation, through varied business transactions, substantial state and federal litigation,
private and public offerings, selected securities work, contracts, real estate and bankruptcy; REICH, ROSEN,
BARRISON & FELZEN - New York, NY 1982-1983, Civil practice with concentration on litigation,
contracts, real estate, corporate and commercial matters; FISHER & FISHER - Brooklyn, NY 1979-1982
General civil, trial and appellate practice before courts, administrative agencies and in arbitration with firm
headed by the leader of the Brooklyn Democratic organization and the former Chairman of NYC Metropolitan
Transportation Authority and Urban Development Corporation allowing for extensive related experience;
BALLON, STOLL & ITZLER - New York, NY Summers 1977 & 1978 General civil practice and bankruptcy;
PROBATE COURT & PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS - Portland, ME - Summer 1975 Assistant at probate
court; Independent legal researcher.
Areas of Practice: Ms. Gottlieb has served as arbitrator, mediator and facilitator in disputes and matters of
varying complexity and subject matter, from simple interpersonal issues to multi million, multi-party, multi-
state, multi-issue business and employment concerns, including multiple fortune 500 companies, as well as
Federal, State and local departments and agencies. Substantive areas of experience include: Business, Corporate
and Commercial Matters-Contracts, Corporate Structure/Dissolution, Partnership/stock agreements; Startup &
organization, Shareholder Issues & Disputes, Business Acquisitions & Mergers, Fiduciary Duties Employment
Related Issues, Institutional & Individual, Discrimination (Including Race, Religion, Gender, Age, Disability,
Pregnancy, Sexual Orientation, FMLA, ADA and Retaliation), Sexual Harassment, Regulatory compliance,
Employment and Severance Agreements, Restrictive Covenants and Agreements Not to Compete, Handbooks,
Policies and Manuals, Hiring, Discipline, Termination and Separation IP-Patent, Trademark, and Trade Secrets;
Public Interest & Public Sector; Civil Rights; Securities and Investment Claims; Educational Institutions;
Health Care Institutions; Physicians Issues – Employment and Businesses; Insurance; Mass Disaster and
Wrongful Death; Banking
Professional Achievements: 300+/- hours of Mediation Training taken over 18 +/- years•; Mediation
Teacher/Trainer, including for Cornell School ILR and 8th Judicial District Commercial Division; Member of
various ADR mediation and arbitration panels, including WDNY Certified Federal Court Mediator, 8th Judicial
District, AAA, EEOC, DHR, ECBA, BBB, FINRA; ADR Related Honors: "Who's Who in Law”
Mediation/ADR, Buffalo Law Journal & Business First 2007 – Present; “Best Lawyers” in the New York Area
- NY Magazine 2007; Present Mediation/ADR America’s Most Honored Professionals - 2011 – Present; “Best
Lawyers” in America 2004 - Present - Including ADR - one of 4 in Buffalo Who is Who in American Lawyers
1990- Present United Who is Who - Empowering Executives & Professionals 2005 Present; Marquis Who’s
Who - 2004 – Present; Madison Who’s Who - 2005 – Present ;Who’s Who in American Women - 2005 –
Present; Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women - 2008 – Present
Personal Achievements: Pro Bono Mediation in various settings, including WDNY, 8th Judicial District,
BBB, Family Court, Small Claims Courts, EEO Crimestoppers Board (1994-2000) Volunteer at
mediation/conflict avoidance events.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Garry M. Graber
Background: Born in Buffalo New York grew up in the Town of Tonawanda.
Education: Elementary School k through 8: St. John the Baptist Elementary School Kenmore, NY;
High School: Cardinal O’Hara High School – Tonawanda, NY;
College: SUNY Buffalo; Law School: SUNY Buffalo Law School
Work History: Kavinoky Cook et. al. Buffalo, N.Y. 1979; Hodgson Russ LLP, Buffalo N.Y. 1980
to present; SUNY Buffalo Law School – Adjunction Professor 1991 – present
Areas of Practice: Commercial Litigation and transactions, disputes involving involving business,
lending/credit and real/personal property transactions and land use, business divorces, foreclosures,
landlord/tenant matters, construction law, bankruptcy, receiverships and trusteeships.
Professional Achievements: Past President, Director and Treasurer - Bar Association of Erie
County, N.Y. Past President and Director - SUNY Buffalo Law School Alumni Association.
Past President of the Erie County Bar Foundation. Buffalo Business First/Buffalo Law Journal's
Legal Elite of Western New York. Best Lawyers Buffalo Lawyer of the Year.
Upstate New York Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. Top 50 Upstate New York Super
Lawyers. Buffalo Business First's Who's Who in Law.
Personal Achievements: Past President - Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project.
Director - Center for Elder Law and Justice. Director and Past President - Upstate N.Y.
Turnaround Management Association. Director - MusicalFare. Inc. Director - World Trade Center
Buffalo Niagara. Director - Risk Management Association – Buffalo Chapter.
SUNY Buffalo Law School Alumni Award as Distinguished Alumni as a Private Practitioner.
SUNY Buffalo Law School Award for Excellence in Teaching. Member - SUNY Buffalo Law
School Dean’s Advisory Committee.
Timothy J. Graber
Biography Currently Not Available
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
James W. Gresens
Background: Born in Rochester, New York, 1943; transferred to Buffalo in 1967 as a member of
the New York State Police and stayed.
Education: J.D., State University of New York at Buffalo, magna cum laude (1973), Managing
Editor of Buffalo Law Review; B.A., State University of New York at Buffalo, magna cum laude
(1973), Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society.
Work History: Duke Holzman Photiadis & Gresens LLP (2008-present); Gresens & Gillen LLP
(1997-2007); Duke Holzman Yaeger & Photiadis, LLP (1995-1997); Saperston & Day, P.C. (1979-
1984 and 1988-1995); Hodgson Russ LLP (1974-1976 and 1985-1988); Harris Beach & Wilcox
(1977-1979); and U.S. Department of Justice, Organized Crime Strike Force (1976-1977); New
York State Police (1966-1972); United States Marine Corps (1960-1965).
Areas of Practice: Business, Contracts, Construction, Corporate
Professional Achievements: Adjunct Professor of Law at the State University of New York at
Buffalo (1986 to present); Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association (1985 to present); N.Y
State General Building Contractors, Associate Member & Counsel (1985 to present); Construction
Exchange of Buffalo & Western New York, Member Board of Governors (1990 to 2003); frequent
writer and lecturer on matters concerning construction industry.
Personal Achievements: Served as board member of the Erie County Construction Exchange for
over 25 years; received award for outstanding pro-bono work in the Federal District Court for the
Western District of New York in 2012; provides tutoring and assistance to under-privileged
students at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy in Buffalo.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Joseph M. Hanna
Background: Joseph Hanna is a commercial litigator and legal adviser nationally recognized for
his work in media and entertainment law, as well as for being a leading voice for diversity in the
legal and business communities. Joe is the founder and chair of Goldberg Segalla’s Sports and
Entertainment Practice Group, chair of its Retail and Hospitality Practice Group, editor of the
Sports and Entertainment Law Insider blog, and chair of the firm’s Diversity Task Force. He is the
founder and president of Bunkers in Baghdad, a nonprofit that collects and sends golf equipment to
U.S. soldiers and veterans worldwide to aid in recreation and rehabilitation from injuries.
Joe dedicates his practice to serving the sports and entertainment, retail, hospitality, and
commercial development industries. He represents national-league sports franchises, professional
athletes, movie studios, and others in the sports and entertainment world on a wide range of high-
value matters involving licensing, contracts, and day-to-day business management. Major retail and
restaurant chains, global hotel and hospitality enterprises, shopping centers, property owners, and
developers rely on Joe to find creative and cost-efficient resolutions to disputes with other parties,
to represent them in commercial litigation, and to handle a broad array of legal and business
challenges. An accomplished mediator, he is also a member of the International Institute for
Conflict Prevention and Resolution’s Panels of Distinguished Neutrals, a group of global leaders in
providing and promoting alternative dispute resolution.
Joe is widely recognized for his extensive work as an innovator, mentor, author, editor, and speaker
on diversity and inclusion in the legal world. He has held diversity-related leadership positions at
national organizations like DRI as well as the ABA, where he served for several years as chair of
the Minority Trial Lawyer Committee and editor-in-chief of Minority Trial Lawyer. In 2014
Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) selected Joe for their Fellows program; he now
chairs the New York chapter for the LCLD Success in Law School Mentoring Program. He is also
a mentor with New York Legal Education Opportunity (NY LEO), an organization designed to
ensure a diverse legal community by promoting academic success in law school for individuals
historically under-represented in the legal profession and administered through the New York State
Judicial Institute.
In 2016, Joe participated in Harvard Law School's Executive Education Program, an intensive
accelerated program designed to enhance leadership development in law firm partners.
Education: Canisius College, M.S.A, summa cum laude, 2018; Syracuse University’s Maxwell
School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, M.P.A., Public and Nonprofit Management
Concentration, Top 5% of Class, July 2014; State University of New York at Buffalo Law School,
J.D., cum laude, 2005, State University of New York at Buffalo, B.A., Middle Eastern Politics and
Cultural Affairs, summa cum laude, 2002; B.A., Political Science, Public Affairs Concentration,
summa cum laude, 2002
Work History: Law Clerk, Texas Court of Appeals and Texas District Court
Areas of Practice: Sports and Entertainment; Retail and Hospitality; Corporate Services and
Commercial Litigation; Higher Education
Professional Achievements: In 2015, Joe was the youngest honoree ever to be named Lawyer of
the Year in the Bar Association of Erie County’s 130-year history, and multiple times he has
ranked among the top 10 attorneys in Western New York in Business First’s annual Legal Elite. In
2014, Joe was one of just over 160 lawyers under 40 in the entire country to receive Law360's
Rising Star honor, and one of only five in the Media and Entertainment category, that year. Then,
in 2017, the American Bar Association (ABA) placed Joe on its prestigious “On the Rise — Top 40
Young Lawyers” list, honoring him alongside only 39 others from a competitive crop of over 2,800
nominees nationwide. He has received accolades that include the Minority Corporate Counsel
Association George B. Vashon Innovator Award, the New York State Bar Association Diversity
Trailblazer Award, and the University at Buffalo George W. Thorn Award.
Personal Achievements: Bunkers in Baghdad, which Joe founded in 2008 and still runs as its
president, has sent 10 million golf balls, over 700,000 clubs, and messages of thanks from
“Bunkers Buddies”
—
students in 500 schools
—
to U.S. soldiers and veterans in 65 countries.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Katie Nichols Harrod
Background: Born in Buffalo, 1957 to parents of the Great Migration from South Carolina.
Completed Mt. St. Joseph Academy High School in 3 years through Buffalo State College Early
Admit Program. Traveled to Europe during Freshman Year High School.
Education: Graduated from Ivy League University of Pennsylvania with BA in Child Psychology,
1978; Juris Doctor from University of Maryland School of Law 1984.
Work Experience: Law Clerk with Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office 1984 - 1986 Juvenile
Division; Appointed Assistant State’s Attorney 1986 - 1990, Child Support Division; Associate
with Domestic Relations firm, Robert Ades & Associates 1990 - 1991. Opened Law Office as Sole
Practitioner 1994 - Present. General Civil matters including Surrogate's Court, NYS Supreme
Court, Erie County Family Court (Attorney for the Child-AFC, including numerous Mediation
Sessions), Real Estate.
Judicial Work Experience: Judicial Hearing Officer for Buffalo City Small Claims Court 1998 –
2010; Hearing Officer for Buffalo Parking Violations Division 2002; Appointed Administrative
Law Judge; 2004 - Present at Buffalo City Hall Adjudication Division (PT). Appointed Impartial
Hearing Officer for NYS Dept of Education ACCESS-VR 2013 - Present.
Professional Achievements: Sworn-in to US Supreme Court 2009. Sworn-in to 2nd Circuit
Federal Court and US District Court for Western District of NY 2011. Ran for Erie County Family
Court Judge in 2015.
Personal Achievements: In 1990's, Founded 2 Inner-City, Church-Run Tutoring Programs for
School-age Children. 2012-Present "Toys for Children on the Playground" with my Grandson,
Xavier to Donate Toys during Summer months; Selected as City Shaper of the Year by Channel 2
News in 2018.
Carol E. Heckman
Background: With more than 40 years of experience as a trial lawyer and judge, Judge Heckman
(Ret.) has an active practice as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and conducts
arbitrations in most major metropolitan areas with a particular concentration in New York City, In
addition to arbitrations and mediations, Judge Heckman was recently selected as a Fellow to the
College of Commercial Arbitrators, an exclusive group of commercial arbitrators representing the
best in the United States. Judge Heckman also engages in litigation counseling and trial work for
American Indian tribes and a group of business clients, providing representation in government
investigations, complex commercial matters, taxation, and gaming. She has tried numerous cases as
a lawyer, a judge, and an arbitrator in a broad range of disputes.
Judge Heckman served as a Magistrate Judge in the Western District of New York for eight years
where she was selected to sit on the Federal Judicial Conference’s Education Committee for
Magistrate Judges and served as an Officer in the Federal Magistrate Judges Association. She has
also served as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, an Assistant U.S.
Attorney in Buffalo, New York, and as a law clerk for Hon. John T. Curtin, former Chief Judge of
the Western District of New York.
She has significant training and experience as a mediator and has trained federal judges in
mediation techniques. She is admitted to both the Panel of Mediators and the Panel of Arbitrators
of the American Arbitration Association, as well as the Western District of New York Panel of
Mediators. Successful mediations include the entire range of federal court cases, including high
stakes business disputes, employment disputes of all kinds, environmental claims, products liability
and other tort claims, securities claims, patent claims, and §1983 claims.
Arbitration experience includes all aspects of executive compensation, complex commercial
disputes, employment litigation, FLSA, non-compete agreements, construction cases, ERISA
liability and several international cases. Judge Heckman is a frequent speaker and panelist at Bar
Association meetings and at CLE programs across the state. She also has presented at AAA
trainings and programs.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Mary M. Helenbrook
Background: A native of Western New York, currently residing in Williamsville, New York.
Education: State University of New York at Buffalo, Bachelor Degree, 1964.
Work History: Labor Mediator and Arbitrator with the New York State Mediation Board, 1985 -
1990. Supervising Labor Mediator of the New York State Employment Relations Board, 1990 -
2007. Currently in private practice arbitrating and mediating labor disputes.
Areas of Specialty: Mediating between labor unions and employers involved in collective
bargaining for the purpose of resolving disputes to forestall labor problems and strikes. Mediating
grievances arising under the collective bargaining agreement during the term of the agreement.
Functioning in a quasi-judicial role as an arbitrator conducting evidentiary hearings and rendering
dispositive opinions and awards on areas of contract interpretation and just cause discipline and
discharge.
Professional and Personal Achievements: Mary has successfully mediated hundreds of disputes
involving business, individuals, unions and not-for-profit agencies, involving a wide range of issues
and industries, including a large number of employment issues such as sexual harassment,
discrimination based on race and gender, and discipline/discharge cases. Mary was the first female
Supervising Mediator of the State Employment Relations Board in Western New York. She served
on the Executive Board of the Association of Labor Relations Agencies of the United States and
Canada. She has been a guest lecturer at many of the area colleges and high schools as well as the
University of Buffalo Law School. Her many professional affiliations include the Labor and
Employment Relations Board and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Panel of
Arbitrators. She is also included on permanent panels of arbitrators for many businesses and
unions. Her community service and volunteer activities include the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural
Site and Millard Suburban Hospital.
Marilyn A. Hochfield
Background: Ms. Hochfield is Counsel to Kavinoky Cook LLP. Her practice is concentrated
primarily in appellate advocacy, mediation and all aspects of employment law. She is a certified
mediator for the United States District Court, WDNY.
Education: Ms. Hochfield received her law degree magna cum laude from State University of New
York at Buffalo and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University. She is admitted
to practice in all New York Courts; United States Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Second
Circuit; U.S. District Courts, Western, Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of New York; and
the U.S. Tax Court.
Areas of Practice: Ms. Hochfield is a member of Erie County, New York State and the Women's
Bar Association of New York. She is former Chair of the Appellate Practice Committee and
Human Rights Committee of the Erie County Bar Association, a member of the ADR Section of
the N.Y.S. Bar Association, and a member of the Federal Court Practice, Labor Law, Appellate and
Human Rights Committees of the Erie County Bar Association.
Professional Achievements: Ms. Hochfield’s honors and awards include Who’s Who in the Law,
Business First and Buffalo Law Journal, 2007, 2008 and 2009, for Appellate Practice; Outstanding
Legal Service Award, Buffalo Citizens' Council on Human Relations; Outstanding Service Award,
Buffalo Branch, N.A.A.C.P.; Human Relations Award, Citizens' Council on Human Relations;
Faculty Award for Distinguished Achievement in Federal Taxation, SUNY at Buffalo Law School;
and Commendation, Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe for supervising elections
in Bosnia pursuant to the Dayton Peace Accords. Ms. Hochfield has lectured at the State
University of New York at Buffalo School of Law in a seminar on Law and Social Change and a
seminar on Federal Practice. She has been a frequent lecturer in continuing legal education
programs in employment law, appellate practice and civil rights.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Kevin M. Hogan
Background: I am a resident of Buffalo, NY; Born and raised in Albany, NY
Education: University of Connecticut, B.S. 1983 (Dual degree: Mechanical
Engineering and Materials Sciences); Vermont Law School, J.D. 1991
Work History: General Electric Co., 1983-1988, Manufacturing Manager in Ohio, Massachusetts,
and Vermont; U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, 1991-92, Confidential Law Clerk to Judge
Richard Cardamone; Phillips Lytle LLP, 1992 – Present
Areas of Practice: My legal expertise extends to all aspects of environmental law and litigation of
disputes involving environmental law, toxic torts, intellectual property disputes, and other matters
involving commercial law.
Professional Achievement: Erie County Medical Center Corporation, Board of Directors, 2004-
2016; Board Chair, 2012-2016.
Hon. Barbara Howe (ret.)
Background: Buffalo, New York, resident for 40 plus years
Education: University of Connecticut, BA with highest honors; Cornell University, MA and PhD,
Sociology; University at Buffalo, JD
Work History: Assistant and Associate Professor with Tenure, Department of Sociology,
University at Buffalo, 1974-1987; Buffalo City Court Judge, 1988 – 1991; NY State Supreme
Court Judge, 1992 – 2003; NY State Surrogate Judge for Erie County, 2004-2017; Senior Counsel,
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, 2018-2019.
Areas of Practice: During my 30 years as a NY State Judge, I presided over almost every type of
case. Now, I am a Court Roster Mediator for Civil, and Surrogate’s Court for the 8
th
Judicial
District of the New York State Courts. I am on the Roster of Mediators/Neutrals for the U.S.
District Court for the WDNY. From March 2018 through June 2019, I was Co-Administrator of
the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program of the Diocese of Buffalo, NY. As a
member of the WDNY Mediator Panel, I have experience mediating federal cases involving
allegations of sexual and other types of discrimination in educational and employment settings.
Professional Achievements: Elected as Member of the American Law Institute, 2014;
Recipient of Bar Association of Erie County Outstanding Jurist Award, 2017;
Recipient of University at Buffalo Law School's Jaeckle Award, 2018;
Elected as Member, Board of Directors, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, 2019.
Personal Achievements: Current Member of Board of Directors, SPCA Serving Erie County, NY.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Brittany Jones
Background: Brittany was born in Washington, D.C. She grew up in Connecticut, and she now
resides in Erie County.
Education: Syracuse University College of Law, Juris Doctor; Syracuse University School of
Information Studies, Master of Science in Telecommunications and Network Management;
Emerson College, Bachelor of Science in Political Communication: Leadership, Politics, and Social
Advocacy.
Work History: Brittany currently works at Mental Hygiene Legal Service (MHLS) in Buffalo,
NY. MHLS offers legal representation, advice and assistance to persons residing in facilities for the
mentally disabled concerning retention, release, care, and treatment. The facilities may be state,
city, voluntary, or private, and may be community based or institutional. Before joining MHLS,
Brittany worked in private practice at the law firm Webster Szanyi, LLP. While at Webster Szanyi,
Brittany handled professional liability disputes, product liability litigation, commercial litigation,
and personal injury matters. Before working in private practice, Brittany also clerked at the New
York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department in Rochester, New York.
Areas of Practice: Brittany has training and experience in the field of alternative dispute
resolution. She has not only studied conflict resolution but has also had been trained as a mediator.
She has served as a comediator and a sole mediator in primarily employment and civil rights
matters. As a litigator, she has seen a variety of cases, including but not limited to civil rights
matters, product liability matters, and personal injury matters.
Professional Achievements: Minority Bar Association of Western New York, President, 2019;
Rochester Black Bar Association Excellence in Leadership Award, 2016; Syracuse University’s
Chancellor’s Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship, 2014; Syracuse University College of
Law’s Robert W. Miller Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, 2014.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Dan D. Kohane
Background: Practicing for 39 years, Tried scores of bodily injury and commercial lawsuits.
Handled many hundreds of insurance disputes for both insurers and policyholders. Extensive
mediation experience as advocate and mediator. Completed AAA Complex Coverage Neutral
Evaluation training. Adjunct professor of Insurance Law at Buffalo Law School for 30 years.
National coverage practice.
Education: SUNY New Paltz (BA, Political Science, magna cum laude, 1975); Buffalo Law
School (JD, 1979)
Work History: Hurwitz & Fine, P.C., entire legal career.
Areas of Practice: Insurance coverage, commercial litigation, personal injury, some civil rights
Professional Achievements: Member, American Law Institute; Past President, Federation of
Defense & Corporate Counsel; Past Director, Defense Research Institute (DRI); Founding Fellow,
Board of Regents, American College of Coverage Counsel; Foreign Legal Consultant, Permit No.
000241, Issued by Law Society of Upper Canada; Member, American Arbitration Association
Complex Coverage Neutral Evaluation Panel
Personal Achievements: Lifetime Achievement Award for Service to the Organization and Legal
Profession, Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (2022), John E. Leach Memorial Award
for Outstanding Service and Distinguished Contributions to the Legal Profession as a Member of
the New York State Bar Association Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section (2013);
Lawyer of the Year for Insurance Law, Best Lawyers in America (2013, 2017); “Top 10 Super
Lawyers” in Upstate New York and “Super Lawyer” in Category of Insurance Coverage (2013,
2014); Best Lawyers in America (2009 – 2017) in categories of Insurance Law, Litigation -
Insurance and Commercial Litigation; “Top 50 Super Lawyers” in Upstate New York and “Super
Lawyer” in Category of Insurance Coverage (2007 – 2018) Law and Politics Magazine; Legal Elite
of WNY (formerly known as Who’s Who in Law) (2004 – 2018) Named one of “Top Ten Legal
Elite” (2014) Buffalo Business First and Buffalo Law Journal; Listed in Euromoney Guide to the
World's Leading Insurance and Reinsurance Lawyers; Service Award, DRI – The Voice of the
Defense Bar (2008); DRI Leadership Award, Defense Research Institute (2002); Sarah G. Metzger
Human Rights Award, Housing Opportunities Made Equal, Inc. (2000); Pro Bono Award for
Litigation, Volunteer Lawyers Project (1993); The James Crawford Award for Outstanding Service
to HOME in the Cause of Fair Housing, (1993).
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Lindy Korn
Background: Williamsville, New York; Born in NYC - lived in Hicksville, NY. While growing up
(which I am still doing) my family moved 17 times and I was always the "new" kid. We lived
mostly on the east coast and for 2 years in Quebec. Graduated from high school at Amherst High
School
Education: Boston University - B.A. in History; Ohio Northern University, School of Law - J.D.
Senior Fulbright Fellow of American Forensic Association Former P/T ALJ for State Liquor
Authority; Mediation Certifications - Cornell School of Industrial Relations, WNY and Harvard
College Mediation and Negotiations Project Columnist for 3 local papers: Buffalo Law Journal ,
Daily Record and Jewish Review Consults on Workplace Issues and Risk Management Training
Created and teach a Bridge Course at UB Law School – Sexual Harassment Mediation; Member of
Sports Law & Recreation Association; Appointed by Gov. Mario Cuomo to sit as a Commissioner
of Workers' Compensation
Work History/Areas of Practice: "Workplace Doctor" - The entire focus of my practice is
Plaintiff Discrimination with an emphasis on collaboration and problem solving. Recent areas of
focus include: retaliation of Plaintiff's complaints based on sex (same sex), race, disability, religion,
sexual orientation, national origin, age and pregnancy. Areas of Study: Forgiveness and apology in
mediation: Specialty: Discrimination - state and federal forums Workers' Compensation; Sexual
Harassment Mediation Disability Issues - access & service animal issues Transgender Issues Same
Sex Issues Representation of artists and musicians in matters of discrimination Representation of
veterans in matters of sexual harassment
Professional/Personal Achievements: Trailblazer Award: for early involvement with WDNY
Mediation Program Keybridge Foundation Mediator: Issues of disability mediation Involved with
issues of discrimination & domestic violence and connections between the two Speaker at February
2012 Sports Law Association in Greensboro: topic - "Come out of the closet to be shoved into a
locker: Treatment of gay, lesbian and transgendered athletes on sports teams; Member of National
Employment Lawyers Association, and NELA, NY Mother of 2 daughters - best work product,
owner of basset hound, Homer.
MISC. Generate creative options for parties Emphasize comfort and respect when mediating
Reality checking and reframing of positions as they develop is important Time and certainty are
values discussed in mediation. Urge creative solutions/brainstorms in midst of conflict being
mediated.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Kenneth A. Manning
Background: Mr. Manning has experience in bet-the-company corporate and commercial
litigation, including dissolution proceedings, employment termination disputes and controversies
involving the sale of goods and services. In addition to personal injury and wrongful death claims
involving products liability, workplace accidents, negligence and environmental exposure
experience, Mr. Manning has prosecuted and defended class actions in both state and federal
courts. Mr. Manning also has experience in challenges to governmental actions, including taxes and
assessments, as well as actions for declaratory relief. Mr. Manning also concentrates his practice in
the area of education law and is the leader of Phillips Lytle’s Education Practice Team.
Education: State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, J.D., 1977; State University of
New York at Buffalo Engineering School, M.S., Electrical Engineering, 2009; State University of
New York at Buffalo Engineering School, B.S., summa cum laude, 1974
Work History: Partner - Phillips Lytle LLP 1985-Present; Associate - Phillips Lytle LLP 1979-
1984; Law Clerk - Hon. Reid Moule, Appellate Division, Fourth Department 1977-1979
Areas of Practice: Appellate; Class Action; Commercial Litigation (Breach of Contract, Business
Torts, Consumer Finance Defense, Fraud/RICO, Shareholder/Member/Partnership Disputes,
Workplace Fraud/Unfair Competition); Construction Litigation; Education; Government
Operations; Insurance Coverage; Manufacturing; Personal Injury Defense Litigation (Workplace
Accidents); Product Liability and Mass Tort Litigation(Chemical Exposure/Toxic Torts, Consumer
Products); White Collar Criminal Defense & Government Investigations.
Professional Achievements: Lawyer of the Year Award, Bar Association of Erie County, 2017;
Listed as a Leading Individual in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 2016-
2019; Selected for America’s Top 100 Attorneys® Lifetime Achievement, Upstate New York;
Selected for America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators®, Upstate New York, 2018; New York
State Bar Association President’s Pro Bono Service Award, Eighth Judicial District 2008;
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating; Listed in The Best Lawyers in America©; Named the
Best Lawyers® Bet-the-Company Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” in Buffalo, 2015, 2017, 2019;
Named the Best Lawyers® Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants “Lawyer of the Year” in
Buffalo, 2016; Selected for the Upstate New York Super Lawyers® list, 2007-2018; Named Top 50
Lawyer, 2011; Listed in Legal Elite of WNY, Business First of Buffalo and Buffalo Law Journal,
2013, 2015-2018; University at Buffalo Law Alumni Association 2002 distinguished alumnus
award for leadership by example as a private practitioner; NCCJ Brotherhood/Sisterhood award for
outstanding leadership in promoting goodwill and understanding in our community, 2004; Honoree
of the New York State Bar Association Empire State Counsel® Program for Pro Bono Work, 2011-
2013, 2016; Honored for participation in the Joint Seminar Program of the Appellate Divisions for
the First & Second Judicial Departments, 2012; Dress For Success Buffalo, Vanguard Award.
Joseph V. McCarthy
Background: Currently resides in Orchard Park, New York; Lived in Buffalo except for college
and law school
Education: St. Bonaventure University - Economics – BS Catholic University JD.
Work History: Clerk US District Court Judge Western District of New York; Roach, Brown,
McCarthy & Gruber, PC Civil Trials - Negligence - Product Liability - Medical Malpractice –
Appeals
Areas of Practice: Civil Trials – Negligence Product Liability Medical Malpractice
Professional Achievements: President Erie County Bar Association 1993-94; Executive
Committee New York State Bar Association 1997-2000- American College of Trial Lawyers
American Board of Trial Advocates
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Michael P. McClaren
Background: Born in Clarence, New York. Married with three children and live in East Aurora,
New York. Board Member of both the East Aurora Cooperative Market and the Boys and Girls
Clubs of Buffalo.
Education: St. Lawrence University, B.A.; Albany Law School of Union University, J.D.
Work History: I began work at Falk & Siemer in the City of Buffalo in 1992 focusing largely on
commercial litigation, ERISA and securities arbitration. In 1997 I joined Harris Beach where I
practiced primarily in personal injury defense work. In 1999 I, along with 4 other partners, founded
Webster Szanyi LLP. My practice now focuses largely on commercial, Civil Rights and
employment litigation. I have successfully tried cases to verdict in the Federal District Courts in
Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, and Erie County Supreme Court. I am a certified Arbitrator for
the American Health Lawyers Association.
Areas of Practice: I have represented one of Western New York’s largest health insurance
companies for over 25 years. The issues presented include complex breach of contract claims,
ERISA, provider disputes, AHLA arbitration, fraud and abusive billing. I also regularly represent
municipalities in a variety of Civil Rights and general liability matters. Litigated cases have
involved Fourth Amendment, Fifth Amendment, Eighth Amendment, Fourteen Amendment, high
speed chase, false arrest, malicious prosecution, excessive force, road design, road maintenance and
signage. I also regularly represent Plaintiffs in personal injury actions and have represented many
Plaintiffs in securities arbitration. Additionally, I represent employers who have been sued in
Federal Court in employment discrimination cases. I have handled age, gender, sexual orientation,
race, hostile work environment and ADA matters. I have also represented Plaintiffs in employment
discrimination lawsuits.
Professional Achievements: Along with four other partners, I successfully founded Webster
Szanyi LLP in 1999. The firm has organically grown from six attorneys when we started to 18
attorneys now. I have successfully tried numerous cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court
on issues such as Eighth Amendment failure to protect, Fourth Amendment search and seizure,
age/gender discrimination, Labor Law 240, road design and sidewalk maintenance. I have
successfully developed and maintain a vibrate and diverse client base. I have developed and
maintained a strong team of lawyers and staff to help provide outstanding legal representation in a
cost-effective manner.
Personal Achievements: Board of Directors Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo; Board of Directors
East Aurora Cooperative Market; Rated
AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell; Super Lawyer designation. Member, DRI Government and
Liability Committees; New York State Bar Association; Erie County Bar Association; Best
Lawyers in America, 2020 Edition.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Michael Menard
Background: Born and raised in Buffalo, NY
Education: B.S., Political Science, SUNY Buffalo 1974; J.D., Cum Laude, University of Miami
School of Law, 1977
Work History: Previously a litigation partner at Saperston and Day, P.C., and partner at Rodgers,
Menard & Coppola concentrating in personal injury litigation for plaintiff and defense.
Areas of Practice: Has served as a neutral arbitrator/mediator in over 3,000 disputes pending in
state and federal courts; mediator for Resolute Systems, INC., and NAMS member, Florida Bar
section of ADR charter member, NYSBA section of ADR; over 30 years’ experience in the
litigation of personal injury claims
Professional Achievements: Lecturer on ADR for Erie County bar association, Erie Institute of
Law, and NYSBA, along with various in-house presentations; former president, WNY Trial
Lawyers Association
Personal Achievements: Former member of Frontier Central School District Board of Education
Randolph C.
Oppenheimer
Background: I was born in New York City and grew up downstate. I attended public schools, and
earned a B.A in political science from UVM in Burlington, Vermont. I always wanted to be a
lawyer. My hobbies are fly-fishing, and collecting coins and vintage plastic toys.
Education: 1976 - B.A. (Political Science) University of Vermont, Burlington 1979 - J.D. Case
Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland (Associate Editor – Law Review; Instructor
– Research, Writing and Advocacy)
Work History: I joined Kavinoky Cook as an associate immediately after taking the New York
Bar in July 1979 and became a partner there in 1985. I left 22 years later, started my own firm, then
joined Damon Morey, LLP, which merged with Hiscock Barclay, LLP to form Barclay Damon
LLP in 2015. I am a Partner and serve as Co-Chair of the Commercial Litigation Practice Area. I
also am a member of Barclay Damon’s Labor & Employment and Intellectual Property Practice
Areas.
Areas of Practice: I have appeared in the federal and state courts throughout New York, including
New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, as well as in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
I have been admitted pro hac vice in federal district courts in Arizona, California, Idaho,
Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. I have arbitrated or litigated shareholder and other corporate
governance disputes, contract and UCC claims, securities and fraud cases, real property actions and
proceedings, patents and trademarks, labor matters, and employment claims.
Professional Achievements: Listed in Chambers and Best Lawyers in America© for Labor and
Employment; Upstate New York Super Lawyers for Labor and Employment; Business First of
Buffalo’s “Who’s Who in Law” for Labor and Employment; Who’s Who in American Law©; AV
Peer Review Rating® by Martindale-Hubbell for Very High Ethical Standards and Very High to
Preeminent Legal Ability. Member, Bar Association of Erie County and the New York State Bar
Association. Volunteer Arbitrator, Erie County Bar Association Fee Dispute Program.
Personal Achievements: I have lectured and made presentations, including trainings on:
mediation, civil procedure, litigation avoidance and substantive law topics for the United States
District Court for the Western District of New York, the New York State Bar Association, the Erie
County Bar Association, the New York State Department of Labor, The University at Buffalo Law
School, clients, community groups, trade associations and schools.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Paul D. Pearson
Background: Before moving from Boston to Buffalo in 1987: Certified Fellow of the American
Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 1975, and former President of its Massachusetts Chapter
(1986-87); Chairman of the Family Law Section, Massachusetts Bar Association (1984-86);
legislative director, Family Law Committee, Boston Bar Association. Partner and Chair of Family
Law Department, at Hill and Barlow, Boston MA, 1977-1987.
Education: Bucknell University BA, Psychology & sociology; University of Pennsylvania Law
School (1964); Admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and New York
Work History: Formerly Of Counsel at Sullivan Oliverio & Gioa (1966); Partner & Co-Chair of
the Family Law Dep't at Hodgson Russ LLP
Listed all editions of: The Best Lawyers in America under "Family Law" since inception (in 1983),
and also under "ADR" since its 1st listing in 2005; Who's Who In American Law, since 1982; and
Who's Who In America, since 1992. "N.Y. Area's" and Buffalo News "Top Lawyers", 2007-2012
Areas of Practice: Trained and experienced Mediator since 1985, concentrating on matrimonial,
family, estate, interpersonal, and fee disputes.
Professional Achievements: Four term Chairman of the Alternative Dispute Resolution
Committee of the Bar Association of Erie County. Founding member of the Alliance for Dispute
Resolution, providing services as neutrals for Alternative Dispute Resolution processes. "Advanced
Practitioner Member ~f the Association for Conflict Resolution, and member of NYS Council on
Divorce Mediation. Active member of Family Law and A.D.R. Sections of Bar Associations of
Erie County and New York State (including Executive Committees. Organizer of Western N.Y.
Collaborative Law Professionals & former President.
On interdisciplinary matters: Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Buffalo School of
Medicine since 1989. Instructor, Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, 1975-87.
Personal Achievements: Legal coordinator for the P.E.A.C.E. Program of the Eighth Judicial
District, since inception in 1994. Frequent teacher/lecturer, writer with 5 legal publications and
media interviewee on legal, A.D.R., and interdisciplinary topics, including s guest lecturer at U.B.
Law School. Two-term Chair of the "A.D.R. and Family" Committee of the Section on Dispute
Resolution of the American Bar Association; Three-term member, Judiciary Committee, Bar
Association of Erie County.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Michael F. Perley
Background: I have been in practice for 42 years and tried cases to verdict in State and Federal
Courts. I have extensive experience in mediation, both as party and a neutral, in matters involving
personal injury, commercial disputes, environmental, municipal and civil rights litigation.
Education: Canisius High School – 1969; College of the Holy Cross – A.B. – 1973; Duke
University School of Law – J.D. – 1976
Work History: Canale, Madden and Burke, P.C. – 1977 to 1992; Bovier, O’Connor – 1993;
Law Office of Joseph Ables (CIGNA Staff Legal) – 1993-1997; Walsh, Perley & Wilkins (Zurich
Staff Legal) – 1997-2002; Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. – 2002 to present
Areas of Practice: Personal Injury Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Municipal and Civil Rights
Litigation, Insurance First Party Litigation, Construction Litigation.
Professional Achievements: Past President/ Director – Western New York Trial Lawyers
Association; National Board Member – American Board of Trial Advocates; Senior Life Fellow –
Foundation of the American Board of Trial Advocates; Past Board Member – Bar Association of
Erie County; Director – Charles S. Desmond Inns of Court; Rated AV – Martindale Hubbell-2003
to present; Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2010 to present; Super Lawyers (Top 50) 2007 to
present; Buffalo Legal Elite 2017 to present.
Personal Achievements: Former President – Orchard Park Symphony Orchestra; Former President
– Youth Orchestra Foundation of Buffalo; Former Trustee – The Buffalo Seminary; USDC WDNY
Special Service Award – Pro Bono Service – 2008
Paul I. Perlman
Background: Born in Hudson, NY. Have resided in WNY since 1979, and in Orchard Park since
2002.
Education: SUNY College at Oneonta (BS in Ed.); Harvard Law School, JD (cum laude)
Work History: I joined the litigation department at Hodgson Russ (then Hodgson, Russ, Andrews,
Woods, and Goodyear) in 1979, where I practice for 38 years, until my retirement at the end of
2017. I now teach a course in Personal Finance at Buffalo State College in the Economics and
Finance
Department.
Areas of Practice: Intellectual Property (including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret),
employment, commercial, and wage and hour class action litigation.
Professional Achievements: NY Upstate Lawyers Super Lawyers; taught at University at Buffalo
Law School 1995-2013 (taking and defending depositions, appellate advocacy)
Personal Achievements: President, SUNY Oneonta Foundation Board, 2013-2017; Director,
SUNY Oneonta Foundation Board, 2009-2017, 2018 to present. I have a single-engine, instrument
rated, pilot’s license and am an amateur radio operator (W2PIP).
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Gregory P. Photiadis
Background: Born and raised in Buffalo and have always resided in the WNY area.
Education: State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, Magna Cum Laude, 1977.
Attended Columbia College, and received undergraduate degree from the State University of New
York at Buffalo, Magna Cum Laude, 1974.
Work History: Senior partner, Duke, Holzman, Photiadis & Gresens LLP; began as an associate in
1977, became partner in 1980, and senior partner in 1993. Assistant Professor, Niagara University
(1976-77).
Areas of Practice: Served as lead trial counsel in major construction, business and environmental
litigation, since 1978. Have extensive trial experience in complex business and commercial
litigation, including shareholder/partnership disputes, business fraud, securities law, antitrust
contract matters and landlord/tenant issues. Practiced construction law for more than 30 years and
represented many developers, general contractors, subcontractors and architects/engineers on
contract matters and claims. Serve as general counsel for privately held companies, which
representation has included complex financing, capital restructure, acquisitions, mergers,
divestitures and everyday business affairs.
Professional Achievements: Member of the NYS Bar Association, the Commercial and Federal
Litigation Section of the NYS Bar Assoc., the Erie County Bar Assoc., and the Western NY
Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association.
Sharon M. Porcellio
Background: Orchard Park, New York Buffalo, New York – Born on west side, raised in South
Buffalo and Lackawanna
Education: Northwestern University School of Law, J.D., 1982 – Member, Editorial Board,
Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business University of Rochester, B.A., cum laude,
1979, Economics and Political Science, (Washington Semester Internship – Hon. Daniel K.
Akaka), Mount Mercy Academy
Work History: Ward Greenberg Heller & Reidy LLP – Partner – 2008 to PresentLippes Mathias
Wexler Friedman LLP – Partner – 1992 to 2008Damon & Morey – Associate & Partner – 1986 to
1992Phillips, Lytle, Hitchcock, Blaine & Huber – Summer Assoc. & Associate – 1981 to 1986
United States Attorney for the Western District of New York – Summer Law Clerk – 1980
Areas of Practice: Business & Commercial Litigation, Labor & Employment, Alternative Dispute
Resolution, Administrative Litigation & Regulatory Proceedings, Medical Device &
Pharmaceutical Education, Intellectual Property, Class Actions.
Professional Achievements: Co-Chair, Advisory Group to the New York State – Federal Judicial
Council Past Chair, Commercial & Federal Litigation Section of the NYSBA Co-Chair, Committee
on Women in the Law, NYSBA 2011 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the
Second Circuit 2010 Leaders in Law, The Nathaniel Award Nominee, The Daily Record Top 25
Women Upstate New York, Super Lawyers.com, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 New York Super
Lawyers, Upstate Edition, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Fellow, American Bar Foundation Fellow,
The New
York Bar Foundation
Personal Achievements: Board Member, Luminina Corp.,d/b/a Hope Chest , provides free
exercise classes and Dragon Boat Festival opportunities for breast cancer survivors.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Vivian M. Quinn
Education: Univ. of Notre Dame BS; Columbia University MA; New York University JD
(Mathematics and science honors degree (U/G) and Master’s in Psychology prior to law degree).
Work History: Starting at NYC firm and continuing to present day at Nixon Peabody.
Professional/Practice History/Subject Matter Experience: Commercial Litigation; Class
Actions; Product Liability.
Professional Achievements: NY Super Lawyer (2009 to present): Who’s Who in Life Sciences
(2010 to present).
Personal Achievements: Heritage Center Foundation, Board member.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Amy Habib Rittling
Background: Amy was born and raised in Buffalo. Following college and then law school, Amy
spent several years working in Washington D.C. before returning to Buffalo. Amy now resides in
Eggertsville with her husband and four children.
Education: University at Buffalo Law School, J.D.; Boston College, B.A., Political Science
Work History: Following college and prior to law school, Amy worked as a staff assistant/health
care legislative assistant to U.S. Congressman Henry J. Nowak. Following law school, Amy
worked for the Law Office of Thomas H. Burton where she practiced general litigation, including
in the areas of personal injury, contracts, and estates. Amy then relocated to Washington, D.C. and
worked for McGuiness Norris & Williams, LLP. At this firm, she practiced in the area of labor and
employment – both litigation and lobbying. Amy’s work covered a broad range of labor and
employment issues, including state and federal labor and employment litigation involving equal
employment opportunity, temporary worker visa program, and wage and hour claims. Amy also
worked at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Washington, D.C. as Special
Assistant to Commissioner Leslie E. Silverman. While at the EEOC, Amy advised the
Commissioner on investigations, litigation, and proposed guidance and regulations. She also
completed its Mediation Training Program. Amy is now a partner at Lippes Mathias Wexler
Friedman LLP where she co-chairs the Litigation and Dispute Resolution and chairs the Labor &
Employment practice groups. Amy concentrates her practice in employment and general business
law and litigation. Her employment law experience includes counseling and advising employers on
all aspects of employment relationships and employment practices and policies. She also assists
employers with self-audits and workplace investigations. Amy also represents employers before
administrative agencies including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New
York State Division of Human Rights, the U.S. Department of Labor, the New York State
Department of Labor, and other various state and local employment agencies. She frequently
defends clients in legal claims involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, state
and federal wage and hour laws, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. Amy’s employment law experience also includes drafting and negotiating
employment and severance agreements and litigating claims involving misappropriation of trade
secrets and breach of restrictive covenants.
Professional and Personal Achievements: Amy was one of the recipients of Buffalo Business
First’s “Power 125 Women” in 2018 and 2019. She received the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s
ATHENA Award in 2016 and Buffalo Business First’s “40 Under Forty” and Women of Influence:
Community Supporter. Amy was recognized by The Daily Record Excellence in Law as one of the
Top Women in the Law in 2014. In addition, Amy was named one of Upstate New York’s Super
Lawyers in the years 2015 through 2018 and also named as Legal Elite by the Buffalo Law Journal
in the years 2014 through 2017. Amy is a Recognized Practitioner by Chambers USA in
Litigation, General and Commercial (Upstate New York).
Amy serves or has served as a board member on several community related boards
including: the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, University of Buffalo
Foundation, Inc., Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund, Zoological Society of Buffalo (The Buffalo
Zoo), Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo,
Elmwood Franklin School, Buffalo Seminary, Western New York Women’s Fund, UB Law
Alumni Association, Westminster Presbyterian School, and the National Federation for Just
Communities of Western New York (formerly NCCJ).
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Michael J. Roach
Background: Michael J. Roach is a 1992 magna cum laude graduate of the State University of
New York at Buffalo Law School. As an assistant executive editor of the Buffalo Law Review, Mr.
Roach was responsible for editing professional and student articles. Upon graduation, he received
the Robert J. Connelly Award presented for excellence in the Trial Technique course.
Mr. Roach is a graduate of Williams College where he majored in English and History. Mr. Roach
is a past member of the Nichols School Board of Trustees. He is a past Treasurer and Director of
the Western New York Trial Lawyers Association. He is a member of the American Bar
Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the Bar Association of Erie County.
Mr. Roach is a partner in the firm. He engages in general trial practice with a particular
concentration in representing physicians in medical malpractice lawsuits. He has tried numerous
cases to successful verdicts on behalf of his clients. Mr. Roach devotes a significant percentage of
his practice to the representation of physicians and other health care professionals in investigations
and disciplinary proceedings conducted by the New York State Department of Health. In 2012,
Mr. Roach was selected by the Bar Association of Erie County to receive the Charles H. Dougherty
Award. This is an award presented annually to an attorney who exhibits the highest degree of
professionalism and civility on a daily basis. Mr. Roach is a Fellow of the American College of
Trial Lawyers. Fellowship is conferred by invitation after a rigorous screening process and is
limited to a maximum of one percent of the lawyers in any given state. Mr. Roach is also a Fellow
of the Litigation Counsel of America. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for his work
defending physicians in malpractice litigation. Since 2007, Mr. Roach has been one of a select
number of attorneys in upstate New York identified by their peers as a top lawyer in the field of
medical malpractice defense as published by New York Super Lawyers Magazine. He has been
regularly recognized in the area of medical malpractice defense in the Buffalo Business First
"Who's Who in Law." Mr. Roach has an AV peer ranking from Martindale Hubbell which is the
highest rating for ability and ethics.
Education: State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, JD, Magna Cum Laude 1992;
Williams College, BA History/English (Double Major)
Work History: 1988-89 Tatnall School, Wilmington Delaware. Private day school teacher of high
school English and History. Head Varsity Soccer Coach and Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach.
1992 - Present CONNORS LLP, (previously Connors & Vilardo, LLP, Partner 2000 – Present.
Areas of Practice: Medical Malpractice, Legal Malpractice, General Trial Practice
Professional Achievements: Robert J. Connelly Award (1992): presented by the SUNY Buffalo
Law School in recognition of excellence in the Trial Technique course. Charles H. Dougherty
Award (2012): presented by the Bar Association of Erie County in recognition of conduct
reflecting the highest degree of professionalism and civility on a daily basis. Fellow: American
College of Trial Lawyers; Fellow: Litigation Counsel of America; Associate: American Board of
Trial Advocates; NYSBA and ABA Member; Bar Assoc. of Erie Co. Member (Director 2014-17);
Western New York Trial Lawyers Assoc. Member; Listed in Best Lawyers in America, NY Super
Lawyers, and Who’s Who in Law- WNY (Business First).
Personal Achievements: Nichols School, Trustee (2001 – 2007), Alumni Board President (2000 –
2001); Mt. St. Joseph Academy – Founder and Board member (2005 – 2010); WNY Williams
College Alumni Assoc., Past President (1995 – 2017); Delaware Soccer Club, Girls and Boys
Travel Soccer Coach (2006 – 2012).
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Hugh M. Russ, III
Background: Snyder, NY Summer Home - Point Abino, Ontario; I was born in Buffalo, NY. I
have resided in Western New York for most of my life.
Education: Harvard University, BA Cum Laude 1982; University at Buffalo Law School, JD,
Magna Cum Laude 1987.
Work History: I have worked at Hodgson Russ, in various capacities since 1986, and have been an
equity partner since January 1, 1995. For my entire career, I have been a trial lawyer. I’ve argued
more than 100 cases before juries in the last 30 years, and represented individuals and businesses in
virtually all areas of civil litigation throughout New York and the Northeast. I was appointed by the
U.S. District Court to be plaintiffs' liaison counsel in the Continental Flight 3407 multi-district
litigation. In addition to serving as lead counsel for all 50 plaintiffs, I also represented seven
families of victims killed in the crash. I’ve represented major industries in environmental class
action lawsuits. I’ve represented a major insurer in one of the largest environmental insurance
coverage litigations in the nation, and represented numerous international businesses in product
liability cases. I’ve tried catastrophic personal injury cases, including those involving claimed
medical malpractice. I also have substantial trial experience on insurance cases involving arson and
fraud, on personal injury cases, in employment and environmental litigation, and in shareholder and
business disputes. Additionally, I have extensive experience in pro bono and civil rights work.
Now, I devote much of my time to alternative dispute resolution, especially mediation and
arbitration.
Areas of Practice: Personal injury; Employment law; Business disputes; Insurance disputes;
Product liability
Professional Achievements: President of the Bar Association of Erie County; Fellow in the
American College of Trial Lawyers; America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Member;
Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Commercial Litigation; Product Liability Litigation-Defendants)
2011-2022; Buffalo Business First/Buffalo Law Journal’s Legal Elite of Western New York, 2008-
2020; Listed, Upstate New York Super Lawyers (Civil Litigation: Defense) 2007-2022; Listed,
New York Areas Top Lawyers; Buffalo Business First’s Who’s Who in Law; U.S. District Court
for the Western District of New York Pro Bono Award; National Conference for Community and
Justice Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award; Former articles editor, Buffalo Law Review; Board
member and former president, Harvard Club of Western New York.
Personal Achievements: Director, Executive Committee member, and Chair of the Audit and
Corporate Compliance Committees, Roswell Park Alliance; Nichols School Board of Trustees;
Director, Say Yes Buffalo; Director, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County; Director, Forest
Lawn Cemetery; Director and Former President, Buffalo Renaissance Foundation.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Joseph F. Saeli, Jr.
Background: I am a Western New York native and live in Williamsville, New York.
Education: Canisius College, B.A., Magna Cum Laude 1973; Boston University School of Law,
J.D., 1976.
Work History: I am currently Of Counsel to Colligan Law LLP. Prior to joining Colligan Law
LLP I operated my own law practice for 16 years. Before that, I was General Counsel and V.P. of
Human Resources at The Buffalo News, a division of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Corp. I
was also a partner at Hiscock & Barclay, and an associate at the former Cohen Swados law firm.
Areas of Practice: Employment law, including employment discrimination cases; Employment
contracts; Business disputes; Civil Rights cases; ERISA cases.
Professional Achievements: Former Chair of Labor Law Committee, Bar Association of Erie
County; Business First Who’s Who in Law; Upstate New York Super Lawyers.
Personal Achievements: Former Board member of American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter;
Rental Assistance Corporation; and Pet Emergency Fund.
Harvey P. Sanders
Background: My first exposure to alternative dispute resolution was in college, where I eventually
became president of the student-run organization, Society for Arbitration and Neutral Education
and became trained as a Community Dispute Resolution Center mediator. As an attorney, I became
a per diem mediator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the 1990s. I am
pleased to able to further my passion for the ADR process by helping parties resolve disputes as a
member of the WDNY mediation panel.
Education: J.D., New York University; B.S., Cornell University, Industrial and Labor Relations;
Amherst High School
Work History: Law Clerk to Magistrate Judge Michael Dolinger, SDNY; Associate at Kaye
Scholer, Benetar Bernstein Schair & Stein and at Mayer Brown; Partner, Sanders & Sanders
Areas of Practice: Labor & Employment Law and related workplace disputes, including claims
related to contract, non-compete and other restrictive covenants, and tort claims
Professional Achievements: Satisfied clients with results pre-litigation, at administrative agencies,
in court and on appeal, published articles, lecturer
Personal Achievements: Proud parent of two teenage sons, volunteer for various community
organizations
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Daniel L. Schoenborn
Background: East Aurora, New York; Fountain Hills, Arizona. I was born and raised in Buffalo,
New York and attended Bennett High School, graduating in 1965. Briefly, I lived in Cheektowaga,
New York, subsequently, for 30 years in Elma, New York and currently reside in East Aurora, New
York.
Education: I graduated in 1969 with a BA from SUNY at Buffalo and received my Juris Doctor
degree in 1972 from SUNY Buffalo. In college, I became a brother in Theta Chi Fraternity and was
member of the Inter-Fraternity Council. In Law School, I was on staff of the 8th Judicial District
Law Library and a member of the Prisoner Release Program.
Work History: After graduation from Law School I worked in the Law Department of Delaware
North Corporation (then Sports service Corporation) where I was involved in contracts, labor-
related issues, property issues and other related corporate matters. I briefly worked with Charles
Spinner, Esq. and then went on to my current firm. My work has primarily been plaintiff and
defense of personal injury litigation, estate planning and litigation, and insurance disputes. I also
represent a number of business interests.
Areas of Practice: My entire career has largely focused on personal injury litigation, both defense
and plaintiff. I have also represented plaintiffs and defendants in insurance claims, fire losses, and
property claims. I also have a fairly large estate practice and business practice which have resulted
in estate and business litigation. I have also served, when it existed, on the Buffalo City Court
arbitration panel, arbitrating numerous cases in the 1970s and early '80s.
Professional Achievements: I was honored to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Bar
Association of Erie County, having also served on a number of committees including the Judiciary
and the Unlawful Practice of Law. I have also been asked and accepted on a number of occasions,
to be a fee-dispute arbitrator on behalf of the Bar Association.
Personal Achievements: I have served as President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Elma Kiwanis
Club; Vice President of the Leukemia Society of Buffalo; served on the Board of Directors of the
EMW Soccer League and coached both soccer and softball when my children were younger.
Having been involved in literally hundreds of mediations over the years and being an attorney who
has handled a variety of matters, in particularly representing the plaintiff’s and defendant’s
interests, I believe that I can fairly look into the position of all parties and attorneys and to
reasonabl
y
deal with an
y
one to tr
y
to reach fair and acceptable conclusions.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
James W. Smyton
Background: Jim has practiced in the area of corporate law for nearly 50 years.
Education: Kent College of Law J.D. with distinction State University of New York at Buffalo;
Clarkson College
Areas of Practice: Jim’s practice has focused in the areas of corporate counseling, including
acquisitions, close corporations, shareholder disputes and related contract disputes. He has also
worked with many not-for-profit corporations.
Professional Achievements: Jim is a Federal Court Mediator for the Western District of New
York. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America
©
; Selected for the Upstate New York
Super Lawyers
®
list, 2007-2020; Listed in Legal Elite of WNY, Business First of
Buffalo and Buffalo Law Journal; and has received the Volunteer Services Award from the Legal
Services for the Elderly, Disabled or Disadvantaged of Western New York, Inc.
Community Achievements: Jim has dedicated his time and resources to support the Western New
York community in a variety of ways. He has held leadership roles and provided volunteer support
to the following organizations all while maintaining a business law practice: National Federation
for Just Communities, National Board of Directors, Former Chair; Presbytery of Western New
York, Board of Trustees, Past President; Zoological Society of Buffalo, Former Chair and Board
Member; Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Former Chair and Board Member; Erie County Bar
Foundation, Former member of the Board of Directors.
Jeffrey Allan Spencer
Background: Married with 5 adult children.
Education: Numerous ADR seminars and trainings (2002-present)
Cornell Extension University, Certification in Alternate Dispute Resolution Studies (2001)
Syracuse University, Master’s Degree in Public Administration (1974) (MPA)
State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law (1972) (JD)
Canisius College, Bachelor's Degree (1969)
Work History: Private Mediation and Arbitration practice (2011- present); Confidential Law
Assistant to NYS Supreme Court Justices (1996-1998) (settlement conferences, hearing officer,
research and writing); Court Attorney/Referee (1999-2011) (facilitated settlement negotiations,
hearing officer, assisted in the organization of the Commercial Division of Erie County Supreme
Court including inclusion of ADR options, and developed expedited hearing process); Misc.
Employments -Adjunct instructor at a number of area colleges. Early in my career served as a local
representative for a Member of Congress.
Professional Achievements: For 40 years authored a column in the Erie Count Bar Newspaper
called "Citations" dealing with recent developments in the law. In 2015 was awarded the Erie
County Bar Media Award.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Steven R. Sugarman
Biography Currently Not Available
Kathleen M. Sweet
Biography Currently Not Available
Mark R. Uba
Biography Currently Not Available
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Surinder K. Virk
Background: Moved to Buffalo New York from Pennsylvania in 1985. Currently resides in East
Amherst, New York.
Education: Undergraduate education in Biology from SUNY Buffalo, New York, 1988; Graduate
education in Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Environment Health, SUNY School
of Medicine, Buffalo, New York, 1994; J.D. University at Buffalo School of Law, Certificate in
Health Law and Tax Law, 2000
Work History: Law practice, 2000-current; Arbitrator, 2017-current; Mediator, 2017-current.
Areas of Practice: Health Care Law and Tort Law including Medical Malpractice; Employment
and Corporate Law; Intellectual Property including Patent law.
Professional Achievements: American Health Lawyers Association, Arbitrator/Neutral and
Mediator on AHLA Exclusive Mediator Panel, 2017-current; Arbitrator on Arbitration Panel of
FINRA, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, 2017-current; Buffalo Niagara Realtors
Association, Mediator on BNAR Mediation Panel, 2019-current; Erie County Bar Association,
Commercial Mediation Training, 2015; NYS Court System, Child Permanency Mediation Training,
2015; FINRA Arbitration Training, 2017; WDNY Mediator Training, 2019 ; member of WDNY
District Court’s panel of mediators, 2019. Court Admissions: New Jersey State 2000; New Jersey
U.S. District Court, 2000; New York State, 2001; U.S. District Court, Western District of New
York, 2001; U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 2001; U.S Tax Court, 2001; California State 2004; U.S.
Supreme Court, 2007.
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Thomas S. Wiswall
Background: Born in Port Jefferson, NY; spend childhood in Brookhaven, NY; studied in
Hartford, CT and Ann Arbor, MI; moved to western NY to work at Phillips Lytle law firm
following law school; married to Dorothy R. Wiswall, a now-retired German Professor; father of
James (a mechanical engineer) and Karen (another NY lawyer); grandfather of Anna; member St.
Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church of Grand Island; treasurer and member of bass section of
Grand Island Community Chorus, Inc.; plays cello and string bass with family and friends, Lawyers
for the Arts, klezmer band “Bupkes” Phillips Lytle music ensemble, and other groups; also likes
running, drawing, traveling, and studying history, German, and other subjects.
Education: University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1974; Trinity College, B.A., 1971 (majors:
Economics and Philosophy); Honor Societies: Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Gamma Mu.
Work History: Has spent entire legal career in the litigation practice group of Phillips Lytle law
firm (Buffalo office), first as associate, then partner, and for a number of years as the department
administrator. Also chair of firm’s ethics committee.
Areas of Practice: Concentrates on civil litigation in federal and state courts. Experience includes
product liability cases, workplace accidents, substance exposure claims, commercial and contract
disputes, cross-border disputes, professional ethics, trust and estate litigation, and other general
litigation matters. Has submitted reports as expert on New York law for use in foreign court
proceedings.
Professional Achievements: Member Bar Association of Erie County, Ethics and Federal Court
Practice Committees, the New York State Bar Association, Dispute Resolution and International
Sections, and the American Bar Association. Has prepared CLE presentations on various topics
relating to legal ethics, record retention and disposal, deposition, discovery and trial techniques,
expert witnesses, product liability, and municipal liabilities. Has been active in the ethics
committees of the local and state bar associations.
Personal Achievements: Listed in The Best Lawyers in America; Selected for the Upstate New
York Super Law
y
ers list, 2012-2015; Listed in Who’s Who in America.
Bruce S. Zeftel
Biography Currently Not Available
LastUpdated:1/3/2024
Benjamin M. Zuffranieri
Education: Mr. Zuffranieri attended the State University of New York, College at Buffalo,
obtaining a B.A. in Economics, Magna Cum Laude, in 1980. Ben received his J.D. from the
University at Buffalo School of Law, Cum Laude, in 1983.
Work History: Mr. Zuffranieri is a Partner in Hodgson Russ LLP where he has practiced since
1985 in the firm’s Buffalo, New York office. Since 1999, Ben has been the Leader of the Business
Litigation and Construction Practices. He served as Chair of the Firm’s Litigation Practice Area
from 2008 to 2015. Ben held the position of Adjunct Faculty Member from 1987 to 1989 at the
University at Buffalo School of Law. From 1983 to 1985, he was Confidential Law Assistant to the
Hon. Reid S. Moule, New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department.
Areas of Practice: Mr. Zuffranieri has extensive knowledge and experience with complex
commercial, construction and international law. Other areas of experience include business
dissolution, contract disputes and product liability litigation. He is an arbitrator for the American
Arbitration Association, National Roster of Neutrals, Commercial and Construction Panel, and has
arbitrated disputes both as a single arbitrator and as a panel member. In addition, he has
successfully mediated numerous disputes involving a wide variety of subject matters.
Professional Achievements: Mr. Zuffranieri’s legal expertise has been recognized by several
organizations and in several contexts. Ben is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA).
He is also a Fellow in the Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA). Mr. Zuffranieri has
been listed by Best Lawyers in America in multiple categories: Commercial Litigation, Bet-the-
Company Litigation, Litigation – Construction and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants for
2018 and 2019. Best Lawyers selected Ben as “Lawyer of the Year” in 2016 for Buffalo in the
category of Bet-the-Company Litigation. Upstate New York Super Lawyers has recognized Mr.
Zuffranieri every year since 2007. Other recognitions include: Buffalo State College President’s
Distinguished Service Award; SUNY Buffalo Law School Moot Court Board; and the Matthew J.
Jasen Appellate Practice Award for academic achievement and appellate advocacy.
Personal Achievements: Ben is a Director Emeritus and long-time Chair of the Legal/Audit
Committee at the Buffalo State College Foundation, Inc. He is also a Trustee of the Burchfield
Penney Art Center.
