James J. Rooney

Bob serves as the managing partner of the Buffalo office. He focuses on commercial real estate development, and municipal, industrial development and environmental law. Bob represents real estate developers, municipal entities, and companies in financing, leasing, and other matters related to real estate development/expansion and has extensive experience with the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program. He focuses on structured financings involving straight-lease transactions and bond trans...

Scott Philbin is a Buffalo-based litigation attorney handling a broad array of business and commercial matters at the trial and appellate levels in both state and federal court. He routinely represents corporations, insurers and financial institutions in issues relating to breach of contract, the leasing of heavy construction equipment, enforcement of non-compete agreements, banking litigation, investor claims and commercial paper disputes. Scott also has experience in toxic tort cases involv...

Richard (Rich) Barnes is the President of The Barnes Firm . With more than thirty years of trial experience, Rich has built his career on the principle that there is no substitute for preparation, persistence, and dedication when it comes to protecting clients’ rights . He began his career in public service, spending five years as a Senior Assistant District Attorney , where he prosecuted serious felony cases on behalf of crime victims. During that time, Rich was entrusted with some of ...

Scott M. Schwartz has extensive experience representing clients in all areas of plaintiff’s personal injury law. Practice Areas Accidents and Personal Injury Car Accidents Farm Accidents Dog Bite Injury Injury on Property Motor Vehicle Accidents Product Liability Tourist Accidents Workplace Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Attorney Kate Feroleto is a dedicated Buffalo injury lawyer known for her courtroom skill, compassion for her clients, and relentless pursuit of justice. Named a 2026 Best Lawyer, Kate is the current President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Western Region Affiliate and serves as a Dean of the New York State Trial Lawyers Institute. She is also a proud member of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys and co-chair of their women’s caucus. Kate’s deep understanding of insurance...

Cherie L. Peterson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Cherie L., who practices law in Buffalo, New York, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cherie L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dennis Harlow is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Dennis, who practices law in Buffalo, New York, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dennis is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nick's broad-based litigation and trial practice includes criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, and professional discipline. Nick graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo School of Management with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and earned his J.D. magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo Law School. While in law school, Nick was selected to the Buffalo Law Review and in his second year was elected ...

John A. Collins practices in the areas of Civil Appellate and Motion Practice. He has argued appeals before the New York Court of Appeals, all four Departments of the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second and Third Circuits. Speaking Engagements Prepared course materials and lectured on Article 78 Proceedings and Appeals From Administrative Determinations for the New York State Bar Association as part of its New York Appe...

Michael C. Scinta is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael C., who practices law in Buffalo, New York, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.