James W. Smyton

Jeff joined this firm in 1993 and became a partner in 1994. He is a lifelong resident of the Olean area and an Olean High School Graduate. Mr. Black obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Bonaventure University in 1990 and graduated cum laude from The Dickinson School of Law (Penn State) in 1993. While in law school he was a member of the Dickinson Law Review and his case note was published. He was also a member of the Woolsack Honor Society. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Bla...

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...

Ms. Berkman concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, Medicaid advisement and planning, accountings, kinship matters, wrongful death compromises and guardianship proceedings. She assists clients with preparation of estate plan documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care forms and living wills.

Chanel T. McCarthy has more than ten years of experience assisting clients with their business needs - from lease agreements and contract negotiations to operations and employment matters. Chanel has a wide range of experience in corporate law including with issues related to the hospitality industry. Chanel brings a wealth of experience in the areas of trusts and estates, and other matters before the Surrogate’s Court.

Joseph J. Gumkowski practices in the areas of general business law, e-commerce, taxation, and intellectual property. His practice is concentrated in servicing select clients of the firm in the entertainment business. Mr. Gumkowski is an active member of the Sports Car Club of America; the Sports Car Club of America, Western New York Region; the South Towns Motor Club; and the Central New York Ice Racing Association. Mr. Gumkowski earned second place in the 2002 New York State Road Racing Cham...

Richard A. Braden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Richard A., 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 Richard A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Terrence M. Connors has been recognized by his peers as one of the pre-eminent trial attorneys in the state. For the past seven years, he has been ranked as the number one lawyer in all upstate New York by Super Lawyers magazine. This year, the Erie County Bar Association named him Lawyer of the Year and, in 2006, the New York State Bar Association awarded him the prestigious Attorney Professionalism Award. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Membership in that organizati...

Michael J. Roach is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Michael J., who practices law in Buffalo, New York, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Barry N. Covert focuses his practice primarily in the following areas: New York State and federal criminal trials and appeals Constitutional law, including First Amendment, Second Amendment, and civil rights actions Qui Tam Act, also known as the False Claims Act Defending against allegations of scientific misconduct, scientific fraud, research misconduct, research fraud, plagiarism, and fabrication of evidence Defense of professional licensing, including for attorneys, doctors, and nurses Ti...