Jan Smolak

John Powers has represented the interests of catastrophically injured individuals for over 50 years. For more than 35 consecutive years, he has been selected by a nationwide vote as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" for his representation of plaintiffs in three separate areas of practice: “medical malpractice law”; “product liability litigation”; and “personal injury litigation.” In 2013, John was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in...

Francis (Chris) Affronti is a divorce, family law lawyer and appellate advocate. He handles cases where the marital estate might involve two blue collar employees who own a house and have some retirement accounts. At the same time, he handles high conflict custody cases and divorces with complex financial issues and extensive marital estates. He is a meticulous and strategic thinker. He handles child support, maintenance, and family offense cases in Supreme and Family Court. He prepares QDROs...

I am the Chief Trial Counsel for The Barnes Firm in New York and California. In addition, I am the Co-Chair for the Labor Law Department at The Barnes Firm. I began practicing law in 1989. I have focused my practice to the representation of people who have been injured in construction accidents, motor vehicle crashes and while using defective products. I have won numerous million dollar verdicts and settlements for my clients in the more than three decades as a personal injury trial lawyer. I...

John Weinholtz is a member of the Products: Class Action, Trade & Industry Representation group. He represents companies in federal and state court litigation and counsels companies on regulatory and industry compliance matters. What do you focus on? Today I focus my practice on three main areas, leveraging more than 20 years of experience to help clients manage their most complex litigation and significant regulatory compliance issues. Complex Tort & Commercial Litigation I represent...

Daniel S. Bryson is an attorney with Lacy Katzen LLP , focusing his practice on Real Estate Law . He has been recognized by Best Lawyers beginning in 2024 for his work in this practice area. Based in Rochester, New York, Daniel Bryson has been practicing law for more than 15 years. His recognition by Best Lawyers is the result of a peer-review process that reflects feedback from other attorneys within the same geographic region and areas of practice. A Rochester native, Dan brings a strong un...

John Wells is a litigator and trial attorney at Lacy Katzen LLP in Rochester, New York, where he represents clients in a wide range of civil litigation matters. His practice includes Commercial Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. John regularly handles matters involving medical malpractice, personal injury, automobile accidents , nursing home negligence , and commercial, busin...

“I enjoy identifying novel and practical solutions to clients’ real world issues and helping them to achieve their objectives in a cost-effective manner.” Chris focuses on sophisticated commercial transactions, banking and commercial financing and general corporate law. He represents business clients and entrepreneurs at all stages of their business development, negotiating and documenting matters, complex organizational documents (e.g., sophisticated shareholder, operating ...

Anita Pelletier is Counsel in Nixon Peabody's nonprofit practice group. She advises nonprofit organizations in matters relating to legal requirements and best practices in connection with governance and operational matters. I focus my practice on three main areas, building on over 10 years of experience assisting nonprofit clients to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. Nonprofit Corporate Governance and Board Disputes I’ve represented organizations ranging from the very ...

Eric Ferrante is an associate in Nixon Peabody’s Complex Commercial Disputes group. Eric represents public and private companies in federal and state court litigation, arbitration, and mediation. What do you focus on? My practice focuses on achieving results in all types of commercial disputes, including claims related to purchase and sale agreements, distribution and marketing agreements, commercial loans and commercial foreclosures. By developing a nuanced understanding of my clients&...

Chip focuses his practice on real estate financing, corporate financing, commercial real estate sales and acquisitions, leasing, zoning, land use, municipal law and public authorities law. He represents numerous lenders, developers and corporations in such areas as commercial lending, borrowing, real estate development and leasing.