Gross Shuman PC

12 Best Lawyers awards

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Awarded Practice Areas

Trusts and Estates Real Estate Law
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Buffalo.

Biography

John F. Leone has practiced almost 30 years in the areas of wills, estate planning, estate and trust administration, qualified retirement plans and residential and commercial real estate.

He received both his J.D. and B.S. degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo.In connection with his wills and estates practice, John has successfully defended proponents of wills subject to will contests, contested wills on behalf of beneficiaries, and has filed claims relating to breaches of fiduciary duty by individuals using a power of attorney for their own benefit.

John also counsels clients on effective methods to reduce estate taxes and income taxes. John assists developers and clients with commercial loan transactions, the dedication of roads and the negotiation and drafting of leases.

John is a frequent author of articles pertaining to estate planning and administration. He currently serves as Vice President of the Estate Analysts of Western New York and is a member of the Surrogate’s Court Practice & Procedure and Elder Law Practice & Procedure committees of the Bar Association of Erie County.

Gross Shuman PC

12 Best Lawyers awards

Gross Shuman PC logo

Overview

  • State University of New York at Buffalo, JD, graduated 1986
  • State University of New York at Buffalo, BS, graduated 1983

  • New York, 1987

  • Erie County Bar Association - Member (Committees: Surrogate's Court Practice & Procedure, Elder Law Practice & Procedure)
  • Estate Analysts of WNY - Vice President
  • New York State Bar Association - Committee Member, Trusts & Estates Section
  • New York, 1987
  • Erie County Bar Association - Member (Committees: Surrogate's Court Practice & Procedure, Elder Law Practice & Procedure)
  • Estate Analysts of WNY - Vice President
  • New York State Bar Association - Committee Member, Trusts & Estates Section
  • State University of New York at Buffalo, JD, graduated 1986
  • State University of New York at Buffalo, BS, graduated 1983

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2026 - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2022 - Trusts and Estates
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Trusts and Estates, Buffalo (2026)
  • Trusts and Estates, Buffalo (2024)
  • Trusts and Estates, Buffalo (2022)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Real Estate Law
  • Trusts and Estates
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

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