Kris E. Lawrence

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...

Diane M. Perri Roberts is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law. Diane M., who practices law in Buffalo, New York, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Diane M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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.

I joined Black, Lyle & Habberfield, LLP as an Associate attorney in 2008 and was made equity Partner in April of 2011. Prior to being an attorney I was a Diagnostic Technician with Mercedes-Benz. I am from Scio, New York and obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York at Brockport and graduated cum laude from law school at the State University of New York at Buffalo. I am admitted to practice law in both New York and Pennsylvania. I am a member of the Amer...

Laraine Kelley concentrates her practice in the areas of personal injury law, including medical malpractice, construction accidents, automobile injuries, and products liability. Numerous local attorneys refer their complex litigation matters to Ms. Kelley as her experience and dedication are valuable factors in difficult cases. Speaking Engagements Frequent lecturer in the area of civil litigation, particularly medical malpractice, products liability law, and civil trial procedure Practice Ar...

Joe is an experienced trial attorney who focuses his practice on all aspects of personal injury, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, nursing home, and group home litigation. He has obtained multiple jury verdicts, including million and multi-million dollar awards, and reached countless settlements on behalf of his clients. Recognized by his peers as a zealous advocate in and out of the courtroom, Joe has obtained some of the highest verdicts and settlements in New York State. U...

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...

Jonathan D. Schechter’s practice and experience includes business counseling and corporate law, commercial real estate and financing, estates, trusts, taxation and cross-border and business tax planning. Using his in-depth knowledge of tax law, he assists owners of both publicly traded and closely held businesses with their legal needs as well as their personal estate planning. Jonathan provides day-to-day counsel and representation to publicly traded companies, small business enterpris...

Michael Schiavone has provided legal guidance to businesses for 30 years. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business law, commercial real estate, and estate planning. Mr. Schiavone is experienced in regularly counseling clients in a wide array of legal matters, including: Commercial lending and financial transactions Mergers and acquisitions Corporate, partnership, and limited liability matters Business formation Business succession planning Contract negotiation and dispute resolut...