Kristen M. Birmingham

Richard Furlong has represented labor organizations for over 25 years. His work has covered all aspects of traditional labor law, including: organizing drives arbitration and agency hearings negotiations and all related court proceedings Mr. Furlong’s experience also includes counseling unions on non-traditional activities, including strategic campaigns, creative use of public relations, and other tactics geared toward empowering workers. His knowledge and experience have drawn the atte...

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...

John Lipsitz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. John, 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 John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Justin D. Ginter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Justin D., 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 Justin D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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...

In addition to being the Managing Attorney of Gross Shuman P.C., Dave Elibol focuses his practice on business contracts and litigation, including, shareholder disputes, business divorce, and contract disputes. He has successfully represented individuals and businesses in jury and non-jury trials and in other proceedings in both state and federal court. Additionally Dave is a member of our personal injury practice group where he represents victims of serious motor vehicle accidents, workplace ...

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...

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.