Michael B. Powers

John P. Comerford is a Senior Partner at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC. He grew up in Lewiston, New York, a small historic town near the Canadian border. As a young child, Mr. Comerford grew up in the shadows of Love Canal and personally observed the consequences of environmental pollution. After graduating from high school, he attended Cornell University and studied Environmental Science. Mr. Comerford devotes the majority of his time to asbestos personal injury matters. He has liti...

John K. Rottaris concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial and business litigation, creditors’ rights, commercial collections, landlord-tenant law, bankruptcy law and tax certiorari. He also represents manufacturers and manufacturers’ sales representatives in commission and contract disputes. John has represented clients in all phases of trial and appellate practice before local, state and federal courts, as well as alternative dispute resolution forums. He has extensiv...

Michael Ponterio is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael practices law in Buffalo, New York Best Lawyers has recognized Michael Ponterio since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Michael Ponterio is held by other lawyers.

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.

Attorney Katherine Liebner focuses her legal practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, and labor and employment law. She also handles appellate matters across a wide spectrum of practices. Estate Planning Kathy works closely with her clients to navigate the many nuances of proper estate planning. She has extensive experience working with clients on all levels of estate planning, including: Preparing Wills Drafting Powers of Attorney Drafting Healthcare Proxies...

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 ...

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...

Mark Molloy is a litigation partner, based in Buffalo, who works across Nixon Peabody’s New York state offices. He represents companies and individuals in government investigations and white collar criminal matters, as well as represents companies in commercial or employment disputes litigated in state or federal court My focus I focus on representing companies in complex disputes, either before or during litigation. My primary practice centers around defending companies involved in emp...

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.

Judy Wagner, located in Buffalo, New York, is a dedicated attorney at Harris Beach Murtha, specializing in Trusts and Estates. She provides valuable counsel to individuals and families on wealth planning by appreciating current and future financial and personal needs. Judy collaborates with clients to develop plans that preserve, protect, and facilitate the transfer of individual or business assets to future generations. As an estate planning lawyer, she understands the importance of proactiv...