Michael J. Willett

Richard (Rich) Barnes is the President of The Barnes Firm . With more than thirty years of trial experience, Rich has built his career on the principle that there is no substitute for preparation, persistence, and dedication when it comes to protecting clients’ rights . He began his career in public service, spending five years as a Senior Assistant District Attorney , where he prosecuted serious felony cases on behalf of crime victims. During that time, Rich was entrusted with some of ...

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.

William Moore is a senior partner of the firm and represents individuals who have suffered serious injuries. He has a reputation for being an aggressive advocate and for being highly accessible and responsive to his clients. Mr. Moore has extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts. Many attorneys, both locally and out of state, refer their cases to Mr. Moore. Doctors also frequently refer their injured patients to him. Mr. Moore has been named to The National Trial Lawyers: T...

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...

Nick's broad-based litigation and trial practice includes criminal defense, civil litigation, personal injury, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, and professional discipline. Nick graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo School of Management with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and earned his J.D. magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo Law School. While in law school, Nick was selected to the Buffalo Law Review and in his second year was elected ...

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...

Thomas C. Burnham is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Thomas C., who practices law in Buffalo, New York, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Allison Fiut is a dedicated civil litigator at Harris Beach Murtha, located in Buffalo, New York. Her practice is primarily centered on commercial litigation, offering legal representation in New York state and federal courts as well as through alternative dispute resolution processes. Her work involves representing clients in a variety of commercial dispute areas such as: Business divorce Breach of contract Non-compete agreements Trade secret misappropriation Shareholder issues Commercial le...

James W. Grable, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. James W., who practices law in Buffalo, New York, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 ...