Robert J. Portin

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...

When clients select The Barnes Firm to represent them in their personal injury cases, they have the right to expect an attorney who has extensive trial experience, as well as experience in dealing with insurance company representatives. As a senior trial attorney for a Fortune 500 property and casualty insurance company, I learned the inner workings of the insurance business, and how that industry accesses and resolves liability claims. This experience is particularly crucial in the evaluatio...

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.

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...

Hon. Erin M. Peradotto, who retired from the appellate bench in 2023, draws on her nearly 17 years of experience as an associate justice with the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, to serve clients of Harris Beach Murtha’s Appellate Practice Group and Business Litigation Practice Group. Harris Beach’s Appellate group is a specialized group of attorneys with experience litigating appeals, as well as other matters involving brief writing, oral advoc...

James T. Scime is widely recognized as one of the region’s most skilled and respected attorneys. He practices in the areas of personal injury, construction accidents, products liability, medical malpractice, and automobile accidents. He devotes the majority of his time to trial and litigation matters. Mr. Scime is widely respected among his peers for his trial and negotiating skills. Many local attorneys refer matters to him when their clients have sustained serious injuries. Over the c...

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...

William B. Collins is the owner of the firm. He has been practicing law since 1982, representing people for serious personal injuries throughout the United States. He is admitted to the State Bar of four separate states: New York, Florida, Michigan and West Virginia. His successful litigation in venues throughout the country attests to his ability to perform at the highest level anywhere and under any circumstances. He takes special interest in complex industrial and commercial negligence, in...

Jeff joined this firm in 1993 and became a partner in 1994. He is a lifelong resident of the Olean area and an Olean High School Graduate. Mr. Black obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Bonaventure University in 1990 and graduated cum laude from The Dickinson School of Law (Penn State) in 1993. While in law school he was a member of the Dickinson Law Review and his case note was published. He was also a member of the Woolsack Honor Society. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Bla...

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...