Robert J. Smith
About Robert J. Smith
Robert J. Smith is a lawyer based in Syracuse, NY and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2007. Robert J. Smith is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Syracuse, New York
- Commercial Litigation
- Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
- Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Current Firm: Costello, Cooney & Fearon PLLC
Education: South Texas College of Law Houston, J.D., graduated 1984
Location: Syracuse, NY
Nearby Lawyers
Jeffrey Pomeroy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jeffrey, who practices law in Syracuse, New York, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Stephen Davoli is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Stephen, who practices law in Syracuse, New York, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Mr. Bottar brings more than 20 years of experience to the pursuit of medical malpractice, wrongful death, and complex personal injury actions throughout New York and the northeastern United States, with a focus on claims for birth injuries, neonatal/pediatric negligence, heart attack, stroke, brain damage, nerve injuries, cancer misdiagnosis, and liability under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Mr. Bottar is a graduate of Colgate University and is a summa cum laude (top 2%) graduate of Syracuse U...
Jeffrey M. Fetter is a partner of Scolaro, Shulman, Cohen, Fetter & Burstein, P.C. in Syracuse, New York and is Chairman of the Business Practice Group. His statewide practice focuses on business, estate, tax, succession and transactional planning for closely held and family owned enterprises. Legal services Jeff provides his clients include: state, federal and international tax and business planning; estate and long term care planning; business and succession planning for closely held an...
Mr. Bottar is one of upstate New York's most experienced and accomplished trial lawyers, with a track record of extraordinary recoveries for his clients. As the founder and managing member of Bottar Law, PLLC, he brings more than 40 years of experience to the pursuit of cases involving birth injuries, brain and nerve injuries, amputation, paralysis, and wrongful death due to medical negligence, complex accidents, workplace injuries and defective products. Mr. Bottar has been continuously list...
John Powers has represented the interests of catastrophically injured individuals for over 50 years. For more than 35 consecutive years, he has been selected by a nationwide vote as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" for his representation of plaintiffs in three separate areas of practice: “medical malpractice law”; “product liability litigation”; and “personal injury litigation.” In 2013, John was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in...
Matthew D. Gumaer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Matthew D., who practices law in Syracuse, New York, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Mr. Muldoon is a member of the firm and the Intellectual Property Practice Group. He also serves on the Science and Technology, Medical and Life Sciences, and Food and Beverage Industry Teams. His practice focuses on the enforcement and defense of intellectual property infringement and related claims in federal and state courts and in arbitration. Mr. Muldoon has been actively involved in a large number of patent infringement lawsuits, encompassing diverse technologies such as compression-sty...
Paul V. Mullin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Municipal. Paul V., who practices law in Syracuse, New York, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul V. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Upon graduating from law school, where he received the Most Outstanding Advocate Award, Steve became a member of the U.S. Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps). He served as a prosecutor and later became the lead prosecutor at Mayport Naval Station in Mayport, Florida, which involved his supervising other attorneys and their support staff in addition to trying cases. As a prosecutor, he handled some of the Navy's most high profile cases and tried over seventy cases to verdict. He ...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.