Sheldon K. Smith

I have been a partner at our law firm for 20 years and we limit our practice to personal injury litigation. I handle an extensive case load of personal injury litigation matters in both New York and Pennsylvania from case intake through trial and appeal. In addition to my legal work, I help manage the operation of our three attorney and nine employee law firm.

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 ...

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 ...

Jonathan W. Brown is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Jonathan W., 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 Jonathan W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer Behm is a Partner at Berardi Immigration Law, where her career embodies one of the firm's proudest success stories. Jennifer first joined the firm as a Legal Intern during law school, and her exceptional analytical abilities and dedication to the practice quickly made her an indispensable part of the team. Today, she is recognized as a driving force behind the firm's continued evolution and success, as well as a trusted mentor in the ongoing education of its workforce. Known througho...

Brian Sutter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Brian, who practices law in Buffalo, New York, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Stuermer represents individuals who have suffered personal injuries. He has a reputation for being a strong advocate for his clients and working diligently to recover damages that will assist in compensating for the injuries they have endured. Mr. Stuermer focuses his practice on all areas of personal injury law, including: Automobile Accidents Construction Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Premises Liability Workplace Accidents He is a senior partner in Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria&rsquo...

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...

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.

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...