William N. "Bill" La Forte

Attorney James E. Morris is an experienced litigator and former judge who is known throughout Upstate New York for his ability to resolve complex disputes through mediation. He is a Fellow of the American College of Civil Trial Mediators, an elite nationwide group of mediators and dispute resolution professionals known for their skill, ethical standards, and professional commitment. Morris is a practicing attorney with the longtime Rochester, New York law firm Morris and Morris, and has been ...

John Wells is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. John, who practices law in Rochester, New York, has been recognized since 2023. 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.

I joined The Barnes Firm because I wanted to be part of a team that fights for people who are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. I pride myself on putting forth the hard work and dedication necessary to be the best. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the top legal individuals in New York State including then New York State Senator, Hillary Clinton, and New York State Appellate Division Justice, Samuel Green. I graduated from the University at Buffalo School o...

Tracey Scarpello represents companies in a wide variety of commercial and complex business disputes throughout the country. She devotes a significant amount of time defending and counseling clients involved in the aviation, food, pharmaceutical, medical device, manufacturing and health care industries and has successfully represented clients in federal and state courts. What do you focus on? Commercial Litigation & Regulatory Compliance Much of my work involves defending companies in all ...

"You have to be an attentive listener, and appreciate that every situation presents its own unique challenges as well as opportunities. To that end, it is important for me to design and implement solutions that best fit the client’s needs and business.” Dave focuses on corporate and commercial law, including mergers and acquisitions, business planning, licensing and distribution, private financing transactions, software contracts and general corporate matters. He represents indivi...

Paul G. Barden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law, Litigation - Health Care and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Paul G., who practices law in Rochester, New York, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott Piper serves clients with a comprehensive background in private practice and in-house counsel, focusing on labor and employment litigation in Pittsford, New York. He collaborates with employers on various labor and employment law issues, handling complex employment class actions to litigation covering workplace disputes, such as unlawful termination claims, discrimination, harassment, and matters involving unpaid wages or benefits. Scott Piper also represents clients before administrati...

Chris handles a broad range of administrative proceedings, medical malpractice cases, and commercial disputes on behalf of hospitals and other health care providers. He appears before the NYS Department of Health on behalf of clients, and has extensive trial and appellate experience before both federal and state courts. He also regularly counsels hospitals and other health care clients on risk management and regulatory compliance matters.

Eric Tanck is a partner in Nixon Peabody’s M&A and Corporate Transactions group, focusing his practice on business and corporate law matters, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and the formation, financing, and growth of business enterprises. My focus Today I focus my practice on three main areas, assisting clients with a variety of complex transactions. Mergers & Acquisitions I work with public and private companies in a variety of industries...

Katie Baynes, a partner in Nixon Peabody’s Public Finance group, focuses her practice on project finance, infrastructure finance and public finance. She represents government authorities, issuers and underwriters in connection with project financings including stadiums and arenas as well as industrial development revenue bonds; college and university bonds; hospital, health care, and senior living bonds; and other exempt facility bonds. What do you focus on? Project Finance I have been ...