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Mary MélonGroup Publisher

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THE DAILY RECORDW E S T E R N N E W YO R K ’ S S O U R C E F O R L AW, R E A L E S TAT E , F I N A N C E A N D G E N E R A L I N T E L L I G E N C E S I N C E 1 9 0 8

AdvertisersBoylan Code 5Canandaigua National Bank & Trust 5Chicago Title 14Cobblestone Financial Group 7Counsel Press 20Forte Capital 12GRAWA 12Harter Secrest & Emery 8Nixon Peabody 6SUNY Buffalo Law School 4Trevett Cristo Salzer & Andolina 11Trotto Law Firm 11Ward Greenberg Heller & Reidy 13Woods Oviatt Gilman 3Underberg & Kessler 7

IndexAdam H. Brunner 5Christin Murphy Cornetta 6Gregory J. Coughlin 7Eric M. Dolan 8Paul S. Fusco 11Jeffrey J. Harradine 12

Jason P. Livingston 13Meghan M. Lynch 14Alison J. Rich 15Terence L. Robinson 15David M. Tang 16Jonathan C. Trotto 16

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4 2 0 1 2 U p & C o m i n g T h e D a i l y R e c o r d • M a y 2 3 , 2 0 1 2

Each year, as we start to receive nom-inations for The Daily Record’s Up &Coming Attorney Awards, I am alwaysimpressed by both the consistently highlevel of talent in our legal community,and the significant accomplishments ofthe nominees so early in their careers.

This year, of course, is no exception.

While the first years of practice canbring with them significant challenges,they also present many opportunities,and the attorneys we recognize on thefollowing pages have taken advantage.Although experience and backgroundsare diverse, the Up & Coming AttorneyClass of 2012 has one overriding char-acteristic that unites the group – com-mitment – to their law firm, to theirclients and to the community.

I believe it is important that we recog-nize the talent and tireless dedication ofthose attorneys who already have distin-guished themselves from their peers. Ittakes more than just a solid resumé andwork experience, and it takes more thana selfless commitment to the profession

and incomparable work ethic — it re-quires a network of colleagues, support-ers, friends and family to help shine alight on such outstanding achievements.

As you read through the profiles inthis special section to The Daily Record,think about how the individuals we rec-ognize here will play a significant rolein shaping our legal landscape in yearsto come. They will be leaders in their re-spective fields of law, they will continueto be a vital part of the local bar associ-ations and, most certainly, they will actas role models to their colleagues and tothe next generation of lawyers.

On behalf of The Daily Record, I ex-tend my sincere congratulations to thisyear’s Up & Coming Attorney Award re-cipients.

Keep up the great work!

Kevin M. MomotPublisherThe Daily Record

A salute to this year’sUp & Coming Attorneys

(585) 232-6920THE DAILY RECORD

PDF or Photo Reprint: • Unlimited use — link to website, make multiple reprints, etc. • Frame and display it • Send to clients, colleagues • Great marketing tool

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Revel in your

Accomplishments


Adam H.BrunnerNixon Peabody LLP

Adam Brunner has been an associateat Nixon Peabody, LLP since 2010 —advising clients on a wide variety of es-tate and tax planning matters (i.e., estateand transfer tax planning; estate andtrust administration; trust litigation; suc-cession and exit planning).

Within the firm, he assists with re-cruitment and serves as an AssociatesCouncil Representative.

“There are a few things I really enjoyabout my practice,” Brunner explained.“I get to work with people one-on-one …[discussing] their mortality and howthey’d like their personal assets to be

transferred to their children.”Utilizing complex techniques which

require mathematical skill also appealsto Brunner.

“My work requires … in-depth reviewand thought processes [which helpclients] avoid estate taxes and things ofthat nature.”

It is a highly personal practice area inwhich he works with multiple genera-tions of the same family.

“I enjoy hearing different people’sphilosophies about how they becamesuccessful, how they ran their busi-nesses, what led them to the pointsthey’re at in their lives … and their the-ories about parenting.”

“How [my clients] deal with wealth isoften a balance of providing their chil-dren with every opportunity, but givingthem the motivation to succeed on theirown. It’s interesting to see how [familymembers] work together to accomplish acommon goal.”

“But, it’s not all flowers and roses.Sometimes, it’s ugly.”

Brunner, a former Syracuse Law Re-view editor, often makes legal presenta-tions related to continuing legaleducation, legislative changes and tech-niques which can benefit existing andpotential clients. In recent months he

has chaired and/or presented nearly ahalf-dozen programs on behalf of NixonPeabody, the MCBA, the NYSBA andthe Volunteer Legal Services Project.

“I do a lot of writing and speaking atdifferent engagements,” he confessed.“My practice forces me to stay on top ofnew developments and [sharing that in-formation helps] distinguish myself inthat area.”

Brunner is considered a “go-to attor-ney” who is well-versed in the revisedN.Y. Trust Decanting Statute, which pro-

By CHRISTINE ADAMOSpecial to The Daily Record

© 2012 Boylan Code LLP

145 Culver Road Sui te 100Rochester, New York14620

To learn more about Boylan Code, please visit

www.boylancode.com

in [email protected] .232 .5300

Congratulations to the Up & Coming Attorneys!

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The Wealth Strategies Group at Canandaigua National Bank & Trust

congratulates all of Rochester’s Up and Coming Attorney nominees.

We admire your enthusiasm for the legal profession and your

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we serve.

Trusts | Estates | Investments | Retirement | Financial Planning

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See BRUNNER page 10

In third grade, Christin Murphy Cor-netta borrowed her mother’s brief caseand presented herself as a lawyer for ca-reer day at school.

She’s not pretending any more. Cor-netta, 30, not only has the license toprove it, but is a well-established litiga-tor at Ward Greenberg Heller & ReidyLLP. Her resume includes an impressivearray of internship experiences that

helped get her where she is today. Shealso takes an active role in the YoungLawyers Section of the Monroe CountyBar Association.

Getting started

Growing up in Olean, N.Y., there wereno attorneys in the family when Cornettastarted thinking about the possibility ofbecoming a lawyer. Realistically, she maynot have truly decided on law school untillong after that third grade career day.

While earning her Bachelor of Arts

(cum laude) in economics and politicalscience at the University of Rochester,she took some law related courses, lay-ing the path for her 2003 enrollment atCornell Law School, where she gradu-ated magna cum laude in 2006. In addi-tion to her induction into the Order of theCoif, Cornetta won the Fraser Prize andserved as an honors fellow for theLawyering Program for first-year writingand research students while at Cornell.

After her first year of law school, she in-terned in the law guardian’s office under

Steve Weisbeck. The Legal Aid Societywas still at 130 W. Broad St., and the ma-jority of the cases that Cornetta worked oninvolved Persons in Need of Supervision(PINS) and Juvenile Delinquency.

“It was a great introduction to theRochester legal community,” she said. “Iwent to court almost every day and Iloved the idea of working with children.My time spent in the law guardian’s of-fice was my first experience in a legalsetting and I was fortunate to be sur-


By NORA A. JONESSpecial to The Daily Record

QUITE A PAIRNixon Peabody salutes ADAM BRUNNER and TERENCE ROBINSON for their professional accomplishments and community leadership.

Congratulations to the entire 2012 class of Up & Coming Attorneys.

Albany · Boston · Buffalo · Chicago · Hong Kong · London · Long Island · Los Angeles · Manchester · New York Paris · Providence · Rochester · San Francisco · Shanghai · Silicon Valley · Washington, DC · www.nixonpeabody.com

ChristinMurphyCornettaWard Greenberg Heller

& Reidy LLP

See CORNETTA page 10

Gregory J. Coughlin handles mergersand acquisitions at Harter Secrest &Emery, LLP.

“Over the course of a transaction,” heexplained, “each party will have theirown goals. Yet, their one common goal isto get the transaction done.”

“When you get to a closing, no matterhow contentious it may have been —and it always varies from deal to deal —

all past sins are forgiven … and that’s areally nice thing. I don’t know if everypractice area has a similar type of out-come, but that’s probably what I likemost about transactional work,” Cough-lin said.

Managing multiple interests to closethe deal and get things done may simplycome naturally to Coughlin, the eldest ofseven children.

“There was a 17-year gap between my-self and my youngest sibling. I think I

started changing diapers when I was insixth grade,” he said.

Perhaps that experience also informedhis desire and ability to lead and mentorthose junior to him.

“Gregg routinely redefines what we ex-pect of the lead associate role,” saidGary L. Karl, HSE partner.

“He adeptly handles the drafting andnegotiation aspects of the deal across thetable from America’s most sophisticatedlaw firms [and] is known for informally

mentoring, advising andcoaching young transactional lawyers,paralegals and summer associates togrowth in their careers,” Karl added.“Several junior professionals have de-scribed, to me, how much they respectand appreciate his guidance.”

Craig S. Wittlin, also a partner at HSE,offered up similar praise.

“Gregg [has] distinguished himself asa leader within our firm,” Wittlin ex-


Gregory J.Coughlin



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Global Investment Perspective Trusted Financial Counsel

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See COUGHLIN page 9

Eric Dolan says he began practicinglaw as a Monroe County assistant publicdefender in 2004 after having internedwith the Capital Defender’s and Sch-enectady Public Defender’s offices.

“As far as a way to start your career,”he explained, “I don’t think there’s a bet-ter way to do it than through defensework, especially at the Monroe County

defender’s office.”One highlight, for Dolan, was working

closely with Brian Shiffrin, then a firstassistant public defender.

“[Brian is] as upbeat a person as youcould ever meet. As a first encounterwith the legal profession, it was a veryfavorable one. He really took me underhis wing and showed me how to be an ef-fective criminal defender,” he said.

Criminal defense work has always ap-

pealed to Dolan.“In criminal work, you have an oppor-

tunity to get your hands dirty and get onthe frontlines pretty quickly,” he said.

In 2007, he joined Ward GreenbergHeller & Reidy, LLP, as an associate.

“I was a relatively new practitionerwhen I got there [and] kind of wanted tosee what it was like to dive into a … high-end practice. They’re very good at whatthey do and I was [trained] by some very

highly skilled attorneys,” Dolan said.That appellate work called upon one of

his strengths — communication, in theform of written briefs and arguments.Consequently, Dolan founded a NewYork criminal defense blog, IndignantIndigent, in 2005 and continues main-tains an online presence atRocLaw.blogspot.com.

In 2010, Dolan became an associate



Eric M.Dolan

Trevett Cristo Salzer & Andolina PC

Congratulations Meghan & Greg! We congratulate our colleagues

Meghan Lynch, Greg Coughlin

and all the other Up & Coming

Attorneys who have been

recognized for their talent,

commitment and bright futures.

Meghan LynchAssociate

Labor and Employment Practice

Gregory CoughlinAssociate

Corporate/M&A Practice

R o c h e s t e r l B u f f a l o l A l b a n y l N a p l e s , F L

www.hselaw.com

2012 UP & COMING ATTORNEYS

See DOLAN page 10


plained. “In recent years, our firm’s cor-porate transitional practice has thrivedlargely because of our national clientbase. Gregg has played a significant rolein this growth and has represented manyof the firm’s largest clients in strategi-cally-critical transactions.

“His day-to-day dedication to our firm,our clients and our community are un-questioned. He is a role model andleader to our associates and someone inwhom our partners and our clients placetremendous trust and confidence,” Wit-tlin said.

Coughlin cited his practice area asmaking it easy for him to inspire trust inothers.

“I get a lot of exposure to other peopledue to the nature of my work. I think,with building trust, consistency is key —

you need to be there when things aregoing on, perform on a consistent basisand maintain a positive attitude,” hesaid.

Coughlin, who has spent most of hiscareer at HSE, appreciates each of theopportunities he has been given there: “Iget a tremendous amount of support formy professional development [withoutcompromising] the sophistication in mypractice … and I appreciate the firm’semphasis on work-life-balance issues.”

With a wife, three young children andcommunity-service interests — amongthem, serving on the board of directorsof the Society for the Protection & Careof Children — balance is anything but aluxury.

“Any cause that has to do with chil-dren is really easy to get behind. You can

throw yourself into it without much effort[and] when you become a parent, you’rejust more aware of how fragile and de-fenseless children are,” he said.

Supporting area causes has doublemeaning for Coughlin.

“My practice tends to focus outside ofRochester a bit. This is one of the av-enues which takes me back into thecommunity, since I don’t always get thatin my practice,” he said.

And, being named an Up & ComingAttorney was simply flattering.

“I was happy to hear I was held in thattype of regard,” he explained. “The

award is the icing on the cake. It’s alwaysnice to be recognized for the effort youput into your work and for your accom-plishments.”

The firm’s “ace pitcher” said his goal— in promoting softball and other ex-tracurricular activities — is to actuallylevel the playing field.

“The one-and-a-half to two hoursyou’re out on the field helps build cama-raderie and makes working relationships[function] more smoothly,” he said.

Even on demanding days, Coughlinsuggested, those personal connectionsare worth the investment.

Gregory J. Coughlinn COUGHLIN from page 7 The 1st person you told about your award & why

Craig Wittlin, a colleague of mine at the firm. He walked into my office when I waseating one of the cookies from the congratulations announcement for the award.

2011Julie BieleckiElizabeth A. CordelloBrian DeCarolisCarey Ann DenefrioPenny A. DentingerR. Andrew FeinbergKimberly A. GlennonHadley L. MatarazzoScott M. MooneyCaroline MorrisonKevin J. MulvehillShannon O’KeefeKevin L. OvertonJames M. PaulinoJulia Green Sewruk

2010Katherine CourtneyJulie JordanJohn LaBoda IIILaura MyersAndrew RandisiCassandra RichSara VisingardKristopher VurraroJeffrey Wadsworth

2009Karlee BolañosAmy R. CotéLaMarr J. JacksonRashondra M. JacksonTara R. JohnsonDevin Lawton PalmerJodie L. Ryan

Christian ValentinoJeremy Wolk

2008Jeanne ArnoldChad W. FlansburgAllision P. GioiaPeter J. GlennonLorisa D. LaRoccaJames NoblesSheldon K. SmithKimberly I. ShimomuraLaura W. SmalleyLovely A. Warren

2007Beth Ann BivonaMarc BrownAmy FiciChristopher LindquistAnita PelletierKelly ProntiMary Comeau Raymond

2006Amy SchwartzMichael StuermerLaurie A. Giordano Amber M. Joles Mark W. Bennett Noah R. Doolittle Jason P. Torres Roy R. Galewski Tabitha M. Croscut The Hon. Michael A.

Sciortino

Sharon L. Higginbotham Melissa L. Barrett Langston D. McFadden

2005R. Scott DeLucaMark MolloyTimothy NoonanMichael DriscollBob G. MurrayAlisa A. LukasiewiczMelissa NicksonHeath Szymczak

2004Anthony Adiutori Yohannes Assefa Jeffrey Calabrese Bernadette Catalana Ann-Marie Luciano Katherine Piccola Jacqueline Phipps Polito Charles Russell Jason Waters Joseph Young

2003John G. HornTimothy W. HooverM. Rogan MortonSheri L. MooneyJennie M. MuscarellaDavid R. Pfalzgraf Jr.Lawlor F. QuinlanTrini E. RossDeanne M. TripiStephanie Williams Torres

2002Sara Stout AshcraftAlice HsuPaul KeneallyPamela R. CrockerGreta K. KolconJennifer L. PowersLaura PurcellLisa SantelliErika N. D. StanatSandra E. VoltaJ. Michael Wood

1999Benjamin A. BruceEdward G. “Ted” CaseCatherine “Kate” CerulliFlor M. Colón Jon P. GetzMatthew R. LembkeRichard S. “Bill” LevineMary E. MageeCecily G. MolakMargaret E. SomersetChris ThomasElizabeth A. Wolford

Previous Up & Coming AttorneyRecipients, 1999 - 2011*

* The Daily Record did not present Up & Coming Attorney awards in 2000 or 2001.

2 0 1 2 U p & C o m i n g T h e D a i l y R e c o r d • M a y 2 3 , 2 0 1 210

at Trevett Cristo Salzer & AndolinaPC, where his practice areas includecriminal defense, commercial litiga-tion, insurance defense and generallitigation.

“It’s all litigation at its core,” Dolansaid, “[defending] people’s freedoms,people’s money, the rights of people whofall a little short of incarceration. I like it… you’d have to work really hard to bebored with what I do.”

The pace and variety, he explained,satisfy him professionally.

“Since joining Trevett Cristo,” partnerJames A. Valenti said, “Dolan has main-

tained a very busy general practice withlitigation as its core.

“He is not a typical ‘bench’ associate.Most of [his] cases are his own to runwith and he represents a broad range ofclients – from indigent criminal defen-dants … to some of the area’s largestcompanies,” he added.

Dolan is one of the youngest mem-bers of the Monroe County Bar Associ-ation’s Professional PerformanceCommittee, serves its Criminal Justiceand Young Lawyers Sections andserved as Continuing Legal Educationchair for YLS from 2010 to 2011. He

also works with the Volunteer LegalServices Program.

“Dolan’s career achievements are alsosubstantial for an attorney of his age,”Valenti said, “particularly in the area ofappellate advocacy, [having perfected]more than 60 appeals to the AppellateDivision, Fourth Department, and [hav-ing] argued a murder case at the Courtof Appeals.”

So, what is it about criminal defensethat attracts him?

“I’ve always had a contrarian streak,”Dolan explained. “Sometimes, as a crim-inal defender, you’re standing next to aperson who doesn’t have a lot of peopleon their side. And, in the end, you’re notonly representing the client. You’re re-

ally upholding the safeguards which pro-tect all of us.

“You get to exercise all of your skillsas an attorney,” he said.

Dolan expressed his gratitude to hisparents for making his career possible.

“Now that I’m an adult with children Iknow how hard my parents worked tohelp me get through law school. I would-n’t have been able to do it without them,”he said.

In 1999, Dolan graduated summa cumlaude with a Bachelor of Arts in PoliticalScience from the University at Albany-SUNY. In 2001, he earned his juris doc-tor cum laude as an Arthur F. MatthewsScholar at Albany Law School of UnionUniversity.

Eric M. Dolann DOLAN from page 8

vides a means for revising or updatingotherwise irrevocable trusts. He hadhelped corporate fiduciaries identifyrelated opportunities and risks by hold-ing presentations for JP Morgan Chase,Canandaigua National Bank and Gene-see Valley Trust.

In 2003, he graduated cum laudefrom Allegheny College — where hewas a four-year Indoor/Outdoor Track& Field letterman — with a B.A. in Po-litical Science. In 2006, he received hisJ.D. (again, cum laude) at SyracuseUniversity College of Law.

While in law school he served as alegal extern for the N.Y.S. Commissionon Judicial Conduct under Chief Attor-ney John J. Postel. He then spent 2005to 2007 working at Boylan, Brown,Code, Vigdor & Wilson, LLP. First, he

was a summer associate. Then? A lawclerk. Finally? An associate.

“While I was a summer associate atBoylan Brown, one of the attorneysthere was [preparing] to go to JP Mor-gan Chase; they knew there was goingto be an opening … in the estate andtrust practice.”

Brunner was admitted to the NewYork Bar in 2007 and earned admissionto the Florida Bar, in 2008, to betterserve a growing number of clients whomaintained winter residences there.

Summing up Brunner’s personality,Thomas (Tom) M. Farace — NixonPeabody Private Clients Group DeputyPractice Leader — said he is “a goodegg” and really good guy who is “insaneabout running”.

“Most people [run marathons],” ex-

plained Farace. “He wants to run anultra-marathon [of] 50 miles, or some-thing … around Lake Tahoe. He’s apretty dedicated guy, in all aspects ofhis life.”

“He’s [also] got great technical abili-ties, as an attorney. And he’s seen somuch for his young years. He’s got avery good demeanor about him. I don’tthink any of us have reservations, at all,about putting him before our most im-portant clients.”

“And he [operates on] a completelack of sleep!”

Brunner and his wife, Nicole, have anewborn baby girl. They also have a 3-year-old daughter.

“He does a number of pretty amazingthings in the community,” addedFarace. “He has a very strong servicementality.”

Brunner said his own good fortunemotivates him to present others with theopportunity to succeed. To that end, he

has served on the board of directors ofWilson Commencement Park for years.

“Wilson [assists] parents with chil-dren who’ve usually come out of abu-sive relationships who require publicsupport and want to get off of welfareand public assistance,” he explained,“[Their] two-year program provideshousing and life coach assistance topeople who want [to] pull themselvesup by their own bootstraps.”

Other accomplishments include hav-ing been a founding member of thePlanned Giving Committee at Lifespanand serving Literacy Volunteers ofRochester, the Estate Planning Councilof Rochester, the MCBA’s Trusts andEstate Council and the Syracuse Uni-versity Low-Income Tax Payer Clinic.

“You put all of that stuff together and,while it sounds trite,” Farace submit-ted, “he clearly is a leader and some-one we can all aspire to in manydifferent ways.”

Adam H. Brunnern BRUNNER from page 5

rounded by attorneys who were ex-tremely committed as well as passionateabout both the profession and theirclients. My time there was both eye-opening and rewarding.”

The next summer, Cornetta worked atWard Norris Heller & Reidy LLP (nowWard Greenberg), where she returnedafter graduation. Meanwhile, she servedas a judicial extern in the U.S. DistrictCourt for the Western District of NewYork under the supervision of JudgeDavid Larimer during the beginningmonths of her third year. Spending oneday a week observing court proceedings,learning about the federal court, re-searching, and drafting memos and de-cisions, she continued to accumulateexperience and knowledge.

As part of her J.D. program, Cornettaalso worked at the Cornell Public Inter-est Clinic both semesters of her secondand third year. Clinic cases included di-vorce, government benefits, prisoner dis-ciplinary proceedings and more. Shealso served as a note editor for the Cor-nell Law Review, writing on a juvenilejustice issue.

Practicing law

Her clinic work may have helped steerher toward a litigation career and she is

truly enjoying corporate defense workand other civil litigation.

“I think I decided on litigation becauseof the clinic work I did,” she said. “It hada big influence. Having the ability to con-trol cases and work with clients in alearning environment gave me assurancethat I would enjoy a career as a litigator.In addition, I was confronted with manyunexpected challenges including unco-operative clients, witnesses or opposingcounsel, that litigators can encounterdaily. Having the opportunity to workthrough those challenges provided mewith the confidence that litigation was acareer in which I could be successful.”

Today, she spends a good deal of hertime representing policyholders involvedin insurance coverage disputes. Han-dling complex, mutli-party litigation, sheappears in federal and state courts, pri-marily in New York and Pennsylvania.She has substantial experience in all as-pects of discovery, including mass docu-ment collection and review.

In support of Cornetta’s nomination,Cheryl Heller wrote, “I have worked veryclosely with Christin since she becamean attorney. Christin and her work are ofthe very highest caliber. She is one of thebrightest young lawyers that I have hadthe pleasure to work with and is per-

forming work at a level well beyond heryears of practice.”

Sharing his thoughts about Cornetta,Tom Reidy said: “She is very smart anda tireless worker. On top of that, she isone of the nicest, sweetest people, evenwhen under a lot of stress. TheRochester legal community and our firmare lucky to have her.”

Giving back

“Christin works very long hours butstill gives her time to several bar associ-ation activities,” Reidy added.

As a member of the Monroe CountyBar Association, Cornetta has been de-voted to the Young Lawyers Sectionsince starting her career. She was in-volved with the first silent auction in2009, and has been a champion for theeffort through this year’s fourthfundraiser. The annual event raisesmoney for Rochester Teen Court. Sheserved on the YLS Executive Committeefor the past three years, acting as YLStreasurer for two years and is currentlyfilling the role of secretary.

“The fundraising project helped to re-vitalize the Young Lawyers Section,” shesaid. “The Young Lawyers Section nowhas an extremely dedicated ExecutiveCommittee who work as a team to organ-ize the annual fundraiser. In addition, theYoung Lawyers Section organizes a num-ber of social and networking events fornew attorneys and provides opportunities

for new attorneys to become involved inboth the local legal community as well asthe Rochester community in general.”

Perhaps the best evidence of the com-mitment and dedicate of the members ofthe YLS Executive Committee is therecognition the section has received fromthe community. In 2009, the YLS Exec-utive Committee received the MCBAPresident’s Award. The following yearthe section was awarded the Center forYouth’s Cuminale Youth Advocate Awardfor their efforts on behalf of theRochester Teen Court.

Cornetta is also a member of the NewYork State Bar Association and theGreater Rochester Association forWomen Attorneys.

Beyond the office

Cornetta’s husband, Brian, is a CPA,working at Sumner Pearsall CPA in Fair-port. They rescued a greyhound (Sawyer)and also share their home with a cat (Leo).

Although not currently active in or-ganized sports, Cornetta was an avid soc-cer player for many years and alsocoached and refereed youth soccer. Shenow enjoys spending time outdoorscamping, hiking and walking her dog.Still, her favorite pastime is reading. Shehas a particular fondness for historicalfiction but will devour almost any book.

She also enjoys cooking and baking,acknowledging that the Food Networkhas contributed to this newer passion.

Christin Murphy Cornettan CORNETTA from page 6

Eric M. Dolan

on being named anUp & Coming Attorney!

Trevett Cristo Salzer & Andolina P.C.congratulates


Paul S. Fusco officially joined BoylanCode, LLP in 2006 after interning withthe firm in 2005 as a SUNY Buffalo LawSchool student.

“Truthfully,” he explained, “I got a greatfeeling about this place when I had myon-campus interview in the fall of 2004.That’s when I met Devon Palmer. Now,we’re not only co-workers but friends.”

The firm’s culture, family-friendly at-titude and his colleagues make work aneven greater experience.

“I don’t plan on going anywhere,” hesaid.

He’s vested — and it shows.“In addition to his superlative legal

skills,” said Carol S. Maue, a firm part-ner, “Paul is … the consummate teamplayer and an integral part of the socialfabric of the firm, promoting collegialityand camaraderie with his peers and theentire law firm staff.”

Fusco is a member of the MonroeCounty and New York State bar associa-tions, the National Center for EmployeeOwnership and the NY/NJ and PA/DE

chapters of the Em-ployee Stock Ownership Plan Asso-ciation. His writing on ESOP andemployment matters has appeared in lawjournals and other publications.

He leads Boylan Code’s ESOP team, isactive on the firm’s marketing committeeand assists with seminars offered to thecommunity.

Commitment and a team approachseem ingrained in him. Fusco marriedhis high school sweetheart, whom hebegan dating at age 15. He was born and

raised in Rochester and continues to livehere with his wife, son and dog. He hasa history of team-sports involvement,having played hockey and lacrosse.

“Life is more enjoyable when you’reworking towards a goal with people youenjoy and share similar values with,”he explained.


Paul S.Fusco

Boylan Code LLP

See FUSCO page 17

Entertaining novel ideas holds greatappeal for Jeffrey J. Harradine.

“In my practice, I have the fortune ofnot having to do the same thing twice,”he explained. “Virtually every [case]presents me with a new legal nut tocrack.”

As an associate at Ward GreenbergHeller & Reidy, LLP, his practice areas

include business and commercial litiga-tion, administrative litigation and regu-latory proceedings, government/internalinvestigations and more.

“It’s nice to be challenged intellectu-ally — it keeps you sharp. I also likehaving to be creative on a consistentbasis [and am] very competitive, but notvery good at sports. Litigation is a way tokeep a scorecard on yourself while get-ting feedback,” he said.

Often found in federal court, a struc-tured approach helps him tread carefullyand monitor the controversy a given casemight conjure up.

“I start at the beginning and examineall aspects [of a case]. Then I take a stepback. Necessarily — from that — comesa general, procedural knowledge of theway things work. Or, maybe, the nuanceswhich might not be apparent to others or[as] expected.”

He establishes merit by being cog-nizant and mindful of the proceduralrules and aspects of practice to navigatethe court system for the benefit of hisclients and his firm.

James M. Paulino II, a colleague, il-lustrated Harradine’s strengths: “Arolling stone may not gather any moss.But, unless someone stops or steers it,the stone will probably end up in a ditch



Jeffrey J.HarradineWard Greenberg Heller &

Reidy LLP

See HARRADINE page 17


Jason P.LivingstonWoods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Jason P. Livingston graduated fromSUNY Buffalo Law School in May 2005,took his bar exam that summer andbegan working at Woods Oviatt GilmanLLP that fall.

Partner R. Thompson “Tom” Gilmanrecently said Jason’s expertise, profes-sional dedication, contributions to thefirm and contributions to the communityare all worthy of recognition.

“On a daily basis,” Gilman said,“Jason handles difficult, challenging andcomplex legal matters in the areas of es-

tate administration, long-term-care plan-ning, estate planning, retirement-bene-fit planning, business-successionplanning and more.

“[He] also plays a critically importantrole as a mentor to the younger associatesin the estate department — patientlyguiding them as they develop more skillsin our practice area. We are counting onhim to be a future leader for our Trustsand Estates practice,” Gilman added.

Livingston said that the challenges andopportunities he faces are tremendouslyfulfilling.

“This area [of practice] has a lot of facets

to it,” he explained. “There’s so much youcan learn along the way. At the same time,you have a lot of opportunity to [meet withand] work directly with clients.”

He enjoys that one-on-one contact,learning more about his clients’ needsand reviewing their options with them.

“There’s a large, educational compo-nent to it [that is] a rewarding part of theprocess for me — educating clients andbeing able to fulfill or implement theirplans according,” he said.

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts inkinesiology from East Carolina Univer-sity, Livingston re-evaluated the

prospect of a science-based career andopted for a career in law.

“I knew estate planning was the area oflaw that I wanted to go into when I wasleaving law school. To come to WoodsOviatt was very fortunate for me,” he said.

The firm’s established estate planningdepartments, experienced attorneys, clien-tele and use of sophisticated planningtechniques all appealed to Livingston.

“It’s really worked out well. I enjoywhat I do and I feel fulfilled.”

Being recognized as an Up & ComingAttorney, he explained, is certainly nice.


See LIVINGSTON page 17


In 2004, as a summer associate atWoods Oviatt Gilman LLP, Meghan M.Lynch didn’t expect to enjoy her rotationthrough the litigation department. As itturns out, she loved it.

Background

Lynch, 32, grew up in Fairport. Theoldest of four siblings, she wasn’t surewhat she wanted to do when she went offto undergraduate school at the Univer-sity of Notre Dame in Indiana.

With a double major in history andcomputer applications, she half-heart-edly took the LSAT exam, but enteredthe workforce after completion of herfour-year degree.

“I thought I was going to be workingfor Arthur Anderson,” she admitted.“But that was right at the time of theEnron collapse and I took a position aSPSS Inc. in Chicago doing financialanalysis.”

About six months into her employ-ment, she realized she was bored.

Looking at a variety of law schools, she

decided on Boston CollegeLaw School, with the added advantagethat SPSS had a Cambridge, Mass., of-fice, allowing her to work part-time inBoston analyzing contracts while attend-ing law school.

“I loved law school,” Lynch admitted.“It opened the world to a whole new wayof thinking.”

As Lynch completed her first year oflaw school, she found an opportunity foran unpaid internship in Rochester at

Greater Upstate Law Project. Meanwhile,Underberg & Kessler LLP offered her asummer position reviewing mortgages.

“It was when there was a ton of mort-gage work, so I spent two days a week atUnderberg and three days a week work-ing with Amy Schwartz at GULP,” sherecalled.


MeghanM. Lynch


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Describing herself as a transactionalattorney, Alison Rich, 34, loves the factthat each day is different and she learnssomething new every day.

Early influences

Growing up near Utica, Rich lovedsports, participating in field hockey,track and basketball. Her father’s work

in human resources at Revere Copperexposed her to many conversations aboutlegal issues. Her love of sports initiallyignited an interest in being a sportsagent, and she knew a law degree wouldbolster her career ambition.

Attending St. Lawrence Universitywith a major in government and a minorin English, Rich continued to like theidea of going to law school. Earning herbachelor’s degree cum laude, she was

active in field hockey throughout col-lege, achieving a Division III NationalAthletic and Academic All Star rating in1997, 1998, and 1999. She was also in-ducted into the Gamma Sigma Alpha,Omicron Delta Kappa and Pi SigmaAlpha honor societies.

Legal training

As she started her legal education atSUNY Buffalo Law School, she moved

away from the idea of being a sportsagent, but was especially interested inhuman rights and environmental law.

“I enjoyed law school, but I knewpretty early on that I did not want to bea litigator,” she admitted. “I spent a se-mester with the Domestic Violence TaskForce, assisting victims in obtainingtemporary restraining orders and help-ing to raise money to help victims.”


Alison J.Rich

Evans & Fox LLP

It has only been six years since he wasadmitted to the New York State Bar, butTerence L. Robinson is already recog-nized by his colleagues at NixonPeabody LLP as an excellent lawyerearning successful results for his clientson complex litigation matters.

It is something Robinson strives fordaily.

“Everyday, I make sure that I’m givingthe best possible representation to our

clients,” he said. “I want them to be ableto know that they can depend on us whenthey bring us their serious problems andthey know they’re going to get the bestresult that they need in order to go for-ward in their business or their personallife, whatever the issue may be.”

Carolyn G. Nussbaum, the interna-tional firm’s managing partner of itsRochester office, will attest to the factthat colleagues and clients routinely seekout Robinson to work on complex andchallenging litigation. They appreciatehis ability to accurately dissect claims

and develop winning legal strategies.Robinson, a native of Geneva, Ontario

County, has always been focused. He hasalso always had an interest in the lawwhich was further peaked through hisparticipation in Boys State during thesummer between his junior and senioryear in high school.

Boys State is an American Legion pro-gram teaching young people how gov-ernment works, while developingleadership skills and an awareness ofcitizenship responsibilities.

“What initially got me very interested

in being a lawyer is the fact that I coulduse my professional life to help peoplesolve problems in their personal and pro-fessional lives,” Robinson said. “That’swhat I enjoy about it the most; helpingthem resolve disputes.”

Another major influence was attorneyDavid L. Cook, a family friend Robinsonhas known since he was 12.

“He was my mentor,” Robinson said.Cook, a partner at Faraci Lange LLP,

was a partner at Nixon Peabody whenRobinson became an associate in 2006.

Terence L.Robinson

Nixon Peabody LLP

By DENISE M. CHAMPAGNEDaily Record Reporter

See RICH page 18

See ROBINSON page 19

Recently celebrating his one-year an-niversary back at Underberg & KesslerLLP, David M. Tang, 34, loves where heis working. Tang is excited to have theopportunity to enhance his legal expert-ise in creditor’s rights and health carelaw litigation.

He initially experienced the Under-berg & Kessler environment as a secondyear law student after spending the pre-vious summer at the Department of Jus-tice under the supervision of U.S.

Trustee Kathleen Schmitt.“When I was a summer associate, I re-

ally clicked with the people at Under-berg & Kessler,” Tang said. “I’m veryhappy to work once again with this greatgroup of attorneys.”

Rochester roots

Tang was born in Rochester, attendingAllendale Columbia School, and MarthaBrown Middle School in Fairport untilhis father took a position at the U.S. De-partment of Agriculture. As a result, hishigh school diploma is from Wootton

High School in Rockville, Md.,but he chose Rochester as home base forhis career and family.

He is a first-generation American andacknowledged his parents’ emphasis oneducation.

“I know I got my love of reading frommy Dad and my love of art from myMom,” Tang said, describing his parentsas scientists.

Education

Tang attended Cornell University,

where he earned a degree in governmentand met his future wife. Two summerwork experiences during college helpeddirect him towards the law.

“I had a chance to watch a criminaltrial and interact with the judge’s lawclerks,” Tang recalled in regard to hiswork as a file clerk in the courthouse inRockville.


Jonathan C. Trotto expected to join hisfather’s law firm after he graduated fromlaw school.

Instead, he took it over.His father, Christopher D. Trotto, trag-

ically died of a sudden heart attack just10 days after Trotto graduated fromThomas M. Cooley Law School in Michi-gan on Sept. 14, 2008.

Growing up with an attorney father,Trotto was always interested in the law,but originally thought he wanted to be adoctor.

“In my first semester in college, Ifound out I didn’t like chemistry and bi-ology,” he said. “I thought I would fol-low in my dad’s footsteps. Our brainsthought alike and I took to it like a fishto water. I think he did, as well. I justgrew up hearing about his practice and

what he did at work and it really spurredmy interest in the subject.”

Trotto passed the bar exam in Febru-ary 2009 and took over his father’s prac-tice with the help of his father’s friend,the Hon. Robert J. Lunn, a former stateSupreme Court justice who is now apartner in the law firm of Trevett, Cristo,Salzer & Andolina PC.

Trotto completed his legal studies inan accelerated two-year program after

earning his bachelor’s degree in busi-ness administration with dual majors infinance and economics at St. Joseph’sUniversity in Philadelphia.

The Trotto Law Firm PC practice areasinclude divorce, child support and cus-tody, move aways/relocation, grandpar-ent and stepparent rights, real estate,and estate planning and administration.Trotto said about 75 percent is matrimo-

By DENISE M. CHAMPAGNEDaily Record Reporter

JonathanC. Trotto

Trotto Law Firm PC


David M.Tang

Underberg & Kessler LLP

See TANG page 19

See TROTTO page 19

That mindset informs his dealings withclients, as well.

“[I try] to get to know clients as best Ican. The better you know [them] andtheir businesses the better you can servethem. And, selfishly, it’s more enjoyableto really know the people you’re workingwith,” he said.

Fusco focuses on employment andownership issues – helping clients whoare ready to step down develop business

succession plans.“What I do is help provide a mecha-

nism to transfer ownership [from myclients] to their employees,” he said.

That kind of job retention and securitycreates big cultural changes as employ-ees gain owner interest and the power toperpetuate legacies rather than see themget folded up into larger conglomerates.

“The firm had a niche practice in thisarea and I was fortunate enough to be ex-

posed to it,” Fusco explained. “In orderfor me to be happy [practicing law], Iwould have had to have been doingsomething I agreed with ideologically.This has worked out really well.”

Evaluating his long-term goals in col-lege is what led Fusco to a career in law.

“I wanted to find something I thoughtI’d enjoy doing that would be challeng-ing and never become routine. I’m happywith my choice. I rarely run across thesame situation twice,” he said.

Being recognized is a much-appreci-ated bonus.


Paul S. Fuscon FUSCO from page 11

somewhere.“If you look more closely at Jeff’s path,

you will see that his focus has alwaysbeen on improving his community andhis profession – and not his career [andhe] knows that diversity, like the free ex-change of ideas, is absolutely necessaryfor our profession to survive,” Paulinosaid.

Harradine said he enjoys bouncing ideasoff of others and being an asset to them.

“Jeff truly [is] doing great things,”Paulino added. “More importantly, I amconfident that he is doing them for theright reasons, that he isn’t looking forany personal benefit in return and thathe will continue to do them far into thefuture after many other ‘shooting stars’have burned out.”

Harold Kurland — a partner at WardGreenberg — echoed Paulino’s praise.

“Jeff is an extraordinary lawyer and awonderfully talented and dedicated pro-fessional,” he said, “as well as a greathuman being.”

“He is afraid of nothing, as a lawyer.”“Jeff is also a person of great personal

integrity. He is principled and fair ineverything he touches. On top of that,[his] special brand of humor … com-bines sincerity, seriousness and a wry,clever wit,” Kurland said.

“The world would be a better place ifthere were more people like Jeff Harra-dine [in it].”

The Cornell University and CornellLaw School graduate received a Bache-lor of Arts in Government, Science &Technology Studies in 2001 and got hisjuris doctor in 2004.

Recent commitments include helping

organize the Monroe County Bar Asso-ciation’s Legal Diversity Clerkship Pro-gram, mentoring youth through theMCBA’s Lawyers for Learning Programand being a member of the MCBA’s Ju-diciary Committee and NYSBA’s Com-mercial and Federal Litigation Section.

In addition, he is adept at sharing newdevelopments with others.

“Jeff truly did our community proud inNYC among a crowd of … national e-discovery luminaries,” said Sharon M.Porcellio, a partner at Ward Greenberg,of his “Faster, Cheaper and Smarter Lit-igation: Recent Developments in E-Dis-covery in N.Y. State and Federal Courts”presentation at the 135th annual meet-ing of the New York State Bar Associa-tion.

“He is very unassuming, but alwayswows you with what he has to offer. Ifyou want something done — and doneright — Jeff is your go-to person,” Por-cellio said.

Harradine’s own go-to person is hiswife, Sara.

“She’s a very patient woman who putsup with a lot of malarkey from an attor-ney who comes home and doesn’t wantto do anything but talk about his day,”he explained.

Sharing this award with her was noth-ing short of win-win.

Jeffrey J. Harradinen HARRADINE from page 12

“I try to learn the craft as best I canand become as knowledgeable and com-petent of an attorney as I can, in mypractice area, and then provide thoseservices to clients. When I was acceptedfor this award, it certainly was a sign thatI’m approaching my legal career in theright fashion.”

“I think that, as an attorney, you’re al-ways learning as you go. To get recogni-tion makes you feel like you’re makingsome of the right decisions.”

Those decisions include helping otherattorneys navigate their legal careers.

“I try to mentor [summer associates,summer clerks and new attorneys]through the process and help them findtheir own way through the practice oflaw, too.”

Beyond the Monroe County and NewYork State bar associations, Livingstonis also a member of the Lollypop FarmPlanned Giving Council and Counselor’sCup Annual Golf Tournament. He serves

on the boards of the Epilepsy Founda-tion and United Way of Ontario Countyand participates in the Volunteer LegalServices Project.

Livingston’s wife, Elissa, plans to grad-uate from law school soon.

“This is what she always aspired to,”he said. “It’s fortunate that we met andare able to share this profession andcommon interest.”

To both of them we say, “Congratula-tions.”

Jason P. Livingstonn LIVINGSTON from page 13

Best personal reward after a long, long dayNo question about it – the best personal reward is the warm welcome I receiveevery day when I get home from my lovely wife, Tracy, adorable son, Sam, and

crazy dog, Eddie. There’s not even a close second.

Favorite legal phraseAb initio. I’ve liked that phrase since I began law school.

Favorite hobby/pastime & whyPlaying with my children, which is time that is delightfully illogical and pro-

foundly fulfilling. They have taught me to anticipate paradox.

Facebook, Twitter, or neither & whyI have an account for both, but other than checking them occasionally I don’t reallyget involved in either. If I had to choose one, I guess it would be Facebook – prima-rily because I recently tracked down a necessary party to a proceeding by findingher on Facebook even though she lived in a South American country and we had

very little information on her location.

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She also participated in the HomelessTask Force, visiting homeless shelters ona weekly basis to perform intake servicesand reporting on her cases once a weekto Neighborhood Legal Services. Duringsecond and third years of law school, sheworked on both the Environmental LawJournal and Human Rights Law Review.

“It was a great experience — to seehow others live,” she said. “It remindsyou not to take things for granted.”

Rich took an intern position at His-cock & Barclay LLP’s Buffalo office inthe summer before her third year, lead-ing to a full time position following hergraduation in May 2003.

Starting her career

Working as an associate at Hiscock &Barclay from 2003-2006, Rich gainedexperience preparing and analyzing cor-porate transactional documents, includ-ing asset purchase and sale agreementsand plans of merger. She gained a gooddeal of experience working with tax at-torneys in the firm, and analyzed docu-mentation relating to tax-exemptmunicipal bonds.

In 2006, Rich decided she might pre-

fer a smaller firm atmosphere and joinedEvans & Fox LLP. She became a partnerearlier this year.

“Alison’s energy level leaves no stoneunturned,” said Don Fox, partner ofEvans & Fox. “She has great insight intoissues and she is willing to explore mul-tiple ways of dealing with problems. Sheknows how to get past obstacles — anddoes so with a positive outlook and atti-tude.”

He further explains how critical Rich’sskills are as a transactional attorney:“You are trying to reach a win-win solu-tion; you need to protect your client, butmake a deal that is going to be imple-mented by both sides. Rich understandsthat and is effective.”

Kenneth Kraus, a contemporary ofRich who also made partner this year,added: “You want a partner you can trustimplicitly. Alison is that. She is veryhonest and exemplifies strong integrity.She is passionate about her clients andher work is thorough and very analytical.She is an excellent problem-solver.”

Asked to pick one word to describeRich, Kraus added, “Amazing. I couldn’t

think more highly of her.”

Community involvement

Rich is a member of the MonroeCounty Bar Association, participating inthe Business Law and the Real Estatesections. She is also a member of theGreater Rochester Association forWomen Attorneys and has participatedin the Judicial Evaluation Committeeand the Family and Careers Committee.

She has been involved with theBrighton Rotary Club for several yearsand currently serves as treasurer.

“I particularly like the idea of beingpart of a team,” she said of the Rotary.“It was through the Rotary that I was in-troduced to the Handicapped Children’sCamp for Monroe County [Camp Hac-camo] and now I also serve on the CampHaccamo Foundation Board of Direc-tors.”

In fact, she is currently filling the roleof secretary for the Camp HaccamoFoundation, and sits on the Board for theHandicapped Children’s Camp for Mon-roe County, which is an overnight sum-mer camping experience for childrenwith physical and mental disabilities.

“Serving on the board has been a greatexperience,” she said. “I have met agreat group of people who care very

much about helping the campers and ourcommunity.”

Fox adds that Rich’s commitment tothe Rotary is consistent with how shelives her life: “When she commits tosomething, she commits completely.”

Personal life

Rich married a Rochester native in2006 who wanted to practice law inRochester. Matthew Rich worked atWoods Oviatt Gilman LLP from 2003-2004 and then spent seven years at theMonroe County District Attorneys’ Of-fice. He started his own firm in January2012, concentrating on criminal defensework.

They have an 18-month old daughter,Molly, and Rich is taking great delightin the joys of motherhood.

Since her husband enjoys golf, and sheenjoys being outdoors, Rich began golf-ing about six years ago.

“This is a great activity that allows meto be outdoors and spend time with myhusband,” she said. She is proud of howfar she has come in a short time.

She and her husband also run, return-ing to Utica each year to participate inthe 15k boilermaker road race there.

She loves to cook and admits that theFood Network has been an influence.

Alison J. Richn RICH from page 15

The practice of law

Upon completing her second year oflaw school, Lynch worked as a summerassociate at Woods Oviatt Gilman LLPand was given the opportunity to returnupon graduation in 2005. She focusedon commercial litigation, includingconstruction disputes, real propertydisputes, breach of contract claims andcreditor protection. She gained signifi-cant experience in the firm’s collectionpractice and also worked on state andnational bank regulatory analysis.

In 2009 Lynch followed an opportu-nity to join Harter Secrest & EmeryLLP, where she practices in the Laborand Employment Department.

“Meghan has distinguished herself asa capable litigator in commercial andemployment matters,” according toKari Smoker, president of the GreaterRochester Association for Women At-torneys who was involved in submittingLynch’s nomination for the Up & Com-ing Attorney Award.

“Meghan is known for her excep-tional research skills as she is driven toturn over every stone to find answers,”Smoker continued. “Her colleagues ap-preciate her positive attitude and shewas selected to serve as a mentor forsummer interns at both of the firmswhere she has worked.”

Her colleagues praise her ability toquickly and thoroughly learn new areasof law, as evidenced by her transitionfrom commercial litigation practice atWoods Oviatt to labor and employmentlaw at Harter Secrest. Since making themove, she has represented school dis-tricts in collective bargaining and spe-cial education matters.

David Kresock, partner at HarterSecrest & Emery, said, “In my expe-rience, Meghan stands out from manyother associates because of her com-mitment to serving the needs of theclient. She and I have worked oncases that have required an extraor-dinary amount of effort for an ex-

tended period of time [e.g., 6-7 daysper week for a period of 8 consecutiveweeks]. She is willing to work allhours of the day or night to meetclient needs, and she will make surethat the client receives the best pos-sible result.”

Community matters

Lynch is a member of the New YorkState Bar Association and the GreaterRochester Association of Women Attor-neys. She served on the GRAWA boardin 2009-2010 and has returned to co-chair the Program Committee for 2012-2013.

She served on GRAWA’s JudicialEvaluation Committee for several years,and in 2010 she was a participant inthe revisions made to the JECprocesses. In recognition, she wasawarded GRAWA’s President’s Award.She also served as a Rochester delegateto the Women’s Bar Association of theState of New York, which represents3,500 women across the state.

For the past five years, Lynch hasbeen serving on the board of directorsof the Rochester Oratorio Society, the

leading choral/orchestral ensemble inthe seven-county region that includesRochester. Comprised of more than 100auditioned, adult members, the ROSperforms well-known masterworks lo-cally, nationally, and abroad.

Outside the office

Throughout college and law school,Lynch sang in various choir groups.Here in Rochester, she sang for theGenesee Valley Orchestra and Choir.

In addition to taking voice lessons atHochstein, she has an establishedrepertoire of songs she has performedat weddings and family events.

She also loves to be outdoors anddoes a bit of gardening and plays soft-ball.

“I’m the comic relief on our softballteam,” she said, laughing. “There’s notan athletic bone in my body, but I loveto be outdoors and I can bring my dogto the games at Cobbs Hill. It makes mefeel a part of the neighborhood.”

Lynch’s parents have a family campnear the Adirondacks and she enjoystraveling there whenever her schedulepermits.

Meghan M. Lynchn LYNCH from page 14

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Another summer he was an intern atthe State Department (during the Clin-ton Administration), where he was lo-cated “just down the hall fromMadeline Albright.” Tang found thework exciting: one project involvedworking with the Office of Legal Ad-viser to prepare briefing books for con-gressional delegations travelingoverseas.

As Tang finished his studies at Cor-nell, he was ready for a change ofscenery and pursued a position in NewYork City. Working as a legal assistantat White & Case LLP, he assisted thewhite collar group in government in-vestigations and regulatory matters. Healso worked with the team of attorneysrepresenting one of the largest creditorsof Enron in securities and bankruptcylitigation, following the collapse ofEnron.

His experience at White & Case re-inforced his interest in law. He selectedSyracuse University College of Law,where his father also earned a law de-gree in the 1980s. During law school,Tang was involved in the tax clinic andmoot court. He also served as manag-ing editor of the Syracuse Law Review.

“We had a good team, and managedto finish all four books before starting

our bar review studies,” he said. “It wasone of my goals, since I knew other lawreview teams had come back to campusin August to finish editing their fourthvolume – after taking the bar exam.”

Career and community

A 2005 graduate of Syracuse Univer-sity College of Law, Tang joined HarrisBeach PLLC, focusing on commerciallitigation from 2005-2011.

Tang is aware that problem-solving iscentral to his motivation. He estimatesthat he is in court at least twice amonth, appearing in state and federalcourts, including a case before the U.S.Court of Appeals for the Second Cir-cuit.

Lewis Heisman, partner at Underberg& Kessler, described Tang “as a truestandout among his peers in theRochester legal community. With onlysix years of experience, he has made aconsiderable impression. His con-cerned and practical focus on success-fully resolving legal challenges … hasearned him the respect of his clientsand other attorneys.”

Commenting on Tang’s leadershipabilities and engagement in the com-munity, Anna Lynch, managing partnerat Underberg & Kessler added, “Sum-

ming David up in one word would bedifficult. He is reliable. He is commit-ted. He is an advocate.”

Tang is the chair of the MonroeCounty Bar Association’s DiversityCommittee and is heavily involved inthe Rochester Legal Diversity Clerk-ship Program. He has served as a men-tor in the MCBA’s Lawyers for Learningprogram. He is also a member of theNew York State Bar Association, andthe Syracuse University Law AlumniAssociation.

Regarding his work with the MCBADiversity Committee, LouiseSpinelli, MCBA Continuing LegalEducation manager, wrote: “Davidepitomizes the ideal young profes-sional — a successful, driven attor-ney who balances family time andcommunity involvement. He makesthis look much easier than it is.”

She praised Tang for his leadershipof the committee while it strives to ad-vance its mission. “Namely, he is es-tablishing a diversity job fair that willbe held in August where alum of theClerkship Program will be invitedback to explore job opportunities inour legal community.”

Tang also serves as secretary on theBoard of Directors for ProvidenceHousing Development Corp., an organ-ization with a mission to strengthen

families and communities by providingaccess to quality affordable housing.Providence Housing serves 12 countieswithin the Roman Catholic Diocese ofRochester: Monroe, Wayne, Livingston,Ontario, Seneca, Cayuga, Yates,Steuben, Schuyler, Tompkins, Tiogaand Chemung. He also sits on theboard for the Center for Dispute Settle-ment.

Family and fun

Tang’s wife, Olena Prokopovych,earned her doctorate from the govern-ment department at Cornell Universityin 2005. Her initial job prospects didnot point to Rochester. As she took aposition in Virginia Beach, Tang wasstarting his career at Harris Beach inRochester. However, just a year later,she secured a position at Nazareth Col-lege where she now teaches politicalscience.

Tang and his wife have two-year-oldtwin boys: James and Nicholas. Tang’sparents elected to return to Rochesterin 2008 and regularly spend time withtheir grandchildren.

Tang played some serious volleyballin college, but his participation in theMCBA volleyball league is strictly forfun.

Taking violin lessons for many years,Tang put his musical talents to workduring college, playing in a string quar-tet for recitals and weddings.

David M. Tangn TANG from page 16

Cook has extensive experience in com-mercial and real estate litigation whichstruck a chord with Robinson who is amember of Nixon Peabody’s Real Estate& Construction Litigation team in itsBusiness Litigation Group. Robinson’spractice focus also includes trade secretsand immigration defense.

He said he also learned a lot workingwith Nussbaum and R. Mark Halligan, apartner in the Chicago office.

Robinson cares so much about the firmthat he mentors new associates, helpingthem with their work to assure its qual-ity and helping them resolve questionsand concerns to contribute to the overalllong-term success of the firm.

He also participates in the summer as-sociates program, which is actually howRobinson got his start with Nixon

Peabody in 2004 when he was a summerassociate. That was just before his finalyear at the J. Reuben Clark Law Schoolat Brigham Young University in Provo,Utah. Robinson also earned his under-graduate degree in economics at BYU.

After graduating from law school in2005, he completed a one-year federalclerkship under Judge Claude M. Hilton,U.S. District Court for the Eastern Dis-trict of Virginia, joining Nixon Peabodyfull-time in 2006.

Robinson is a member of the Ameri-can, New York State, Monroe County andOntario County bar associations. Heserves on the Zoning Board of Appealsin the town of Canandaigua where heand his wife Beth reside with their twodaughters, ages 3 and 6. The couple isalso expecting twins.

Robinson, a firm believer in commu-nity involvement, is also actively in-volved in Boy Scouts of America,something else he participated in as ayouth that he finds beneficial in his adultlife. Having earned the Eagle Scoutrank, he later served as an assistantScout master for Troop 53 inCanandaigua and currently chairs itsScout committee.

“That was a big part of my life growingup,” he said. “It taught me life skills,how to interact with others. I feel verystrongly that I got a lot out of scoutingand now it’s my turn to give back. Itdoesn’t work without the leaders volun-teering their time.”

Robinson will be joining the SenecaWaterways Council’s executive board,the governing body for all troops in theGreater Rochester area. The move, hesaid, will allow him to have a greaterreach and ability to affect what happenswith local scouts.

In addition, Robinson serves on the ex-ecutive committee of The Church ofJesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in theCanandaigua Ward.

“We’re all part of the community andif we want to be able to have a vibrantand growing community, we all need tobe involved,” he said. “We all have dif-ferent organizations that have touchedour lives. If we’re all involved, it willbenefit the whole community.”

Robinson’s nomination for an Up &Coming Attorney was supported byNussbaum and Christopher D. Thomas,another Nixon Peabody partner.

“I think any recognition like this islargely based upon the efforts the part-ners at the firm and my associates haveput into my development,” Robinsonsaid. “My development as a lawyer isdown to their efforts to help teach meand train me. I appreciate their time andpatience.”

Terence L. Robinsonn ROBINSON from page 15

nial and family law-related.He enjoys fighting for the basic life is-

sues on behalf of his clients, which in-volves a lot of litigation.

“I really love it,” he said. “It’s a goodfit for me. I can use the area of law Iknow to help these people. It’s facepaced. I’m dealing with three, four, five,six, seven major problems a day, de-pending on what kind of a day it is. It’sconstantly moving; a new situation, anew set of facts. There’s always some-thing new and that’s what I really likeabout the field that I’m in.”

When he goes to work, Trotto said he

does not feel like he is at work; the daysalways fly by and he is never bored.

He is driven by helping people, alwayslearning something new and being ableto figure out new solutions to problems.

“I’m very inspired by my dad,” hesaid. “He left me a legacy of his practiceand his involvement in the legal com-munity. I’m proud to continue on hislegacy. That’s something that reallydrives me. He worked very hard to getwhere he was. His general practice hashelped me create my own and take it inmy own direction.”

Trotto attributes his success to the

mentorship of Justice Lunn and JamesG. Vazzana (Wiedman, Vazzana, Corco-ran & Volta P.C.), colleagues who sup-ported his nomination, along withattorney Melanie L. Sarkis of the SarkisLaw Firm. They believe Trotto is a “rare”person and attorney.

“I appreciate my mentors and how theyreally helped me grow my practice andjust guide me through a really difficulttime after my dad passed,” Trotto said.

Trotto is a member of the American,New York State and Monroe County barassociations, serving on the latter’s Fam-ily Law Committee for the Family LawSection. He also spends time handlingcases for the Volunteer Legal ServicesProject of Monroe County Inc.

“I try and help them out with one ortwo divorce cases a year,” he said. “Ialso try to take on a couple of pro bonocases that come into my practice eachyear.”

In addition, Trotto is actively involvedin the community as a member of theGenesee Valley Club and its OrientationCommittee, helping new members. He ispresident of the Settlers Green Home-owners Association in Pittsford where heresides.

In his spare time, Trotto, who is single,enjoys bicycle riding and playing tennisand “very bad” games of golf.

“I also enjoy just going out on the townand eating out at new restaurants andspending time with my family,” he said.

Jonathan C. Trotton TROTTO from page 16

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