Our Attorneys

Steven J. Pheterson, Partner

Mr. Pheterson, a highly experienced attorney, has spent many successful years serving clients in the following practice areas:

Commercial Real Estate

Residential Real Estate

Adoption Law & Mediation

Corporate Law

Education:
University of Buffalo (B.A., 1974)
University of Buffalo School of Law (J.D. 1977)

Admissions:
New York State Bar
U.S. District Court, for the Western District of New York

Professional Affiliations:
Jewish Family Services of Rochester
Monroe County Bar Association
Real Estate Council of the Monroe County Bar Association
Chairman, Unlawful Practice of Law Committee of the Monroe County Bar      Association

Mr. Pheterson frequently lectures on issues involving real estate closings, commercial real estate and the unlawful practice of law and is a title agent for TICOR Title. When time allows, Mr. Pheterson enjoys visiting his grown children that have moved from the Rochester area, ballroom dancing, and following the exploits of his favorite football team – the Buffalo Bills.




Derrick A. Spatorico, Partner

Derrick A. Spatorico attended St. John's University of Law and graduated cum laude in 1995 with a Juris Doctor Degree. Mr. Spatorico also received B.S. degrees in finance and economics from the University of North Carolina graduating cum laude in 1991.


Mr. Spatorico concentrates his practice on corporate law, business law, and real estate law. He is legal counsel to various corporations ranging in size from small, single shareholder to large multi-national corporations. He also represents numerous limited liability companies, sole proprietorships and partnerships. In his real estate work, Mr. Spatorico represents clients buying and selling homes or business properties as well as regional and national mortgage lenders.

Further supplementing Mr. Spatorico's real estate work is his skill in examining title to real estate and his qualification to write title insurance as an agent for Monroe Title Insurance Company. Mr. Spatorico's work in commercial transactions has provided him with several years of experience in representing regional and national lenders. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and has participated in the Section on Real Estate Law. He is also a member of the Monroe County Bar Association.




Lisa A. Neilans, Partner

Ms. Neilans concentrates her practice in the area of real estate and banking law.  Her expertise in the real estate area includes representing individual buyers and sellers in residential transactions as well as representing lenders in mortgage transactions.  Ms. Neilans provides personalized attention to clients and enjoys working with first time homebuyers as well as seasoned home buyers and sellers.

Ms. Neilans received her B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Rochester in 1992 and her Juris Doctor Degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1995.  She is an active member of the Monroe County Bar Association, the Women’s Council of Realtors and the Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys.

Ms. Neilans is a frequent lecturer on the topic of real estate transactions within the community and actively participates and speaks at local real estate seminars and continuing legal education programs.  In her spare time she enjoys reading, gardening and spending time in the outdoors. 




David S. Stern, Partner

David S. Stern is a partner of the firm. His practice is involved in general litigation, however particularly focused in the areas of personal injury, contract disputes, securities arbitration, matrimonial litigation, and bankruptcy.

Mr. Stern is a graduate of Boston University with a B.S. in Economics and Syracuse University, having received his J.D.

Mr. Stern is admitted to practice law in the state of New York. He is admitted to the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York and the Northern District of New York.

Mr. Stern is a member of the New York State and Monroe County Bar Associations. Mr. Stern is a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association; he attended the National Trial Advocacy College at the University of Virginia School of Law and is a Member of the Sodus Bay Yacht Club.

Christopher J. Calabrease, Partner

Christopher J. Calabrese is a partner of the firm. His practice is primarily focused in real estate, business law, and securities arbitration.

Mr. Calabrese's real estate practice includes representation of purchasers, sellers and lenders in the acquisition, sale and financing of property. His business law practice includes assisting businesses in start up, corporate formation, lease negotiation, contract development and navigation of the various ups and downs that accompany businesses. His clients include individuals, retailers, real estate developers, internet firms and magazine publications. His securities arbitration practice involves the representation of investors who have been financially harmed by the misconduct of their brokers.

Mr. Calabrese, of Brighton, NY, is a graduate of Syracuse University, having received his B.S. degree in Accounting, his M.B.A. with a concentration in Accounting and his J.D.

Mr. Calabrese is admitted to practice law in the states of New York and Colorado. He is admitted to the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York and the Northern District of New York.

Mr. Calabrese is a member of the New York State and Monroe County Bar Associations and has lectured on Real Estate Law. Mr. Calabrese's community involvement includes Rochester Italian Charities and Casa Italiana of Nazareth College of Rochester.