RICHARD G. ABBOTT
I joined the firm as a first year law student in 1978, and have been with
the firm ever since. I became a partner in 1988. As low man on the totem
pole, I learned almost all areas of law including real estate, criminal
defense, wills, estates and family law. Over time I have concentrated my
practice in personal injury, Social Security disability, business law and
criminal defense. I believe my experience in other areas helps me serve all
of our clients, in that there often is interplay in many cases. It also helps
me direct our clients to another lawyer in our firm who concentrates in that
particular type of case. I spend most of my time representing injured and
sick clients in personal injury claims and lawsuits and before the Social
Security Administration. I take a great deal of pride and satisfaction in
helping clients obtain all the benefits and compensation to which they are
entitled.
I graduated in 1976 from the University of Buffalo magna cum laude and
UB Law School in 1980. I was the captain and first singles player on the
UB tennis team and in 1997 was inducted into the UB Athletic Hall of Fame.
I still play competitive tennis, and am a seven-time Muny doubles
champion. I believe my competitive nature helps me in the courtroom.
The case that stands out most in my career is the Ivey murder case. I,
along with Steve Pusatier and the late Ken Sherman, successfully
defended J.L. Ivey on murder charges. He was acquitted in 1981 after
serving over five years in Attica. In a land breaking case, our firm sued the
State of New York under the then newly enacted Unjust Conviction and
Imprisonment Act resulting in a $750,000 verdict which was upheld by
New York's highest court.
I have worked closely with Steve Pusatier on many serious injury and
death cases. The collaboration with my partner to obtain the best result
possible for our client is always a challenging and satisfying experience.
Whether the case is a high profile case or a relatively routine matter, I
believe our firm gives the best representation possible.
I have been active in Kiwanis since I became a lawyer and was voted the
North Buffalo Kiwanis Man of the Year in 1986. I was also voted Best
Lawyer in Kenmore in 2001. Our firm sponsored the Buffalo Muny Tennis
tournament for seven years in the late 80's and early 90's raising over
$35,000 for Camp Good Days and Special Times and other local charities. I
had the privilege of serving as tournament chairman. I am a member of
the Erie County Bar Association and it's negligence and disability
committees, and the Western New York Trial Lawyer's Association. I am a
frequent speaker to attorneys and the public on the topic of Social Security
Disability. I reside in Tonawanda and have three beautiful children. I enjoy
coaching youth soccer, tennis, softball, baseball and basketball.
I joined the firm as a first year law student in 1978, and have been with
the firm ever since. I became a partner in 1988. As low man on the totem
pole, I learned almost all areas of law including real estate, criminal
defense, wills, estates and family law. Over time I have concentrated my
practice in personal injury, Social Security disability, business law and
criminal defense. I believe my experience in other areas helps me serve all
of our clients, in that there often is interplay in many cases. It also helps
me direct our clients to another lawyer in our firm who concentrates in that
particular type of case. I spend most of my time representing injured and
sick clients in personal injury claims and lawsuits and before the Social
Security Administration. I take a great deal of pride and satisfaction in
helping clients obtain all the benefits and compensation to which they are
entitled.
I graduated in 1976 from the University of Buffalo magna cum laude and
UB Law School in 1980. I was the captain and first singles player on the
UB tennis team and in 1997 was inducted into the UB Athletic Hall of Fame.
I still play competitive tennis, and am a seven-time Muny doubles
champion. I believe my competitive nature helps me in the courtroom.
The case that stands out most in my career is the Ivey murder case. I,
along with Steve Pusatier and the late Ken Sherman, successfully
defended J.L. Ivey on murder charges. He was acquitted in 1981 after
serving over five years in Attica. In a land breaking case, our firm sued the
State of New York under the then newly enacted Unjust Conviction and
Imprisonment Act resulting in a $750,000 verdict which was upheld by
New York's highest court.
I have worked closely with Steve Pusatier on many serious injury and
death cases. The collaboration with my partner to obtain the best result
possible for our client is always a challenging and satisfying experience.
Whether the case is a high profile case or a relatively routine matter, I
believe our firm gives the best representation possible.
I have been active in Kiwanis since I became a lawyer and was voted the
North Buffalo Kiwanis Man of the Year in 1986. I was also voted Best
Lawyer in Kenmore in 2001. Our firm sponsored the Buffalo Muny Tennis
tournament for seven years in the late 80's and early 90's raising over
$35,000 for Camp Good Days and Special Times and other local charities. I
had the privilege of serving as tournament chairman. I am a member of
the Erie County Bar Association and it's negligence and disability
committees, and the Western New York Trial Lawyer's Association. I am a
frequent speaker to attorneys and the public on the topic of Social Security
Disability. I reside in Tonawanda and have three beautiful children. I enjoy
coaching youth soccer, tennis, softball, baseball and basketball.
