Tony R. Sears

Tony R. Sears

Partner, Ward Greenberg Heller & Reidy LLP

Years in current role:10 as partner, 18 with firm

What do you enjoy most about being a litigator?

What I enjoy most is learning the subject matter that each new case presents. As a litigator, you have to become an expert on the subject at issue in your case. To be successful, you have to know the facts, the science, the industry — whatever it may be — better than the parties themselves. I love the challenge that this presents, and I find it rewarding to utilize this knowledge to position my cases in the posture most advantageous to my clients.

What trial are you most proud of in your career?

As a senior associate, I was entrusted with a commercial case in the Southern District of New York. The plaintiff was represented by an international firm with more than 1,000 attorneys. Early in the case, I got the clear impression that the attorneys on the other side underestimated me based solely on the fact that I worked with firm of around 30 attorneys in Rochester, New York. Despite our clear (and correct) statement of what would happen in the case, the plaintiff chose to take it the distance. We won, and our client paid no damages. My colleagues and I relish these opportunities, and we have proven that we can go toe-to-toe with anyone.

What community organizations do you support as a volunteer and why?

For the past several years, I have been a committee member involved in Bivona Child Advocacy Center’s Annual Gala. Simply stated, there is no nobler mission than helping children who have been abused. The professionals at Bivona are absolutely amazing, both in terms of their expertise and the compassion that they exhibit every day. Bivona’s contribution to our community cannot be overstated.