Anthony J. Piazza

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Partner, Insurance Coverage & Regulation Practice Area Chair, Barclay Damon

Years in current role: 21

What do you enjoy most about your position?

Solving clients’ problems by analyzing the issues they face and helping them choose an effective solution. I also enjoy handling complex litigation throughout New York State, and in other jurisdictions, and working with and mentoring my team.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish before the end of the year?

Currently, we are in a growth mode — as such, we’d like to add a new attorney to our Insurance Coverage and Regulation Practice Area. This will allow us to continue providing a high level of service for our clients.

What are the biggest current challenges facing litigators?

Over the past few years, there has been a major shift away from trials, and toward alternative dispute resolution (e.g., mediations, arbitrations). This has required a change in the manner in which cases are handled and also reduces the opportunity for young attorneys to get into court. Also, many judges have switched to having attorneys appear remotely for court conferences, motions, etc., which can reduce the effectiveness of a lawyer’s presentation.

What do you think the biggest change in your practice area will be over the next 3-5 years?

Artificial intelligence is beginning to make inroads into the legal profession, which should be useful at some point, if employed wisely and carefully. The concern is that, in the short term, it could present itself as a temptation for some attorneys to use that technology as a shortcut, which may lead to errors.

What do you enjoy most about practicing law in the Rochester area?

There is a tremendous amount of collegiality among the attorneys in Rochester and many impressive and top-notch lawyers. Also, our attorneys provide a significant amount of pro bono assistance to those in need in our community, through some very effective legal service providers, such as JustCause, Legal Aid, and Empire Justice.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's Power 20 Litigation list for 2023. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list here.