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Attorneys of the Year
Date & Time
Event Location
With the Attorneys of the Year awards, The Daily Record and Rochester Business Journal pay tribute to lawyers in a number of categories who are working to make our community stronger and to advance their profession.
Nomination Deadline: August 7, 2026
Application Deadline: August 21, 2026
Awards Celebration
November 16, 2026
11:30 AM : 1:30 PM EDT
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
123 E Main St
Rochester, NY 14604
Reserve your sponsorship today!
Secure a table to celebrate with your organization. Sponsorship benefits include a table for your guests, the right to use the Attorneys of the Year awards logo, multimedia marketing opportunities and much more depending on the sponsorship
level you choose. This event is limited attendance. If seats are available after the sponsorship deadline a limited number of individual tickets will go on sale. Tables are only available with sponsorship.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits please contact your account manager or email [email protected].
If you have questions about this awards event, please email [email protected].
What is the nomination process and the steps to take?
Once the online nomination form is completed an automated email will be sent to the individual nominated (the email address entered in the “Nominee Email” field) and a submission receipt will be sent to the email placed in the “Nominator’s Email” field.
In order for the nominee to continue with the process they must fill out the application form by the application deadline listed in the automated email and on the corresponding event landing page.
We also recommend submitting up to three letters of recommendation to https://rbj.net/letters-of-recommendation-submission-form/ by the application deadline to be included in the nominee’s judging packet as supporting materials. This is not a requirement, but an added benefit.
How can I or my organization be considered for the Attorneys of the Year awards?
While anyone can nominate, we recommend nominations come from a senior leader in the organization. It is then required that the nominee go through the entire application process, please see above response for more details on that.
What are the judges looking for when selecting the Attorneys of the Year honorees?
It is essential that the candidate or organization has made a significant impact in which legal professionals work to make our community stronger in the Western, NY area. It is helpful to have at least one letter of recommendation from someone that can speak to this.
Can I save the nomination or application forms while I’m working on them?
Unfortunately, at this time you cannot, but we’re working to fix that. In the meantime, we suggest either filling out the forms on a separate sheet of paper and/Word Doc first or be prepared to spend some time in the form.
If I’m an honoree, do I need to purchase a ticket?
You do not need to purchase a ticket for yourself if you are an honoree. All other attendees must purchase a ticket. Please, note that all RBJ events are limited attendance based on location. Honorees and sponsors are guaranteed tickets. Individual tickets will only go on sale if space is available after sponsorship deadlines.
What is included in sponsorship packages?
Sponsorship opportunities to include a table for your guests, multimedia marketing, logo usage and much more depending on the level your company selects. For more sponsorship information and benefits please contact your account manager or email [email protected].
Can I buy an ad in the publication?
Please contact Suzanne Fischer-Huettner to place an add or purchase a sponsorship package.
What are the categories?
See below:
CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES — Honors attorneys from area civil legal services.
IN HOUSE COUNSEL — Honors companies’ in-house counsel for the critical role they play in making their companies successful.
LEADERS IN LAW — Honors attorneys and judges who have shown tremendous dedication to the legal profession and selfless, tireless commitment to the community.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT — Honors lawyers whose careers have helped shape the legal landscape in the Rochester area and who have shown longstanding commitment to the community.
PRO BONO EXCELLENCE — Honors attorneys who contribute a significant number of hours to Pro Bono work in the community.
UP AND COMING LAWYERS — Honors attorneys who have been admitted to the bar for 10 years or less and demonstrate professional accomplishment, community service and a strong commitment to the legal profession early in their careers.
If you still have additional questions or concerns, please email [email protected]
2025 Attorneys of the Year
Civil Legal Services
Mark Muoio, The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY
In House Counsel
Regina C. MacAdam, Rochester Regional Health
Leaders in Law
Kevin Clark, Clark Peshkin
Chad Flansburg, Phillips Lytle LLP
Paul F. Keneally, Underberg & Kessler LLP
Wende J. Knapp, Woods Oviatt Gilman
Anthony J. Kuhn, Tully Rinckey PLLC
Chenoa A. Maye, Maye Mediation, LLC
Alex McClean, Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Anne M. McGinnis, Bond Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Kevin T. Merriman, Lippes Mathias LLP
Charles (Chip) W. Russell, Harris Beach Murtha
Edward H. Townsend, Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
David J. Wilks, Hodgson Russ LLP
Lifetime Achievement
Donald O. Chesworth, Tully Rinckey PLLC
Ralph “Buz” Code, Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Steven Gersz, Underberg & Kessler LLP
Martin W. O’Toole, Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Pro Bono Excellence
Robert W. Burgdorf, Nixon Peabody LLP
Elizabeth L. Lindhome, Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Jeremy M. Sher, Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Up and Coming Lawyers
Lindsey N. Bober, Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Alexandra C. Douglass, Harris Beach Murtha
Matt Eldred, Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Stephanie Hoppe Fedorka, Esq., Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Michael Gionta, Nixon Peabody LLP
Julia Henrichs, Phillips Lytle LLP
Shakira Hutchinson, The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY
Kate McCurdy, Kate McCurdy, PLLC
Travis R. Talerico, Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Click here to see all past honorees – RBJ Award Database
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