Along with offering a full range of legal services to individual and business clients, Davidson Fink also has a rich history of providing generous support to charitable organizations.

On May 21, Davidson Fink will once again participate in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Championship. This year, 22 energetic Davidson Fink team members will run or walk the 3.5 mile course to benefit the YMCA of Greater Rochester.

“Davidson Fink has been an active participant in the Corporate Challenge for a number of years. The event is a great way to build camaraderie between co-workers and raise money for a great cause,” says Team Captain, Sean Rohrback. “We’re all looking forward to a great afternoon run with the nearly 10,000 other runners from hundreds of other Rochester area companies. Friends and family are more than welcome to cheer on the runners at the event as we run or walk the 3.5 mile course!”

Team Davidson Fink has also submitted a design to the Corporate Challenge t-shirt contest in the hopes of securing an additional $1,000 donation in the firm’s name to a charity of their choice.

Best of luck to Team Davidson Fink!

Davidson Fink Partner Thomas A. Fink recently presented at an adult education program hosted by the Members of the Sole/Small Practitioners (S/SP) Group of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Rochester Chapter. The educational program, called Meet the Experts, provides home and business owners with important information relating to the construction process. Mr. Fink shared his expertise regarding the legal aspects of buying and developing property.

Along with offering a full range of legal services to individual and business clients, Davidson Fink also has a rich history of providing generous support to charitable organizations. Recently, Scott A. Sydelnik was “Caught in the Act” of donating time and resources to a local non-profit organization that is helping so many in our community.

Mr. Sydelnik, an associate in the firm’s Default Servicing department, is serving as Chair for the 2013 American Cancer Society Celebrate Hope Gala to benefit the Hope Lodge Hospitality House. Davidson Fink is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the event, which will be held at Oak Hill Country Club, and features dinner, dancing and a silent auction. The Hope Lodge Hospitality House provides free lodging for cancer patients, and low cost housing for non-cancer patients traveling to Rochester for treatment.

Rochester, NY, January 25, 2013: The law firm of Davidson Fink LLP is pleased to announce that Andrew Burns and Jill Schultz, formerly the Partners of the law firm Burns & Schultz LLP, have joined Davidson Fink LLP as Partners.

Together, Burns and Schultz bring over fifty years of combined litigation experience to Davidson Fink, specifically in commercial litigation, employment litigation, and employment counseling. Said Leslie W. Kernan Jr., Managing Partner with Davidson Fink: "We are thrilled to have such outstanding attorneys joining our team. The addition of Andrew and Jill allows Davidson Fink LLP to offer even better service to our clients on a wide range of issues."

Andrew Burns has extensive experience representing clients in commercial and contract disputes, labor and employment litigation, personal injury litigation, and numerous other types of civil litigation. He is an accomplished strategist and negotiator in complex litigation matters. He was a member of the Leadership Rochester Class of 1999 and received the Rochester Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award in 2001.

Jill Schultz is experienced in civil litigation with an emphasis on labor and employment matters. She was a member of the Leadership Rochester Class of 1999 and received the Rochester Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award in 2000. Jill is a Past President of the Monroe County Bar Association (2006-2007). She is also recognized as an outstanding lawyer by New York Super Lawyers Magazine and is a Certified Federal Court Mediator for the United States District Court, Western District of New York.

ROCHESTER, New York, September 26, 2012 – Davidson Fink is proud to announce that four of its attorneys have been named Super Lawyers® for 2012. The attorneys named Super Lawyers are: S. Gerald Davidson, Gregory J. Mott, David L. Rasmussen and Heather C.M. Rogers.

• S. Gerald Davidson: Family Law, 2007-2012
• Gregory J. Mott: Family Law, Collaborative Law, 2007-2012
• David L. Rasmussen: Bankruptcy and Creditor / Debtor Rights, Business Litigation, 2008-2009, 2012
• Heather C.M. Rogers: Real Estate, Business / Corporate, 2011-2012

Inclusion in Super Lawyers® is based on a rigorous, multistage process in which peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. The selection process is broken down into four unique steps to ensure that the final selections are attorneys that have truly demonstrated excellence in practice.

About Super Lawyers: Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

About Davidson Fink LLP: Founded in 1968, Davidson Fink LLP offers a full range of legal services. Davidson Fink works with individual and business clients locally and nationwide. The firm is headquartered in downtown Rochester NY and also maintains a satellite office in Pittsford, New York. For more information please visit www.davidsonfink.com.

ROCHESTER, New York, Sep 19, 2012 – Davidson Fink LLP is proud to announce that six of its attorneys have been named among The Best Lawyers in America® for 2013. The attorneys named Best Lawyers for 2013 are: Walter R. Capell, S. Gerald Davidson, Thomas A. Fink, Robert L. Galbraith Jr., Gregory J. Mott, and David L. Rasmussen. Of the six attorneys receiving the honor this year, Davidson, Fink, Mott and Rasmussen are previous recipients. Mr. Davidson, a founding partner of the firm, has been included every year since the list's inception in 1983, Mr. Mott has been an honoree since 1989.

• Walter R. Capell: Real Estate Law
• S. Gerald Davidson: Family Law
• Thomas A. Fink: Corporate Law, Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Real Estate, Real Estate Law
• Robert L. Galbraith Jr.: Real Estate Law
• Gregory J. Mott: Family Law
• David L. Rasmussen: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights, Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation - Bankruptcy

About Best Lawyers®: Inclusion in Best Lawyers® is based entirely on peer review. The methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.

About Davidson Fink LLP: Founded in 1968, Davidson Fink LLP offers a full range of legal services. Davidson Fink works with individual and business clients locally and nationwide. The firm is headquartered in downtown Rochester NY and also maintains a satellite office in Pittsford, New York. For more information please visit www.davidsonfink.com.

Rochester, NY, May 24, 2012:  The law firm of Davidson Fink, LLP, is pleased to welcome Trisha L. Kirsch as Associate Attorney.

Ms. Kirsch focuses her practice in commercial real estate transactions and in banking law.  She has experience counseling clients in the areas of mortgage lending (commercial, residential and aircraft), banking procedures, tax liability, property acquisition and financing, and business formation and development. 

Prior to joining Davidson Fink LLP, Ms. Kirsch was an associate with Menter, Rudin, Trivelpiece, P.C. in Syracuse, NY, where she represented numerous clients in commercial lending and workout matters.  She received her BA from Ithaca College, and her law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School.  She is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.

She currently resides in Penfield, NY.

Rochester, NY, May 16, 2012: Davidson Fink LLP shared today that their Director of Operations, Joshua Hudak, has been featured in the April/May issue of Legal Management magazine. Hudak contributed to a piece which provided practical advice about the best practices of meetings. Regarding the piece, Hudak commented, "While it may not be the most exciting topic out there, it is still quite an honor to be able to contribute to magazine that I regularly rely on for great advice."

Hudak has been Director of Operations at Davidson Fink for over six years and is currently Rochester Chapter President of the Association of Legal Administrators. Legal Management magazine has a circulation of over 20,000 legal professionals.

Rochester, NY, May 3, 2012: Scott A. Sydelnik, an associate with Davidson Fink LLP, along with industry leading attorneys and servicers, participated in a loss mitigation round table discussion during the Legal League 100 Attorney Summit, held at the Ritz Carlton, in Dallas, Texas on April 19, 2012. Topics covered in the discussions included loss mitigation practices, short sale processes, and how mediation affects foreclosure timelines. Mr. Sydelnik spoke of the litigation limitations within New York State, specifically in downstate counties.

Mr. Sydelnik manages the bankruptcy practice of the Default Servicing Practice Group at Davidson Fink LLP while also working in the foreclosure and loss mitigation departments and handling the firm's New York City Co-Op foreclosures. He is an active member of the Legal League 100.

Rochester, NY, April 25, 2012: The law firm of Davidson Fink, LLP, is pleased to welcome Curtis A. Johnson as Associate Attorney.

Mr. Johnson has joined the firm's Commercial Litigation department, focusing on complex corporate litigation and construction law. He brings experience in in the areas of large-scale litigation and e-discovery.

Prior to joining Davidson Fink LLP, Mr. Johnson was associated with Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP in Manhattan where he represented commercial and investment banks in securities litigation and defended them against fraud allegations. He has also handled corporate ownership disputes and participated in this country's largest bankruptcy actions.

Curtis Johnson received his BA from the University at Albany, State University of New York. He earned his JD from Albany Law School, where he was Senior Editor of the Albany Law Review, and graduated magna cum laude. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Monroe County Bar Association.

Mr. Johnson currently resides in Rochester, New York.

Rochester, NY, April 25, 2012: Robert L. Galbraith, Jr., Partner with Davidson Fink LLP, in conjunction with fellow American Legal Financial Network (ALFN) Title Standards Committee Members, established industry-wide foreclosure title search guidelines. This ALFN Committee met with Federal National Mortgage Association in 2011 to present these guidelines. More recently, on April 25, 2012, Mr. Galbraith and Committee Members conducted an ALFN Legal Updates Webinar for 150 webinar attendees from lender and servicing shops and attorney offices. Defective title products, origination and service issues, title claims and general guidelines for foreclosure title searches were discussed. ALFN Title Standards Committee Members and Webinar Panelists include Brian Sayer, Esq., Managing Partner and Charles Augustine, Esq. both of Dunakey & Klatt, PC, Don Morgan, Esq. of Kizer, Hood & Morgan, LLP and Rosanna Henry, Esq. of Dyke, Henry, Goldsholl & Winzerling, PL.

Mr. Galbraith heads the Real Estate and Default Servicing Practice Groups at Davidson Fink LLP. In recent years, he has lectured on default servicing topics for the New York State Bar Association, Mortgage Bankers Association, American Legal Financial Network and to individual client and servicers.

Our firm takes great pride in giving back to local, regional, national and international communities. Once a month, the attorneys and staff participate in a "Dress Down Day", wherein participants of our firm donate money or items to dress down on a designated day of the month. Collected contributions are forwarded to the monthly charity of choice. Charities of the Month for the 2012 year have included:

January 2012 - Doctors Without Borders
February 2012 - American Liver Foundation
March 2012 - Lollypop Farms
April 2012 - Literacy Volunteers of Rochester
May 2012 - Operation Hug-a-Hero<.br>June 2012 - Hope House Ministry
July 2012 - Chili Volunteer Ambulance Service
August 2012 - Bright Eyes Fund/Golisano Children's Hospital

Rochester, NY, April 2, 2012: Thomas Fink, Partner with Davidson Fink LLP, was invited to give a lecture on Hot Topics in Architecture. With over forty architects in attendance, the lecture was sponsored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners. Mr. Fink is a board member of the AIA.

Mr. Fink has been a lecturer on many construction law-related topics, including the legal rights and responsibilities of architects and engineers on a project and the use and selection of appropriate contract documents. He has also lectured on the law relating to tax assessment of affordable housing in New York State.

Rochester, NY, April 2, 2012: Vincent Ferrero, Partner with Davidson Fink LLP, has authored a chapter in a recently-released book on Family Law trends in New York State. Strategies for Family Law in New York, 2012 ed.: Leading Lawyers on Navigating Changing Family Law Trends, Developing Effective Strategies, and Building Client Relationships (Inside the Minds), guides attorneys on best practices for counseling clients on family law matters. The book was published in March 2012 by Aspatore Books and is available on www.westlaw.com by clicking here.

The chapter written by Vincent Ferrero is entitled "New Directions in Family Law." In it, Mr Ferrero describes recent trends in family law matters as well as proven strategies that family law attorneys can use when advising their client and dealing with opposing counsel.

Rochester, NY, March 5, 2012:  Robert L. Galbraith, Jr., Partner with Davidson Fink LLP, was asked to lead panel discussions on the latest issues in default servicing during the Default Super Session of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s National Mortgage Servicing Conference and Expo, held in Orlando, Florida on February 24, 2012.  The Default Super Session is an annual roundtable discussion and one of the highlights of the conference.  The discussion is driven by a panel of industry executives from mortgage servicing, government agencies, vendors and attorneys.  Topics covered in the discussions included Dodd-Frank, OCC supervision, AG settlement, condominiums (super liens), Regulation AB, the SAFE Act, Federal Reserve rules, modeling behavior, modifications, investor-driven loss mitigation, and transfer files, among other pertinent issues. 

Mr. Galbraith heads the Real Estate and Default Servicing Practice Groups at Davidson Fink, LLP.  He has lectured on default servicing topics in recent years to both the New York State Bar Association and industry trade groups throughout the country.

Rochester, NY, February 16, 2012: The law firm of Davidson Fink, LLP, is pleased to welcome Erinn K. Prestidge as Associate Attorney.

Ms. Prestidge dedicates her practice to the firm's creditors' rights/default department. Ms. Prestidge's focus is on completing the foreclosure process within investor guidelines, while producing clear title to the real property and effectively resolving obstacles in the judicial process.

Ms. Wilson received her BA from Elmira College. She earned her JD degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, and graduated cum laude. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association and Monroe County Bar Association.

She currently resides in Rochester, NY.

Rochester, NY, December 29, 2011: The law firm of Davidson Fink, LLP, is pleased to welcome Alissa Wilson as Associate Attorney.

Ms. Wilson dedicates her legal practice on default services, where her focus is on completing the foreclosure process within investor time guidelines, while producing clear title to the real property and effectively resolving obstacles in the judicial. Her background includes residential foreclosure settlement conference and loss mitigation processes, as well as provided litigation support for contested foreclosures.

Ms. Wilson received her BS from Tulane University. She earned her JD degree and a Masters of Business Administration at the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association and Monroe County Bar Association.

She currently resides in Rochester, NY, with her husband Lee.

Davidson Fink LLP is a full-service law firm, established in 1968. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, Davidson Fink LLP serves business and individual clients from across the nation. Practice areas include appellate practice; banking and finance; business and corporate law; civil litigation, collections; commercial and residential real estate transactions and financing; condemnation and eminent domain; construction law; criminal law; default litigation and default servicing (foreclosures, evictions and REO sales, creditor's rights in bankruptcy, loss mitigation); elder law; employment and labor law; estate litigation and estate planning; insurance law; lender liability matters; matrimonial and family law (divorce, custody, separation, collaborative matrimonials and divorce mediation); personal injury and medical malpractice; tax assessment; and zoning and land use.

Rochester, NY, December 15, 2011: The law firm of Davidson Fink, LLP is pleased to announce Leslie W. Kernan, Jr. has achieved AV "Pre-Eminent Attorney" status from LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell. The AV Rating status is the highest possible ranking given for an individual attorney and is established wholly on a peer-review basis. This rating indicates the highest level of legal ability and ethics.

Mr. Kernan joins four other partners at Davidson Fink LLP who have also achieved the highest possible AV Pre-Eminent Attorney rating:

• S. Gerald Davidson
• Thomas A. Fink
• Gregory J. Mott
• Robert G. Greene

Mr. Kernan joined Davidson Fink LLP in 2004 as Partner, and has served as Managing Partner since 2010. Previously, he was a Partner with the law firm of Lacy Katzen LLP, where he spent over twelve years practicing law. He focuses his practice in corporate and commercial transactional work with an emphasis on commercial lending, equipment lease financing, and real estate financing, acquisitions, and sales.

Rochester, NY, November 15, 2011: The partnership of Davidson Fink LLP is extremely pleased to announce they have achieved Top Tier rankings in the 2011-2012 U.S. News and Best Lawyers list of "Best Law Firms" in the country. Davidson Fink LLP ranks as a Top Tier Law firm in the following areas of law:

• Banking and Finance Law
• Construction Law
• Corporate Law
• Family Law

Additionally, the firm achieved Tier 2 Rankings in the following areas of law:

• Appellate Practice
• Commercial Litigation
• Litigation – Construction
• Litigation – Municipal
• Litigation – Trusts & Estates
• Real Estate Law

From the U.S. News website: "Best Law Firms" rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. An unprecedented amount of data was collected in the project's second year, and this combined data resulted in the 2011-2012 "Best Law Firms" rankings. To be eligible for a ranking, a law firm must have at least one lawyer who is included in Best Lawyers as part of the annual peer review assessment.

Rochester, NY, November 4, 2011: Three partners at Davidson Fink LLP have been named to the New York Super Lawyers list as the top attorneys in New York for 2011:

• S. Gerald Davidson
• Gregory J. Mott
• Heather C.M. Rogers

No more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a rigorous multi-phased process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.

The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers magazines and in leading city and regional magazines across the country. The first Super Lawyers list was published in 1991.

Rochester, NY, September 30, 2011: Davidson Fink LLP is pleased to announce that four partners have been named to Best Lawyers in America's 2012 ranking of the nation's top legal talent:

• S. Gerald Davidson: Matrimonial and Family Law
• Thomas Fink: Construction Litigation and Commercial Litigation
• Gregory Mott: Matrimonial and Family Law
• David Rasmussen: Creditor's Rights, Commercial Litigation

This year's list was the result of nearly four million confidential evaluations from attorneys across the county.

Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America is based entirely on peer review. Those included on the list are not allowed to pay a fee or gain inclusion by any other means. As such, a listing in Best Lawyers is regarded as an honor conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers.

Davidson Fink is proud to have such a strong showing of partners making this elite list of lawyers from across the country.

Rochester, NY, June 29, 2011: An observer at Davidson Fink LLP this past Tuesday might have noticed a group of eleven- and twelve-year old boys excitedly gathering in the conference room (and enjoying an extra helping of cake!) The boys were teammates from the U12 Flower City Soccer League, sponsored by the law firm.

Michael Burger, a Partner with Davidson Fink LLP, found out about the soccer league through one of the team's coaches, attorney Mike Lopez. The league, which plays indoor and outdoor games year round, allows urban youth to participate in local tournaments as well as to travel to places such as Auburn, Syracuse, Cleveland, and Akron. The firm’s support has helped the league buy equipment and uniforms, and pays for traveling expenses.

Mr. Jeff Reese, the President of the league, is proud of the way the boys handle themselves both on and off the soccer field. "What makes this league so special is that it inspires the kids to make positive choices in life, keeps them off the streets, and offers life skills and coping skills," says Reese

Rochester, NY, June 16, 2011:  The law firm of Davidson Fink LLP is pleased to announce that Partner Heather C.M. Rogers is the new chair of the 4,877-member Real Property Law Section of the New York State Bar Association (“NYSBA”) for the 2011-2012 term. 

Ms. Rogers has been involved with the Executive Committee of the Real Property Law Section of the NYSBA for over seven years and has served on the board for the last two years as vice-chair and section secretary.  In her role as vice-chair, Ms. Rogers organized and coordinated the industry and state bar association responses to the Office of Court Administration (OCA) affidavit that has affected the New York State foreclosure industry. 

Currently Ms. Rogers manages the default operations department of Davidson Fink and is the primary client liaison for the firm.  She also dedicates a portion of her practice to commercial and residential real estate and business and corporate law.

Ms. Rogers received her undergraduate degree from Wittenberg University and earned her law degree from Duquesne University School of Law.  She also earned a MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology, magna cum laude.

Davidson Fink LLP is a full-service law firm, established in 1968.  Headquartered in Rochester, New York, Davidson Fink LLP serves business and individual clients from across the nation.  The real estate and default servicing practice areas’ services include banking and finance; collections; commercial and residential real estate transactions and financing; condemnation and eminent domain; construction law; default litigation and default servicing (foreclosures, evictions and REO sales, creditor’s rights in bankruptcy, loss mitigation); lender liability matters; tax assessment; and zoning and land use. 

Rochester, NY, May 31, 2011: The law firm of Davidson Fink, LLP is pleased to welcome Robert G. Greene as Partner. Mr. Greene brings with him extensive experience in the areas of estate planning and settlement, trusts and estates litigation and elder law. His practice includes the drafting of wills, trusts, buy-sell agreements, powers of attorneys, living wills and health care proxies and related documents.

Robert Greene received his BBA at St. Bonaventure University, and he earned his law degree from the Albany Law School of Union University. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Monroe County Bar Association, and the Estate Planning Council of Rochester. Mr. Greene’s background includes previous positions with Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, Harter Secrest and Emory LLP, and Chase Bank. He has achieved an AV Rating with Martindale Hubbell, and he is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Robert Greene currently resides in Rochester, NY.

Rochester, NY, May 19, 2011:  Normally when Michael Burger, a Partner with Davidson Fink LLP, goes to work, he heads inside the First Federal Building in downtown Rochester, NY.  But on Friday, May 20, Mr. Burger rappelled down the side of the First Federal Building -- all twenty-one stories of it -- as part of the Toss Your Boss fundraiser benefitting urban scouting programs.

This is the second year the Seneca Waterways Council have held the fundraiser, in which participants who donate $1000 or more can rappel 309 feet from the roof of the First Federal Building.  Proceeds from the event go to support the Urban Scouting program of the Seneca Waterways Council, including the 40 afterschool programs run in Rochester schools.  This year, Mr. Burger's staff, coworkers and friends raised enough money to "toss their boss" over the edge of the building.

More information about the Toss Your Boss event can be found here: http://21storiesforscouts.org/media.html

Rochester, NY, May 10, 2011: Davidson Fink LLP joined the YWCA to take a Stand Against Racism during the week of April 25, 2011. The firm spent the week raising and discussing issues of racism and discrimination in the workplace and in the community at large.

During the week, attorneys and staff alike read literature about racism and other forms of discrimination; they were also encouraged to share their own stories and experiences in order to raise awareness about discrimination. The week culminated with an ice cream social on Friday. Peggy Fortune, Communications Coordinator with the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County, attended the social and congratulated Davidson Fink on their successful week, adding that the firm is in good company: "We have been hearing good things from sites all over the city." Donna Parsons, a Paralegal who helped organize the week's activities, said that the "feedback from the partners here at the firm has been very positive, and we are very happy to have participated."

Stand Against Racism is a movement that was initiated by the YWCA in 2008 in order to raise awareness that racism still exists in our communities, and to help people make conscious changes to eliminate discrimination of any kind. In 2010 over 250,000 people participated in the week long event.

Davidson Fink LLP is a full-service law firm, established in 1968. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, Davidson Fink LLP serves business and individual clients from across the nation. Practice areas include appellate practice; banking and finance; business and corporate law; civil litigation, collections; commercial and residential real estate transactions and financing; condemnation and eminent domain; construction law; criminal law; default litigation and default servicing (foreclosures, evictions and REO sales, creditor’s rights in bankruptcy, loss mitigation); elder law; employment and labor law; estate litigation and estate planning; insurance law; lender liability matters; matrimonial and family law (divorce, custody, separation and divorce mediation); personal injury and medical malpractice; tax assessment; and zoning and land use.

Rochester, NY, April 18, 2011: Davidson Fink LLP is pleased to announce that Joshua Hudak has been elected President of the Rochester Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) for the 2011-2012 session year.

Hudak has been involved with the ALA for over five years and has served on the board for the last three years. The Rochester Chapter includes attorneys and managers from all of the region's top law firms.

ALA is the largest international association providing support, high-quality education and services to professionals involved in the management of law firms, corporate legal departments and government legal agencies. With more than 10,000 members in 30 countries, ALA represents legal administrators who are leaders and industry experts on legal management issues such as finance, human resources, systems and technology, facilities, marketing and practice management. For more information about the Association, visit www.alanet.org.

Our firm takes great pride in giving back to local, regional, national and international communities. Once a month, the attorneys and staff participate in a "Dress Down Day", wherein participants of our firm donate money or items to dress down on a designated day of the month. Collected contributions are forwarded to the monthly charity of choice. Charities of the Month for the 2011 year have included:

January 2011 -  American Cancer Society
February 2011 - R Community Bikes
March 2011 - Michael's Hope
April 2011 - American Red Cross - Japan Relief Effort
May 2011 - Southwest Neighborhood Association
June 2011 - The Salvation Army - Joplin Tornado Relief
July 2011 - Hillside Children's Center
August 2011 - The Karen Carson Crane Foundation
September 2011 - Project Homeless Connect Rochester
October 2011 - Zero Foundation
November 2011 - Water for South Sudan
December 2011 - Holiday Charity Benefit for 1st Graders at School #25

Davidson Fink LLP Named to "Rochester Top 100" for Second Consecutive Year

Rochester, NY, November 2, 2010:  Davidson Fink LLP has once again been named to the "Rochester Top 100."  The list, published in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, recognizes the Upstate New York region's Top 100 fastest-growing privately held companies.

Said Les Kernan, Managing Partner: “We are extremely pleased to once again have the honor of being named among this prestigious group of businesses.  It was truly a team effort: our clients, attorneys, and staff all played a role.  We could not have achieved this honor without the loyalty and support of everyone involved.”

The Rochester Business Alliance and accounting firm KPMG LLP collaborate each year on the Top 100, with support from numerous companies.  Now in its 24th year, the Rochester Top 100 ranks privately held companies based on three most recent years of revenue growth. 

Rochester, NY, November 30, 2010:  Michael A. Burger, Partner at Davidson Fink LLP, has published an e-book called Roadside To Courtroom: Avoid and Negotiate Traffic Tickets.  The e-book, which is available at www.avoidtraffictix.com, provides valuable roadside tips that improve the chances of avoiding a traffic ticket entirely.

Thomas Fink, a Senior Partner of Davidson Fink LLP has joined the board of Ibero-American Action League, Inc.  He has been affiliated with the agency since 1972.  Ibero is a Human Service agency that has been serving the Rochester community for over forty years.

Attachments:

2011 11 05 Thomas Fink - Ibero-American Action League, Inc. Board Membership Ann

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Thomas A. Fink was recently named one of the Daily Record's 2010 Leaders in Law, in recogniton of his tremendous dedication to the legal profession and a selfless, tireless commitment to the community through a long list of outstanding accomplishments that serve as a shining example for others to follow.  Mr. Fink's achievement was celebrated this year during the 15th Annual Nathaniel Award and Leaders in Law reception on Thursday, November 4, 2010.  The Nathaniel Award is bestowed annuallly upon a deserving member of the legal community who regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty in the name of justice.  Mr. Fink's recent interview was featured in the Daily Record and is attached hereto.

Attachments:

2010 11 04 Thomas Fink - Nathaniel Award.pdf

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Rochester, NY, October 20, 2010:  Thomas Fink, a Partner with Davidson Fink LLP, has been named among the 2011 “Best Lawyers in America for Construction and Corporate Litigation."  The Best Lawyers list is the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession and rates the nation’s top lawyers.  It contains a list of lawyers who have been chosen through “an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation’s top lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers.”

Mr. Fink focuses his practice on the areas of commercial litigation and real estate litigation, construction law, land use planning and zoning, development, acquisitions and sales, and tax assessment.

Mr. Fink received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his LLB from Cornell Law School.  He is a member of the Monroe County and New York State Bar Associations.  He is the Former Secretary of the New York State Democratic Party, and the Senior Counsel of the Monroe County Democratic Party, from whom he has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award.  He serves on the National Board of the Union of Reform Jewish Congregations.  He is also active with the George Eastman House, the Ibero American Action League, the Puerto Rican Youth Development Center, the Urban League, the Jewish Federation of Rochester, and Compeer. 

Mr. Fink resides in the city of Rochester.

Rochester, NY, August 16, 2010:  Gene Clifford, Of Counsel to the law firm of Davidson Fink LLP, was elected Chairman of the Board of the Webster Comfort Care Home on August 10.  The Webster Comfort Care Home is a facility which provides care for the terminally ill.  Mr. Clifford focuses his attorney practice in estate and Medicare planning, advising his clients on the use of wills, trusts, health care proxies, powers of attorney, utilizing the Medicaid system, proper beneficiary designation, and estate tax minimization.  Mr. Clifford's practice also encompasses handling guardianship matters in both Surrogate's Court and New York State Supreme Court as they pertain to developmentally disabled and incapacitated persons.
 

Mr. Clifford received his BA from Boston College and his LLB from Cornell University of Law and Boston College Law School.  He is the Former President of Monroe County Bar Association and the Former Delegate to the House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association.  In addition to his position at the Webster Comfort Care Home, Mr. Clifford also serves on the Local, State, and National Boards of Directors for the New York State Division of the American Cancer Society; and on the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Rochester.

Gene Clifford currently resides in Ontario, NY. 

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Rochester, NY, September 3, 2010:  The law firm of Davidson Fink LLP is pleased to welcome Scott A. Sydelnik Associate Attorney.

Mr. Sydelnik's practice concentrates in the areas of Real Estate, Mortgage Lending, and Bankruptcy.  He received his BA in Political Science from Ithaca College, and he earned his law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Monroe County Bar Association, and the Mortgage Bankers Association.  He is also admitted to the bars of the U.S. District Court, for the Western, Eastern, Southern and Northern Districts of New York.

He currently resides in Rochester with his wife Stefanie.

Rochester, NY, September 1, 2010:  Gregory Mott, a Partner with Davidson Fink LLP, has been selected for the 20th straight year by his peers for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America."  He has also been named one of the "New York Area's Top Attorneys" published in New York Magazine; and he has been designated one of Martindale-Hubbell's "Distinguished Lawyers" in addition to receiving an AV rating, the highest rating given to attorneys.

Mr. Mott has been a Partner with Davidson Fink LLP since 1982, and focuses his practice on the areas of family and matrimonial law, collaborative family law and divorce mediation.

Mr. Mott received his BS from the University of Rhode Island and his law degree from the Albany Law School of Union University.  He is a Former Chairman and Lecturer for the Monroe County Bar Association; and he serves on the Executive Committee and as Lecturer for the New York State Bar Association.  He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Association of Collaborative Family Law Attorneys, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and the American Arbitration Association.  He is also the former Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Pittsford, and a Certified Public Accountant.

Rochester, NY, August 11, 2010:  Davidson Fink LLP has been named to the U.S. News - Best Lawyers list of "Best Law Firms".  The list, part of a collaboration between U.S. News and Best Lawyers, ranks law firms from across the nation.  In addition to being named to the list, Davidson Fink LLP earned First-Tier Rankings in the areas of Corporate Law, Family Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

U.S. News and Best Lawyers partnered to compile the "Best Law Firms" list, which involved surveying thousands of law firm clients; leading lawyers and law firm managers; partners and associates; and marketing officers and recruiting officers.  Based on data collected from the surveys, firms were ranked in tiers according to practice area.  Davidson Fink LLP's First-Tier ranking in three different practice areas marks it as a leading firm in the Rochester, NY metropolitan area.

Said Les Kernan, Managing Partner at Davidson Fink LLP, “We truly appreciate the recognition of those who participated in the survey and are very proud to be selected as part of this prestigious group.  We will continue to provide the highest level of service to our clients in all areas of our practice.”

The results of the rankings will appear in September 2010 in the U.S. News magazine, in a special stand-alone publication going to 30,000 general counsel in the U.S., and on USNews.com. 

June 21, 2010:  Tom Fink and Fernando Santiago, partners with Davidson Fink LLP, gave a seminar today sponsored by the American Institute of Architects.  The seminar, which was attended by architects and engineers from the Upstate New York area, educated participants on the current status of New York law with regard to design-build.  Topics of discussion included an overview of AIA's recent contract forms, and the Owner-Architect AIA B101 Agreement from the architects’ point of view.  Special attention was given to various insurance and liability issues.  Tom Fink and Fernando Santiago actively represent construction firms, builders, and architects in areas of contract disputes, construction law, and insurance coverage disputes.

Tom Fink has a long history of serving the real estate clients of Davidson Fink LLP.  He has lectured on many construction law-related topics, including the legal rights and responsibilities of architects and engineers on a project and the use and selection of appropriate contract documents.  Part of his practice includes land use planning and zoning, development, acquisitions and sales, tax assessment reductions and real estate-related litigation.  Mr. Fink also has vast experience in all types of government assisted affordable housing transactions.  Mr. Fink received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his LLB from Cornell Law School.  He is a member of the New York State Bar Association.  He is the Former Secretary of the New York State Democratic Party, and the Senior Counsel of the Monroe County Democratic Party, from whom he has also received a lifetime achievement award.  He is also active with the George Eastman House, the Ibero American Action League, the Puerto Rican Youth Development Center, the Urban League, the Jewish Federation of Rochester, and Compeer.

Fernando Santiago is a founding member of the local Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Upstate New York Chapter, and he has published a number of articles on design-build and construction law.  He focuses his legal practice on civil litigation in New York State and Federal Courts, including corporate and commercial transactional work.  Mr. Santiago received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.  He is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Hispanic Bar Association, and the Minority Corporate Counsel Association.  He is also on the Board of Directors for the Volunteer Legal Services Project and for Foodlink, Inc. and Foodlink Foundation.

June 3, 2010:  A touch of rain was not enough to dampen the spirits of the volunteers who participated on the team of Davidson Fink LLP at the 20^th Annual JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge.  An eclectic mix of attorneys and staff took part in the event, with tenures at the firm ranging from over thirty years to less than three months.  They all shared a common desire to get out and do something for their health and for the community.

Said Tom Fink, a Partner with Davidson Fink LLP and a regular participant in the event, “I’m proud to be a part of such a great firm.  Not only because of the legal work we do, but the great spirit of the firm to have 15 participants running and walking in the pouring rain. It was wonderful as the rain stopped to see the sun shine and a beautiful rainbow.  We are fortunate to have had a great team captain in Maryann Mack, who encourages even more participation for next year’s event."

Over four hundred companies and over 9,000 participants took part in the Chase Corporate Challenge event, which raised money for The Rochester Urban Fellowship Program. 

May 7, 2010:  The law firm of Davidson Fink LLP is pleased to welcome Laurie A. Donofrio, as Senior Associate Attorney with the firm’s litigation department.  Ms. Donofrio focuses her legal practice on personal injury litigation, including automobile negligence cases and medical malpractice litigation.  A portion of her practice is dedicated to collaborative matrimonial law.  Her background includes insurance defense litigation, commercial litigation and education law with an emphasis on representing students with disabilities.

Ms. Donofrio received her BA and MS from the University of Rochester.  She earned her law degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo law School.  She is a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, the New York State and Monroe County Bar Associations, the Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area, Inc. and the Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys.  Ms. Donofrio is also active in many community organizations.

She currently resides in Fairport, NY, with her husband Vincent Tomei III  and sons.

June 1, 2010:  The law firm of Davidson Fink LLP is pleased to announce the election of Leslie W. Kernan, Jr., as its new Managing Partner. Mr. Kernan succeeds S. Gerald Davidson as Managing Partner of the firm, who is relinquishing his Managing Partner responsibilities to devote more time to his family law practice.  Said Mr. Davidson, “Les has our enthusiastic support in taking on this very important position in the firm, and I am grateful that we have his leadership to guide this firm going forward.”

Mr. Kernan joined Davidson Fink LLP in 2004 as Partner, and has served on the Management Committee since 2008.  Previously, he was a Partner with the law firm of Lacy Katzen LLP, where he spent over twelve years practicing law.  He focuses his practice in corporate and commercial transactional work with an emphasis on commercial lending, equipment lease financing, and real estate financing, acquisitions, and sales. 

Mr. Kernan received his undergraduate degree from Union College, and his law degree from the Albany Law School of Union University.  He is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.  He is a Member of the Vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Assistant Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.  Mr. Kernan is also President of the Board of the Friends of Scholastic Crew, Inc. 

He current resides in Macedon, NY with his wife Patricia and family. 

March 5, 2010: The law firm of Davidson Fink LLP is proud to announce that Donald A. White has been named Senior Associate. Mr. White joined the firm in 2009 as an Associate in the firm's matrimonial and family practice area and the personal injury and medical malpractice practice group. The firm recognizes and appreciates the knowledge, talent and experience that Mr. White has brought to the firm.

Mr. White resides in Webster, New York and is an active participant with the Webster Republican Committee and Boy Scout Troup 262. He has served as past chairman of the Town of Webster Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, past Town of Webster Councilman, and as past Deputy Town Attorney for the Town of Webster Zoning Board of Appeals.

Our firm takes great pride in giving back to local, regional, national and international communities. Once a month, the attorneys and staff participate in a "Dress Down Day", wherein participants of our firm donate money or items to dress down on a designated day of the month. Collected contributions are forwarded to the monthly charity of choice. Charities of the Month for the 2010 year have included:

January 2010 - Doctors Without Borders
February 2010 - National Kidney Foundation and the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days program
March 2010 - St. Joseph's Villa
April 2010 - Mercy Flight
May 2010 - Pearce Memorial Church-Team Haiti Rebuild Project
June 2010 - Ibero American Action League
July 2010 - Mary Cariola Children's Center 
August 2010 - School #30, Rochester NY
September 2010 - St. Bernards's Parish Animal Shelter in Louisiana
October 2010 - American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure
November 2010 - Fisher House Foundation 
December 2010 - Alternatives for Battered Women

January 27, 2010:  The law firm of Davidson Fink LLP responded to the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti by recently donating $2,042.00 to “Doctors Without Borders”. The firm’s contribution has been specifically designated to the organization’s Haiti relief effort and will enable said organization to deliver independent emergency assistance to the earthquake victims.

Each month the attorneys and staff of Davidson Fink participate in a ‘Dress Down Day’ - those that participate donate money to dress down on a designated day of the month. The firm matches the amount of the monies collected. The charity for this month was inspired by the Paralegal Association of Rochester (PAR).

Thanks to the overwhelming response from all that dressed down and donated money last Friday, the firm was able to make a considerable contribution to the relief effort in Haiti. Davidson Fink is committed to working as a strong community partner and is proud to make a difference at home and abroad.

January 1, 2010:  The law firm of Davidson Fink LLP is proud to announce Dennis J. Annechino has been named Partner. Since joining the firm in 2002, Mr. Annechino worked as Associate Attorney with the firm’s litigation group. Mr. Annechino concentrates his practice on complex construction and commercial matters, including construction disputes, contract claims, mechanic’s lien claims, and labor law defense matters. He also represents clients on litigation appeals throughout New York. Mr. Annechino frequently lectures property owners, contractors, architects and engineers on a variety of construction-related issues.

A lifelong resident of the Rochester community, Mr. Annechino currently resides in Greece.

November 18, 2009:  Joshua Hudak, Director of Operations for the Rochester-based law firm Davidson Fink LLP, presented a seminar entitled Negotiating Contracts: How to Get Maximum Value from Business Transactions to the Rochester Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). The seminar, held at Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, was part of a monthly lectures series for the ALA Rochester Chapter and was attended by administrators and management personnel from Rochester’s leading firms

Mr. Hudak, who is currently serving as Vice-President of the Board of the ALA Rochester Chapter, has spent over fifteen years working with vendors and suppliers, and shared his experiences on how to create long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships with vendors. In his role as Director of Operations for Davidson Fink LLP, Mr. Hudak oversees the office operations, management of personnel, accounting, and information technology.

November 3, 2009:  The partners of Davidson Fink LLP attended the 23rd Annual Rochester Top 100 Awards Ceremony, sponsored by the Rochester Business Alliance and KPMG LLP to celebrate their first time achievement of being selected as one of the Top 100 Companies in Rochester, NY for 2009.

The Rochester Top 100, now in its 23rd year, ranks privately held companies based on their three most recent years of revenue growth. Companies must have at least $1 million in revenue for each of the last three years; rankings take into account both dollar and percentage growth.

The firm is proud to be recognized as one of the fastest‐growing privately held businesses in the region. Davidson Fink LLP is the only law firm to have made this select list. Their success is directly tied to the efforts of their valuable team of attorneys and staff. They express their gratitude to their employees, clients and the Rochester community for achieving this prestigious award.

Our firm takes great pride in giving back to local, regional, national and international communities. Once a month, the attorneys and staff participate in a "Dress Down Day", wherein participants of our firm donate money or items to dress down on a designated day of the month. Collected contributions are forwarded to the monthly charity of choice. Charities of the Month for the 2009 year have included:

January 2009 - Nothing But Nets (This charity helps to fight Malaria and other diseases in Africa and other needy areas of the world, by providing netting for anti-malaria bed nets. http://www.nothingbutnets.net)
February 2009 - American Cancer Society and the Daffodil Campaign
March 2009 – Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
April 2009 - US Servicemen and Servicewomen (Our attorneys and staff collected non-perishable items to be donated and forwarded to our serviceman and servicewomen stationed overseas.)
May 2009 - Rochester Police Locust Club's fund for Officer Anthony DiPonzio, a young RPD officer who was shot in February while on duty
June 2009 - Webster Comfort Care Home
July 2009 - HOPE (Helping Orphaned Pets Everyday)
August 2009 - Alternatives for Battered Women
September 2009 - Gilda's Club of Rochester
October 2009 - American Breast Cancer Society
November 2009 - Small Business Council's Thanksgiving Appeal
December 2009 - 2nd Grade Classroom at School #30

LAW FIRM CONTRIBUTES TO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT SCHOOL #30

Rochester, NY, January, 7, 2010:  This past holiday season, the attorneys and staff of Davidson Fink LLP “adopted” a second grade class from School #30, located on Otis Street, Rochester, New York.  This collaborative effort was coordinated by Val Dreier, assistant to the managing partner of the firm, who worked along with teachers Shana Berardi and Melissa Richter of School #30 to create a wish list from each child.  According to Ms. Berardi, “Many of our students do not experience joy during the holiday season.  Many of their home lives are full of turbulence and instability”.

Thanks to all that participated, each child received games and toys, a brand new outfit to wear, new socks and gloves; along with a hat and hand-woven scarf (the scarves were homemade by Davidson Fink employees).   The gifts were delivered on December 17, 2009, along with treats of pizza, soda and candy canes.

Davidson Fink is committed to working as a strong community partner and is proud to have made such a difference in so many students’ lives this past holiday season.  The joy seen on the faces of the students as they walked into their classroom that afternoon to see their desktops loaded with gifts, was quite remarkable.  The smiles, excitement and genuine love in the classroom were immeasurable. 

One of the students immediately sat down to write individual thank you notes to give to each of the four visitors from the firm.  Others held the visitors hands and asked for them to sit and play with them or help them to unpackage a gift.  Some shared their gifts with their classmates, while others found a quiet corner to treasure their gifts.  It was truly a sight to behold and we are certain that the students will remember this holiday for years to come.

Attachments:

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Rochester, NY, October 13, 2009: The partners, attorneys and staff of Davidson Fink LLP extend their congratulations to their partner, Thomas A. Fink on his receipt of the Hall of Fame Award by the Monroe County Democratic Committee. This award is given to a select few individuals whose years of service show exemplary dedication and commitment to their community.

Rochester, NY, August 13, 2009: Davidson Fink LLP, a full-service law firm located in Rochester, NY, has signed a ten-year lease agreement for office space in the First Federal Plaza in downtown Rochester. The law firm employs sixty-three individuals and has a forty-year history as part of the downtown Rochester community.

Rochester, NY, June 9, 2009: Michael A. Burger, Esq., a partner with the law firm Davidson Fink LLP, represented a 14 year old and his father who opposed Rochester’s three-year old curfew because of their belief that the curfew is illegal and unconstitutional. The curfew affected children younger than 17 years by restricting them from being outside after 11:00 p.m. without a parent or an adult (even if the parent has given permission).

DAVIDSON FINK LLP is expanding their current office, located on the 17th floor of First Federal Plaza Building at 28 East Main Street to include both the 16th and 17th floor of the building. The firm applied for and received a grant from the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) wherein $4,450 in sales-tax exemptions on equipment purchases for the expansion was approved. To read more about the COMIDA approvals, please view the attached links.

We are very pleased to announce that Vincent M. Ferrero and Heather C.M. Rogers, two associate attorneys of our firm, have been newly elected as Partners.

Attorney Donald A. White has joined the firm as an associate attorney in the firm's family and matrimonial law practice groups. Mr. White previously served for fourteen years as principal law clerk to New York Supreme Court Justice Robert J. Lunn.

Our firm takes great pride in giving back to our local, regional and national communities. In April 2008, our firm had a very successful campaign drive for the United Way. Once a month, the attorneys and staff participate in a "Dress Down Day" whereby a contribution is made to a monthly charity of choice.

Mr. Fink has been elected to serve as volunteer on the local board of the American Institute of Architects. Additionally, Davidson Fink LLP has been retained by the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects to perform legal services on their behalf.

Ms. Reid recently worked at Wolpoff & Abramson and joins us as an associate attorney. Ms. Reid focuses her practice in the areas of collections, tax assessment and civil litigation.

Davidson Fink LLP is pleased to announce that Joshua Hudak, our Director of Operations, was recently elected to serve on the Board of the Rochester Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators as the Vendor Relations Manager for the 2008-2009 term.

William P. Fletcher joined the firm on January 1, 2008 and David L. Rasmussen and Glenn M. Fjermedal joined the firm on February 18, 2008. Together, these attorneys bring over 68 years of knowledge and expertise to the firm. Our new partners represent lenders and servicers from across the country, specifically in the areas of commercial and residential real estate lending and conveyancing, title insurance claims and commercial litigation.

Once a month, the attorneys and staff of Davidson Fink LLP designate a particular Friday as a the firm's "Dress Down Day" and those that participate in dressing down, donate money to the designated "Charity of the Month".

On Friday, May 11th, 2007, six members of the firm slathered on sunscreen, donned their baseball caps, and put on their hard-soled shoes and "work clothes" to serve as construction volunteers for the Flower City Habitat for Humanity. Although the participants were physically exhausted after a long day of making concrete and preparing foundations for two homes in the inner-city, they all found this to be a very rewarding experience.