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 

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 20 attorneys and 38 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:

Press Release - Charitable Donation School #30.doc

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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.