Buffalo, NY

Ross Cellino

As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. Those who have suffered an injury should expect and demand an attorney who has the experience and proven track record to win over a jury. My team of attorneys at Cellino Law have proven their abilities by the results achieved in court. Cellino Law’s attorneys meticulously prepare each case so that the client receives the maximum amount of compensation possible. My attorneys build a relationship with each client and handle a case from inception to conclusion. The insurance companies and their defense attorneys know that if they are not prepared to meet my firm’s settlement demands, Cellino Law attorneys are prepared to try the case in front of a jury. As a result, our clients receive favorable settlements because insurance companies know our team is willing to take a case to trial and fight for them. The proven success in the courtroom has allowed us to attract and retain accomplished and experienced trial lawyers in the field of personal injury law to best serve the client. I am passionate about giving back to the community and supporting local organizations, including animal and children’s causes, that make New York a great place to live. I promise that you can trust Cellino Law to work hard for you!

Michael Anthony Rossi

A tough, aggressive trial lawyer, Michael Anthony Rossi began practicing in Western New York in 1981 and went on to form what would become The Rossi Law Firm. He has over four decades of practice, focusing on serious personal injury, complex divorce, and custody. He is nationally recognized with numerous awards including AV Preeminent rating, Avvo 10.0 Superb rating, Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in New York. He is licensed in all New York State courts and the United States District Court for the Western District of New York.

Jose Perez

Jose Perez is an attorney admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Venezuela. He founded his own firm in 2012, focusing on litigation including workers' compensation, immigration, and personal injury. He is a Syracuse University College of Law graduate and has received numerous awards and recognitions for his legal work and community service.

Herschel Gelber

Herschel Gelber joined the Firm in 2023, and is a seasoned trial lawyer who, for more than 40 years, has been dedicated to excellence in the practice of law. He draws on his experience as both a plaintiff’s attorney and former defense attorney to achieve million and multi-million dollar recoveries for his clients. Mr. Gelber began his legal career in New York City as a trial lawyer responsible for defending major corporations, doctors, owners of commercial property and insurance companies in motor vehicle accidents, product liability, professional malpractice and construction site accident litigation. In 1987, he moved to Buffalo and joined the law firm of Gross, Shuman, Brizdle and Gilfillian, P.C. As both an associate and later as a partner, he successfully prosecuted major lawsuits involving construction site accidents, product liability, motor vehicle accidents and wrongful death on behalf of injured victims and their families. In 1994, Mr. Gelber teamed up with former New York State Supreme Court Justice Frank R. Bayger and founded the law firm of Frank R. Bayger, P.C. As managing shareholder and senior trial lawyer, Mr. Gelber handled the largest cases in the firm, while continuing his successful representation of injured victims and their families. In the latter part of 1998, Frank R. Bayger, P.C. merged with Lipsitz, Green, Fahringer, Roll, Salisbury and Cambria, LLP and Mr. Gelber became a partner in that firm’s personal injury litigation department. In 2000, he formed his own law firm to address the need for skilled trial lawyers to represent injured victims and their families in cases involving motor vehicle, truck and motorcycle accidents, construction site accidents, product liability and wrongful death to ensure each and every client received his personal attention. In 2010, Mr. Gelber took on a full partner, Timothy G. O’Connell, who previously was senior trial counsel at Siegel, Kelleher & Kahn. In recognition, the law firm was renamed Gelber & O’Connell, LLC. Mr. Gelber graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Following his graduation, he attended the University of Windsor’s Special Graduate Business Program, majoring in Corporate Finance. He earned his Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law in New York. Mr. Gelber is a former member of the Town of Amherst Traffic Safety Board. Mr. Gelber has been recognized for his successful representation of clients by being selected for membership in Best Lawyers in America, New York State Super Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a select group of attorneys nationwide who have litigated numerous cases resulting in verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more.

John E. Richmond

John E. Richmond is the Co-Founder and CEO of Richmond Vona, LLC, a leading personal injury firm in Buffalo, NY serving clients throughout New York State. In 2024, Richmond Vona was honored by Inc. Magazine, earning spots on both the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies and the Best Workplaces list. Richmond Vona was also the 2023 Crisp Game Changer award winner for Excellence in Firm Culture. In 2019, John and Keith Vona started their own law firm to change the way people think about personal injury lawyers. With a strong commitment to justice and a passion for helping those who have been wronged, John has built a reputation for excellence in legal representation. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in guiding Richmond Vona to success, securing over $200 million in settlements and verdicts for their clients, and helping the firm earn recognition as a trusted advocate in the community. John’s commitment to relentlessly pursuing justice for his clients and cultivating a team culture grounded in strong core values defines both his career and the ethos of Richmond Vona. As one of New York’s top personal injury attorneys, John understands that clients come first. With over fifteen years of experience advocating for injured New Yorkers, he has a strong record of holding negligent corporations and major insurance companies accountable. Born and raised in Western New York, John works tirelessly to advocate for the legal rights and financial interests of injury victims. Before co-founding Richmond Vona, John amassed extensive experience working with law firms in New York City and Buffalo, representing individuals with catastrophic injuries and those diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer due to asbestos exposure. Over the years, John has earned considerable recognition for his commitment to his clients, his dedication to the highest legal standards and ethics, and his proven record of accomplishments. Outside the office, John enjoys quality time with friends, family, his wife Nicole, and their two dogs. An outdoor enthusiast, he loves staying active and giving back to the community.

J. Michael Hayes

J. Michael Hayes is a Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist with over 35 years of experience, representing accident victims and recovering judgments in personal injury cases. He is an experienced litigator, author, and adjunct professor at the University of Buffalo Law School.

Michael A. Ponterio is a founding partner of Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC, representing families affected by asbestos exposure since 1985. He has secured over $500 million in settlements and verdicts, including the first personal injury jury verdict and punitive damage award for an asbestos victim in New York State. He also obtained the first jury verdict in Western New York for a lead-poisoned child.