Syracuse, NY

Joe Stanley

Joe knows that the real hero of any personal injury story is you, the injured victim. You never know what’s just around the corner. And because of someone else’s negligence, you and your family suffer. It’s not right. So, Joe devotes much of his time and energy educating and advocating you about your rights... giving you a voice and ensuring he does everything within his and his talented team’s power to get you the maximum award you deserve. A native of Syracuse, New York, Joe holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Syracuse University’s Law School in 1981. He’s licensed to practice in all New York State and Federal Trial Courts. He’s a member of the New York State Bar Association, Onondaga County Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice, NYSLTA Academy of Trial Lawyers. He’s Board Certified in Civil Trial Practice by the American Board of Trial Advocacy. Joe’s an advocate for the injured who has litigated cases involving: Car Accidents, Premises Liability (Slip and Falls), Medical Malpractice, Product Failure, Wrongful Death, Construction Site Injuries, Motorcycle Accidents, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Personal Injury. He has orchestrated a top-notch Worker’s Compensation / Social Security Disability focused team. So the personal injury and WC teams can work hand-in-hand. His reputation as a meticulous litigator with a history of success is matched by his ability to connect with his clients personally while fighting for the maximum. Giving back has always been a part of Joe’s credo. But for the grace of God go any one of us, says Joe. Giving back not only is worthwhile, it’s simply the right thing to do. Joe started his charity Music for the Mission nearly a decade ago in a sincere effort to give back to the community. The non-profit 501(c)(3) is all volunteer and has worked diligently to feed/shelter over 30,000 families across Northern, Central, and Southern NY.

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.

John K. Powers

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Albany Law School, John K. Powers is a nationally recognized authority on the medical and legal aspects of catastrophic injury. He is a Co-Founder and former President of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, a former President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and has served in numerous leadership roles in other professional organizations. He has published many books, chapters, and articles on legal issues and is in frequent demand as a speaker.

Daniel R. Santola

Daniel R. Santola is a founding partner of Powers & Santola, LLP, established in 1987. He is a nationally recognized trial lawyer, consistently named one of the 'Best Lawyers in America' and among the top 100 trial lawyers by the American Trial Lawyers Association. He was named 'Lawyer of the Year' for Medical Malpractice Law in 2012 and 2014. He is known for his innovative use of technology in trials and his expertise in personal injury law, particularly construction accidents, having authored New York’s leading treatise on the subject.

Michael Bersani

Michael Bersani is a partner at Michaels Bersani Kalabanka, P.C., specializing in personal injury, product liability, and professional malpractice litigation in Central New York. He has been recognized multiple times as 'Lawyer of the Year' by Best Lawyers in America for personal injury and professional malpractice in the Syracuse metropolitan area. He is also listed as a 'Super Lawyer' and holds the highest 'AV' rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Bersani is an avid cyclist, fluent in Spanish and French, and has authored a book titled 'Understanding Your New York Personal Injury Claim'. He is also known for his pro bono work for immigrants and children.

Michael Bersani

Michael Bersani joined Michaels Bersani Kalabanka in 1995 after clerking for 2 years at the Appellate Division, Fourth Department. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 1993, where he was a law review editor and inducted into the Order of the Coif and Justinian Society, also receiving the “Scribe Award” for legal writing. He holds a Master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College. He is fluent in Spanish and French, and speaks basic Italian, serving many Spanish-speaking personal injury clients. Bersani has been recognized as “Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year” (2021) and “Professional Malpractice Lawyer of the Year” (2022, 2024) by Best Lawyers in America. He holds the highest “AV” ranking from Martindale-Hubbell and is consistently selected as a “Super Lawyer” and a “Blue Ribbon Panelist” by Super Lawyers. He is also listed in The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and is a member of the Multi-million Dollar Advocates Forum. Bersani is a Board Director of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, a respected legal writer and lecturer, and author of "Understanding Your New York Personal Injury Claim". He is also a community activist, serving on boards for the Worker Justice Center of New York, Geneva Human Rights Commission, Auburn YMCA, and Boys & Girls Club of Geneva, and was named 2009 Citizen of Year by Geneva Chamber of Commerce.