Rochester, N.Y.—Adams Bell Adams, PC and Leclair Korona Cole LLP have joined practices and will continue their focus on civil and construction litigation as Adams Leclair LLP. Both Rochester law firms have seasoned litigators who are experienced in business and construction disputes, employment law, property tax litigation, and providing counsel to municipalities and educational institutions.

“Combining makes sense because we have complementary practices that together, will create a depth of talent to serve current clients, while becoming more attractive to potential new clients who are more accustomed to dealing with larger firms,” said Tony Adams, a name partner.

Adams has an extensive background representing contractors and handling land use and estate litigation for almost 40 years. From 2013 through 2018, “Best Lawyers” has named him a “Lawyer of the Year” in either construction law or construction litigation.

Leclair has more than 30 years of experience in commercial matters involving a wide range of contract, real estate, insurance coverage and partnership disputes. He has been recognized twice for his advocacy and service in the US District Court.

“I am pleased to call Tony a partner. We had a trial against one another when I was a young attorney—which was a long time ago,” Paul Leclair the other name partner, said chuckling. “I never forgot Tony’s fairness and decency –even though we were adversaries.”

Steven Cole is the Managing Partner for Adams Leclair. Cole began his career as a Trial Attorney with the United States Department of Justice and has continued to focus on cases in the financial services industry and involving enforcement of employment restrictive covenants.

“This merger will enable us to litigate aggressively for our clients as we expand and continue to influence key practice areas such as employment and construction law,” said Cole. “We are bringing together an incredible amount of litigation experience. It is the perfect foundation for building a new law firm.”

Daniel Adams adds to the wealth of experience having started his career as a construction laborer who worked his way up to project manager for mechanical contractors in the Hudson Valley. After law school, Daniel Adams focused on construction litigation and surety law. Richard Bell has dedicated significant time to real property tax litigation and is an experienced appellate practitioner, having successfully argued numerous appeals before the State Appellate Division and having participated in matters before the State Court of Appeals.

The combined firm features seven founding partners: Anthony J. Adams, Jr., Paul L. Leclair, Steven E. Cole, Richard T. Bell, Jr., Daniel P. Adams, Jeremy M. Sher, and Stacey E. Trien; three senior counsel: Mary Jo S. Korona, Hon. Thomas A. Stander (Ret.), and Ernest F. Ferullo; two associates: Robert P. Yawman, Jared K. Cook; and two attorneys of counsel: Alice L. Messina and Erin F. Casey.

The physical merger of the two Rochester law firms was completed over Labor Day weekend when the Adams Bell Adams team moved from the sixth floor of the First Federal Building to where Leclair Korona Cole LLP was established, on the 15th floor. Adams Leclair LLP is conveniently located on East Main Street, near the state and federal courthouses in the heart of downtown Rochester, New York.

With decades of legal experience and construction expertise, the lawyers and staff at Adams Leclair LLP are prepared to advocate for their clients. According to Adams, “Our primary goal is to establish this as the community’s ‘go-to’ firm for commercial litigation and, simply, to provide superior client service.”