Steven Cole, Managing Partner for Adams Leclair LLP, has been named to the Daily Record’s Power Litigation List for a second year in a row.

In naming the Power 20, the editor stated:

“The lawyers on the Power 20 list have spent much of their career working as litigators, helping their clients resolve complex legal matters that often have dire consequences for their financial well-being.

These attorneys have also advocated for their clients during a time of unprecedented disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest and more. They have had to navigate new rules from federal and state government and the court system and have had to embrace new ways of practicing law.”

The Daily Record is a publication that has provided essential legal news and information to the Western New York region since 1908.

Here is an excerpt from the article highlighting each attorney which can be found in the November 10, 2022 edition.

Steven Cole

Managing Partner, Adams Leclair LLP

Years in current role: 15 years as partner/5 as managing partner

What has been your biggest success over the past year?

In the past year, I was able to favorably resolve several contentious court cases for clients and avoid litigation through pre-suit negotiations in other matters. Successes in the courtroom and outside of court are the result of effective collaboration with my team at Adams Leclair.

What are your expectations for the next 6-12 months?

Given the continuing court backlog, I expect that the next 6-12 months will see litigators continuing to explore methods of resolving disputes before trial, including mediation, arbitration, and direct negotiations. Effective use of alternative dispute resolution will continue to require strong advocacy skills, supported by a solid grasp of the facts and applicable law.

What advice would you give someone starting out as a litigator right now?

My advice is to remember that litigation is simply one tool that can be applied to resolve disputes, and to understand that it comes with risks, rewards, costs, and benefits. Providing the client with a clear understanding of the process and possible outcomes is an important part of a litigator’s role. Opposing counsel is not your enemy, and a professional relationship with opposing counsel is likely to reduce cost and enhance the possibility of an early resolution. Finally, a lawyer’s credibility with opposing counsel and the court is a critically important part of that lawyer’s value to a client in litigation.

You can read more about Steven Cole here.