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About Michael
A tough, aggressive trial lawyer, Michael Anthony Rossi began practicing in New York in 1981 and went on to form The Rossi Law Firm. The Rossi Law firm is a “results oriented” criminal and civil litigation firm with offices in Downtown Buffalo.
In his nearly four decades of practice, Michael has focused his expertise in the areas of personal injury, divorce, and criminal and D.W.I. defense. Michael is a fierce advocate for his clients because he knows how important results are.
His long-standing reputation in the legal community has lead to unparalleled professional ratings and client reviews. Michael has received the preeminent AV rating in Martindale Hubbell, has an Avvo rating of a perfect 10.0 (Superb), and has been recognized by Avvo as a “Top Attorney” in Criminal Defense, D.W.I., Divorce, and Personal Injury. He has been named to Super Lawyers, Legal Elite of Western New York, and the lists of “10 Best” DWI Attorneys, “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” and “Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys” in the State of New York, among numerous other honors and awards during his stellar legal career.
Five Star client ratings have resulted in Michael receiving the Avvo “Clients’ Choice Award” in the areas of Criminal Defense, D.W.I., Divorce, and Personal Injury, in addition to a “5 Star” client rating from Super Pages.
The philosophy of the firm is quite simple. “We take on a limited number of cases, which allows us to provide an extremely high level of professional service and attention to each client. Clients need and deserve an attorney that is accessible when they call and responsive when they have questions.” - Michael Anthony Rossi.
Michael graduated Magna Cum Laude from Niagara University with a B.A. in Political Science and received his Juris Doctor degree from SUNY at Buffalo. He is licensed to practice in all New York State courts and the US District Court for the Western District of New York.
Call The Rossi Law Firm today. "It may be the most important call you will ever make!" - Michael Anthony Rossi
(attorney advertising)
Practice areas
- Criminal defense: 25%
Felonies, misdemeanors, and Traffic matters for over 31 years
42 years
- DUI and DWI: 25%
DWI and DUI Defense for over 31 years
42 years
- Divorce and separation: 25%
Divorce, Custody, Support for over 31 years
42 years
- Personal injury: 15%
Serious and complex personal injury, auto accidents, falls, medical malpractice, products liability, wrongful death for over 31 years
42 years
- Car accident: 10%
Serious and complex personal injury, auto accidents, falls, medical malpractice, products liability, wrongful death for over 31 years
42 years
Languages spoken
English
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Contact
The Rossi Law Firm
68 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY, 14202
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY | Currently registered | 1981 | 06/05/2022 |
| Legal answers | 13 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
|---|---|---|
| Super Lawyers NYC Metro | Thomson Reuters | 2019 |
| Legal Elite of Western New York | Buffalo Business First | 2019 |
| Super Lawyers NYC Metro | Thomson Reuters | 2018 |
| Super Lawyers NYC Metro | Thomson Reuters | 2017 |
| Super Lawyers Upstate New York | Thomson Reuters | 2016 |
| Super Lawyers NYC Metro | Thomson Reuters | 2016 |
| Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of New York | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2015 |
| "10 BEST" Attorneys in NY in Client Satisfaction in DWI Defense | American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys | 2015 |
| Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of New York | The National Trial Lawyers | 2015 |
| Nation's Top One Percent | The National Association of Distinguished Counsel | 2015 |
| Super Lawyers Upstate New York | Thomson Reuters | 2015 |
| Legal Elite of Western New York | Buffalo Business First | 2015 |
| Top 100 Criminal Lawyers in the State of New York | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2014 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Criminal Defense | The National Trial Lawyers | 2014 |
| "10 BEST" Attorneys in NY in Client Satisfaction in DWI Defense | American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys | 2014 |
| Legal Elite of Western New York | Buffalo Business First | 2014 |
| Top Attorney in DWI | Avvo | 2014 |
| Clients' Choice Award in DWI Defense | Avvo | 2014 |
| Top Attorney in Criminal Defense | Avvo | 2014 |
| Clients' Choice Award in Criminal Defense | Avvo | 2014 |
| Top Attorney in Divorce | Avvo | 2014 |
| Clients' Choice Award in Divorce | Avvo | 2014 |
| Top Attorney in Personal Injury | Avvo | 2014 |
| Clients' Choice Award in Personal Injury | Avvo | 2014 |
| Client Distinction Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2013 |
| 2013 Top Rated Lawyer in Personal Injury | American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell | 2013 |
| Top Attorney in Criminal Defense | Avvo | 2013 |
| Clients' Choice Award in Criminal Defense | Avvo | 2013 |
| Top Attorney in DWI | Avvo | 2013 |
| Clients' Choice Award in DWI Defense | Avvo | 2013 |
| Top Attorney in Divorce | Avvo | 2013 |
| Clients' Choice Award in Divorce | Avvo | 2013 |
| Top Attorney in Personal Injury | Avvo | 2013 |
| Clients' Choice Award in Personal Injury | Avvo | 2013 |
| Universal Who's Who | Universal Who's Who | 2012 |
| AV Peer Review Rating - Preeminent (5% of US Attorneys) | Martindale-Hubbell | 2011 |
| Who's Who Among Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs | Who's Who Among Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs | 2009 |
| Who's Who in American Law | Who's Who In American Law | 1998 |
| Who's Who of International Professionals | Who's Who of International Professionals | 1997 |
| Two Thousand Notable American Men | Two Thousand Notable American Men | 1995 |
| Million Dollar Advocate | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 1995 |
| Who's Who Register of Rising Young Americans | Who's Who Register of Rising Young Americans | 1994 |
| Two Thousand Notable American Men | Two Thousand Notable American Men | 1994 |
| Who's Who Register of Rising Young Americans | Who's Who Register of Rising Young Americans | 1993 |
| Two Thousand Notable American Men | Two Thousand Notable American Men | 1993 |
| Who's Who in American Law | Who's Who In American Law | 1992 |
| Clients' Choice Award in DWI Defense | Avvo | N/A |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Civil and Criminal Trial Attorney | Rossi Law Firm | 1981 - Present |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers | Member | 2011 - Present |
| New York State Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 1993 - Present |
| SUNY at Buffalo Law Alumni Association | Member | 1989 - Present |
| American Bar Association | Member | 1981 - Present |
| New York State Bar Association | Member | 1981 - Present |
| Bar Association of Erie County | Member - Negligence, Criminal Law, and Matrimonial Committees | 1981 - Present |
| Niagara County Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| Niagara Falls Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| Association of Trial Lawyers of America | Member | N/A |
| New York Defenders Association | Member | N/A |
| Bar Association of the Tonawandas | Member | N/A |
| Bar Association of Erie County | Co-Chair of the Criminal Law Committee | 2016 - 2019 |
| Grand Island, NY Mock Trial Team | Attorney Advisor | 2009 - 2016 |
| Chamber of Commerce of Grand Island, NY | Board of Directors | 2005 - 2010 |
| Chamber of Commerce of Grand Island, NY | Member | 2002 - 2010 |
| Grand Island, NY Board of Ethics | Chairman | 2001 - 2011 |
| Exchange Club of the Tonawandas | 2nd Vice President | 1998 - 2000 |
| Buffalo Sabre Matthew Barnaby Golf Classic | Chairman | 1996 - 1997 |
| Exchange Club of the Tonawandas | Board of Directors | 1996 - 1998 |
| Buffalo Sabre Brad May Golf Classic | Chairman | 1994 - 1995 |
| Exchange Club of the Tonawandas | 2nd Vice President | 1991 - 1992 |
| DeGraff Hospital Foundation | Board of Directors | 1991 - 1998 |
| Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas | President | 1990 - 1991 |
| Exchange Club of the Tonawandas | President | 1989 - 1991 |
| Exchange Club of the Tonawandas | 1st Vice President | 1988 - 1989 |
| DeGraff Hospital Corporate Advisory Board | Board Member | 1988 - 1991 |
| Bar Association of the Tonawandas | President | 1987 - 1988 |
| Niagara County Legal Aid Society | Board of Directors | 1987 - 1988 |
| Exchange Club of the Tonawandas | 2nd Vice President | 1987 - 1988 |
| Exchange Club of the Tonawandas | Board of Directors | 1986 - 1987 |
| Bar Association of the Tonawandas | Vice President | 1986 - 1987 |
| Bar Association of the Tonawandas | Secretary | 1985 - 1986 |
| North Tonawanda, NY City Council | Member | 1984 - 1987 |
| Exchange Club of the Tonawandas | Member | 1984 - 2001 |
| Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas | Board of Directors | 1984 - 1994 |
| Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas | Legal Counsel | 1984 - 1994 |
| Bar Association of the Tonawandas | Treasurer | 1984 - 1985 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyers.com Law Blog | New York DWI and DWAI Penalties | 2011 |
| Lawyers.com Law Blog | New York's "Tough" DWI Law - Ignition Interlock Device (IID) | 2011 |
| Lawyers.com Law Blog | New York's No-Fault Divorce | 2011 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1980 |
| Niagara University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1977 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Auto and Truck Claims, Accidents and Litigation 2019 | Criminal Law Civil Lawyers Need to Know | 2019 |
| Bar Association of Erie County | DWI Practical Tips and Traps - Part 9 DWI Basics | 2017 |
| Bar Association of Erie County | DWI Practical Tips and Traps - Part 7 "Crafting" Motions in the Defense of DWI Cases | 2016 |
| Bar Association of Erie County | DMV Regulations and Canadian Travel Restrictions in DWI Cases | 2016 |
| Bar Association of Erie County | DWI Practical Tips and Traps - Part 8 DMV Regulations, Case Law Update, and Trial Issues | 2016 |
| National Business Institute | Matrimonial Settlement Agreements and Divorce Hearings and Trials | 2016 |
| Attorney Featured in News Article | Holding municipalities liable for plow damage is a tall task | 2016 |
| Bar Association of Erie County | DWI Practical Tips and Traps - Part 4 Vehicle Stop Issues and Pre-Trial Hearings | 2015 |
| Bar Association of Erie County | DWI Practical Tips and Traps - Part 2 Dissecting the Paperwork in DWI Cases and Discovery Issues | 2015 |
| Bar Association of Erie County | DWI Practical Tips and Traps - Part 5 Chemical Breath Testing and Attacking the Test at Trial | 2015 |
| Bar Association or Erie County | DWI Practical Tips and Traps - Part 6 Blood Testing and Trial Issues on Blood Test Cases | 2015 |
| Bar Association of Erie County | DWI Practical Tips and Traps - Part 3 NHTSA Manual, FSTs, and Cross Examination of Arresting Officer | 2015 |
| Bar Association of Erie County | DWI Practical Tips and Traps - Part 1 DWI Defense 101 - General Overview of Defending DWI Cases | 2014 |
| International Webinar | Trial Attorneys: Dilemmas & Solutions | 2013 |
| IMS Barter Networking Event | DWI Law in NY: An Overview | 2011 |
| Attorney Featured in News Article | DWI: The $10,000 Offense | 2011 |
| Attorney Quoted in National News Article | Debate Over Easing Teens Into Alcohol | 2011 |
| YWCA Public Service Event | Divorce, Custody, and Support | 2010 |
| Grand Island High School Attorney Coach | High School Mock Trial Competition | N/A |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| People v. A.D. | ALL CHARGES DISMISSED following the suppression of evidence after lengthy pretrial hearings and legal arguments. |
| People v V.G. | ALL CHARGES DISMISSED. After a lengthy suppression hearing, Court suppressed all evidence resulting from illegal motor vehicle stop. |
| Benedetti v. Rho M.D. | $2,260,000 Verdict in favor of Plaintiff |
| People v. A.B. | All misdemeanor criminal charges were DISMISSED. Client allowed to plea to one disorderly conduct non-criminal violation. |
| People v. E.S. | Both counts of DWI were DISMISSED. Client allowed to plea to one speeding violation and one failure to obey traffic control device violation. |
Excellent services
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
July 21, 2022
Professional Attorney
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
May 5, 2022
Diligent and thorough
5.0 stars
Posted by Raymond
April 7, 2022
Professional, High Quality Attorney
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
August 13, 2020
Outstanding, expert professional attorney
5.0 stars
Posted by Jason
July 28, 2020
Out of State
5.0 stars
Posted by Paula
July 20, 2020
Post Divorce Child Custody/Relocation
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
July 16, 2020
If you value yourself, hire the best.
5.0 stars
Posted by John
January 23, 2020
Great Law Firm
5.0 stars
Posted by Jeffrey
March 31, 2019
Excellent Legal Services
5.0 stars
Posted by Kimberly
March 22, 2019
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Attorney endorsements
(21)
Joseph LaTona, Unknown Attorney on Apr 20, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike and I have worked together on many cases. He is a terrific attorney.
Hayley Greenberg, Unknown Attorney on Apr 19, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I've known him for MANY years. Stand up guy and smart. Knows what he's doing.
Leonard Krawczyk, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 31, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Somair Alam, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Exceptional attorney, dedicated to client success. Highly recommended.
Judd Nemiro, Unknown Attorney on May 13, 2015
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer for his dedication and commitment to clients.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Tracy Jong, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 5, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Michael Rossi is a practical, no-nonsense attorney. He approaches matters from a cost-effective strategy. More importantly, he is approachable, personal and gets back to people quickly. That is a rare combination.
Steve Boyd, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 21, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Steven Cohen, Litigation Attorney on Jul 5, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have practiced with and against Michael Rossi for over 20 years, and can attest to his professionalism and excellence as a litigator. I am pleased to endorse Mr. Rossi.
Thomas Deagostino, Personal injury Attorney on Jul 2, 2012
Relationship: Friend
I have known Mike for more than 20 years. In that time I have visited his office and over the years have spoken extensively with him about our various personal injury cases. Mike has successfully handled a wide variety of personal injury claims. His insight and experience have been invaluable to me. Mike's attention to detail coupled with his years of experience will be a real asset to any client who has been injured by the negligence of another.
Charles Bridge, Litigation Attorney on Jun 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Michael Rossi for many years as a fellow lawyer in the community. We have worked together on various cases and I know Michael to be extremely knowledable and competent. I highly endorse this lawyer.
Elisha Rudolph, Unknown Attorney on Jun 8, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Simon Landsberg, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 7, 2012
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Anne Joynt, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 6, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Jennifer Scharf, Litigation Attorney on Jun 6, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
My office has had the opportunity to work with Mr. Rossi and his firm, and we have found him to be very skilled and professional. I enjoy working with Mr. Rossi and his firm, and would recommend his services.
John Ballow, Personal injury Attorney on May 23, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Mohun, Personal injury Attorney on May 23, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Mike for over 30 years. He is highly respected in the legal community. If you have Mike for your lawyer you are truly blessed.
Jeffrey Freedman, Litigation Attorney on Dec 19, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mike has 31 years of experience practicing law in Western New York. He truly cares about his clients and provides excellent representation. Mike has handled many referrals from attorneys who recognize and appreciate his years of experience and success.
Nicholas Rossi, Litigation Attorney on Dec 19, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I know Michael Anthony Rossi to be a knowledgeable attorney who puts his extensive experience in both civil and criminal litigation to work for all his clients, regardless of the issues they may be facing. Michael often receives referrals from other attorneys who recognize his experience and strong track-record in his practice areas. I have personally witnessed Michael's work in and out of the courtroom and I would certainly recommend Michael Anthony Rossi to anyone who needs legal advice in his areas of practice. I endorse this lawyer.
James Morris, Personal injury Attorney on Dec 16, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am pleased to endorse this lawyer. Michael Rossi is a diligent and knowledgeable attorney. His has successfully handled cases involving complex medical issues.
Cost
- Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.33%-33%
- Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.Sometimes
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