Hodgson Russ LLP Announces New Partners

Hodgson Russ LLP is pleased to announce that four attorneys have been named to the firm’s partnership, effective January 1, 2024.

Brandon R. Cottrell primarily focuses on real estate transactions and related areas including representing borrowers, equity sponsors, commercial banks, funds, regional and local banks, and other financial institutions. He also represents developers and investors in the negotiation of purchase and sale agreements, leases, development agreements, construction contracts, and general business contracts. Brandon has driven significant development and redevelopment projects from inception through completion including casinos, golf courses and country clubs, hotels and resorts, shopping centers, and solar and wind farms. He is based out of the firm’s Rochester office.

Graham S. Leonard focuses his work on all aspects of trusts and estates law, creating comprehensive yet practical estate plans for his clients. He has experience working with a range of clients from high-net-worth individuals and closely held business owners to young families making their first estate plans. In addition, Graham advises individuals, institutions, and family officers on all aspects of trust and estate administration including multi-jurisdictional and cross-border trust and estate administration. He also represents clients in various Surrogate’s Court proceedings, including those for accounting, construction, and cy pres. Graham primarily works out of the firm’s Rochester office.

Matthew R. Scherer is a member of the firm’s Corporate & Business Practice. He represents all types of businesses in connection with corporate governance, internal reorganizations, and transformative transactions including acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures. Matthew also acts as outside general counsel for several privately held businesses and regularly advises clients in connection with a wide array of commercial agreements including those of professional services, supply, distribution, license, and non-competition. He is based out of the firm’s Buffalo office.

Michael D. Zahler is a seasoned litigator who focuses his practice on trusts and estates litigation and employment litigation. He regularly represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and other parties in Will contests; trust matters; accounting, discovery, and estate tax proceedings; and other fiduciary litigation in the New York State Surrogate’s Court and New York Appellate Courts. Michael is known for resolving complicated and contentious disputes through negotiation or mediation. He primarily works out of the firm’s Albany, New York City, and Hackensack offices.

A full-service law firm with more than 200 attorneys, Hodgson Russ LLP helps clients maximize opportunities and minimize legal obstacles. Our attorneys utilize multidisciplinary work teams to meet clients’ specific, often complex needs. Clients include public and privately held businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit institutions, and individuals. Hodgson Russ has offices in Albany, Buffalo, Greensboro, Hackensack, New York City, Palm Beach, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, and Toronto. To learn more, visit www.hodgsonruss.com.