Hodgson Russ LLP Names Two Partners as Practice Area Leaders

Hodgson Russ LLP is pleased to announce that Andrew W. Wright and Jeffrey F. Swiatek have been named Practice Area Leaders for the Tax and Labor & Employment Practices, respectively. 

The Tax Practice Area consists of 16 Practice Groups, with several regularly honored by prestigious directories and rankings, including: 

• The firm’s renowned State & Local Tax (SALT) Practice is ranked by Chambers & Partners as “Band 1” for New York.  

• The firm’s nationally-recognized Trusts & Estates Practice is ranked as “National Tier 1” by U.S. News & World Report/Best Lawyers 2024 Best Law Firms. 
• The firm’s Tax Controversy and Tax Investigations & Defense Practices are ranked “National Tier 2” by U.S. News & World Report/Best Lawyers 2024 Best Law Firms. 

“I'm proud to lead our Tax Practice as it continues to experience robust growth across key domestic and international markets,” said Wright. “The attorneys in our Tax Practice remain unwavering in their commitment to delivering exceptional client service and results that set the standard in our industry. It is both an honor and a great responsibility to lead such an acclaimed tax practice, and I hope to help the firm build upon the many successes of previous generations of Hodgson Russ tax practitioners,” he added. 

With nearly 15 years of experience, Wright will lead a team of more than 50 attorneys and numerous other business professionals. He succeeds Katherine E. Cauley as Tax Practice Area Leader and will also continue serving as the SALT Practice Group Leader. 

Wright has in-depth experience in state tax residency, assisting clients on residency matters ranging from strategic planning through audits and litigation. He also counsels clients on structuring transactions and ongoing business relationships to minimize their state and local tax burden. 

Swiatek brings more than 30 years of experience to his new role as Labor & Employment Practice Area Leader, where he oversees 16 attorneys in eight practice groups, including the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, which is ranked “National Tier 2” by U.S. News & World Report/Best Lawyers 2024 Best Law Firms and Chambers & Partners. He succeeds Peter C. Godfrey as Labor & Employment Practice Area Leader and will continue also serving as the Practice Group Leader for the firm’s Municipal and Education Practices. 

"Our Labor & Employment Practice has established a robust foothold in Western New York. I’m eager to lead the Practice as the firm advances its strategic growth agenda,” said Swiatek. “We are actively exploring opportunities to broaden our services and extend our reach to clients across regions throughout the state," he added.  

Swiatek is known for bringing practical perspectives to his work, having served as a special assistant to U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan in Washington, D.C., and as a Councilmember for 16 years for the Town of Cheektowaga, New York. He also served as the Director of the New York State Association of Attorneys, President of the New York State Association of School Attorneys, and was a member of the Canisius University Board of Regents.  

Today, Swiatek advises clients on employment law and labor relations, contract negotiations, employee evaluation and discipline, budget and related financial issues, and governmental reorganization and restructuring, and is repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers in America for his legal work in Education Law. Additionally, he regularly presents at conferences and training programs across the state as well as nationally.

“Andrew Wright and Jeff Swiatek bring fresh perspectives and creative thinking to important leadership positions at Hodgson Russ. We are confident they will help sustain the level of exceptional service our clients have come to expect from our attorneys,” said Managing Partner Benjamin M. Zuffranieri Jr. “Their leadership, industry experience, and high standards will enable attorneys in their practice areas to be thought leaders, capable of meeting evolving legal challenges and exceeding client expectations,” he added.

Swiatek and Wright began their roles as Practice Area Leaders in the beginning of May. Together, they represent more than 46 years of tenure at the firm.  

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About Hodgson Russ LLP:

Hodgson Russ LLP is an Am Law 200, New York-based full-service law firm with more than 220 attorneys serving individuals, public companies, privately held businesses, governmental entities, and nonprofit institutions from its offices strategically placed in key markets along the east coast of the United States and Canada, from Toronto to Palm Beach, Florida. To learn more, visit www.hodgsonruss.com.