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Gary M. Schober

New York City Office Managing Partner; Startups & Emerging Companies and Cybersecurity & Privacy Practices Leader; Blockchain& Cryptocurrency Practice Co-Leader; Technology Industry Leader

Gary is a general corporate lawyer and serves as the leader of the firm's Startups & Emerging Companies and Cybersecurity & Privacy Practices. His practice frequently involves electronic commerce, computer and technology law, including privacy, data security breaches, and cyber liability, and counseling high-technology and other clients on a broad range of business law matters. He has extensive experience in high-dollar sale and purchase transactions involving complex technology-based and other businesses, and with the sale and license of patents and other intellectual property, including software. His practice frequently includes representing clients in international transactions. He also represents clients facing audits based on allegations of software piracy and start-up entrepreneurs endeavoring to launch new businesses.

Gary served as the firm's president and CEO from July 2005 through January 2012. Under his leadership, the firm realized several record years and deftly navigated the recent economic downturn. Gary was responsible for spearheading the firm's strategic vision and initiatives for growth and business development, as well as guiding the firm's day-to-day operations.

Gary exclusively practices U.S. law and is admitted to practice in New York. 

Honors

  • Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Corporate Law) 2018, 2019
  • Buffalo Business First’s Who's Who in Law
  • Western New York's "Most Influential Business People," as published by Buffalo Business First
  • Listed, Upstate New York Super Lawyers, 2007-2009

Experience

Gary's representative matters include:

  • The representation of a family-owned business in connection with its being acquired by a Fortune 500 company for almost $1 billion.
  • The incorporation of a start-up software company 30 years ago that today is a major vendor to some of the largest financial institutions in the United States. He continues to represent this client today.
  • A series of business acquisitions handled by him that helped a client of the firm grow from a relatively small regional advertising business to a national organization.
  • The representation of many clients in their response to security breaches and software audits.

News

Presentations

Professional Associations

  • Bar Association of Erie County Business Law Section
  • American Bar Association Business Law Section Committee on Cyberspace Law  
  • New York State Bar Association Business Law Section Committee on Internet and Technology Law

Community & Pro Bono

Gary currently serves as a member of the boards of directors of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kaleida Health Foundation. He previously served as a member of the board of trustees (serving during that time as chairman for a two-year term) of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania Chapter, and was a member of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership board of directors. He has also coached travel and premier soccer teams for more than 20 years. In 2013, Gary received the Competitive Coach of the Year Award from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association.