Derrick A. Spatorico
With almost 30 years of experience in handling straightforward and complex real estate transactions, civil litigation and estate planning, Derrick A. Spatorico provides advice and counsel to buyers and sellers of homes, businesses, commercial properties and other ventures as well as vigorously representing injured parties in complex civil litigation including general negligence, personal injury, medical malpractice, business dispute litigation and corporate matters.
As Managing Partner of the firm, Derrick and his team are at the forefront of civil litigation, aggressively pursuing damages for injured clients. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a Power Lawyer and have several records in the New York Law Journal Hall of Fame for Verdicts and Settlements.
He graduated St. John’s University School of Law in 1995 and is admitted in New York State, Massachusetts and an abundance of federal and bankruptcy courts. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Monroe County Bar Association.
In what free time he has, he enjoys being with his family, playing golf, and boating.
Email: derrick@psnlawgroup.com
Phone: 585-360-1219
Steven J. Pheterson
Steven J. Pheterson is a partner at the firm, specializing in residential and commercial real estate, and corporate transactions. Steve also works with clients on wills and estate planning to help them plan for the future. With nearly five decades of experience, he has built a distinguished reputation in the legal community.
His real estate practice encompasses representing purchasers, sellers, and lenders in the acquisition, sale, and financing of properties. Over the course of his career, Steve has collaborated with many of the area's leading mortgage brokers, banks, and real estate agents. He has successfully closed the purchase and sale of numerous hotels and motels across upstate New York. Additionally, he can facilitate closings for the purchase of specialized businesses such as tool and die companies or marinas. Whether assisting individuals purchasing their first home, facilitating the acquisition of multiple hotels, or supporting entrepreneurs opening new restaurants, Mr. Pheterson provides tailored legal guidance.
A native of Brighton, NY, he is a graduate of the University of Buffalo Law School. Steve is admitted to practice law in New York, as well as before the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York.
An active member of the legal community, he belongs to the New York State and Monroe County Bar Associations and has frequently lectured on Real Estate Law.
Email: stevep@psnlawgroup.com
Phone: 585-360-1203
Michael D. Leess
Since joining the firm in 2016, Michael D. Leess has concentrated his practice on residential and commercial real estate transactions, business entity formation and governance, estate planning, civil litigation, and evictions. Whether he is guiding a first-time homebuyer through the purchase process or advising a seasoned entrepreneur on corporate structure—regardless of the client’s size or level of experience—Mike is dedicated to the robust communication that fosters favorable outcomes and a valued attorney-client partnership.
Mike holds a law degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law (2015), where he served as the Executive Editor of the Indiana Journal of Law and Social Equality. In addition to being a member of the New York State Bar, Mike is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.
In his free time, Mike enjoys playing hockey, golfing, growing his wine cellar, and cooking.
Email: michael@psnlawgroup.com
Phone: 585-730-8334
Timothy M. Sardone
Timothy M. Sardone is a dedicated and experienced transactional attorney. Tim provides support to both individual and corporate clients. His support focuses on commercial and residential transactions, drafting contracts, dental acquisitions and sales, and estates. A graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, Tim has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing exceptional legal services to clients throughout Upstate and Western New York. He works to ensure that each client receives personalized attention and tailored legal strategies.
Prior to joining Pheterson Spatorico LLP, Tim was a member of Knauf Shaw LLP, where he worked on environmental law issues pertaining to petroleum spills, hazardous waste cleanup, and the application process for the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program.
Tim is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Monroe County Bar Association.
In addition to his legal practice, Tim is an active volunteer firefighter in his community. He enjoys golfing, boating, western New York sports, and spending time with his wife and two girls.
Email: tim@psnlawgroup.com
Phone: 585-730-8307
Blake T. Webber
Blake T. Webber has been admitted to practice in New York State since 2005. Prior to merging his law practice with Pheterson Spatorico, LLP, Blake was the founding member of Webber Law, PLLC, which was established in 2013. He represents buyers, sellers and lenders in residential and commercial purchase and sale transactions, large and small businesses with formation, civil disputes, and general corporate support. He was a former associate at Brown & Tarantino, LLC, Schop & Pleskow, LLP as well as In-house Counsel at Genesis Real Estate Investments, LLC. Blake is a 2004 graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School where he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Buffalo Public Interest Law Review. He regularly presents on real estate topics at continuing legal education courses for attorneys, and teaches realtor-education sessions.
Blake is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Monroe County Bar Association.
Email: bwebber@psnlawgroup.com
Phone: 585-729-7260
Steven A. Lucia
Steven A. Lucia has practiced law for over 35 years. He has extensive first chair trial, arbitration and appellate experience. He commenced his career in New York City in 1988 as an associate with Hill, Betts & Nash, LLP, a world renowned maritime, aviation and commercial litigation firm located in the World Trade Center. While at Hill, Betts, Steve practiced in the aviation law and commercial litigation departments. In 2000, Steve joined the midtown Manhattan law firm, Lazare, Potter, Giacovas & Kranjac, LLP where he continued his practice as a litigator. In 2003, he relocated to Rochester, New York. His areas of practice include, commercial and business litigation, personal injury litigation and representation of investment advisors and advisory companies in FINRA and SEC matters.
Steve holds a law degree from California Western School of Law (1988). In addition to the New York State Bar, Steve is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, all U.S. District Courts within New York State, the U.S. District Courts for the Central and Southern Districts of California, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of New York.
In his free time, Steve is an avid skier, white collar boxer, and exercise fanatic.
Email: steven.lucia@psnlawgroup.com
Phone: 585-360-1221
Duncan W. O’Dwyer
Duncan W. O’Dwyer brings a wealth of experience to the firm. He is the past managing partner of Forsyth, Howe, O’Dwyer, Kalb & Murphy P.C.; served as Town Attorney for the Towns of Riga, Murray and Gains; was Tax Certiorari Counsel for the Towns of South Bristol and Penfield; and was Trial Counsel for the City of Rochester for Eminent Domain litigation trying over 100 cases to verdicts in New York State Supreme Court. He has argued appeals in the New York Appellate Division, 4th Department over 68 times, and once in the New York Court of Appeals.
Duncan holds a law degree from Cornell Law School, and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1967. He is also admitted to practice in the U.S. Courts of the Western District of New York and of Kansas, the U.S. Court of Military Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Among his many achievements and accolades, Duncan is a Lieutenant Colonel (ret. 1988) in the Army JAG Corps, he is a past president of the Monroe County Bar Association, and he was named in 2024 as the Rochester Business Journal’s outstanding business leaders over the age of 60. Duncan’s practice areas of concentration include residential and commercial real estate, mortgage banking, tax certiorari, litigation, and higher education law.
Duncan’s hobbies include tennis, skiing, sailing, and travel throughout the United States and abroad.
Email: dodwyer@psnlawgroup.com
Phone: 585-360-1206
William H. Walker, Jr.
William H. Walker, Jr., holds a law degree from the Albany Law School of Union University (1978). He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1979, and has previously served the Town of Henrietta as Town Justice, Town Attorney, and Planning Board Attorney. He also served the Village of Fairport as Village Attorney.
Bill is also admitted to practice in the U.S. Court for the Western District of New York.
Email: bill@psnlawgroup.com
Phone: 585-360-1218
Connor G. McDonough
Collin is a 2025 graduate of Cornell University School of Law. Cornell served Mr. McDonough very well in giving him the foundation to be a fantastic lawyer. Mr. McDonough will be developing his career as a civil litigator.
Email: cmcdonough@psnlawgroup.com
Phone: 585-360-1214