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Our People

Steven J. Pheterson

Partner

Mr. Pheterson, a highly experienced attorney, has spent many successful years serving clients in the practice areas of commercial real estate, residential real estate, mediation, and corporate law. Mr. Pheterson frequently lectures on issues involving real estate closings, commercial real estate, and the unlawful practice of law and is a title agent for Stewart Title.

Derrick A. Spatorico

Partner

Derrick A. Spatorico is the managing partner of the firm. He oversees all aspects of the firm’s practice. Mr. Spatorico is proud to represent almost every commercial and residential lender west of the Hudson River. His practice concentrates and real estate finance, business law including corporate law, residential commercial real estate transactions, complex business disputes and civil litigation with an emphasis on plaintiff’s personal injury practice.

Mr. Spatorico has been recognized on multiple occasions by the New York Law Journal and recorded the largest client recovery for a left turn motor vehicle accident in the state of New York in 2015.

Mr. Spatorico has been recognized on numerous occasions by the Monroe County Bar association most recently winning the prestigious McKnight Award in recognition of his extensive contributions to the community and pro bono legal services.

Mr. Spatorico is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and St. John’s University School of Law. He is proud to be a long-term member of Cobblestone Creek Country Club where he enjoys the leisurely pursuits with his family and friends.

Michael D. Leess

Associate

Since joining Pheterson Spatorico in 2016, Mike has concentrated his practice on residential and commercial real estate, family law, estates, and general civil litigation—representing both individuals and businesses.

Prior to joining the Firm, Mike completed summer clerkships with Monroe County Court Judge Vincent Dinolfo, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, and the Monroe County Law Department.

In law school, Mike was the Executive Editor of the Indiana Journal of Law and Social Equality, and a volunteer with the Community Legal Clinic; a university-affiliated organization which provided pro bono legal services to underserved communities in Bloomington, Indiana.

Mike has served on the board of directors of the Pittsford Chamber of Commerce since 2016, working to promote local business interests in his hometown.  Mike enjoys golfing, cooking, and participating in rec-league sports.

EDUCATION
B.S. Newspaper Journalism (2011) Syracuse University, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, summa cum laude

Juris Doctor (2015) Indiana University Maurer School of Law

AFFILIATIONS
New York State Bar (2016)

Timothy M. Sardone

Associate

As an Associate Attorney in our real estate group, Tim Sardone provides support to both individual and corporate clients. His support focuses on commercial and residential transactions, drafting contracts, dental acquisitions and sales, and estates.

Prior to joining Pheterson Spatorico LLP, Tim was a member of Knauf Shaw LLP. While at Knauf Shaw LLP, Tim worked on environmental law issues pertaining to petroleum spills, hazardous waste cleanup, and the application process for the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program.

While in law school, Tim represented SUNY Buffalo Law in the 2016 Mugel Tax Moot Court competition, as well as volunteering his time as a legal research mentor to undergraduate students. Additionally, during his time at SUNY Buffalo Law, he was a member of the joint Environmental Law/Animal Law Clinic working on various issues pertaining to lead paint poisoning in Erie County, as well work to amend local laws to better protect animals.

Tim has been a volunteer fireman since 2011 in Perinton. He is an avid golfer, boater, and western New York sports fan.

Education
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, B.S. in Environmental Studies with a concentration in policy, planning, and law. Magna cum laude

State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, J.D.

Affiliations
New York State Bar Association
Bar Admission: New York (2018)
Monroe County Bar Association

Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience

Pheterson Spatorico LLP has been providing legal services to the citizens of New York State for more than 40 years, covering a wide range of matters including estate planning, business litigation, personal injury, employment law, professional liability defense, real estate law, and business planning. Our office is conveniently situated in Downtown Rochester, New York.

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