James P. Burgio

James P. Burgio,  founded the firm in 1987 and currently is a partner emeritus to the firm. For over 40 years, Jim’s practice has focused on personal injury matters, coverage issues, the defense of first-party claims, and appellate practice.  He is a celebrated oral advocate, and is well-known for precedent-setting victories in the appellate courts.  He is an accomplished and tenacious litigator, and has taken over 200 cases to verdict.  Because of his extensive experience, Jim is often called upon by the bench and bar to serve as a mediator, arbitrator, or as a referee in discovery matters.  In 2009, Jim was named the Defense Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Defense Trial Lawyers Association of Western New York.

Jim graduated from Canisius College in 1971 and the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School in 1974. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1975 and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York in 1980. He is a member of the Erie County, New York State and American Bar Associations, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (Defense Bar), The Defense Trial Lawyers Association of Western New York, and The Defense Research Institute, Inc. Also as a member of the Western New York Trial Lawyers Association, he served on its Board of Directors from 1997 to 1999. He is a current member and Past President of the American Board of Trial Advocates – Buffalo Chapter (ABOTA).