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Attorney Profile

About Thomas

“As an attorney, I believe I have a duty and responsibility to explain to clients the legal process and applicable law and to not just work for clients, but to work with them.” 

 

Professional Background

Being involved in a legal matter can be a stressful time for many clients. I believe it is important to try to reduce that anxiety by thoroughly reviewing, in plain English, the dynamics of their legal situation and what they can expect to happen- from procedures to possible outcomes. I have found that informed clients are not only better able to weigh risks and benefits and meaningfully participate in their legal matters, but having this knowledge also reduces much anxiety. Since it is the clients’ lives that are affected, it is essential that they be empowered partners in the resolution of their matters.

Tom has over 40 years of experience as a solo practitioner handling residential and commercial real estate, trusts and estates, corporate and business matters, and personal injury litigation. He has also represented many clients in administrative proceedings.

His in-depth knowledge and extensive background in criminal law and procedure come from having worked in the Office of the Monroe County Public Defender, and serving for 30 years as a Town Justice in the Towns of Macedon and Perinton, as Acting Village Justice in the Village of Fairport, and as an Acting City Court Judge in the City of Rochester. He has also served as a Hearing Examiner for the City of Rochester.

Tom's reputation for integrity and fairness have been recognized by three New York State Chief Judges who appointed him to serve on the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The Commission is the independent state agency charged with investigating allegations of judicial misconduct of any New York State Judge and, if appropriate, disciplining judges who fail to abide by the ethical standards set by the State. Tom served as Chairman of the Commission for eight of the twelve years he was a member of the Commission.

Tom has been recognized by the Monroe County Bar Association with the President’s Award for Professionalism (2008), and by the Monroe County Magistrate’s Association, which named him Magistrate of the Year in 2018. 

His professional affiliations include membership in the New York State Bar Association, Monroe County Bar Association, and New York State and Monroe County Magistrate’s Associations. He was admitted to both the New York State Bar and the United States District Court, Western District of New York in 1980.

He has served as a Lecturer for the New York State Office of Court Administration Judicial Education and Training Seminars.

 

  • New York State Bar (1980)
  • S. District Court, Western District of New York (1980)

  • Michigan State University College of Law (Detroit College of Law) (J.D., 1979)
  • Lehigh University, College of Business and Economics (B.S., 1974)

 

His professional affiliations include membership in the New York State Bar Association, Monroe County Bar Association, and New York State and Monroe County Magistrate’s Associations. He was admitted to both the New York State Bar and the United States District Court, Western District of New York in 1980.

He has served as a Lecturer for the New York State Office of Court Administration Judicial Education and Training Seminars.

Tom’s community activities include service on the Regional Advisory Board of Chase Lincoln First Bank, N.A., and on the Boards of Directors of St. John’s Home and Main West Attorney’s, Inc.  He has also been active with Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Chairman of the Parents’ Board of Tay House Troop 19, and coached in the Brighton Youth Soccer Program.

Tom has served as a Lecturer for the New York State Office of Court Administration Judicial Education and Training Seminars.

Tom lives in Fairport with his wife, retired Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Frazee.

Contact Thomas