Lippes Mathias is proud to announce a strategic alliance with Masiello, Martucci & Associates (MMA), a leading Western New York-based lobbying firm renowned for its results-driven approach and deep political expertise. John J. Flynn, who joined Lippes Mathias in April 2024 as a partner following seven years as the Erie County District Attorney, will maintain his legal practice while heading up the alliance for Lippes Mathias and working in conjunction with MMA as part of their team. This move marks a significant growth opportunity for Lippes Mathias’ existing New York State lobbying practice since its formation in 2015. 
 
This alliance provides additional resources to both firms to leverage their reach across New York State as well as into new industries and disciplines, especially in the area of health care in light of former Kaleida Health Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Michael P. Hughes’ recent decision to join MMA as a partner, effective January 1, 2025, when the firm will be rebranded as Masiello Martucci Hughes. 

"Both firms are committed to delivering high-quality, results-oriented solutions for clients,” Kevin J. Cross, Lippes Mathias chairman and managing partner, said. We are excited to work with MMA, as their deep knowledge of Western New York and their skill in executing strategic political initiatives make them an ideal ally in our new and existing legal and lobbying efforts." 

John Flynn, a retired Commander in the United States Naval Reserve, has over 36 years of experience in all levels of government, including roles as Assistant District Attorney, Acting Buffalo City Court Judge, Town Justice in the Town of Tonawanda, Tonawanda Town Attorney, and as a member of the Tonawanda Town Board. In his time as Erie County District Attorney, Flynn also served as president of the National District Attorneys Association and the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. 

MMA serves clients across various sectors, including education, municipal, development, environment and energy, construction services, entertainment, food manufacturing, telecommunications, and health services. MMA’s focus on economic development, particularly in Western and Upstate New York, aligns with the region’s broader revitalization goals.  

"This arrangement with Lippes Mathias presents an exciting opportunity for MMA," Anthony M. Masiello, MMA president and former City of Buffalo mayor, said. "We look forward to working closely with John and his team to provide our clients with greater resources and insight to tackle their most complex political challenges. This alliance positions our firms to grow and deliver even more impactful results in the years ahead." 

"This move strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive legal and lobbying services, giving our clients a distinct strategic advantage," John J. Flynn, said. "Our clients will benefit from the ability to tap into MMA’s political acumen while MMA’s clients will have access to Lippes Mathias' extensive legal resources and knowledge base." 

Through this alliance, MMA can leverage Lippes Mathias' extensive 16-office network, including key locations along New York State’s thruway corridor in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and New York City, and Lippes Mathias can take advantage of MMA’s invaluable lobbying expertise. 

"It’s clear to us that this alliance will provide MMA with invaluable resources that will expand what we can achieve for our clients," Victor A. Martucci, MMA managing partner, said. "From the extended geographic reach to the depth of Lippes Mathias' legal insight, we can now offer a more comprehensive suite of services that address the full spectrum of our client’s needs."

About Masiello, Martucci & Associates 

Anthony M. Masiello, president of MMA, has spent more than 35 years in government, building an extensive network of contacts that serves his clients well. From his earliest days on the Buffalo Common Council (1971-1980) to serving as Buffalo’s state senator (1980-1993) and through his 12-year tenure as Buffalo’s 57th mayor (1994-2006), Masiello successfully forged bonds with decision-makers at every level of government. 

Victor A. Martucci, managing partner at MMA, brings decades of experience across private business and government service. Beginning his career with Congressman Jack Kemp and the Reagan/Bush campaign, Martucci served in the Erie County Executive’s Office, the New York State Senate, and various private sector roles. He has worked extensively with both parties, developed deep expertise in zoning and planning laws, and held leadership positions, including Chairman of the Peace Bridge Authority. Martucci also spent 14 years as vice president at Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation, overseeing major development projects and strategic planning initiatives. 

Michael P. Hughes brings over 25 years of experience in the public and private sector to MMA. He has been an executive with Kaleida Health, Western New York’s largest employer ($2.4 billion & 13,000 employees) since 2004, overseeing all external affairs (marketing, communications and government relations), plus fundraising (two foundations), planning, construction and real estate. He currently serves as chair of the board for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) and is the NFTA representative for the Erie County Industrial Development Agency. 

About Lippes Mathias LLP 

Lippes Mathias is a full-service law firm with more than 210 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, Clarence, Albany, Long Island, New York, Rochester, Syracuse, and Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Greater Toronto Area; Chicago, Ill.; Jacksonville and West Palm Beach, Fla.; Cleveland, Ohio; San Antonio, Texas; Oklahoma City, Okla. and Washington, D.C., the firm represents publicly and privately-owned companies, private equity and venture capital firms, real estate developers, financial institutions, municipalities, governmental entities, and individuals. 

Year after year, Lippes Mathias is proud to be recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, U.S. News - Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA. For more information, visit www.lippes.com.