BUFFALO, N.Y. – Lippes Mathias is pleased to announce the firm has elevated attorneys James P. Blenk, Margaret A. Hurley, Matthew R. Palmieri and Benjamin T. White to partner, effective January 1, 2022.

“It’s an honor to congratulate each of these attorneys on their well-earned promotions to partner,” said Kevin J. Cross, managing partner, Lippes Mathias. “JP, Margaret, Matt and Ben have each demonstrated time and again both their legal prowess and dedication to our firm’s unique culture and approach to the business of law. As we continue on a trajectory of sustained, strategic growth, each will make an excellent addition to our partnership at Lippes Mathias.”

James P. Blenk concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, including contract, construction, insurance, employment and property disputes, and governmental litigation, including civil rights litigation, Article 78 proceedings and property tax certiorari cases. James also advises condominium associations and owners.

Margaret A. Hurley concentrates her practice in commercial and municipal litigation, contract disputes, commercial mortgage foreclosures, tax lien foreclosures and tax certiorari defense matters. She also handles real estate transactions and bond underwriting. Margaret has represented clients in all phases of trial and appellate practice before local, state, and federal courts, as well as alternative dispute resolution forums. Additionally, Margaret has extensive experience in the field of commercial litigation and in the interpretation and application of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules. Her clients include individuals, small and large business enterprises, and municipalities. She has been successful in her role as special counsel to municipalities in a wide range of matters including risk assessment, tax certiorari and tax lien foreclosure proceedings and project management.

Matthew R. Palmieri is an attorney in the Banking & Financial Transactions and Real Estate Practice Groups. He represents regional and national lenders focusing on commercial lending, financial structuring and solutions, and business development. Additionally, Matthew contributes to the Real Estate Practice Group, assisting commercial real estate developers with the acquisition, sale, leasing, and financing of commercial properties. Matthew also represents lenders, purchasers, and sellers in residential real estate transactions.

Benjamin T. White, team leader of the firm’s Sports, Entertainment & Hospitality Practice, and a member of the firm’s Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Teams, focuses his practice on corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, and small and mid-market private equity transactions. Ben has extensive sports, entertainment and hospitality industry experience after serving as Assistant General Counsel for Pegula Sports & Entertainment, LLC, a sports and entertainment management company for multiple professional sports organizations and entertainment properties, including the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans, Rochester Knighthawks, KeyBank Center and BlueCross Arena at the War Memorial.

Lippes Mathias is a full-service law firm with more than 135 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, and New York, N.Y.; Greater Toronto Area; Chicago, Ill.; Jacksonville, Fla.; 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.