Lippes Mathias today announced that Svetlana (Lana) K. Ivy has joined the firm as a partner in its Rochester, New York office. Lana, who was previously a partner at Harris Beach PLLC, focuses her practice on high-stakes commercial disputes in New York state and federal courts and will serve as leader of the firm’s appellate team. Lana is the ninth attorney to join the firm’s Rochester office, which tripled in size and occupancy following a move to a larger space in late 2023. As the first member of the firm’s litigation team to be based in Rochester, she brings a strong litigation presence to a roster of existing practices that includes banking, insurance recovery, counseling & litigation, environment & energy, cannabis, and more. 

"Bringing in new talent isn't just about filling a role; it's about adding layers of expertise and fresh perspectives that enrich our capabilities and drive our business forward,” Kevin J. Cross, Lippes Mathias’ managing partner and chairman, said.  “Not only is Lana an excellent attorney that we are happy to have on our team, but the infusion of Lana’s extensive appellate experience allows us to better serve our litigation clients, elevating our capacity to navigate complex legal matters.” Lana has substantial experience resolving disputes early as well as seeing cases through arbitration or trial and through the appellate process. Lana has represented clients in a variety of industries, including financial services, energy, life settlements, health care, telecommunications, food and beverage manufacturing, and payroll services. At the trial level, Lana has litigated a wide variety of business disputes arising out of asset purchase agreements, trust agreements, vendor agreements, transactions to purchase life insurance policies on the secondary market, employment agreements, and other contracts. She also frequently litigates trust and estate matters in Surrogate Courts around New York. Lana has represented numerous parties bringing CPLR Article 78 proceedings to challenge agency actions and has defended municipalities and agency boards against such challenges. She has extensive experience with emergency applications for relief in various forums. 

Lana has considerable appellate experience, having briefed and argued cases at the Appellate Division level throughout New York state, as well as before the New York Court of Appeals. While her trial-level practice is focused on business and trust and estate disputes, she has worked on a wide range of appeals involving all kinds of subject matters, including medical malpractice and mass tort cases. Lana regularly handles or consults other attorneys on motions for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeals, and she has also worked on a pro bono basis with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office on several criminal appeals. Lana is a co-author of the New York Appellate Practice treatise, published by LexisNexis, and has been a frequent speaker on both trial and appellate issues for Monroe County Bar Association and New York State Bar Association CLE programs. 

Lana is a 2007 graduate of William & Mary Law School and received her B.A. in 2004 from the University of Maryland. Lana serves on the board of directors of the William & Mary Law School Alumni Association and formally served as a member of both the Borinquen Dance Theatre Board of Directors and The Foundation of the Monroe County Bar Board of Directors. 

Lana has been the recipient of numerous industry awards, including both the Rochester Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty and Leaders in Law awards as well as regular recognitions from The Best Lawyers in America and Upstate New York Super Lawyers. She was recognized as an Up-and-Coming Attorney by The Daily Record in 2014 and was a New York State Bar Association Empire State Counsel honoree for her pro bono service. 

Lana can be reached by phone at 585-770-7590 ext. 1805 or by email at sivy@lippes.com. 

About Lippes Mathias LLP 

Lippes Mathias is a full-service law firm with nearly 200 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, Clarence, Albany, Long Island, New York, Rochester and Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Greater Toronto Area; Chicago, Ill.; Jacksonville, 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.