Steven J. Schrader, an attorney at Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, was born and raised in Western New York. He graduated from Iroquois High School before earning his undergraduate degree from Canisius College. He then obtained his Juris Doctor from Washington & Lee University School of Law, where he gained valuable experience working in a legal clinic assisting coal miners and their families in securing federal black lung benefits. Steven has dedicated his legal career to personal injury law, bringing a well-rounded perspective from his time working with both plaintiffs and defense firms. His experience representing insurance companies has given him unique insight into their tactics, which he now uses to advocate effectively for injured clients. Outside the office, Steven enjoys collecting vinyl records, supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Bandits, and Brentford F.C.

Mr. Cooper is the founding partner of the firm. He graduated from Vermont Law School with a J.D. in 1995, where he was an Editor of the Vermont Law Review. During his career as a litigator for over twenty (20) years, he has handled thousands of cases from inception through disposition. He has practiced in New York State Supreme Court, the Appellate Divisions of the New York Supreme Court, and the Federal District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. He has also argued before the New York State’s highest court, the New York Court of Appeals. Mr. Cooper has lectured on the topic of wage theft in New York at LaGuardia Community College. Since he formed Cilenti & Cooper, PLLC in 2009, Mr. Cooper’s practice has been largely devoted to representing individuals who are unable to pay for the services of an attorney.

Shira Laskin, Esq. focuses her practice on family law. Her passion for justice drives her client-centered practice where she handles sophisticated matters with experience and confidence. Ms. Laskin has extensive experience in Divorce, Custody, Visitation, Domestic Violence, Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements, Separation Agreements, Grandparent Rights, Same Sex Rights, Uncontested Divorces, Family Offenses and many other facets of family law. A graduate of New York University and New York Law School, Ms. Laskin is an accomplished writer with published work in print and featured in NYCLA's New York County Lawyer newspaper.

Jarel Curvey is a seasoned legal advisor supporting startups through Fortune 500 companies across diverse industries. Licensed in California, Illinois, and New York, he brings experience from both law firms and in-house roles, delivering practical, business-focused legal guidance. His work spans contracts, compliance, corporate governance, intellectual property, employment law, dispute resolution, data privacy, and risk management. Jarel’s approach is straightforward and grounded in real business needs, helping companies navigate complex regulations without unnecessary complexity. As Managing Partner of Fractional GCs, Jarel partners closely with leadership teams to build effective legal frameworks that align with company goals. He focuses on improving operational efficiency, streamlining negotiations, supporting growth initiatives, and protecting key business interests. Clients value his ability to provide senior-level legal insight in a flexible, cost-effective way tailored to their unique needs.

Stephen B. Tiger is a firm believer in doing whatever is necessary to secure the best possible recoveries for his clients. “I take a lot of pride in helping people,” he says. “I do my best for them and try to make a change for what’s right.” After receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Hofstra University in 1987, Tiger worked in the field of finance for several years before realizing that he wanted to practice law. He enrolled at Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center and got his J.D. there in 1994. Tiger clerked for two criminal court judges and began his legal career handling criminal defense cases, but then began to move into the area of plaintiff’s personal injury law, which he prefers. He practiced solo and also in a small partnership before joining The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP in 2011, where his career has thrived, leading to his promotion to partner as of 2024. Tiger’s practice concentrates almost exclusively on plaintiff-side civil litigation. “I represent injured persons,” he says. “I attempt to get them fairly compensated, usually from big insurance companies or other big corporate entities that have harmed them through negligence.” His efforts have resulted in numerous sizeable outcomes for his clients, including $3 million for an injured motorcyclist, $1.45 million for a child who suffered a head injury in a motor vehicle accident, $1.8 million for an automobile passenger who suffered spinal injuries in an accident, and $875,000 for a passenger whose injured knee required multiple surgical procedures. Usually, the defendants in these cases are reluctant to admit fault, but Tiger has years of experience in knowing how to deal with them. “I’m appalled that the insurance carriers have managed to negatively influence the public’s perception of injured parties going for recovery,” he says. “I really don’t like to take what the insurance companies do lying down, so I’m happy to fight with them for the people.” Tiger is particularly known for his relentlessness in the discovery process. Often, defendants are dishonest, and do not exchange documents that they are lawfully required to. Only through Tiger’s persistence and perseverance are these materials uncovered, often leading to favorable results, even in circumstances that at first glance seem unfavorable to injured clients.

Leonard C. Spector is a practicing lawyer in the state of New York handling personal injury matters.

Attorney Levites is a practicing lawyer in the state of New York.

Derek Akiwumi, representing clients throughout WNY, has a proven reputation for getting the results you need. From criminal defense, appeals, and personal injury, Derek Akiwumi can help.

Josh is an intellectual property attorney with more than 25 years of experience counseling large corporations, small businesses, start-ups and individuals in the development, protection, enforcement and defense of their patent, trademark, trade dress and copyright assets. Josh prides himself on bringing a practical, business-oriented approach to all types of patent, trademark, trade dress, copyright or unfair competition issues for his clients.