Practice Area Descriptions

Alternative Dispute Resolution- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the process of resolving legal conflicts without going to trial.  Our firm is in the forefront of this area, advising clients on arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, mediation, and early neutral evaluation.  We have extensive expertise in determining when a form of ADR is in the best interest of clients and meets their needs better than traditional litigation.  We have experience and training in ADR and routinely advise our clients on the legal consequences flowing from particular terms and conditions of all ADR options.  Mr. Shaw is a court approved ADR, Neutral before the local federal courts.

Business Organizations- The form of business chosen for a business entity potentially affects every aspect of its operations.  Our firm assists our clients in formation and business planning in deciding whether they want to operate as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, partnership, or corporation.  We advise our clients about directors’ and officers’ liability, dissolution, reorganization, joint ventures, mergers, business successions, and shareholders’ rights.

Collections & Creditor’s Rights - We provide advice and services to collect business and personal debts, enforce judgments and recover assets.  Our attorneys have practiced in Bankruptcy Courts of Northern and Western New York.  We have pursued foreclosure of mortgages and other liens, handled Mechanics Liens and restraining accounts.  We also advise Debtors on their rights.

Commercial Law- We provide a wide variety of services to our business clients from preparation of contracts and agreements, sale and purchase of good and services, obtaining financing and funding for business operations.

Criminal Defense - Mr. Shaw and the firms other attorneys have decades of experience in criminal law and procedure in local and state courts.  Matters range from Class A Felonies (drugs, rape, arson, assault and kidnaping) as well as misdemeanors and violations, probation and parole proceedings.

Employment Law- Employment law covers a complex network of laws that controls how employers must treat employees, former employees, and applicants for employment.  Our attorneys have thirty years of experience in interpreting and construing state and federal statutes and case law in areas such as employment discrimination, affirmative action, sexual harassment, employee benefits, whistleblower litigation, wrongful discharge, employment contracts, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and special laws governing municipal employment. Mr. Shaw has handled these cases before state and federal courts and agencies since 1979.

Estate Planning and Probate- Our firm handles Estate Planning matters dealing with the distribution of an individual’s estate death; drafting wills, powers of attorneys, and trusts.  Probate is the court proceeding through which an estate is administered.  The process, generally, includes collecting assets, paying liabilities, and taxes, and distribution of property to heirs.

Family Law- Our firm handles a full range of Family Law matters including adoption, divorce, separation, premarital agreements, paternity, custody and visitation, and child and spousal support.  We also handle issues of child abuse and neglect, spouse abuse and parental rights.

Fraternity/Sorority Affairs & Not-for-Profit Corporation Creation & Advice - With a team approach Shaw Law Firm is uniquely qualified to provide your organization with a rich combination of experience and knowledge of Greek Life.  Our attorneys and staff provide  services that are beneficial and cost effective.

These are a few of the most common issues: Not-for-Profit Corporate Structure, Bylaw and Charter Revisions & Creation, Building Code Compliance, Real Estate & Landlord/ Tenant Issues, Contract Negotiations, Liability Issues, Presentations and Audits, Criminal Defense, Judicial Administration (JA), Greek Judicial Hearings, University Relations, Historic Preservation Issues, Zoning and Planning Issues, Real Property Assessment, Personal Injury Defense, Collections/Creditor’s Rights, Civil Litigation, Liquor Liability & Advice to Undergraduates.

Juvenile Justice - Mr. Shaw has over 30 years of special commitment to juvenile justice (PINS, Juvenile Delinquency).  Our attorneys are qualified by the state and by special dedication and commitment to the rights and interests of youth; including school disciplinary issues.

Litigation and Appeals- Our firm represents clients involved in a lawsuit or appeal as a result of a dispute, in such areas as personal injury, employment, contracts, family law and other matters.

Personal Injury- Our firm represents individuals involved in injury to persons or property resulting from events or activities such as automobile accidents, commercial premises and assault, from insurance claims through trial.  We represent survivors and estates in wrongful death actions..

Real Estate- Our firm represents both commercial clients and individuals in all proceedings and transactions that deal with real property—including purchase and sale, construction, mortgages and foreclosures, leases, zoning, quiet title actions, property assessment challenges and subdivisions.