Rochester, New York, February 3, 2026 – Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, a full‑service business law firm with offices across New York, is pleased to announce that Noreena K. Chaudari has joined the firm’s Rochester office as an Associate in on Municipal Law team, and Caroline R. Vilardo has joined the firm’s Buffalo office as an Associate in the Corporate practice group.
Chaudari brings nearly a decade of experience from the New York State Department of Public Service with an extensive background at the intersection of municipal governance, energy and environmental regulation, and complex administrative law.
Prior to joining Harter Secrest & Emery, Chaudari progressed through several roles at the Department of Public Service, beginning as an Excelsior Service Fellow and ultimately serving as Assistant Counsel and Deputy Managing Attorney. In her role as Deputy Managing Attorney for Transmission Siting, she led a team of attorneys responsible for matters involving the siting of major transmission facilities across New York State.
Chaudari earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from the University at Buffalo School of Law, and a B.S. from Clark University, cum laude.
Recognized by Best Law Firms®, the Harter Secrest & Emery Municipal Law team provides trusted counsel to local government leaders on the wide range of legal issues that impact municipalities. Team members frequently serve as town attorney and special counsel, offering strategic guidance on matters including governance, litigation, Article 78 proceedings, eminent domain, labor and employment, privacy and data security, environmental regulation, municipal finance, and compliance with the False Claims Act.
Vilardo represents private and public companies in a range of corporate matters, including mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, restructurings, and financing transactions. Her experience includes advising companies on formation, capitalization, and incentive compensation issues. Vilardo also represents private companies in capital‑raising transactions, negotiating and preparing debt and equity instruments such as convertible notes, simple agreements for future equity (SAFEs), and investment agreements.
Prior to joining Harter Secrest & Emery, Vilardo was a senior associate with Lippes Mathias in Buffalo, New York.
Vilardo is on the board of directors for The Buffalo Club Foundation and West Side Rowing Club. She earned a J.D. from University at Buffalo School of Law, and a B.S., summa cum laude, from University at Buffalo.
Recipient of the highest ranking by Chambers USA, and nationally ranked by Best Law Firms®, the Harter Secrest & Emery Corporate practice group provides private and public companies with comprehensive counseling and assistance on day-to-day legal, operational, and regulatory matters, and on significant milestones in a company’s lifecycle such as seed and venture financing, acquisitions and mergers, strategic planning, and leadership transitions. The firm works with companies of all sizes—from entrepreneurs and start-ups to Fortune 100 multinational and nonprofit organizations in a variety of industries including agriculture, financial services, food and beverage, health care, higher education, manufacturing, retail, and technology.
About Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP is a full-service business law firm with attorneys throughout New York representing clients ranging from individuals and family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies and major regional institutions. With offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City, New York, the firm and its attorneys are consistently recognized by the industry’s leading law firm and attorney ranking programs, including Chambers and Partners, Best Law Firms® and The Best Lawyers in America®.