Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, a full-service business law firm with offices throughout New York, announced another significant addition this week, naming Patrick M. Tomovic a partner in the firm’s Buffalo office. Tomovic, a highly-respected and prominent litigation attorney, is joining Harter Secrest & Emery from Hodgson Russ where he practiced for the past 21 years and led the Insurance Coverage practice group.
“Patrick is truly a leader in his field, who has established a strong, national practice throughout his career,” said Craig S. Wittlin, Harter Secrest & Emery managing partner. “His decision to join our firm allows Harter Secrest & Emery to expand the breadth of our litigation practice in a strategically important area.”
Mr. Tomovic has served as lead counsel in numerous complex litigation matters, representing a wide network of primary and excess insurers in coverage disputes. He has worked with clients on a number of high-exposure matters involving director and officer liability, securities, professional errors and omissions, toxic torts, construction defects, technology-liability insurance issues, wrap-up liability insurance programs, owners and contractors insurance matters, media and entertainment, and specialty underwriting products. In addition, Patrick advises clients within the insurance industry on regulatory matters, the negotiation of coverage placement, and dispute resolution. He has argued appeals at the state and federal level in courts across the country, and has lectured to national and international audiences on topics of insurance law and coverage litigation.
A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Tomovic earned a Master of Business Administration from Niagara University, and received his law degree from the University at Buffalo Law School.
“I’m confident that Harter Secrest & Emery’s team of top-notch attorneys, commitment to excellence, and entrepreneurial strategic plan provide an optimal platform to serve our insurance-industry clients and expand the practice area,” said Tomovic.
The Harter Secrest & Emery litigation attorneys represent clients on a wide range of matters including insurance-coverage disputes, antitrust cases, intellectual property litigation, contract disputes, employment and ERISA litigation, government investigations, professional liability claims, securities litigation, all manner of business torts, and major challenges to state and federal regulation of businesses. Recipients of a top-tier ranking from Chambers USA, Harter Secrest & Emery attorneys have comprehensive experience that ranges from trying cases in state and federal courts to handling appeals at all levels of the appellate courts.
The addition of Mr. Tomovic continues a year of explosive growth in the Buffalo office of Harter Secrest & Emery. Since January, the firm has added 11 attorneys in Buffalo, including three new partners: Tomovic, and Intellectual Property partners Michael Berchou and Rowland Richards, who joined the firm in August. Harter Secrest & Emery now has 33 attorneys working in its recently-relocated office at 50 Fountain Plaza in downtown Buffalo. Harter Secrest & Emery is Rochester’s largest law firm, with more than 130 lawyers firmwide.
“First and foremost, we are thrilled to have Patrick join our team of exceptional lawyers in Buffalo. We know he will make an immediate impact for our clients,” said John G. Horn, partner in charge of Harter Secrest & Emery’s Buffalo office. “Harter Secrest & Emery is committed to smart, strategic growth to enhance our ability to meet the growing needs of our clients, not only here in Buffalo, but across a growing regional and national footprint as well. Attracting top-tier legal talent at all levels of the firm reinforces that core belief.”
About Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP is a full-service business law firm providing legal services to clients ranging from individuals and family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies and major regional institutions. With offices in Buffalo, Rochester, , Albany, Corning, and New York City, New York, the firm is a recognized leader in litigation, corporate, employee benefits, environmental and land use, healthcare, higher education, immigration, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate, and trusts and estate law. Harter Secrest & Emery has 33 U.S. News – Best Lawyers 2017 “Best Law Firms” top tier practice group rankings – more Western New York rankings than any other law firm. The firm has been top ranked in Chambers USA for Corporate/M&A, Litigation and Immigration law and 46 attorneys are recognized as The Best Lawyers in America in 2017.