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Paula J. Gutkin

Counsel

Paula works with clients to deliver strategic legal guidance and practical solutions across a broad spectrum of corporate and transactional matters. With more than 20 years of experience as a corporate attorney and business leader, Paula brings a strategic, business-minded approach to corporate law, helping clients structure and execute transactions that align with long-term growth and operational goals.

Prior to joining Harter Secrest & Emery, Paula served as Chief Intellectual Property Officer and as Managing Director of Corporate Development at Eastman Kodak Company, where she led more than 30 global M&A transactions totaling over $4 billion in aggregate value.

In addition to her in-house leadership experience, Paula brings extensive experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, coordinating cross-functional global teams, and aligning legal strategy with business objectives. She is known for her collaborative roll-up-the-sleeves approach, operational insight, and ability to deliver value-driven legal solutions.

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

  • Board Member, Gutkin Family Foundation
  • Former Board Member, Jewish Home of Rochester
  • Former Board Member, Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
  • Former Chairperson, Ben Gurion Society, Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
  • Former Member, Young Leadership Executive Council, Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
  • Former Member of Board of Governors, Former Treasurer, and Former Membership Chairperson, Irondequoit Country Club
  • Former Member, Camp Seneca Lake Camp Committee, Jewish Community Center of Rochester
  • Former President and Board Member, Learning Disabilities Association
  • Former Board Member, Learning Disabilities Foundation

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Recipient, “40 Under Forty Award,” Rochester Business Journal, 1995
  • Recipient, Raye K. Aiole Young Leadership Award, Jewish Community Federation of Rochester 1998
  • Selected for membership on the Moot Court Board, National Law Center, George Washington University
  • Best Written Brief, Second Place Overall, Jessup Moot Court Competition, National Law Center, George Washington University
  • Selected for the Honors Program, School of Government & Public Affairs, The American University
  • Recipient “Stafford H. Cassell Leadership Award,” The American University. 1986. Awarded to the college senor who best exemplifies the traits of Cassell–total selfless dedication to the university, profound energy and reliability, as well as intellectual curiosity, friendliness and helpfulness.
  • Recipient “Good Citizens Award” National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1982

PUBLICATIONS

  • Equipment Leasing Law Seminar, United Jersey Bank Leasing Corporation, Presented by Steven Mayka, Esq. and Paula J Gutkin, Esq. Compiled and written by Paula J. Gutkin, Esq., 1991
  • “Loan Commitment and Loan Documentation”, National Business Institute, 1990 Chapter in a reference manual entitled “Lender Liability in New York
  • The Equipment Leasing Handbook, For internal use Lacy, Katzen, Ryen & Mittleman, 1992

PRACTICE AREAS

ADMISSIONS

  • New York

EDUCATION

  • National Law Center, George Washington University, J.D.
  • William E. Simon School of Business Administration, University of Rochester, M.B.A.
  • The America University, Washington, DC, B.S. with honors

Paula works with clients to deliver strategic legal guidance and practical solutions across a broad spectrum of corporate and transactional matters. With more than 20 years of experience as a corporate attorney and business leader, Paula brings a strategic, business-minded approach to corporate law, helping clients structure and execute transactions that align with long-term growth and operational goals.

Prior to joining Harter Secrest & Emery, Paula served as Chief Intellectual Property Officer and as Managing Director of Corporate Development at Eastman Kodak Company, where she led more than 30 global M&A transactions totaling over $4 billion in aggregate value.

In addition to her in-house leadership experience, Paula brings extensive experience in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, coordinating cross-functional global teams, and aligning legal strategy with business objectives. She is known for her collaborative roll-up-the-sleeves approach, operational insight, and ability to deliver value-driven legal solutions.

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

  • Board Member, Gutkin Family Foundation
  • Former Board Member, Jewish Home of Rochester
  • Former Board Member, Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
  • Former Chairperson, Ben Gurion Society, Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
  • Former Member, Young Leadership Executive Council, Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
  • Former Member of Board of Governors, Former Treasurer, and Former Membership Chairperson, Irondequoit Country Club
  • Former Member, Camp Seneca Lake Camp Committee, Jewish Community Center of Rochester
  • Former President and Board Member, Learning Disabilities Association
  • Former Board Member, Learning Disabilities Foundation

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Recipient, “40 Under Forty Award,” Rochester Business Journal, 1995
  • Recipient, Raye K. Aiole Young Leadership Award, Jewish Community Federation of Rochester 1998
  • Selected for membership on the Moot Court Board, National Law Center, George Washington University
  • Best Written Brief, Second Place Overall, Jessup Moot Court Competition, National Law Center, George Washington University
  • Selected for the Honors Program, School of Government & Public Affairs, The American University
  • Recipient “Stafford H. Cassell Leadership Award,” The American University. 1986. Awarded to the college senor who best exemplifies the traits of Cassell–total selfless dedication to the university, profound energy and reliability, as well as intellectual curiosity, friendliness and helpfulness.
  • Recipient “Good Citizens Award” National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1982

PUBLICATIONS

  • Equipment Leasing Law Seminar, United Jersey Bank Leasing Corporation, Presented by Steven Mayka, Esq. and Paula J Gutkin, Esq. Compiled and written by Paula J. Gutkin, Esq., 1991
  • “Loan Commitment and Loan Documentation”, National Business Institute, 1990 Chapter in a reference manual entitled “Lender Liability in New York
  • The Equipment Leasing Handbook, For internal use Lacy, Katzen, Ryen & Mittleman, 1992

PRACTICE AREAS

ADMISSIONS

  • New York

EDUCATION

  • National Law Center, George Washington University, J.D.
  • William E. Simon School of Business Administration, University of Rochester, M.B.A.
  • The America University, Washington, DC, B.S. with honors

Gutkin_Paula_2025_Roc_WebReady
Paula J. Gutkin