A trial lawyer for more than a quarter century, John has invaluable court experience, and unique perspectives and insights that enable him to achieve creative and economical results for clients, based on zealous advocacy and close, personal collaboration with clients.  Having seen virtually every conceivable kind of case in state and federal courts, John is a veteran of both jury and bench trials, as well as alternative dispute resolution.  Recognizing that no two matters – or clients – are alike, John customizes strategies by drawing on skills and resources that he has developed over decades, including psychology, economics, and an extensive, national network of colleagues and expert witnesses.  John recently defeated multi-pronged motions to dismiss in two different federal cases: one involving novel eminent domain issues, and the other, employment litigation. In another federal action, he helped achieve a reversal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on behalf of clients seeking to secure their First Amendment rights.  Other, illustrative examples from recent successes include:

• Success at trial (2022) and reimbursement (2023) of more than a quarter million dollars on behalf of a client whose property was taken by eminent domain;

• A pro bono victory (2017) for a nonprofit pregnancy support center in zoning/land use litigation against the City of Rochester that involved constitutional and civil rights;

• Successfully resolved - on the first day of a jury trial (2018) - a high-profile defamation case by securing a substantial monetary recovery;

• Achieving a reversal (2018) in the Appellate Division, Third Department of the lower court’s ruling in a landmark case involving a commercial contractual right of first refusal;

• Successful defense (2018-19) of an estate executrix in litigation brought by an international law firm, resulting in a favorable resolution after depositions;

• Summary judgment (2019) on behalf of clients seeking specific performance of a purchase and sale contract for real property;

• Dual “probable cause” determinations (2019) on behalf of a college administrator, in her discrimination action against her former employer;

• Achieved modification/reversal (2019) in the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, in major eminent domain litigation that presented novel issues; and

• Successfully negotiated the resolution of trademark litigation (2020), largely through the earlier, successful defense of a dispositive motion at the inception of the case.

Though selective in the cases he accepts, John views his work not just as a profession, but also as a vocation. He is happy to discuss – at no obligation – any issue, no matter how small, to provide creative and strategic guidance. John holds Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating (AV), and is recognized as a “Super Lawyer” by Thomson Reuters.

A longtime pro bono advocate, John has served a variety of nonprofit organizations as a volunteer and board member.  In his spare time, John enjoys hiking (especially in the Adirondacks), rooting for the Buffalo Bills, traveling, and any other activities with his wife, four children, and pet Goldendoodle.

BA - Economics, Hamilton College (1991)

JD - University of Notre Dame Law School (1996)

Tel: (585) 497-2700, Ext. 1

Fax: (585) 973-0080

Email: jrefermat@rhdlaw.com