Cole Sorrentino Hurley Hewner Gambino PC

In 1964, Carl Cole and Jim Sorrentino formed a law firm that is now known as Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C.

The firm was founded on the principle that a lawyer?s primary functions are to protect the rights of clients and to resolve legal problems in the most efficient manner possible.  Although the firm has expanded over the years, those same principles are collectively embraced and practiced by the attorneys and their exceptional paralegal and clerical staff.

A general service law firm, Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., is experienced in numerous areas of the law.  From corporate law to matrimonial and personal injury, the firm is designed and committed to serving all of a client?s legal needs.

From its humble beginnings, Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., with its full complement of lawyers, advisors, paralegal and support staff, has grown into one of Western New York?s most respected and successful law firms.

Contact the firm today.  Let Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino. P.C. put its dedication and experience to work for you.

Bankruptcy

> Thomas F. Hewner

  Bankruptcy Attorneys

In today?s world, more and more people are experiencing financial difficulties. The lawyers at Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., fully recognize the scope of these issues, and they understand the sensitive nature of difficult financial circumstances to their individual clients. The firm?s lawyers are interested in helping individuals in a financial bind determine the options that may be available to them to alleviate some of the stress associated with money and debt.

The most common form of relief to an individual in financial straits is the declaration of bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A Chapter 7 liquidation allows an individual to get a fresh start financially by having all applicable debts discharged, while still retaining a certain amount of exempt property.  Another avenue to explore is Chapter 13, which allows individuals to retain otherwise non-exempt assets while reorganizing and curing their debt load.  The lawyers at Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., with their many years of experience, are able to counsel individuals about the most beneficial and appropriate action to undertake.

If a bankruptcy proceeding is deemed appropriate for you, the lawyers of Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C. will take all of the steps necessary to assure that such an action is handled properly from beginning to end to allow you to begin anew financially. The firm takes a hands on approach to making sure that your needs are met through personal interviews, filing all necessary documents, attending any Court hearings, and following up to make sure that your financial difficulties have been resolved.

Business Law

> Thomas F. Hewner > Richard H. Cole

  Business Law Attorneys

At Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., the firm?s business attorneys provide both business and legal advice.  The firm?s goal is to solve problems in the most effective and efficient manner possible. In doing so the firm serves not only as an attorney but also as a business advisor. 

The law provides various options for entering a new business venture.  In today's world individuals may operate as sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and Limited Liability Companies. If you are interested in going into business on your own or with others, you should first sit down with an attorney to consider the various options and to determine which vehicle meets your needs. In making this determination, you should be aware of the legal ramifications, tax consequences and other practical considerations.  Certain business forms provide greater flexibility than others for agreements between individuals. 
Buying and selling businesses each require information on a whole range of legal and tax issues that will affect you, depending on which side of the transaction you are on. Meticulous drafting of an agreement and thorough review of agreements being entered into will serve to protect you in the transaction.

While you are running a business, Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., offers a wide range of services to deal with the multitude of problems you might be facing as a business owner.  The firm?s attorneys take these considerations into account by working closely with several practice areas, including Taxation, Real Estate and Litigation.  Tom Hewner, a licensed certified public accountant, brings a wealth of experience from outside the legal arena to provide effective business solutions.

Developing a thorough knowledge of the client?s business in order to understand the legal and economic challenges they face is a top priority for the firm.

Civil Litigation

> Richard H. Cole

  Civil Litigation Attorneys

Several different areas of law fit squarely within the bounds of civil litigation. The most prominent types of civil litigation involve personal injury matters.

There are several other types of legal disputes which must be included within civil litigation. Examples of these disputes include:

• Commercial litigation
• Contract disputes
• Insurance coverage or benefits issues
• Wrongful discharge
• Small claims actions which do not exceed $3,000.00 in damages
• Landlord/tenant disputes
• Unemployment benefits
• Disability benefits
• Debt collection

This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it is intended to provide examples of the types of legal issues that you may confront that are handled by Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., on a regular basis.

The lawyers in the Litigation Department have years of experience in resolving a wide variety of disputes, whether it is a simple negotiation or a complex RICO settlement. Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., provides quality representation for both plaintiffs and defendants in litigation, and makes certain that the client is represented to the fullest extent possible allowed by law.

Criminal Law

> Paul V. Hurley > Jeffrey K. Moncher

  Criminal Law Attorneys

Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C. has an extensive practice covering everything from vehicle and traffic infractions through major felonies. This includes, but is not limited to, speeding and other motor vehicle infractions, driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation, petit larceny, assault, burglary, robbery, drug cases both minor and major, as well as homicide cases.  Paul V. Hurley has been practicing criminal law since January of 1972. The firm?s practice includes the local criminal courts, city court, county court, supreme court, and the appellate courts, as well as all levels of the federal courts.

Estates and Trusts

> Thomas F. Hewner

  Estates and Trusts Attorneys:

The Estates and Trusts practice group provides effective advice, which enables our clients to provide for their loved ones after their death through wills and up front planning.  Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C. is well equipped to handle any estate, no matter the size or complexity.

An up front plan enables our clients to save thousands of dollars in Federal Estate Taxes. The use of some very straightforward techniques may allow clients to take advantage of the benefits afforded under the Federal Tax Laws. As individuals live longer, rising medical and nursing home costs often threaten the preservation of one?s assets. The amount of misinformation in this area is considerable. The law is rapidly changing. Firm attorneys can face these challenges through Health Care Proxies, Power of Attorney and Article 81 guardianship proceedings.

Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C. has represented both Plaintiffs and Defendants in estate litigation based on will contests, construction proceedings and probate.  Estates need to be properly administered through the Court, whether or not there is a will.  Practical issues, such as disposing of personal and real property, also need to be addressed.  Thomas F. Hewner has handled thousands of estates for almost 15 years, both in his capacity as private attorney, and as counsel to the Public Administrator of Erie County.  Mr. Hewner can provide a wealth of information and practical knowledge to assure an efficient handling of any estate situation.  The firm?s Estates and Trusts practice group is often sought to lecture on the increasingly complex areas of estates.

Labor Relations

> Jerry A. Gambino

  Labor Attorneys

Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C.?s Labor Relations group has established an extensive and well respected practice in the Western New York area.  Jerry Gambino, one of the premier labor attorneys in the area, represents unions both in the public and private sector.  He is legal counsel to various unions including:

• AFSCME Local 264 (Buffalo?s City Workers Union)
• Printing Pressmen Local 27
• Tonawanda Salaried Workers Association
• AFSCME Local 2651
• Paperhandlers of Buffalo Local 26
• Metal Polishers Local 18
• Theatrical Stage Employees Local 121

Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., handles many areas of the labor relation process such as disciplinary hearings, collective bargaining and related insurance matters.  Jerry Gambino also serves on the Erie County Bar Association Labor Law Committee and the Executive Committee of the Industrial Relations Research Association of Western New York.

Because the firm represents many businesses in the Western New York area, Mr. Gambino is often called upon for consultation regarding labor and employment issues that arise on an everyday basis.