Matthew Potenza
Buffalo
Summary
Results-driven attorney skilled in case management and legal writing, delivering successful outcomes in civil and criminal litigation. Committed to ethical professionalism and building strong client relationships, ensuring effective communication.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Attorney
Self Employed
Buffalo, NY
06.2014 - Current
- Advised clients on legal matters, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Managed complex case loads efficiently while maintaining high standards of accuracy and detail.
- Built strong client relationships through effective communication and personalized service.
- Represented clients in civil litigation, criminal proceedings and appeals in state and federal courts.
- Presented compelling oral arguments in court hearings and trials that resulted in favorable rulings for clients.
- Achieved successful case outcomes by researching legal issues and drafting persuasive arguments.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
- Provided pro bono services to underrepresented populations within the community, ensuring access to quality legal representation for all individuals regardless of income level or background status.
- Conducted thorough legal research to support case strategy, leading to significant legal victories.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
- Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, and agreements.
- Represented clients in negotiations and court proceedings, advocating for favorable outcomes.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research to support case strategies and client interests.
Staff Attorney
Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
02.2009 - 06.2014
- Represented clients in civil legal matters, ensuring adherence to statutory and procedural requirements.
- Developed case strategies through comprehensive legal research and analysis of relevant laws and precedents.
- Facilitated communication between clients and court officials, enhancing case understanding and resolution efficiency.
- Drafted motions, pleadings, and other legal documents, ensuring clarity and compliance with legal standards.
- Evaluated case merits to determine appropriate legal action, streamlining process decision-making for the firm.
- Drafted persuasive legal documents, including motions, briefs, and pleadings, ensuring proper formatting and accuracy.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with clients and witnesses, gathering critical information for case development.
- Researched legal authorities, statutory, and case law and examined legal document drafts for compliance with procedural requirements.
- Managed caseload efficiently by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance while meeting strict deadlines.
- Negotiated favorable settlements with opposing counsel, reducing litigation costs and saving time for clients.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through clear communication and proactive problem-solving approaches, fostering trust in our services.
- Participated in settlement conferences, advocating for clients'' best interests while working towards mutually agreeable resolutions.
- Worked cooperatively with staff and other attorneys to achieve organizational objectives.
- Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
- Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Spent 3 years in the Bureau's Public Defender's office, handling criminal matters in Buffalo City Criminal Court.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Drafted motions, petitions and waivers.
Education
J.D. - Law
Toledo College of Law
Toledo, OHSkills
- Case management
- Trial experience
- Oral debate
- Legal writing
- Ethics and professionalism
- Legal research
- Investigation skills
- Legal drafting
- Legal analysis
- Family law
- Criminal defense
- Litigation
- Case analysis
Timeline
Attorney
Self Employed
06.2014 - Current
Staff Attorney
Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo
02.2009 - 06.2014
J.D. - Law
Toledo College of Law