Costello, Cooney & Fearon is proud to announce that a number of our attorneys have once again been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. In addition, two of our rising stars earned recognition as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, highlighting the next generation of legal talent at the Firm.
Now in its 32nd year, Best Lawyers remains one of the most trusted and respected peer-review publications in the legal profession. These honors celebrate attorneys who demonstrate not only exceptional legal skill, but also a consistent commitment to integrity, client service, and results.
From seasoned litigators to up-and-coming advocates, our team’s inclusion in Best Lawyers reflects the depth of talent and dedication Costello, Cooney & Fearon brings to clients across New York State and beyond.
2026 Lawyer of the Year Recognitions
- Paul G. Ferrara – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
2026 Best Lawyers in America Recognitions
- Nadine C. Bell (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024) – Land Use and Zoning Law, and Litigation – Municipal
- Zachary R. Benjamin (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025) – Business Organizations, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Robert W. Connolly (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024) – Litigation, Trusts and Estates
- Donald S. DiBenedetto (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2010) – Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Maureen G. Fatcheric (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2020) – Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Paul G. Ferrara (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2019) – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Litigation – ERISA, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
- Daniel P. Fletcher (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2018) – Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
- Elizabeth A. Hoffman (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024) – Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
- John R. Langey (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2011) – Land Use and Zoning Law
- Matthew W. O’Neil (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025) – Commercial Litigation, and Litigation – Real Estate
- Kelly J. Pare (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025) – Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability – Defendants
- Daniel R. Rose (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024) – Commercial Litigation
- Robert J. Smith (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007) – Commercial Litigation, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
- Jennifer L. Wang (Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2026) – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, 2026 Edition
- Margaret A. French (Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America since 2026) – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
- Jessi F. Woodward (Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America since 2026) – Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, and Litigation – Bankruptcy
Additionally, the Firm was acknowledged for several distinct Top-Listed Awards by Best Lawyers.
State Awards
- Top-Listed in New York in Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants, with four lawyers
Metro Awards
- Top-Listed in Syracuse in Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, with four lawyers
- Top-Listed in Syracuse in Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants, with four lawyers
This recognition underscores our team’s unwavering dedication to excellence, unmatched legal expertise, and relentless commitment to delivering outstanding representation for our clients. Each honored attorney demonstrates not only deep knowledge and strong advocacy, but also the professionalism and integrity that define our Firm. We are proud of their achievements and the well-deserved recognition they’ve earned within the legal community. These honors reaffirm Costello, Cooney & Fearon’s reputation as one of New York’s leading law firms – trusted to provide innovative legal solutions and set the standard for exceptional client service.