We’re proud to announce that attorneys Keli Iles-Hernandez and Gerald Whalen II have been promoted to partner at Rupp Pfalzgraf! Both have made valuable contributions to the firm through their dedication and talent in their respective practice areas, and we are excited to celebrate this significant milestone in their careers. Keli Iles-Hernandez is a member… Read More

By Keli Iles-Hernandez For many families, surrogacy provides a path to parenthood that might otherwise be out of reach. Whether due to medical complications, infertility, or other circumstances, individuals and couples often turn to surrogacy as a way to grow their families. A common question about surrogacy in New York is whether surrogates can receive… Read More

The rise of artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how businesses operate, creating both new opportunities and uncertainties. Organizations across industries are eager to harness AI’s potential, but they’re also facing complex questions about how to do so responsibly as regulations shift and new tools emerge. That’s why Rupp Pfalzgraf is launching an AI Law, Compliance… Read More

By Paul Tortora, Jr. The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times for divorced or separated parents. This time of year emphasizes family togetherness and tradition, which can heighten emotions and create tension between co-parents. However, with thoughtful planning and cooperation, you can create meaningful holiday experiences for your children while maintaining… Read More

By Rachel Wright Acquiring a restaurant, bar, hotel, or other hospitality business in New York seldom closes on schedule. The main sources of delay are liquor license approvals, lender consents, unresolved labor or tax liabilities, and successor-liability exposure. Without clear contingencies, a deal expected to close in 90 days can stretch to six months or… Read More

The holiday season is a special time of year when families have the opportunity to spend quality time with one another. With everyone in the same place, it can also be a practical time to talk through a few estate-related matters. Having these important conversations can help your family understand the plan for the future,… Read More

By Keli Iles-Hernandez If you are considering surrogacy in New York, it’s important to know who can legally serve as a surrogate. Since 2021, the Child-Parent Security Act (CPSA) has provided a legal framework for gestational surrogacy, making agreements enforceable while outlining protections for everyone involved. The law sets clear qualifications for who can serve… Read More

We are honored to announce that Rupp Pfalzgraf has been recognized in the 2026 Chambers Spotlight New York Guide for our work in General Commercial Litigation! The Chambers Spotlight New York Guide recognizes the top-ranking small and medium-sized law firms in 7 key locations across New York State, including New York City, Buffalo, Westchester, Long Island, Syracuse, and more. Unlike… Read More

We are proud to share that Rupp Pfalzgraf has earned nine regional rankings in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®! Best Law Firms, ranked by Best Lawyers®, identifies and recognizes firms for professional excellence across a range of practice areas and jurisdictions. Best Law Firms rankings are determined through a comprehensive, peer-reviewed evaluation process.… Read More

Rupp Pfalzgraf is pleased to announce that our client, Double A Landscape Services, LLC, has successfully completed the acquisition of the assets of Willow Ridge Landscaping, Inc., a well-established landscaping and snow removal company based in Amherst, New York. Based in Clarence, New York, Double A Landscaping is a full-service residential and commercial landscape, design,… Read More

Rupp Pfalzgraf Partner Adam Brasky will serve as a panelist on the BAIL Team Panel (Banker, Accountant, Insurance Agent, Lawyer) hosted by the Buffalo Niagara Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association. The discussion will explore topics including banking relationships, tax planning, mitigating risk, and contracts. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 19,… Read More

By Paul Tortora For those uncertain about their options when a marriage faces difficulties, a separation agreement can be a practical and often less adversarial alternative to immediate divorce. In this blog post, we’ll break down what separation agreements are, why they might be right for you, and key considerations under New York law. Whether… Read More

Many people think that having a will means their estate plan is complete. In reality, a will is essential, but it’s just one aspect of estate planning. A comprehensive estate plan includes tools like trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives to protect your assets, ensure your medical and financial wishes are followed, and make… Read More

By Keli Iles-Hernandez For many people, the journey to having a child doesn’t follow a traditional path. When pregnancy is not an option due to medical reasons or other circumstances, surrogacy opens the door to parenthood for individuals and couples who are ready to build or grow their family. For some, surrogacy may be the… Read More

By Rachel Wright For bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues across Buffalo and Western New York, legal compliance has become more complex and more critical than ever before in 2025. From state-wide employment regulations to local enforcement trends and cultural shifts, Buffalo’s hospitality scene is transforming. Here’s a practical breakdown of what operators in Buffalo should… Read More

As generative artificial intelligence becomes a larger part of the creative process for many, questions about ownership and authorship are growing more complex. When AI generates content, who holds the rights? And when humans contribute to the process, how much creative control is needed to qualify for copyright protection? As courts and policymakers examine these… Read More

On October 29, Rupp Pfalzgraf Partners Jamie Batt and Dan Sarzynski will participate in “Buying and Selling a Construction Business: Valuation for Selling and Estate Planning,” a panel discussion presented by the Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY. This event is the third installment in the Construction Exchange’s seminar series on succession planning. Jamie, leader… Read More

When professionals are not paid for their labor or materials provided on a public construction project, filing a lien can be an effective way to pursue the payment they are owed.  A public project is any improvement of real property belonging to the state or a public corporation. Because public property cannot have a lien… Read More

We are excited to share that 25 Rupp Pfalzgraf attorneys have earned places on the 2025 Upstate New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists! This honor reflects their commitment, skill, and dedication to excellence, as only 5% of attorneys are named to the Super Lawyers list, and just 2.5% of attorneys are named to the Rising Stars list.… Read More

By Paul Tortora When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important financial questions is how to handle child support. In New York State, child support is calculated using a legal formula outlined in the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA). This formula is designed to make sure support is fair and consistent, based on… Read More

By Rachel Wright On June 7, 2025, the New York State Legislature passed Senate Bill S7909 / Assembly Bill A8547, marking a pivotal shift in New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws. If signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, this bill will amend Section 63(5) of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to permit a person or entity… Read More

In New York and other locations, individuals planning their estate must make important decisions about how they want their assets and finances managed if they die or become incapacitated. An essential component of preparing for financial transition involves an emergency financial file that walks a spouse or an executor through how to prevent financial chaos… Read More

Paul Jager is an associate attorney in our civil rights group. Why did Paul choose to work at Rupp Pfalzgraf? A few years ago, Paul worked his way through our summer associate program, which was his first job in the profession. He really enjoyed it, and he found that the people here are fun to… Read More

By Paul Tortora, Jr. A new school year often brings excitement and fresh routines for children, but it can also create challenges for parents navigating custody and co-parenting arrangements. Between coordinating schedules, managing transportation, and keeping up with school events, there’s a lot to balance. Add in extracurricular activities, expenses, and unexpected days off, and… Read More

Season 2, Episode 5 of Empire State Entrepreneurs: NY Business Law is out now! In this latest episode, managing partner and host David Pfalzgraf sits down with Colleen Heidinger, President of 43North, and Pete Grum, Chair of the Board of Directors at 43North and Venture Partner at Advantage Capital. 43North has played a key role… Read More