Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP - Rochester, NY
Established in 1852, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP is a premier full-service law firm headquartered in Rochester, New York, delivering over 170 years of legal excellence across corporate finance, business litigation, commercial real estate, labor and employment, and estate planning.
Over 170 Years of Premier Legal Representation in Rochester
Representing clients across Western New York and worldwide, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP has stood as a legal leader since 1852. Headquartered at Bausch and Lomb Place in downtown Rochester, the firm embodies the art of representing people, pairing large-firm capability with personalized service. Woods Oviatt Gilman represents publicly traded corporations, financial institutions, educational entities, family businesses, and private individuals. Whether organizations need to execute commercial acquisitions, resolve business disputes, or consult an experienced attorney for succession planning, the firm delivers sophisticated counsel.
Comprehensive Legal Practice Areas
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP brings together cross-disciplinary practice groups to address intricate commercial and personal legal challenges:
- Business formation, finance, and corporate law: Guiding businesses through entity structuring, private equity financing, mergers and acquisitions, cross-border corporate transactions, and commercial contracts.
- Commercial and business litigation: Resolving high-stakes contract breaches, partnership disputes, shareholder conflicts, intellectual property infringement, and construction litigation before state and federal courts.
- Labor and employment law: Defending corporate employers against wrongful termination lawsuits, workplace discrimination claims, sexual harassment complaints, and wage and hour compliance audits.
- Commercial real estate and development: Advising developers, commercial landlords, lenders, and municipalities on property acquisitions, commercial leasing, zoning variances, and land use approvals.
- Family wealth, trusts, and estate planning: Creating comprehensive wills, revocable living trusts, durable power of attorney documents, healthcare proxies, and elder law Medicaid planning strategies.
- Creditor rights and bankruptcy recovery: Representing financial institutions, secured lenders, and commercial creditors in loan workouts, foreclosure proceedings, and bankruptcy litigation.
Recognized Excellence and Global Reach
Ranked among top practices by Best Law Firms and recognized by Super Lawyers, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP combines upstate New York roots with global capabilities. As a member of Meritas, an international alliance of independent law firms across over ninety countries, the firm seamlessly assists clients with interstate and worldwide business interests. The firm's attorneys emphasize proactive risk mitigation and strategic precision. Whether protecting intellectual property or structuring estate plans, Woods Oviatt Gilman upholds high standards of ethics and courtroom advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do clients initiate representation with Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP"
Prospective corporate clients and individuals can reach out to the Rochester headquarters by phone or submit an inquiry through the firm website. The administrative team conducts conflict checks and connects you with the appropriate practice group leader.
What billing structures and fee arrangements does the firm use"
As a full-service commercial firm, Woods Oviatt Gilman utilizes standard hourly rates and retainer fee agreements tailored to the scope of work. Clients can make payments through an online portal, wire transfer, corporate checks, and major credit cards.
Where does Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP maintain office locations"
While headquartered in Rochester on the 19th floor of 1900 Bausch and Lomb Place, the firm also maintains full-service regional offices in Buffalo and Albany, New York, serving clients throughout the state and nationally.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the heart of Downtown Rochester, near Washington Square Park and the vibrant Geva Theatre district.
Building Location
This is a 20-story Class A office skyscraper known as Legacy Tower (formerly Bausch & Lomb Place), completed in 1995 and famous for its granite facade and magnificent 11,000-square-foot glass-enclosed Wintergarden atrium. The building stands as the second-tallest skyscraper in Rochester.
Parking Details
Free validated parking is provided for visitors on Level A in the Midtown Garage located at 110 S. Clinton Ave. Be sure to bring your parking ticket to the office for validation.
Public Transit
Served by Regional Transit Service (RTS) local lines (Downtown); nearest stop is at Broad St. Park and Ride.
Accessibility / Suite Access
From Level A of the Midtown Garage, enter the enclosed underground walkway that connects directly to the Legacy Tower. Take the elevator or stairs to the first-floor building lobby, and then take the passenger elevators up to the firm's reception area on the 19th Floor.