Overview
To get fair compensation, you will likely have to battle a big insurance company or corporation. To make money, they will try to minimize your injuries or defeat your claim. That's why you need a Syracuse injury lawyer, because our job is to win your claim and get you full compensation for your injuries.
We don't take just any case that comes along. We like to do what we do best. And that's representing personal injury and malpractice victims. We do selectively take some civil litigation matters that are not personal-injury related, but by and large our case load consists of personal injury cases, which includes wrongful death and malpractice (legal and medical) cases. Geographically, 90% of our cases are in upstate New York, most in the Syracuse and Rochester areas, but if we like a case enough, we will travel anywhere in New York State, from Buffalo to New York City or Long Island, from Binghamton to Plattsburg, and anywhere in between. No matter where the client is, though, our system for representing him or her is the same: Dedicate all our resources and every ounce of our legal talent and experience to getting the best possible outcome for the client.
Rankings
Regional
Syracuse
Tier
1
Syracuse
Personal Injury Litigation - PlaintiffsTier
1
Syracuse
Product Liability Litigation - PlaintiffsTier
1
Syracuse
Professional Malpractice Law - PlaintiffsHighlighted Client Comments
These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
The lawyers at Michaels & Smolak are excellent practitioners whose reputation and skills result in the receipt of referrals from other attorneys to handle the most difficult cases.
Michael Greenspan, Esq.
Greenspan & GreenspanPersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Mike Bersani at Michaels & Smolak worked very hard to bring the best possible outcome for my case. I highly recommend Mike and the other professionals at Michaels & Smolak.
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
The attorneys at Michaels & Smolak are exceptionally skilled and dedicated professionals. They fight tirelessly to obtain justice for their clients and are a credit to their community.
Michael Greenspan, Esq.
Greenspan & GreenspanPersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
My family had a very positive experience with David Kalabanka, who was our attorney at Michaels & Smolak, in a car accident case. He was very thorough and caring with my father, who was the victim. He did a great job explaining items to both myself and my 86-year-old father. He kept us up to date on the case regularly, all the way to a resolution and follow up. We highly recommend the firm.
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Mike was at the accident location within hours of contacting him. He came to our residence and sat wirh us for a lengthy discussion on how the process works and showed care and compassion . He contacted us regularly about updates to our case. I highly recommend him .
judy macLachlan
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
The lawyers at Michaels & Smolak are exceptionally skilled and dedicated attorneys. They truly care about each of their clients and work hard to obtain justice for them in a region of the state where it is very difficult to secure a large jury verdict. The record of success in difficult cases that Lee Michaels, Jan Smolak, Michael Bersani and David Kalabanka have achieved for their clients is a testament to their excellence as trial attorneys.
Michael Greenspan, Esq.
Greenspan & GreenspanPersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Working on matters with Michaels & Smolak over the past 15 years has been a pleasure. They have always displayed the requisite knowledge and client relationships that have made them one of our top referral firms for our Personal Injury matters.
Steven Buschman
WHMB LawPersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
I have had the privilege of having attorney Lee Michaels represent me and additionally interact with Mike Bersani and Dave Kalabanka. Each attorney is knowledgeable, has excellent communication skills, and continues to evaluate every angle of the legal action to pursue an optimal outcome. I have complete confidence that my decision to use this firm was sound and that my interests are well represented.
Deborah Roseman
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
The firm has excellent trial attorneys who have obtained proven verdicts for Plaintiffs across Upstate New York. All the attorneys in the firm are respected by their peers.
James Reid, Esq.
Greene Reid & PomeroyPersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
This is a highly skilled, honest and hard working law firm I recommend then without hesitation. excellent.
James E. Morris
Morris & MorrisPersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
All of the Attorneys at this firm are highly professional and sensitive to their client's needs. Good advocates but always courteous and with high integrity.
James E. Morris
Morris & MorrisPersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Each attorney at Michaels & Smolak has an exceptional understanding of the law and work strenuously for their clients. As an attorney, they are wonderful to work with and are very responsive.
Kevin Matthewson, Esq.
The Law Offices of John TropPersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Mike Bersani and his staff at Michaels & Smolak helped me get through a difficult time after my accident. They handled the insurance companies on my behalf and relieved my stress during the recovery period. I highly recommend them.
Alice Hoatland
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Very heartfelt, kind communication. Always reachable. Explains details. Quick with responses. Includes you along the way. Respectful. Thorough.
Jessica Heisler
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
The attorneys at Michaels & Smolak are consummate professionals. Attorneys around the State refer their Central New York area cases to Michaels & Smolak knowing that their clients will receive legal services of the highest caliber delivered by attorneys who genuinely care for their clients and who will fight to the end for them.
Michael Greenspan, Esq.
Greenspan & GreenspanPersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
The attorneys at Michaels & Smolak are consummate professionals who dedicate themselves to relentlessly and effectively prosecuting their clients' case and exceeding their clients' expectations. These are the go-to attorneys in central New York for plaintiffs' personal injury litigation
Michael Greenspan, Esq.
Greenspan & GreenspanPersonal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
I have used David Kalabanka of Michael & Smolak and found he and his office to be caring, diligent, professional and trustworthy in their counsel.
Guy Cosentino
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
The lawyers at Michaels and Smolak have assisted several of my clients in a courteous and professional manner. I never hesitate to refer individuals in need of Personal Injury matters to the attorneys at Michaels and Smolak.
Steven Buschman
WHMB LawRankings
Regional
Syracuse
Tier
1
Syracuse
Personal Injury Litigation - PlaintiffsTier
1
Syracuse
Product Liability Litigation - PlaintiffsTier
1
Syracuse
Professional Malpractice Law - PlaintiffsPractice Areas
Michaels Bersani Kalabanka PC has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 3 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
- Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
Michaels Bersani Kalabanka PC proudly has 3 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
Client Comments
A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
Offices & Contacts
Auburn, NY
17 East Genesee Street, Suite 401
Auburn, NY 13021
United States
Geneva, NY
20 Maxwell Avenue
Geneva, NY 14456
United States