Steven Gersz and Paul Keneally Honored as 2025 Attorneys of the Year

We are proud to announce that Steven R. Gersz and Paul F. Keneally were selected as 2025 Attorneys of the Year honorees by the Rochester Business Journal and The Daily Record. The Attorneys of the Year program pays tribute to lawyers who are working to make the community stronger and to advance the law profession. The honorees were selected based on their dedication to the legal profession, their commitment to their clients and the community, and letters of reference.

Steve, a partner in the firm’s Corporate & Business, Health Care, and Tax Law practice groups, was recognized in the Lifetime Achievement category. The Lifetime Achievement award honors lawyers whose careers have helped shape the legal landscape in the Rochester area and who have shown longstanding commitment to the community. Steve, a former Chair of the Corporate & Business practice group of the firm, has been a dedicated and committed team member at Underberg & Kessler LLP for nearly 40 years. He is highly respected by both peers and clients for his sophisticated understanding of business law and for his leadership and generosity. Steve has extensive experience in the organization and development of business and professional entities, mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, equity and debt financings, and federal and state securities law. He is adept at using his expertise in corporate law and business transactions to find creative solutions in business disputes. Steve serves on the Venture Jobs Foundation Board of Directors, he is a past President and member of the Mental Health Association of Rochester and Monroe County Board of Directors, and a past Chair and member of the Board of Directors of The Jewish Home of Rochester, and a past board member of the Jewish Senior Life Foundation and Temple Beth El.

Paul F. Keneally, a partner in the firm’s Labor & Employment, Litigation, and Municipal Law practice groups, is Chair of Underberg & Kessler’s Labor & Employment practice group. He was recognized in the Leaders in Law category, which honors attorneys and judges who have shown tremendous dedication to the legal profession and a selfless, tireless commitment to the community. Paul’s advocacy is passionate and principled, earning the respect of clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel alike. Paul advises on a wide range of day-to-day labor and employment matters, helps resolve complex commercial, construction, and labor and employment disputes, and defends municipalities and public entities. Paul is active in the community and serves on the Board of Directors of St. John's Foundation and as Counsel to the Board of Directors and Management of The Tennis Club of Rochester. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of Literacy Rochester, Career Services Development, and Young Audiences of Rochester as well as the past Legislative Representative for the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Society of Human Resources Management.