We are pleased to announce that Patrick L. Cusato, a longtime partner with the Firm, has been elected to serve as Managing Partner. He succeeds Thomas F. Knab, who has served as Managing Partner of the firm since 2022 and who will continue to focus his practice on complex business litigation. “It has been a privilege to serve as the Managing Partner of Underberg & Kessler and to lead our accomplished team,” Knab said. “I have the utmost confidence in Pat. He is ideally suited to build on the Firm’s strong financial position, core values, and outstanding client focus.”
Cusato has been with Underberg & Kessler for 36 years and focuses his practice on commercial and residential real estate, mortgage banking, and tax credit development and finance projects. He serves as the Real Estate & Finance Practice Group Chair, a member of the Executive and 401K Committees, and is the Financial Management Partner for the Firm. A strong proponent of being active in community and industry groups, Cusato is an Executive Board member of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Vice President to the Board of Directors of the Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, past Chair of the Foundation's annual fundraising gala, and past Chair of the Monroe County Bar Association Real Estate Section. He also serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Lakefront Soccer Club and President of the Board of Directors of the Sports Association of Webster, Inc.
Cusato has been recognized in the 2013-2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in Real Estate Law and he has also been selected as an Upstate New York Super Lawyers honoree from 2007-2010 and 2021-2023. In 2022 and 2023, he was recognized by The Daily Record in the Power 20 in Real Estate Law list, and he was the recipient of The Daily Record's Leaders in Law Award in 2018, honoring attorneys who have shown dedication to the legal profession and tireless commitment to the community. Cusato is also a recipient of the 2009 Rochester Business Journal's "Forty Under 40" award.
"It has been and continues to be a great honor to be part of this organization, to deliver the best results for our clients, and to act as a valued advisor. I am grateful for Tom’s leadership and dedication. I look forward to building on his legacy and collaborating with my colleagues as we evolve to meet the changing demands and opportunities that lie ahead,” Cusato said.