PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

For the past 35 years Michael J. Vavonese practiced in the area of criminal law at all levels of the Courts in the State of New York and in the United States Federal Court for the Northern District of New York as a criminal trial attorney.

He has handled all types of penal law and traffic violations from representing individuals charged with murder to those charged with traffic offenses. He has represented defendants charged with some of the most serious and notorious crimes in Upstate and Northern New York including a number of trials that have resulted in acquittals on the most serious charges.

His representation of Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice plaintiffs has resulted in settlements in the amount of one million dollars or more.

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BACKGROUND

Michael J. Vavonese graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1976 and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Canisius College in 1980. Michael received his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law and was admitted to the New York State Bar and the District Court from the Northern District of New York in 1984.

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Michael was an associate of Emil M. Rossi, Esq. for many years before opening his own law practice which he continues to operate today.

In 2011, Michael was honored by being included in the Super Lawyers annual magazine in the area of Criminal Law for Upstate New York and was recognized by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys for his excellence in that field of criminal law.

Michael has been quoted regarding his representation of litigants in various national news outlets including the New York Times, USA Today, Inside Edition and The Nancy Grace Show. Michael has lectured in the area of criminal law for the New York State Bar Association, Onondaga County Bar Association and the New York State Association of Town and Village Justices. Michael is also a past delegate to the Onondaga County Judicial Nominating Committee.

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