Adams Leclair Earns Prestigious Best Lawyers® Honors, including 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” for Founding Partner Richard T. Bell, Jr.
Rochester, N.Y. – Adams Leclair LLP is celebrating a banner year of professional recognition in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America®, highlighted by partner Richard T. Bell, Jr. being named the Best Lawyers® 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation – Municipal for the Rochester, N.Y. region. This elite distinction is awarded to only one lawyer per practice area in each region, making Bell’s selection a singular and highly distinguished honor.
Bell, a seasoned civil litigator in both state and federal courts, has built a career spanning commercial litigation, construction law, real property taxation, and municipal law. He represents towns, villages, counties, school districts, and public authorities in matters ranging from tax certiorari and Article 78 actions to regulatory compliance, procurement, and open meetings law.
“It’s a privilege to be recognized by my peers for work I find both meaningful and intellectually rewarding,” said Bell. “This honor also reflects the strength of our entire team and the trust of our municipal and commercial clients.”
In addition to Bell’s individual honor, eleven attorneys at Adams Leclair LLP have again earned top regional recognition in the Rochester-N.Y. Metro across multiple practice areas.
The attorneys include: Anthony Adams, Daniel Adams, Ted Baum, Richard Bell, Erin Casey, Steven Cole, Mary Jo Korona, Paul Leclair, Maura McGuire, Stacey Trien, and Rob Yawman. These rankings are the result of a rigorous evaluation process involving peer review, client and professional references, and comprehensive analysis of the firm’s performance and reputation.
“Our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients—through strategic thinking, collaboration, and courtroom strength—continues to drive our work forward,” said partner Stacey Trien.
The 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America® also recognized two of the firm’s associates in Ones to Watch® in America: Kelly Geary for Litigation – Construction, and Ryan Lefkowitz for Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Securities, and Municipal Law.
Adams Leclair LLP is a Rochester-based litigation firm focused on commercial and construction law, representing clients throughout upstate New York. The attorneys will host the firm’s 3rd Annual Construction Law Update Conference at Country Club of Rochester on October 8, 2025. The 2025 session is designed to equip contactors, developers, and construction executives with critical legal updates and strategies for complying in the construction sector. This event is open to industry clients and area construction professionals. Space is limited and early registration is recommended.