Herschel Gelber
Herschel Gelber is a seasoned trial lawyer who, for more than 30 years, has been dedicated to excellence in the practice of law. He draws on his experience as both a plaintiff's attorney and former defense attorney – and as a champion of the rights of the injured – to achieve million and multi-million dollar recoveries for his clients.
Mr. Gelber began his legal career in New York City as a trial lawyer responsible for defending major corporations, doctors, owners of commercial property and insurance companies in motor vehicle accident, product liability, professional malpractice and construction site accident litigation. In 1987, he moved to Buffalo and joined the law firm of Gross, Shuman, Brizdle and Gilfillian, P.C. As both an associate and later as a partner, he successfully prosecuted major lawsuits involving medical malpractice, construction site accidents, product liability, motor vehicle accidents and wrongful death on behalf of injured victims and their families.
In 1994, Mr. Gelber teamed up with former New York State Supreme Court Justice Frank R. Bayger and founded the law firm of Frank R. Bayger, P.C. As managing shareholder and senior trial lawyer, Mr. Gelber handled the largest cases in the firm, while continuing his successful representation of injured victims and their families. In the latter part of 1998, Frank R. Bayger, P.C. merged with Lipsitz, Green, Fahringer, Roll, Salisbury and Cambria, LLP and Mr. Gelber became a partner in that firm's personal injury litigation department. In 2000, he formed his own law firm to address the need for skilled trial lawyers to represent injured victims and to ensure each and every client receives his personal attention. In 2010, Mr. Gelber took on a full partner, Timothy G. O'Connell, who previously was senior trial counsel at Siegel, Kelleher & Kahn. In recognition, the law firm was renamed Gelber & O'Connell, LLC.
Mr. Gelber has been recognized for his successful representation of clients by being selected for membership in Best Lawyers in America, New York State Super Lawyers, Legal Elite of Western New York and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a select group of attorneys nationwide who have litigated numerous cases resulting in verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more. He supports numerous community groups, charitable organizations and other special interests.
Areas of Practice
Plaintiff's Personal Injury; Automobile Accidents; Truck Accidents; Motorcycle Accidents; Construction Accidents; Premises Liability; Wrongful Death; Products Liability; Mass Tort; Medical Malpractice
Bar Admissions
New York, 1983; U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York, 1984; U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 1984; U.S. District Court Western District of New York, 1987
Education
J.D. - Pace University Law School
B.A. - Univeristy of Western Ontario
Honors and Awards
Best Lawyers in America
New York State Super Lawyers
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Legal Elite of Western New York
Professional Associations and Memberships
American Association for Justice, Member; New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA), Member; New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers, Member; New York State Bar Association, Member; Western Region Affiliate of New York Trial Lawyers Association, Member; Bar Association of Erie County, Member