Cooke Doyle LLC
Michael C. Lancer
Partner
Office: (716) 320-7777
Direct: (716) 222-3833
I am a litigator and trial attorney with 30 years’ experience. From an early age, my parents taught me the ethic of hard work and to stick up for what is right. I have brought these values into my practice as a lawyer; they are what makes me tick. They guide me in my day-to-day activities as an attorney and in life.
As a defense counsel, I have represented insurers both as in-house and as retained counsel. I understand carriers’ needs and how they work. Over the years, I established and maintained both professional and personal relationships with many insurance professionals. I have served as Vice President/Legal Counsel to the Insurance Club of Buffalo. My time as plaintiffs’ counsel served me well in terms of understanding what drives claimants and their attorneys. This experience informs my work as a defense lawyer.
I am a U.S. Army veteran, having attained the rank of Major in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps over the course of 10 years of service. This experience shaped me in almost every way, including work ethic, loyalty, values, and trial experience as a prosecutor. After leaving the Army, I continued my work representing veterans at a Mentor in Buffalo’s Veterans Treatment Court, and as the Chair of the Veteran’s Committee of the NYS Bar Association. I have also served as the veterans’ affairs advisor to former U.S. Rep. (now Gov.) Kathy Hochul.
Thus, over the course of my career, my clients have included insurance carriers, individuals, soldiers and their families, and the United States of America. This broad spectrum of representation has given me a unique perspective, as well as the ability to understand multiple points of view. I bring this experience to work with me every day. I am proud to be part of the team at Cooke Doyle. I look forward to working with you as your attorney.
Practice Areas
Insurance Defense/Personal Injury Litigation
Construction Accidents
Commercial Litigation
Education Law
Education
J.D., 1992 Fordham University School of Law, New York, New York
B.A., 1987 State University of New York at Stony Brook
Admissions
New York
Pennsylvania
United States District Court (various jurisdictions)
New Jersey (inactive)
Additional Language Skills
French
Italian