Smith Sovik Announces 2023 Partner Class

Smith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet, P.C. is proud to announce John Coghlan, Matthew Germain, and Jackie Wanemaker have become partners in the firm.

Matt joined the firm as a first-year associate in 2016.  Since then, he has had success throughout New York State in all types of civil litigation.  Clients have come to know Matt as a zealous advocate and trusted advisor to insureds, insurance companies, and private clients.  He has also pursued several claims on behalf of injured individuals, leveraging his defense experience to recover millions for those injured by others’ negligence.  Read about some of his many victories here, here, and here.

John started his career at Smith Sovik and rejoined the firm in 2021.  While John routinely defends cases in all areas of the law, John has established himself as an accomplished medical malpractice attorney.  In that role, he has frequently defended doctors and medical professionals across the State.  John leverages his extensive medical malpractice background and varied experiences to aggressively and creatively defend cases, from early expert review through dispositive motion practice and at trial.

Jackie joined the firm in 2019.  Her prior practice included a unique mix of experience as an attorney for both Plaintiffs and Defendants in personal injury suits.  Since joining the firm, Jackie has focused on defending cases across Western New York.  More recently, Jackie has established a burgeoning arbitration and mediation services practice.  In that role, she leverages her unique experience to help parties reach resolutions.   Read about some of her many successes here, here, and here.

Very responsive and they understand the meaning of customer service. I could sleep at night knowing that the attorney was protecting my client’s interest.

Martin Ditkof
General Counsel
Morris Material Handling (P&H Crane)