Smith Sovik Kendrick & Sugnet is proud to celebrate 80 years of continuous service to our clients across New York State.
The firm was founded in 1946 by Laurence (“Larry”) Sovik and John Timothy Smith. Over the past eight decades, what began as a small Syracuse practice has grown into a statewide litigation boutique with offices in Syracuse, Western New York, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island. Our attorneys defend professionals, institutions, and individuals in state and federal courts throughout New York.
While we are routinely recognized as one of New York’s leading medical malpractice defense firms, with a trial record that speaks for itself, we also defend attorneys, accountants, architects, and engineers. We bring the same expertise, depth of knowledge, and expert access to motor vehicle, premises liability, employment, and commercial matters.
The firm’s growth since our 75th anniversary reflects something we have always believed: there is no substitute for real litigation and trial experience developed early in a lawyer’s career. Our associates are in courtrooms — not conference rooms — and the results show.
Managing Partner Kevin Hulslander and partners Eric Johnson, Steve Williams, Jim Cunningham, Ted Smith, Brandon King, Kristin Norfleet, Karen Felter, and Kristen Benson lead a team that is as committed to winning today as Larry and Fritz Sovik were in the firm’s earliest years.
Each summer we welcome four to five law students as summer associates, with an eye toward permanent placement after graduation. That pipeline is central to how we grow and how we carry the firm’s traditions forward.
Of course, none of this is possible without our loyal clients and our outstanding staff. Winning is not simply our mission — it is our standard. Here’s to 80 outstanding years, and to 80 more!
