Falge, LaClair, Hvozda & Cassidy, P.C.
Approachable, progressive and caring – the adjectives that first spring to mind when meeting with the team at Falge, LaClair, Hvozda & Cassidy, P.C. (FLHC.)
Retaining a law firm isn’t usually at the top of most people’s, or company’s, list of favorite chores as it often means choppy waters ahead. But FLHC, PC, Attorneys at Law, aim to make your experience a positive one in all respects.
Founded in the 90s, the firm has, as founding partner Daniel Falge explains, has seen many “ups and downs.” That, as it turns out means several things.
The small group (4 partners and 2 associates, as well as 7 staff members) are all graduates of upstate law schools, giving them a familiarity with the local scene, and an appreciation for an area they truly call “home.” More than that, they are seasoned attorneys who have a wealth of legal experience, and who have watched the legal landscape change – and have adapted to those changes with the flexibility and dexterity only a small, closely knit team can.
The firm practices primarily in Worker’s Compensation law; though, as Daniel Falge explains, they also excel in SSI Disability, criminal law and real estate (both buyer, seller and lending institution) matters. As Falge tells it, he originally intended to go into criminal law, but he and the other founding partners saw an opportunity in insurance and Worker’s Compensation matters, and headed down that path, instead. 
“Workers’ Compensation Law is traditionally adversarial,” says Falge. While the firm aggressively and successfully litigated many Workers’ Compensation matters, his firm has an emphasis on conflict resolution.
One of the big drivers in that new emphasis is technology. “In the early days it was all paper,” says Falge. “Now, with an essentially paperless system and electronic filing, there are more interactions among all the stakeholders – injured parties, doctors, the Compensation Board and insurance companies.”
Falge stressed that the size of the firm allows a number of advantages, both for the lawyers, and for the clients they serve. Likely, any given client – large or small – will meet all the lawyers – and will speak directly to the lawyer handling their matter quickly. “There are no ‘layers’ to go through,” says Falge.
The team at FLHC works hard but also takes time to enjoy themselves. They are fans of Table Hopping and usually take advantage of the local events and/or happy hours. The FLHC team makes a point of spending off-hours time together, from bowling outings, local wine tours to fishing trip in Alex Bay, the partners feel that time spent enjoying activities together helps them work more cohesively together. In fact, the firm even buys lunch, every day, for the entire staff, and they all enjoy the break together, giving people a chance to relax – and this promotes not just a more informal, friendly environment, but provides opportunities for sparks of creativity on the job.
“We take pride in our work,” says Falge, “and we take the time to educate our clients. We want them to know they can call us, to feel comfortable that they can ask questions and that they’re going to know exactly where they stand, and what’s going to happen in their matter. We don’t ever want anyone to feel uncomfortable calling us.”
All in all, this friendly, positive and experienced law firm can truly claim to offer “integrity and fair representation” to all their clients, and live up to their reputation as one of the top area law firms in Worker’s Compensation law, Social Security Disability, Criminal Law and Real Estate.
