Duane D. Schoonmaker, ADR Attorney in Williamsville, New York
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Car Accidents, and Litigation · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Car Accident AttorneyatWilliam Mattar Accident Lawyers
Williamsville, NY
Practicing adr in Williamsville since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Duane D. Schoonmaker?
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Quick answer
Duane D. Schoonmaker is a car accident attorney based in Williamsville, NY. The practice focuses on ADR, Car Accidents, and Litigation. Duane has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William Mattar Accident Lawyers. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Williamsville, NY
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- ADR · Car Accidents · Litigation
- Handles ADR, Car Accidents, and Litigation matters from Williamsville, NY.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Duane D. Schoonmaker: Duane D. Schoonmaker is a car accident attorney based in Williamsville, NY. The practice focuses on ADR, Car Accidents, and Litigation. Duane has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William Mattar Accident Lawyers. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Duane's practice areas in Williamsville
Duane concentrates on adr, car accidents, litigation, motorcycle, and truck accidents. Each area below outlines the kind of case Duane handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Car Accidents
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Litigation
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Motorcycle
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Truck Accidents
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ADR cases in Williamsville, New York
Duane takes adr matters in Williamsville, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Duane agrees to represent you.
Car Accidents cases in Williamsville, New York
Duane takes car accidents matters in Williamsville, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Duane agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Williamsville, New York
Duane takes litigation matters in Williamsville, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Duane agrees to represent you.
Motorcycle cases in Williamsville, New York
Duane takes motorcycle matters in Williamsville, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Duane agrees to represent you.
Truck Accidents cases in Williamsville, New York
Duane takes truck accidents matters in Williamsville, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Duane agrees to represent you.
Biography
Duane D. Schoonmaker, adr attorney serving Williamsville
Duane D. Schoonmaker is a car accident attorney based in Williamsville, NY. The practice focuses on ADR, Car Accidents, and Litigation. Duane has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William Mattar Accident Lawyers. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. Duane works from Williamsville, New York and takes on adr matters across the region.
Duane Schoonmaker is originally from Vestal, New York, but he’s lived in Buffalo for many years and now considers it to be his hometown. In 1982, he earned his undergraduate’s degree from SUNY Albany with a B.A. in Communications graduating cum laude. Duane went on to earn his Juris Doctor from University at Buffalo in 1985.
He has been practicing law since his admission in New York in 1986, and has been admitted to practice in New York in Federal Court in the Western and Northern Districts, and in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Throughout his years as an attorney fighting for his clients, he has lectured on many topics including Deposing Defendant’s Corporate Personnel and Experts; Receiving Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; Slip and Fall Cases in New York; Facebook and Beyond: Social Media; and Trial of a Soft Tissue Automobile Accident. He is also the Chair of the Bar Association of Erie County’s Negligence Committee.
“I became a lawyer because I wanted a career in which I could help people solve their problems. I’m most passionate about effectively communicating with clients, judges, and jurors,” he says, reflecting on his career path that has led him to helping clients at William Mattar, PC.
In Duane’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, working outdoors, and playing golf.
Duane's approach to adr cases
Duane Schoonmaker is originally from Vestal, New York, but he’s lived in Buffalo for many years and now considers it to be his hometown. In 1982, he earned his undergraduate’s degree from SUNY Albany with a B.A. in Communications graduating cum laude. Duane went on to earn his Juris Doctor from University at Buffalo in 1985. He has been practicing law since his admission in New York in 1986, and…
Clients Duane works with
Duane reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, car accidents, and litigation matters in Williamsville and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Duane studied and practices
State University of New York at Buffalo
J.D. · 1985
State University of New York at Albany
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Duane's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
New York
1986 · ACTIVE
Duane studied at J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo and B.A. in State University of New York at Albany.
Law school and academic background
Duane completed J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo and B.A. in State University of New York at Albany. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Duane runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Duane's legal honors and published work
Duane has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Duane's professional memberships and bar associations
Bar Association of Erie County
membership
Locations
Duane D. Schoonmaker's office in Williamsville
Duane's primary office is at 6720 Main Street, Suite 100, Williamsville, NY, 14221. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
William Mattar Accident Lawyers
6720 Main Street, Suite 100
Williamsville, NY 14221
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Client reviews of Duane D. Schoonmaker — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Duane. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Williamsville.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Duane D. Schoonmaker claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Duane D. Schoonmaker — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Duane usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Duane charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Duane's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Duane will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Williamsville, New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Duane
Duane discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Duane confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Duane's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Duane D. Schoonmaker
How much does it cost to hire Duane for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Duane walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Duane offer a free consultation?
Duane charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Duane's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Duane's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in New York typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Duane gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Duane take my case if I'm outside Williamsville?
Duane is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Duane will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Duane?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Duane will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Duane accepting new adr clients right now?
Duane's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Williamsville and Albany in New York
Duane handles adr matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in New York
If Duane's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Williamsville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.