How much does it cost to hire Rafael for a legal case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Rafael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Rafael offer a free consultation?

Rafael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rafael's office. Some legal attorneys offer free consults — check Rafael's current terms during booking.

How long do legal cases in New York typically take?

Simple legal 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. Rafael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Rafael take my case if I'm outside Buffalo?

Rafael 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 — Rafael 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 Rafael?

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. Rafael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Rafael accepting new legal clients right now?

Rafael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Rafael F. Pignataro — Attorney in Buffalo, New York

Over 12 years of legal practice

AttorneyatHodgson Russ LLP

Buffalo, NY

Practicing law in Buffalo since 2014.

12+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Are you Rafael F. Pignataro?

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Quick answer

Rafael F. Pignataro is an attorney based in Buffalo, NY. Rafael has over 12 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hodgson Russ LLP.

Based in: Buffalo, NY
Experience: over 12 years
Known for: legal services

Over 12 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Biography

About Rafael F. Pignataro — Over 12 years of New York legal experience

Rafael F. Pignataro is an attorney based in Buffalo, NY. Rafael has over 12 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hodgson Russ LLP.

Rafael F. Pignataro is a lawyer. Rafael received a degree from University At Buffalo Law School, and has been licensed for 12 years. Rafael practices at Hodgson Russ LLP in Buffalo, NY.

Who Rafael represents

Rafael reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Rafael F. Pignataro's legal education and bar admissions

University At Buffalo Law School
—

Jurisdictions

Rafael's state bar admissions

Pennsylvania
2020 · ACTIVE
New York
2014 · ACTIVE

Rafael studied at — in University At Buffalo Law School.

Law school and academic background

Rafael completed — in University At Buffalo Law School. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Rafael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Rafael F. Pignataro's office in Buffalo

Rafael's primary office is at The Guaranty Building, 140 Pearl St., Ste. 100, Buffalo, NY, 14202-4014. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hodgson Russ LLP

The Guaranty Building, 140 Pearl St., Ste. 100

Buffalo, NY 14202-4014

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Rafael F. Pignataro

Rafael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Rafael F. Pignataro — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new legal attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Rafael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Rafael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rafael'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; Rafael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a legal attorney in Buffalo, New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many legal 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 Rafael

Rafael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in legal practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every legal 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. Rafael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Rafael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many legal practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Rafael F. Pignataro

How much does it cost to hire Rafael for a legal case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Rafael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Rafael offer a free consultation?
Rafael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rafael's office. Some legal attorneys offer free consults — check Rafael's current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in New York typically take?
Simple legal 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. Rafael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Rafael take my case if I'm outside Buffalo?
Rafael 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 — Rafael 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 Rafael?
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. Rafael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Rafael accepting new legal clients right now?
Rafael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.