About Us

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Rodney O. Personius

Partner

Mr. Personius was a partner with Brown & Kelly, LLP between 1988 and 2001. As an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of New York from 1982 through 1988, he served as both Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit (1985-1987), and as Chief of the Civil Division (1987-1988). Prior to his government service, he was employed as an associate with Condon & Sedita, P.C. between 1976 and 1982.

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Brian M. Melber

Partner

Mr. Melber was a founding partner in the firm in 2002. From 1997 to 2001, he served as an associate at Brown & Kelly, LLP. His experience includes trials and appeals in both criminal and civil matters as well as Federal and New York State courts.

Scott R. Hapeman

Scott R. Hapeman

Associate

Mr. Hapeman joined the firm in early 2005. He served as an associate with the Law Office of Kevin A. Ricotta from 2001 to 2005. Prior to his admission to the New York State Bar, Mr. Hapeman was a student law clerk with Brown & Kelly, LLP and for the Hon. William M. Skretny, U.S. District Court, Western District of New York.

The focal point of our practice is litigation. While we spend a substantial amount of time in federal court, we also regularly handle matters at the state level. Our criminal law practice is concentrated in the area of white collar defense. On the civil side, we handle various types of business and commercial disputes, lawsuits brought under the False Claims Act, professional discipline and licensing proceedings, injury and accident litigation, and municipal program oversight.

We maintain regular and timely communication with each of our clients. Telephone calls and e-mail messages are returned promptly. All correspondence and pleadings either generated by us or received from third-parties are shared with our clients. Experience teaches us that this high level of contact avoids misunderstandings and promotes a positive attorney/client relationship.

Our billings are forwarded to clients on a monthly basis. They contain substantial detail. We encourage our clients to communicate with us if questions arise regarding any entries or charges appearing on our monthly statements. Maintaining an open dialogue with respect to financial matters is imperative.

At Personius Melber LLP, we put in long hours. As a rule, we may be contacted most work day evenings and on weekends, in addition to being available during regular business hours. While we cannot forecast with certainty the outcome of any given matter being handled by us, our clients can be assured we will be well prepared and will advocate on their behalf in a competent, professional fashion.

We do not self promote. We will not do so on this website, nor in any other context. We place a premium on our reputation within the legal community. We encourage anyone who has questions regarding our commitment, legal expertise or professionalism to simply contact one or more other attorneys who practice in Western New York.