David L. Niefer

607-723-0600 ext. 102 (o)
607-251-1077 (d)

David L. Niefer is a workers’ compensation defense attorney with extensive experience representing employers, insurance carriers, and self-insured entities throughout New York State. His practice focuses on the defense of complex workers’ compensation claims, including litigation involving medical causation issues, permanency disputes, occupational disease claims, and interpretation and application of evolving Workers’ Compensation Board regulations and treatment standards.

Born in Ithaca, New York, Mr. Niefer attended The Hill School before earning his undergraduate degree in political science from George Washington University in 1988. He subsequently earned his Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1994.

Mr. Niefer is admitted to practice law in both New York and Pennsylvania. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Broome County Bar Association.

Throughout his career, Mr. Niefer has remained actively involved in developments affecting New York workers’ compensation practice and has presented on significant regulatory and procedural topics impacting employers and carriers, including changes to the Medical Treatment Guidelines and implementation of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Drug Formulary. His presentations have focused on helping clients and claims professionals understand the practical implications of regulatory changes within the workers’ compensation system.

In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Niefer has maintained a longstanding commitment to community and civic involvement. He previously served as Chair of the United Way of Broome County campaign and currently serves on the Board of the Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP).

Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Niefer has a lifelong interest in the study of history, particularly modern Italian history. His interest was shaped in part by the experiences of three generations of Italian immigrants within his family and continues to inform his appreciation for cultural history, immigration, and social development.

Mr. Niefer is known for providing practical, thoughtful, and responsive representation to employers and insurance professionals navigating the complexities of New York workers’ compensation law.

as well as before the United States Court of Military Appeals. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Broome County Bar Association. He is also a member of the New York State Self-Insurers Association and previously served as a member of the Council on Litigation Management.

Mr. Gitto’s professional accomplishments have been recognized by both his peers and the legal community. In 2024, he received the prestigious N. Theodore Sommer Award from the Broome County Bar Association in recognition of his consistent demonstration of professional ability, integrity, and dedicated advocacy on behalf of his clients, reflecting the highest ideals of the legal profession.

In addition, as of August 15, 2024, Mr. Gitto was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Workers’ Compensation Law on behalf of Employers. His professional achievements have also resulted in recognition among America’s Most Honored Lawyers – Top 5% for 2024.

John H. Snyder

Partner
315-732-8661 (o)

John H. Snyder is an experienced workers’ compensation defense attorney whose practice focuses on representing employers, insurance carriers, and self-insured entities throughout New York State. Recognized for his leadership within the workers’ compensation bar and his extensive involvement in both professional and community organizations, Mr. Snyder has developed a reputation for practical and knowledgeable advocacy in complex workers’ compensation matters.

Born in Albany, New York, Mr. Snyder graduated from Utica University in 1995. He subsequently earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1998.

Mr. Snyder is admitted to practice law in New York and is also admitted before the United States Supreme Court. He currently serves as Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Division of the Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, reflecting his active involvement in shaping and discussing developments within New York workers’ compensation law and practice.

A frequent lecturer on workers’ compensation issues, Mr. Snyder regularly presents on topics affecting employers, carriers, claims professionals, and attorneys practicing within the workers’ compensation system. He has developed particular experience and specialization in third party claims, loss transfer and lien recovery as well as the preparation and analysis of Medicare Set-Asides, assisting clients in addressing the complex interaction between workers’ compensation settlements and federal Medicare compliance requirements.

In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Snyder serves as an Adjunct Professor and Trustee at Utica University, demonstrating his longstanding commitment to education and professional development. His civic and community involvement includes serving as President of the Utica Industrial Development Corporation and Vice-President of the Utica Lady Knicks youth basketball organization.  Mr. Snyder Coaches the Utica-Notre Dame High School Varsity Girls basketball team.  The team won the 2024 New York State Championship and competed in the 2026 New York State Finals.

Mr. Snyder also serves as a Board member of Mohawk Valley EDGE, Notre Dame Schools, and St. Agnes Cemetery. Through these roles, he has remained actively involved in initiatives supporting economic development, education, youth athletics, and community organizations throughout the Mohawk Valley region.

Mr. Snyder practices from the firm’s office located at 605 French Road in New Hartford (Utica), New York, where he continues to represent employers and insurance professionals in all aspects of New York workers’ compensation litigation and counseling.

Edmond F. Morreall

Assistant Managing Partner
607-723-0600 ext. 103 (o)
607-251-1081 (d)

Edmond F. Morreall is an experienced workers’ compensation defense attorney and serves as Assistant Managing Partner of Gitto & Niefer, LLP. His practice focuses on representing employers, insurance carriers, and self-insured entities throughout New York State in all aspects of workers’ compensation litigation and counseling. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Morreall plays a significant role in the firm’s administration, operations, and long-term strategic development.

Born in Rome, New York, Mr. Morreall earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University in 1994, majoring in both Korean and International Relations. His academic background reflects a longstanding interest in international affairs, communication, and public policy. He subsequently earned his Juris Doctor degree from Cornell Law School in 1998, where he concentrated in Public Law and specialized in International Legal Affairs.

Throughout his legal career, Mr. Morreall has represented employers and carriers in a wide range of workers’ compensation matters, including claim establishment disputes, medical and indemnity issues, permanency litigation, and complex procedural matters before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. He is known for providing practical guidance and responsive representation tailored to the needs of employers, claims professionals, and insurance carriers navigating the New York workers’ compensation system.

Mr. Morreall has also been actively involved in professional education within the workers’ compensation field. He has presented at numerous conferences and seminars addressing developments in New York workers’ compensation law and practice. In addition, he currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Boston University School of Public Health.  He teaches a graduate-level course in Leadership and Management for the Department of Health Law, Policy & Management.

Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Morreall has maintained a strong commitment to community and youth development initiatives. He is active in his local church and community organizations and has devoted substantial time to leadership and mentoring activities involving youth programs.

An Eagle Scout, Mr. Morreall previously served as President of the Baden-Powell Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as a member of its Executive Board. In recognition of his distinguished service and leadership within scouting, he received the Silver Beaver Award, one of the organization’s highest honors for volunteer service.

Mr. Morreall has also overseen and organized numerous community youth activities and has served as a coach for baseball, softball and basketball, reflecting his longstanding commitment to mentorship, teamwork, and community involvement.

Jason M. Carlton

Managing Partner
607-723-0600 ext. 104 (o)
607-251-1082 (d)

Jason M. Carlton is the Managing Partner of Gitto & Niefer, LLP and an experienced workers’ compensation defense attorney whose practice focuses on representing employers, insurance carriers, and self-insured entities throughout New York State. In his role as Managing Partner, Mr. Carlton oversees the firm’s operations, strategic direction, and continued commitment to providing responsive and high-quality representation to clients throughout New York State. He is recognized for his extensive appellate experience, litigation background, and longstanding involvement in professional and community organizations.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Mr. Carlton earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern College in Iowa before obtaining his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2000.

Mr. Carlton is admitted to practice law in both New York and Pennsylvania. Throughout his legal career, he has handled a broad range of workers’ compensation matters involving complex legal, medical, and procedural issues before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board and appellate courts.

A significant portion of Mr. Carlton’s practice has involved appellate advocacy. He has handled more than seventy-five cases before the New York State Appellate Division and has argued successfully before the New York State Court of Appeals. His appellate experience has contributed to the development and interpretation of New York workers’ compensation law and reflects his depth of experience in handling complex and precedent-setting legal issues.

Mr. Carlton is also the author of the chapter addressing “Apportionment” in the New York State Bar Association publication entitled “Workers’ Compensation Law and Practice in New York State.” His work on this publication reflects his recognized knowledge in the area of apportionment and permanency issues within the New York workers’ compensation system.

In addition to his litigation and appellate practice, Mr. Carlton has presented on numerous workers’ compensation-related topics to conferences, businesses, insurance professionals, and trade associations. His presentations have focused on developments in workers’ compensation law, litigation strategy, and issues affecting employers and carriers throughout New York State.

Mr. Carlton has also maintained a strong commitment to civic and community involvement. He previously served as Chairman of the Binghamton Salvation Army Advisory Board and currently serves as a Board Member for Vestal Little League. He remains active in his church and community organizations. Since 2024 he has served as the Chancellor for the Anglican Diocese of the Living Word, and volunteers much of his time to advising his church on both civil and canon law matters.

A past President of the Broome County Bar Association, Mr. Carlton has been recognized for his professional and community service by his peers within the legal profession. In 2018, he received the Stanley B. Reiter Award from the Broome County Bar Association in recognition of his extraordinary service to the Association and the legal community.

As Managing Partner, Mr. Carlton continues to focus on maintaining the firm’s longstanding reputation for practical, strategic, and responsive representation while guiding the firm’s continued growth and development within the workers’ compensation defense field.

Mr. Carlton is known for providing practical, strategic, and responsive representation to employers and insurance professionals navigating the complexities of New York workers’ compensation law.

Patrick B. Guy

Patrick B. Guy, Partner, 607 723-0600 ext 105. Mr. Guy is a Binghamton, NY native who received his B.A. from Union College in 1990. In 1993, he received his J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law. Mr. Guy is admitted to practice in New York and is a member of the New York State and Broome County Bar Associations. He has attended conferences of the New York State Association of Self-Insured Counties and the New York Workers’ Compensation Centennial Conference. Mr. Guy plays community hockey.

Joshua M. Luce

Joshua M. Luce, Managing Partner, 607 723-0600 ext 107. Mr. Luce received his B.S. in Business Administration from Binghamton University in 2002. He received his J.D. from Albany Law School in 2007. He has focused his practice on workers’ compensation since his admission to the bar.

Mr. Luce has an additional interest in real estate law and practice. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and Broome County Bar Association. Mr. Luce has been actively involved with local community hockey groups and is active in his church.

Shane Eaton Armstrong

Shane Eaton Armstrong, Partner, 607 723-0600, ext 118. Ms. Armstrong received her B.A. from Marquette University in 2002. She then served as a Captain of the Medical Services Corps of the United States Army until 2006, while stationed in Germany, Iraq and Italy.

Ms. Armstrong then secured her J.D. from Drexel University in 2010. After law school, Ms. Armstrong began her career in workers’ compensation law at Gitto & Niefer, LLP. She has also developed an expertise in Social Security Disability.

Ms. Armstrong has been a Director on the Board of the Broome County Bar Association since 2016 and serves as President-Elect. She is an active volunteer for Legal Aid in landlord/tenant matters since 2011. She has chaired a Veteran’s Law Clinic and Law Day. Ms. Armstrong has served as a Guardian for Honor Flights for the Southern Tier of New York and presented a speech on “American Women in Combat” at Broome Women Lead. She also gave a presentation on the Broome County Chamber of Commerce Women’s Conference & Expo on “The Power of Female Relationships.” She serves as a youth basketball coach and a running ambassador. Ms. Armstrong regularly provides pro bono work through the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York.

Madeline G. Messa

Madeline's biograghy is coming, please check back soon.

Donald R. Gitto

Of Counsel
607-723-0600 ext. 101 (o)

607-251-1079 (d)

Donald R. Gitto, of counsel, is a highly experienced workers’ compensation defense attorney whose practice has focused on representing employers, insurance carriers, and self-insured entities throughout New York State for nearly four decades. Recognized for his professionalism, litigation skill, and longstanding commitment to client advocacy, Mr. Gitto has developed a reputation as a respected leader within the workers’ compensation defense community.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Gitto earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in 1980. He subsequently obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1983, where he served as an editor of the Fordham Law Review, reflecting his strong academic and analytical foundation.

Following law school, Mr. Gitto attended the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia, graduating with honors. He then served as a Captain in the United States Army from 1984 through 1986 at Fort Carson, Colorado. During his military service, he worked as both labor law counsel and trial counsel and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his service and professional contributions.

After completing his military service, Mr. Gitto began practicing workers’ compensation law in the Binghamton, New York region in 1986. Over the course of his career, he has represented employers and carriers in all aspects of New York State workers’ compensation litigation, including claim establishment issues, permanency disputes, occupational disease claims, fraud investigations, complex medical causation matters, and appellate practice before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. In 2008, he co-founded Gitto & Niefer, LLP, a firm dedicated to the defense of employers, insurance carriers, and self-insured entities in workers’ compensation matters throughout New York State.

Mr. Gitto is admitted to practice law in both New York and Pennsylvania, as well as before the United States Court of Military Appeals. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Broome County Bar Association. He is also a member of the New York State Self-Insurers Association and previously served as a member of the Council on Litigation Management.

Mr. Gitto’s professional accomplishments have been recognized by both his peers and the legal community. In 2024, he received the prestigious N. Theodore Sommer Award from the Broome County Bar Association in recognition of his consistent demonstration of professional ability, integrity, and dedicated advocacy on behalf of his clients, reflecting the highest ideals of the legal profession.

In addition, as of August 15, 2024, Mr. Gitto was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Workers’ Compensation Law on behalf of Employers. His professional achievements have also resulted in recognition among America’s Most Honored Lawyers – Top 5% for 2024.