Stephen L Yonaty, Bankruptcy Attorney in Buffalo, New York
Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights · 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Buffalo, NY
Practicing bankruptcy in Buffalo since 1994.
- 32+
- Years practicing
- 2.9 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Stephen L Yonaty?
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Quick answer
Stephen L Yonaty is an attorney based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Stephen has over 32 years of legal experience. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Buffalo, NY
- Experience
- over 32 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Civil Rights
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Buffalo, NY.
- Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Stephen L Yonaty: Stephen L Yonaty is an attorney based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Stephen has over 32 years of legal experience. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Stephen's practice areas in Buffalo
Stephen concentrates on bankruptcy, business, civil rights, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Civil Rights
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General
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Creditor Rights
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Bankruptcy cases in Buffalo, New York
Stephen takes bankruptcy matters in Buffalo, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Buffalo, New York
Stephen takes business matters in Buffalo, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Buffalo, New York
Stephen takes civil rights matters in Buffalo, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
General cases in Buffalo, New York
Stephen takes general matters in Buffalo, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Buffalo, New York
Stephen takes litigation matters in Buffalo, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Stephen L Yonaty, bankruptcy attorney serving Buffalo
Stephen L Yonaty is an attorney based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Stephen has over 32 years of legal experience. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review. Stephen works from Buffalo, New York and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Mr. Stephen L Yonaty is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, insolvency, commercial litigation and 5 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.S. degree from Cornell University in 1990, and has been licensed for 32 years. Stephen practices in Buffalo, NY.
Working with Stephen on a bankruptcy matter
Mr. Stephen L Yonaty is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, insolvency, commercial litigation and 5 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.S. degree from Cornell University in 1990, and has been licensed for 32 years. Stephen practices in Buffalo, NY.
Clients Stephen works with
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and civil rights matters in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Stephen studied and practices
University at Buffalo Law School
J.D. · 1994
Cornell University
B.S. I.L.R. · 1990
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
New York
1995 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1994 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in University at Buffalo Law School and B.S. I.L.R. in Cornell University.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in University at Buffalo Law School and B.S. I.L.R. in Cornell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Stephen's legal honors and published work
Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Locations
Stephen L Yonaty's office in Buffalo
Stephen's primary office is at 726 Exchange Street., Buffalo, NY, 14210. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen L Yonaty — 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Buffalo.
2.9
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen L Yonaty claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Stephen L Yonaty — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Buffalo, New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Stephen
Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephen L Yonaty
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in New York typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Buffalo?
Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?
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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Buffalo and Albany in New York
Stephen handles bankruptcy matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in New York
If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Buffalo handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





