Read Peter J. Gregory’s professional biography and it will tell you he handles “complex civil and commercial litigation” matters and real estate transactions.

Ask Peter Gregory what he does, and his answer is rather simple: Whether he’s representing a buyer or seller of a home in the Great Rochester area, or someone mired in a difficult lawsuit, he helps people “move on” with the next chapter of their life.

“I think good attorneys and good litigators recognize that although litigation is an adversarial process, the goal is to try and reach the best result for your client. And sometimes, that doesn’t necessarily involve going to trial. There are other ways to resolve cases,” said Peter, who joined Goldberg Segalla in July as a partner in the firm’s Civil Litigation and Trial, and Real Estate and Land Use practice groups.

“So, while you’re trying to push ahead to advocate for your client and get the best result for them, you’re still also trying to find a way that allows your client to resolve the matter, move on and get on to their next chapter — either in their business or their life.”

Helping people “move on” is something at which Peter — who is based in Rochester — excels. His success has earned him numerous honors including being named to ‘The Power List’ for Litigation Law this year by The Daily Record and Rochester Business Journal, as well as the 2024 ‘Power 20’ for Real Estate Law. He was also a finalist in 2023 for the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s Ignite Award and tapped by The Daily Record in 2022 for its ‘Power List’ for Personal Injury Law.

Still, he’s hardly content to rest on his laurels.

“I think if you’re a good attorney, you’re always trying to learn and grow,” Peter said. “Especially recently, there’s been a big influx of technology and tools to try and make us more effective and efficient. Once you think you’ve seen it all and done it all, I think that’s a warning sign because there’s always new things to learn and help you grow to become better.”

In Goldberg Segalla, Peter said he found the perfect firm to help him grow in his areas of practice.

“Looking specifically in Rochester, there was a need for more support for the type of work that I do. Goldberg Segalla obviously has the track record, and the deep team and substantial resources to support me. The firm size and scope of their practice really helps set it apart and its excellent trial attorneys have a stellar reputation. I’ve been very happy with the decision to come here. It’s been a nice mix,” Peter said of his dual focus on Civil Litigation and Real Estate. “I really enjoy the variety and coming in every day to try and help people move on and move forward.”

As someone born and raised in Rochester and active in the community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Small Business Council and an advisor for the Emerging Leaders Group with the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, Peter said he also believes he can be effective in helping Goldberg Segalla expand its client base throughout the area.

“We’re really trying to grow this office” in Rochester, he said. “In knowing the people and the community — whether it’s local events or favorite restaurants — I just think having those shared experiences creates a closer bond with clients.”

Establishing and maintaining a bond with clients is what lies at heart of Peter’s practice.

“I think the most important thing you can do to build trust is to be honest,” he said.
“That means communicating with clients, not only about the strengths of their potential case, but also potential weaknesses, as well. And having those discussions early and giving timely feedback.

“I pride myself on being very responsive. Clients are dealing not only with the financial impact of a potential lawsuit, but also the emotional and personal impact of having to go through what can be a very stressful and time-consuming process. You have to keep clients informed about not only where things stand, but also potential paths forward.”

After all, the goal is to help clients “move on.”

“I tell my clients that it’s kind of a rite of passage where, ‘you tried something and it didn’t work out and now we need to find a way to fix it and move forward so we can let everyone move on to the next chapter,’” Peter said. “The goal is to make sure your clients get a good result at the end of the day. Helping to bring clients closure is something I find very rewarding.”