Our People

John T. Refermat, Esq., Partner

BA - Economics, Hamilton College (1991)

JD - University of Notre Dame Law School (1996)

Tel: (585) 497-2700, Ext. 1

Fax: (585) 973-0080

A trial lawyer for a quarter century, John has invaluable court experience, and unique perspectives and insights that enable him to achieve the most effective and economical results for clients, based on zealous advocacy and close, personal collaboration with clients. Having seen virtually every conceivable kind of case in state and federal courts, John is a veteran of both jury and bench trials, as well as alternative dispute resolution. Recognizing that no two matters – or clients – are alike, John customizes creative strategies by drawing on skills and resources that he has developed over decades, including psychology, economics and an extensive, national network of colleagues and expert witnesses. John recently defeated a multi-pronged motion to dismiss brought by three large firm partners in a federal case, presenting novel eminent domain issues under recent precedent from the United States Supreme Court. Other, illustrative examples from recent successes include:

A pro bono victory (2017) for a nonprofit pregnancy support center in zoning/land use litigation against the City of Rochester that involved constitutional and civil rights;
Successfully resolved - on the first day of a jury trial (2018) - a high profile defamation case by securing a substantial monetary recovery;
Achieving a reversal (2018) in the Appellate Division, Third Department of the lower court’s ruling in a landmark case involving a commercial contractual right of first refusal;
Successful defense (2018-19) of an estate executrix in litigation brought by an international law firm, resulting in a favorable resolution after depositions;
Summary judgment (2019) on behalf of clients seeking specific performance of a purchase and sale contract for real property;
Dual “probable cause” determinations (2019) on behalf of a college administrator, in her discrimination action against her former employer;
Achieved modification/reversal (2019) in the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, in major eminent domain litigation that presented novel issues; and
Successfully negotiated the resolution of trademark litigation (2020), largely through the earlier, successful defense of a dispositive motion at the inception of the case.

Though selective in the cases he accepts, John views his work not just as a profession, but also as a vocation. He is happy to discuss – at no obligation – any issue, no matter how small, to provide creative and strategic guidance.

A longtime pro bono advocate, John has served a variety of nonprofit organizations as a volunteer and board member. In his spare time, John enjoys hiking (especially in the Adirondacks), rooting for the Buffalo Bills, travel and any other activities with his wife, four children and pet Goldendoodle.

Jayme Hurwitz, Esq., Partner

BA - History, Tufts University (1996)

MS - International Relations, St. John Fisher College (2001)

JD - SUNY Buffalo School of Law (2004)

Tel: (585) 497-2700, Ext. 2

Fax: (585) 219-5299

Email: jhurwitz@rhdlaw.com

Jayme is a seasoned corporate attorney with extensive experience handling complicated business transactions and any related commercial litigation matters, for public and private business clients and individuals throughout the United States and Canada. Jayme represents all manner of clients in asset and stock sale transactions, business entity formations and structuring, franchisor-franchisee relationships, employment law matters, venture capital raises, compliance and structuring, branding and marketing consultation - including trademark prosecutions and maintenance, and related commercial litigation matters. Jayme is unwavering in his dedication to client advocacy, and approaches every matter as though he has a vested interest in the success and well-being of the client. Jayme enjoys assisting clients in building new and existing businesses, and when appropriate analyzing and facilitating their desired exit strategies. Transactions and clients with which Jayme has been involved include:

Represented a beverage manufacturer from business inception through multiple venture capital rounds, and ultimately through a $35,000,000 stock sale to a publicly traded Canadian concern.
Representation of a Canadian cannabis company trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, as their U.S. based outside general counsel.
Represented multiple franchisee owners of an international coffee shop brand in the asset sales of their shops and business interests to the corporate franchisor.
Represented an Italian ice and ice cream manufacturer in the sale of its business and operations to a larger industry competitor.
Represented a local entrepreneur in the acquisition of a multi-state game truck franchise business.
Represented an East Coast Hockey League franchise in the successful defense of a trademark infringement claim brought by a former logo designer.
Represented an embroidery and silkscreen provider in the acquisition of multiple recurring union business lines from his former employer.
Represented local entrepreneurs in the acquisition of a national sweepstakes, prize fulfillment, media contest and interactive game company.
Represented an industrial testing equipment seller/distributor in the asset sale of its business and operations to an industry competitor.

Jayme is active in the community. He periodically takes pro bono cases from local non-profit legal services organizations, serves on the board of Rochester Youth Hockey, a local non-profit, and on the board of the Empire Amateur Hockey Conference, where he is a past president. Jayme is also a USA Hockey certified referee. In his free time, Jayme enjoys golf, fishing, boating and travel with his wife and two children.

Edward C. Daniel, III, Esq., Partner

BA - Theology, Ambassador College (with distinction, 1989)

JD - SUNY Buffalo School of Law (cum laude, 2000)

Tel: (585) 497-2700, Ext. 3

Fax: (585) 757-8135

Email: edaniel@rhdlaw.com

Ed is both a lawyer and a CPA, and focuses his practice in the areas of project development, tax controversy, and tax-driven business transactions. Ed is admitted to the U.S. Tax Court. He counsels private businesses and developers on identifying and accessing tax incentives and securing financing for industrial, commercial and housing development projects. His experience includes:

• obtaining tax incentives at the federal, New York State and local levels, including real property tax relief through assessment challenges;

• advising clients on federal and New York State tax controversy matters;

• representing clients before the U.S. Tax Court, the Internal Revenue Service, the New York State Division of Tax Appeals and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance;

• counseling businesses and not-for-profit organizations on tax-driven transactional matters and commercial real estate transactions with significant tax and financial implications; and

• advising clients on general corporate, finance, banking and fund investment matters.

Ed is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association, Tax Section Planning Committee for the Annual Tax Institute, as well as a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Ed resides in Fairport with his wife and daughters. He enjoys golfing, singing in his church’s choir, playing the piano, celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and driving his 2008 Super Bee in high-performance driver education programs at Watkins Glen International. Ed regularly volunteers with Flower City Habitat for Humanity and the public service mission efforts of Perinton Presbyterian Church.

Christina "Tina" Weymann, Paralegal

BA - English Language & Literature, Lake Forest College (1979)

Tel: (585) 497-2700, Ext. 4

Fax: (585) 973-0080

Email: cweymann@rhdlaw.com

With over 35 years’ experience as a litigation assistant and paralegal with several of Rochester’s most respected law firms, Tina’s nuts-and-bolts skills and practical knowledge allow RHD’s attorneys to focus on the art of lawyering – and to provide significant value-added services to our clients at a modest rate. With her English language and literature background, Tina continues to enjoy reading Chaucer and Shakespeare – and legal briefs. In addition to the many other services she provides, Tina’s superb writing and editing skills ensure that our written work product is always polished, professional, and precise.