Colligan Law LLP has named Pamela Barres and Matthew Taboni as associate attorneys. Both had previously served as law clerks with the firm, with Ms. Barres beginning in April 2024 and Mr. Taboni joining in August 2025. Both are 2025 graduates of the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Law.

After earning an undergraduate degree in Public Health from UB, which honored her for her community engagement volunteerism, Ms. Barres shifted her focus to public service and law. While in law school she served as an intern in the Washington, D.C., office of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney in the summer of 2023. She then served as a law clerk for Feroleto Law in late 2023 before joining the Colligan team the following spring.

“I’m very pleased to be able to continue with the Colligan Law team as an associate attorney,” said Barres. “This firm taught me a great deal as I completed law school, and the mentorship I’ve received has made a real difference in where I am today. I’m excited to continue to serve my colleagues and our clients.”

Barnes’ primary focus areas include business law, estate planning and administration, probate law, succession planning, and real estate and property law.

Mr. Taboni holds UB bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well, both in Business Administration. As a student, he was active in social justice issues, including reducing inequities across various communities. As an undergraduate, he founded “Blue Table,” UB’s food pantry. He also served as president of the Residence Hall Association, where he advocated for mental health, gender equality and other student needs. In 2021, he was awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence – the highest award given the SUNY system can bestow upon a student – along with UB’s Student Leadership Award for Sustainable Action.

During his graduate studies, Taboni led “Hired,” a professional clothes boutique for students, and founded UB’s chapter of the Food Recovery Network, a student-led initiative to reduce food waste and feed those in need. He also spent a summer as an intern with the Big Big Table Community Café, Buffalo’s first pay-as-you can café, for which he currently serves as treasurer. In addition, he served as a legal extern for the Erie County Clerk’s Office, and a law clerk for Gross Shuman, P.C. before joining the Colligan team.

“I’m excited to continue my professional career as an associate at Colligan Law,” Taboni added. “It’s meaningful to start this next chapter at a firm where I can combine my legal training and business background to have a real impact on our clients and our community.”

Taboni’s primary focus areas include litigation, labor and employment, bankruptcy, restructuring and insolvency, and civic law.

“We are thrilled to see Ms. Barres and Mr. Taboni continuing their legal careers here at Colligan Law,” said Managing Partner Matthew Pelkey. “They have contributed in meaningful ways already, and we are excited to see how their careers continue developing in their new associate roles. A well-earned congratulations to both of them on joining the NYS bar!”