KSLN is top local law firm on list of largest women-owned WNY businesses

Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak LLP has been recognized by Buffalo Business First as the top law firm on its 2025 list of largest women-owned businesses in Western New York.

Our firm was No. 15 among all companies on the list, which highlights women in ownership or partnership roles who lead their businesses. The rankings are based on the number of local employees.

“It’s gratifying to stand alongside great local companies with women in an ownership role,” said Judi Shelton, a KSLN founder and managing partner.

Judi Shelton is a KSLN founder and managing partner. She has led our insurance coverage litigation practice for the past 30 years, representing insurers in complex commercial coverage litigation in all state and federal courts across New York. Her clients include major international and national insurers, specialty insurers, surplus lines carriers, managing general agents, third-party administrators, and brokers and agents.

“We founded this firm more than 30 years ago as a destination for excellent attorneys from a wide range of backgrounds looking to let their talent do the talking,” Shelton said. “It’s gratifying to stand alongside great local companies with women in an ownership role.”

This listing marks the latest in a string of recognition of KSLN’s success and growth. The firm was recently featured in Business First for the addition of Tom Cunningham and his mediation practice. A case won in a federal appeals court by Syracuse-based partner Shannon O’Connor received widespread attention for its implications on the rights of school administrators to ensure student safety.

The full 2025 list of largest women-owned businesses in Western New York can be found here.