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Did you ever wonder what made us decide to become lawyers? Maybe you wondered what we do when we’re not practicing law? Welcome to the latest post from our “Get to Know Us” series, featuring different members of our MCCM team, where we answer those questions. Our next post features Amy L. Varel

Why did I become a lawyer?

In high school I had no idea what career path I would pursue.  My father, who drove a truck for the Oswego School District, encouraged me to become a teacher so that I could have the summers off.   However, having coached a girls softball team I knew how difficult it is to be an effective teacher.

I was fortunate to have had some outstanding teachers where I grew up in Oswego, New York.  They really encouraged me to become a strong writer.  I was interested in history and government so I became a political science major in college.  I figured out pretty quickly though that I was not interested in politics.  Law school was the logical next step.

What do I do?

I am a business attorney.  That is a fancy way to say that I help businesses with their legal needs.  This includes helping clients that want to start a business with the formation of the business, drafting and negotiating contracts, helping businesses to comply with laws and regulations and representing clients that buy and sell businesses.  I also help my business clients comply with labor and employment laws and draft and review employment related agreements such as employment agreements, employee policies, employee handbooks, confidentiality agreements and non-competition agreements.

What work am I most proud of?

Not only are small businesses critical to our economy, they are also critical to the many people that make a living owning and working for small businesses and their families.  In the 25 years that I have been a practicing attorney I have seen many times the huge risk that small business owners take for themselves and families.  I know how difficult it can be to be successful.   I also know that small businesses need to budget for their legal needs wisely.  I am proud to have had a small part in the success of many small businesses.

Tell us a little known fact about you.

I grew up in Oswego, New York.  My family still lives there so I visit the Oswego area often.  I met my husband, a mechanical engineer, in college at the University at Buffalo.  We have three daughters.  We enjoy outdoor activities and spend most summer weekends glamping all over upstate New York.

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About MCCM

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Rochester, New York, providing high-quality legal services to businesses and individuals since 1979.  With over a dozen attorneys and a full paralegal support staff, the firm is well-positioned to right-size services tailored to each client. We are large enough to provide expertise in a broad range of practice areas, yet small enough to devote prompt, personal attention to our clients.

We represent a diverse range of clients located throughout New York State and New England.  They include individuals, numerous manufacturing and service industry businesses, local governments, and health care professionals, provider groups, facilities and associations. We also serve as local counsel to out-of-state clients and their attorneys who have litigation pending in Western New York courts.  For more information, please contact us at 585.546.2500.