About John Francis
John F. Leone is a member attorney at Gross Shuman P.C., located at 465 Main Street, Suite 600, in Buffalo, New York. He has been an active member of the New York State Bar since 1987. The firm specializes in business and corporate law, estate planning, and real estate matters, serving clients throughout Western New York. Leone's legal expertise is grounded in a solid educational background; he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law in 1986. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration and Management at the same university in 1983.
During his time in law school, Leone worked by clerking for the Erie County Surrogate's Court. This role provided him with valuable insights into the details of estate law, which would later shape his practice. His current focus includes wills, estate planning, estate and trust administration, qualified retirement plans, and both residential and commercial real estate transactions. Leone has successfully defended proponents of wills in contests, represented beneficiaries in contested wills, and pursued claims related to breaches of fiduciary duty involving powers of attorney. His ability to navigate complex legal issues has made him a trusted advisor for clients seeking strategies to reduce estate and income taxes. Before joining Gross Shuman P.C., Leone spent several years as a staff attorney at the Erie County Surrogate's Court, where he developed his skills in estate law.
From 1987 to 1990, he worked at a small firm in Buffalo, where his practice encompassed personal injury and family law cases. This diverse experience gave him a well-rounded perspective on various legal matters, enhancing his ability to serve clients effectively. Leone is actively involved in professional organizations that focus on estate planning and elder law. He is a member of the Estate Analysts of Western New York, where he serves as Vice President. Additionally, he participates in the Surrogate’s Court Practice & Procedure and Elder Law Practice & Procedure committees of the Erie County Bar Association. His commitment to the field is further demonstrated by his membership in the New York State Bar Association's Trusts & Estates Section.
Recognition has followed Leone throughout his career. He has been included in The Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates and Real Estate Law since 2021. Notably, he was named "Lawyer of the Year" in Trusts and Estates for three consecutive years—2022, 2024, and 2026. Fluent in English, Leone continues to be a prominent figure in the legal community, dedicated to providing exceptional service to his clients.
