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John V. Elmore

Founding Attorney

John V. Elmore has been an attorney for 40 years and is a partner with his daughter, Kristen Elmore-Garcia, at The Law Office of John V. Elmore, P.C. He focuses on representing individuals injured in accidents caused by negligence. John began his legal career in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and later served as a white-collar prosecutor with the New York State Attorney General’s Office. A former New York State Trooper, John has tried more than 50 civil cases across New York State.

He is the author of Fighting for Your Life – The African American Criminal Justice Survival Guide and is a frequent speaker on legal and community issues. His service extends beyond the courtroom, having been appointed by Governors Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul to judicial screening committees and the Erie Community College Board of Trustees.

John’s contributions have earned him recognition including the NAACP Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award, Erie County Bar Association Attorney of the Year, The Buffalo News Citizen of the Year, and the 2024 UB Law Alumni Distinguished Non-Alumni Award.

Education & Credentials

  • Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., 1984
  • Mansfield University, B.S., Criminal Justice Administration, 1979
  • Former New York State Trooper (prior to law school)

Legal Focus

  • Personal Injury: Automobile accidents, construction accidents, slip-and-fall, wrongful death
  • Civil Rights: Police misconduct, government accountability, equal justice
  • Community Advocacy: Representing underserved and marginalized communities

Leadership & Service

    • Appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to the Erie Community College Board of Trustees and two judicial screening committees; reappointed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
    • Former Chair, NYS Appellate Division, Fourth Department, Attorney Grievance Committee; continued service on a Judicial Screening Committee under Gov. Hochul through March 2023.
    • Member, NYS Commission on Indigent Defense.
    • Convener (2018), NYS Supreme Court 8th Judicial District Nominating Convention (first African American attorney to serve in this role).
    • Board of Directors: Urban-Think Tank, Funk Fest Foundation, Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
    • Certified USA Boxing coach, referee, and judge.

    Awards & Recognition

      • N.A.A.C.P. Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award
      • Minority Bar Association Community Service Award
      • Erie County Bar Association Criminal Justice Award
      • Buffalo Urban League Whitney Young Award
      • Erie County Bar Association Attorney of the Year
      • The Buffalo News Citizen of the Year
      • William Herbert Johnson Legacy Award (Syracuse University College of Law, 2023)
      • Distinguished Non-Alumni Award (University of Buffalo Law Alumni Association, 2024)
      • Jacqueline Koshian Service Award (Niagara County Bar Association, 2025)

      Community Commitment

        • Proud father of three adult children (Sonya, Justin, and Kristen).
        • Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
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