John W. Dreste

John W. Dreste is a partner at Ernstrom & Dreste, LLP, in Rochester, New York, serving clients across the Rochester metro and upstate New York. He concentrates his practice on commercial contract litigation, focusing on the fields of construction contract law, suretyship, fidelity and environmental law. His practice, though litigation oriented, involves extensive claims analysis and investigation, and includes negotiation, mediation and other informal methods of dispute resolution.  

Additionally, Mr. Dreste serves as a mediator and arbitrator through the American Arbitration Association in construction industry disputes. He has represented numerous contractors, owners, sureties and others in complex commercial contracts and disputes. An avid author and speaker, he has lectured and has written several articles on subjects pertinent to the surety and construction industries. 

Mr. Dreste has handled a number of high-profile matters, including multimillion-dollar claims asserted by and against clients on major construction projects.  He most recently obtained a full verdict in favor of a contractor for differing site conditions on a bridge project, along with an award of fees. Moreover, he has historically had success in defenses based on fraudulent inducement.  

A well-respected and knowledgeable attorney, Mr. Dreste has represented various Brazilian corporations in matters that involve railroad and oil production projects, and publicity rights in the United States and Brazil. Furthermore, he regularly counsels clients and handles contractor workouts and troubleshoots potential defaults or claim situations. He believes that aggressive and independent early investigation of problems will often mitigate the severity of any loss, which may ultimately be incurred. 

After completing his undergraduate studies with high honors from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1981, Mr. Dreste earned his law degree from the University at Buffalo in 1984. The following year, he gained his license to practice in New York and before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of New York, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd and 5th Circuit.

Recognized by his peers and clients for his professionalism and high ethical standards, Mr. Dreste has been rated AV Preeminent* through Martindale-Hubbell and holds a “Very Good” rating on Avvo. He has been elected as a fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America and added to the Rochester Business Journal’s Best Lawyers list. His professional affiliations include the New York State Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the National Bond Claims Association. 

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.