Practice areas: Personal Injury, Products Liability; view more
Licensed in New York since: 1984
Education: University of Dayton School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2012 - 2026 Call today:
716-633-3535
Free Consultation William Mattar, P.C.
6720 Main StSuite 100
Williamsville, NY 14221 Visit website
Details 
Working from his office at William Mattar, P.C., in Williamsville, New York, F. David Rusin provides rigorous advocacy to clients in matters of personal injury. He focuses his practice on motor vehicle accident, products liability and automobile accident cases, and has handled hundreds of cases and helped several individuals obtain the compensation they are owed. With his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the legal sphere, he ensures his client’s rights and interests are protected.
Upon completing his undergraduate studies from the University at Buffalo, Mr. Rusin proceeded to pursue his law degree at the University of Dayton School of Law. While at law school, he was an active member of the Moot Court Board and was also a part of the Public Defender Intern Program VISTA volunteer. These experiences at school laid the foundation for his passionate advocacy and his trial savvy. He earned his Juris Doctor in 1983, and in the following year, he was admitted to practice in New York.
Additionally, Mr. Rusin is admitted to appear before multiple federal courts across New York and Kentucky, bankruptcy courts in New York and Arizona, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Having completed more than hundreds of cases, he has stayed committed to providing rigorous advocacy for his clients. Notably, in Thomas-Vasciannie v. State of New York, he secured a substantial damages award by successfully proving the state's liability for severe, permanent injuries, establishing a precedent for maximum compensatory pain and suffering recovery.
For his continuous effort in the development of his field of law, Mr. Rusin was recognized on the Top 100 list by the National Trial Lawyers. He also received an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell for maintaining high standards of ethical representation and professionalism. He further maintains a “Superb” rating on Avvo for his commitment to formidable and reliable representation.
*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.
Practice areas
Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - Products: PlaintiffFocus areas
Animal Bites, Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Sexual Abuse - Plaintiff, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death
- 90% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 10% Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 1984, New York
Professional Webpage: https://williammattar.com/about-us/our-attorneys/f-david-rus...
Bar / Professional Activity
- New York State, 1983
- New York State Trial Lawyers Association (Western New York Chapter)
- U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Arizona
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New York
- Supreme Court of the United States
Educational Background
- University of Dayton School of Law (J.D.), 1983
- University at Buffalo (B.A.), 1979
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- NBI (National Business Institute) CLE Instructor, 2017-Present
- Adjunct Instructor – Medaille College, Buffalo, New York: Business Law, Business Ethics (2010; 2019 – 2023)
- Topics covered will include Ethical Obligations and Professional Responsibilities, Inadvertent Disclosure, and Dealing with a Breach., Lecturer and author, NY Legal Ethics for Newly Admitted Attorneys, National Business Institute, Legal, 2026
- Discussion includes Mishandling Client Funds, and Client Communication, Lecturer and author, Legal Ethics: Top 10 Mistakes in Everyday Practice, National Business Institute, Legal, 2026
- Lectured a national audience of attorneys, who received CLE credit, Lecturer and author, The Complete Civil Trial Attorney: Rules of Ethics You Must Follow:, National Business Institute, Legal, 2025
- Wrote about and discussed the elephant in the room when attorneys use Social Media in marketing. , Lecturer and author, Social Media Marketing – Keeping Ethics Front and Center, National Business Institute, Legal, 2025
- Discussed current Ethical Issues for Trial Lawyers, Lecturer and author, The Complete Civil Trial Attorney - Ethics, National Business Institute, Legal, 2025
- Legal Ethics 2024 Wrap-Up – Topics 1. Worst Mistakes Attorneys Make with Social Media, Advertising Online Reviews, and 2. Using AI in Legal Practice:, Lecturer and author, Legal Ethics 2024 Wrap-Up, National Business Institute, Legal, 2024
- Presented topics covering use of Motions in Limine and also admissibility of Evidence, Lecturer and author, The Rules of Evidence: Creative Insights From Top Trial Attorneys, National Business Institute, Legal, 2024
- Authored and lectured to attorneys nationally, on ethical issues facing trial attorneys both during and before trial. , Lecturer and author, Ethical Issues for Trial Attorneys, National Business Institute, Legal, 2024
- Authored and lectured to a group of attorneys from across the nation on the topic of use of ESI., Lecturer and author, ESI as Evidence, Emerald Group Trial Attorneys, Legal, 2024
- Seminar topic was efficient research techniques, and Use of AI, Lecturer and author, Legal Research Secrets and Shortcuts, National Business Institute, Legal, 2023
- Lectured to a national audience of attorneys, Lecturer and author, New York Rules of Evidence: Hearsay and Motions, National Business Institute, Legal, 2023
- Lecture to a national audience on Hearsay and Admissibility of Evidence, Lecturer and author, Big Six Admissibility Questions AND Understanding Hearsay, National Business Institute, Legal, 2023
- Lecture regarding the use of AI in all phases of litigation and preparation, Lecturer and author, Legal Ethics, Tech and Social Media: Updates and Hot Topics, including AI., National Business Institute, Legal, 2023
- Presented a talk on social media use and presentation during trial, mediation and other hearings., Lecturer and author, How to Get Your Social Media, Email and Text Evidence Admitted (and Keep Theirs Out), National Business Institute, Legal, 2023
- Presented to a national audience of attorneys and other legal professionals on Ethical issues involved with collection, use and handling of evidence at trial. , Author/Lecturer, How to Lay a Foundation To Get Your Evidence Admitted in New York, National Business Institute, Law, 2022
- Lectured a national audience on Case Intake procedures and processes, Lecturer, New York Auto Injury Litigation From Start to Finish, National Business Institute, Law, 2022
- Lectured on topics to include the Preparation, submission and coordination of evidence; legal holds; clawback agreements and use of social media evidence in the presentation of a case., Lecturer/author, How to Get Your Social Media, Email and Text Evidence Admitted, National Business Institute, Law, 2022
- Wrote and discussed disclosure in New York courts, from the very beginning of a case through to resolution of the case and also lien issues. , Author/Lecturer, New York Discovery: Mastering the Basics of Discovery, National Business Institute, Legal Education, 2021
- Lectured on foundation for the introduction at trial or use at summary judgment of Social Media and ESI evidence., Lecturer/author, How to Lay a Foundation to Get Your Evidence Introduced, National Business Institute, Law, 2021
- Topics included "Demonstrative and Illustrative Evidence: Satisfying the Foundation Requirements" and "How to Authenticate Social Media Posts, Texts, Emails and More", Lecturer/Author, How to Lay a Foundation to Get Your Evidence Introduced, National Business Institute, Legal, 2021
- Videocast seminar discussing ways that the technically-challenged professional should conduct discovery and recognize technical issues and solutions , Lecturer/Author, Tips for Non-Techy Litigators: Social Media Evidence, Electronic Trial Preparation and More, National Business Institute, Legal, 2020
- Seminar dealt with ways to recognize and neutralize the Rambo litigator, Lecturer/Author, How to Deal With a Rambo Litigator, National Business Institute, Legal, 2020
- Prepared a work for presentation to attorneys, Author, Find it Fast and Free on the Internet: Strategies for Legal Research on the Web, Legal, 2020
- Authored materials/course and lectured to attorneys who were then awarded Continuing Legal Education credit, Author/Lecturer, Applying the Rules of Evidence: What Every Attorney Needs to Know, Legal Education, 2020
- National Teleconference discussing Social Media collection, discovery, use in litigation and caselaw. , Lecturer, Authenticating Social Media & Email Evidence, Legal, 2019
- Topics included Admissibility of Evidence, Hearsay, Social Media and Expert Witness Testimony, Lecturer, The Rules of Evidence: A Practical Toolkit, 2019
- Topics: Applying Federal Rules to Social Media Use and Hearsay and Social Media. Lectured to national group., Lecturer - Audio webinar, Authenticating Social Media & Email Evidence, National Business Institute, Legal, 2019
- Lectured on the discovery and admission of electronically stored information, including social media information, at trial, Lecturer, Civil Trials From Start to Finish, Legal, 2019
- Lecturer, Combating “Rambo” Litigators – Practical and Effective How-To’s, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, Live Program , Lecturer, Legal, 2018
- Lecturer, How to Lay a Foundation to Get Your Evidence Introduced, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, Live Program , Lecturer, Legal, 2018
- Lecturer, Bridging the Gap: Automobile Litigation and Advising Clients in NY, New York State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education, Live program and Webcast , Lecturer, Legal, 2018
- Lecturer, Social Media Evidence, IPE Continuing Legal Education, National Teleconference Audio Webinar, simulcast on various websites, 2018
- Lecturer, Bridging the Gap: Automobile Litigation and Advising Clients in NY, New York State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education, Live program and webcast, 2018
- Lecturer - How to Get Your Social Media Admitted Into Evidence (And Keep Theirs Out) - National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, live program, 2017
- Lecturer - Plaintiff’s Personal Injury: Advanced Practice, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, Buffalo NY, 2017
- Lecturer - Social Media Evidence - National Business Institute/ IPE Continuing Legal Education Seminar; National Teleconference also simulcast on other legal platforms, 2017
- Lecturer - Hearsay, Email, Business Records and Social Media – In the Trenches, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education , 2017
- Lecturer - Legal Ethics of Email - National Business Institute, Continuing Legal Education , 2017
- Lecturer - Authenticating Social Media and Email Evidence - National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Teleconference, 2016
- Lecturer, Admissibility of Evidence - National Business Institute/IPE Continuing Legal Education National Audio Webinar, 2016
- Lecturer - Domestic Animal Liability - Erie County Bar Association - Continuing Legal Education Program, 2016
- Lecturer - Authenticating Social Media Evidence - National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education- Audio webinar and simulcast, 2016
- Lecturer, Find it Free and Fast on the Net: Strategies for Legal Research on the Web - National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, Buffalo, New York, 2015
- Lecturer, Authenticating Social Media and Email Evidence - National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Buffalo, NY, 2015
- Lecturer, Authenticating Social Media and Email Evidence - National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Webinar, 2015
- Lecturer, Authenticating Social Media and Email Evidence - National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education National Teleconference and Webcast, 2015
- Lecturer, Authenticating Social Media and Email Evidence - National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education National Teleconference and Webcast, 2014
- Lecturer, Damages in Personal Injury - Sources of Recovery and Liens, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, 2014
- Lecturer, Authenticating Social Media and E-Mail Evidence, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, National Teleconference Webinar, 2014
- Author, Insurance, Liens and Subrogation, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, Buffalo, New York , 2014
- Lecturer, Authenticating Social Media and Email Evidence, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Teleconference and Webcast , 2013
- Lecturer, Social Media and Email in Civil Litigation, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, National Teleconference and Webcast, 2013
- Author, Handling Social Media, E-Mail, Video and Other ESI: Seminar Everything You Don't Know About E-Discovery (But Wish You Did), National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 2013
- Lecturer, Civil Litigation Today, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar , 2013
- Lecturer, The Rules of Evidence: A Practical Toolkit, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Buffalo, New York, 2013
- Lecturer, Applying the Rules of Evidence – What Every Attorney Needs to Know, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2012
- Lecturer, Advanced Trial Tactics, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2012
- Lecturer, The Mechanics of New York Civil Procedure, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Buffalo, New York., 2012
- Author, Eliminating Bias and Building Equity, for seminar entitled Exploring Professionalism's Ideals in New York, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education, 2002
- Lecturer, No-Fault Law: Current Issues and Strategies, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2011
- Lecturer, Advanced Trial Tactics, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2011
- Lecturer, The Mechanics of New York Civil Practice, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2011
- Lecturer, Insurance Fundamentals for the Personal Injury Practice, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2011
- Lecturer, Litigating the Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claim, Subrogation Issues, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2010
- Lecturer, Practical Discovery From A-Z, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2010
- Lecturer, Initial Considerations in Case Management and Organizations, Institute For Paralegal Education, Live Teleconference Webinar, 2009
- Lecturer, Effective No-Fault Strategies, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Buffalo, 2009
- Lecturer, Handling Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2009
- Lecturer, Keys to Successful Trial Preparation, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2009
- Lecturer, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2008
- Lecturer, Legal Ethics in New York, Lorman Education Services Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2008
- Lecturer, Your Guide to Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Law, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2007
- Lecturer, Settling Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2007
- Lecturer, Legal Ethics in New York, Lorman Education Services Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2007
- Lecturer, Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2006
- Lecturer, Drafting Strategies for Pleadings and Motions, National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2006
- Lecturer, Trial Preparation from Start to Finish for New York Paralegals, Institute for Paralegal Education Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2005
Honors
- Rated "AV Preeminent" by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for legal abilities and ethics, Martindale Hubbell
- NBI Outstanding Faculty Award, 2023
- AVVO Rated 10 out of 10
- Recipient of NBI CLE providers' "Outstanding Faculty Award" given in recognition of speaking at seminars and achieving high grades from attendees at those seminars, Outstanding Faculty Award, National Business Institute, 2026
- Included Western New York Legal Elite, as determined by the Buffalo Law Journal, Buffalo Law Journal, 2017
- New York Super Lawyers®, 2012-2024
- Award based on factors such as quantity of speaking engagements, presentation quality, and course evaluations completed by national attendees, Outstanding Faculty Award, National Business Institute, 2023
- The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, 2026
Awards
Avvo Top Contributor: This award is granted to attorneys who have significantly contributed to Avvo.com by answering questions in the Q&A forum, publishing legal guides, or other meaningful contributions to the Avvo community.
AV Preeminent®: This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Industry Groups
- Helping Injured People
Selections
15 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2012 - 2026
