Patricia Gillen

Pat first worked with Duke Holzman in the 1990s, before leaving to form her own firm, Gresens & Gillen, LLP, for ten years. Gresens & Gillen was founded to serve entrepreneurial and commercial clients in matters of business, construction and labor litigation.  After ten years of substantial growth, Gresens & Gillen looked to expand, and with their common client base and complementary practice areas, Duke Holzman was a natural fit.  In 2008, Pat rejoined Duke Holzman with the merger of the two firms, and it has been fast and furious ever since.

Pat focuses her practice on litigation, commercial and construction law, labor and employment matters, and ERISA matters.  She represents construction contractors and subcontractors in contract disputes and labor matters, including federal and state actions, as well as mediations, arbitrations and administrative proceedings.  Pat is involved in negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements.  She also has extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts.

With over 35 years of experience, Pat has established herself as an aggressive and straightforward advocate, working with clients proactively to avoid, resolve and/or litigate disputes.  She is committed to providing the highest quality service to her clients, and her approach to client relationships is open, direct, and responsive.  Pat’s experience further includes:

• Successfully defended a heavy highway contractor in a multi-million dollar arbitration against a local union
• Successfully defended a site work contractor in an NLRB alter-ego proceeding against a local union
• Settled a major construction dispute for a local subcontractor resulting in a substantial payment to her client

Pat has volunteered her time over the years to the American Diabetes Association, the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the New York State Chapter, Inc. of the Associated General Contractors of America, and the Labor Relations Division of the national AGC. She is also a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association and Bar Association of Erie County.

Pat was selected to the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Upstate New York Super Lawyers list.

Construction & Demolition; Education; Manufacturing; Professional Services

National Association of Women Business Owners; Niagara Frontier Chapter; the Associated General Contractors of America; Labor Relations Division; New York State Chapter, Inc.; American Bar Association; New York State Bar Association; Bar Association of Erie County

New York; United States Second Circuit Court of Appeals; United States District Court for the Western District of New York; United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York; United States District Court for the Northern District of New York

University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D., Honors
SUNY Buffalo, B.A., (Business Administration), summa cum laude