The Defense Trial Lawyers of Western New York Association (DTLA-WNY) announces that local attorney Victor Wright will be awarded the highest honor bestowed by that organization: the Robert M. Kiebala Memorial Award as the 2026 Defense Trial Lawyer of the Year.
The award is presented to the attorney who best exemplifies the Association’s mission of “promoting the highest standard of trial conduct through member education and advocating the defense position in civil cases with the judiciary and where appropriate in the New York State legislature.”
Vic has been in practice in New York State for over 20 years, and recently served as a Board Member of DTLA-WNY and subcommittee chair. At his firm, the Law Office of Victor M. Wright, his practice focuses on insurance defense, defending New York Central Mutual insureds in motor vehicle, premises liability, and other personal injury matters. Vic attended Buffalo State University, and earned his Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 2003.
The DTLA’s 2026 Sherwood Civility Award is bestowed upon Michael Perley, Hurwitz Fine P.C. Mike has served in countless leadership roles in the legal community and is a highly-regarded presenter on numerous areas of law, including civility. In addition to being an active trial attorney and litigator over his 40 years of practice, Mike is also a well-respected mediator and arbitrator, which reflects the respect he has earned from colleagues across the board.
These awards will be given at the annual meeting on Wednesday, December 9, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Saturn Club. In addition, the following board members will be honored as their term comes to a close: CJ Englert, Adam Ferrandino, and Kevin Graff. President Megan Organek will turn over her duties to current vice-president, Andrew Kowalewski. Ms. Organek will remain on the Board for a one-year emeritus term.
