Kevin is a trial attorney representing clients across multiple industries dealing with commercial and products liability litigation. Additionally, he defends criminal matters and represents clients under investigation by the U.S. Attorneys’ Office. He also works with a broad range of U.S. and non-U.S. clients to help them navigate the complex and evolving export regulations issued by the Departments of Commerce and State and the Treasury.
Kevin is currently in the Marine Corps Reserves, most recently serving as Commanding Officer of a reserve infantry unit. In 2009, he was activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where his infantry company was attached to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, in the al Anbar Province. He has been in the Marine Corps since 1991, first as an enlisted Marine with 8th Tank Battalion and then as an officer.
I concentrate my practice on commercial and products liability litigation, including toxic tort, utility company defense, personal injury defense and complex business disputes in both federal and state courts as well as export compliance, government contracts and investigations.
Most recently, my focus is on toxic tort and real estate litigation where I leverage my extensive motion and trial experience in state and federal courts, both at Nixon Peabody and as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Marine Corps.
My export compliance focus is on clients’ internal compliance processes through the use of compliance manuals, classification charts and checklists. I also work with clients to develop ITAR compliance strategies and advise them on the necessary processes required of businesses, including registration, licensing and disclosures. My regulatory experience involves analyzing and interpreting the ITAR, the EAR, and the U.S. sanctions laws administered by OFAC and helping clients understand new developments.
With technology developing faster and faster, businesses face new and costly challenges at the earliest stages of and throughout litigation. Knowledge of this technology combined with an effective case strategy offers the most effective and efficient solution to assist clients in navigating a case through its life cycle and a successful outcome.
Democrat and Chronicle | March 28, 2018
Rochester commercial litigation counsel Kevin Saunders, who is the representing the neighborhood advocacy group Clover/Allens Creek Neighborhood Association, is quoted in this article is about a recent town board meeting in Brighton, New York, regarding the contentious issue of a Whole Foods project, which is considered one of the area’s largest development projects in decades.
The Daily Record | June 21, 2016
This article discusses the Valor Day fair for veterans and active/reserve duty members of the Armed Forces. Rochester commercial litigation counsel Kevin Saunders is quoted and highlighted as a co-founder of the One Team One Fight initiative, which provides a one-stop resource for veterans seeking help with legal issues. Rochester associate Isaac Figueras is also mentioned as a volunteer.
University of Rochester, Simon School of Business, M.B.A.
Syracuse University College of Law, J.D.
St. John Fisher College, B.A., cum laude
New York
Kevin was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 in the field of Commercial Litigation.
He was awarded the 2014 New York State Bar Association’s President’s Service Pro Bono Award for the 7th Judicial District for his work on behalf of veterans, including co-founding One Team, One Fight, which addresses veterans’ employment, education, medical, psychological, housing and legal needs.
Kevin is also a recipient of the 2011 Pro Bono Award, presented by the United States District Court for the Western District of New York State. The award recognizes “distinguished work representing indigent civil litigants, often in civil rights cases,” along with “extraordinary commitment, dedication, skill and professionalism in ensuring equal access to justice for all,” according to Chief Judge William M. Skretny.
Kevin Saunders currently serves on the Veterans Outreach Center board, the St. John Fisher Alumni board and the Simon School Executive MBA Program Alumni Advisory board. He is a member of the New York State and Monroe County Bar Association (and chair of its Veterans Committee).
