Kristine N. Celeste
Senior Associate
“I believe in being open and direct with my clients, which allows me to understand each one’s focus, concerns, and priorities without losing sight of the big picture.”
Kristine started at Duke Holzman as a law clerk while studying at University at Buffalo School of Law. During law school, Kristine held a judicial internship with the New York Court of Appeals for the Hon. Eugene M. Fahey. Following law school, she joined Duke Holzman as an associate, and was recently promoted to Senior Associate.
Kristine focuses her practice on business and commercial litigation, handling contract disputes, construction litigation, labor and employment disputes and general business matters. She represents various clients, including business owners, developers, contractors, companies and individuals.
She regularly counsels construction contractors, subcontractors, owners, and developers in contract disputes in federal and state courts, mediations, and arbitrations.
Kristine also has experience representing clients in discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and other labor and employment-related disputes in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies.
In her free time, Kristine enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, two children, and family dog.
Kristine has been selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers list as a Rising Star in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Practice Areas:
Professional Services; Manufacturing; Construction and Demolition; Insurance
New York State Bar Association; Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (Western New York Chapter); Bar Association of Erie County; University at Buffalo School of Law Alumni Association; American Bar Association (member of the Forum on Construction Law)
State of New York; United States District Court for the Western District of New York; United States District Court for the Northern District of New York; United States Bankrutpcy Court for the Western District of New York
State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, J.D., cum laude
State University of New York at Buffalo State, B.S., summa cum laude