Partner

James E. Eagan

For over 20 years, Jim has tried cases for physicians, hospitals, dentists, advanced practice providers, HMOs, nursing homes, medical groups, ladder manufacturers and Fortune 500 companies. He has taken more than 40 cases to verdict, winning over 90% of those trials.

Jim regularly lectures on the issues of risk management and medical malpractice. He has given lectures on medical malpractice litigation to attorneys through the New York State Bar Association. He has a volunteer appointment with the University at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. He has also given his Medical Malpractice 101 risk management lecture to various departments at UB including OB/GYN, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics, Family Medicine, Psychiatry and others.

Outside the court room, Jim has served on the boards of several not-for-profits including as President of Lawyers for Learning, the City Honors/Fosdick-Masten Park Foundation and Canopy of Neighbors. He has also served on the board of Delaware Soccer Club. Jim sails whenever he can and is a Past Commodore of the Buffalo Canoe Club. He also enjoys running and skiing. He is married with two children.

Partner

Lauren A. Heimer

Lauren has dedicated over a decade to specializing in insurance defense litigation, with a particular emphasis on medical malpractice, personal injury, professional liability, and employment law. Her practice also encompasses mental hygiene hearings and providing comprehensive legal counsel to healthcare professionals and institutions. Lauren is well-versed in all stages of the litigation process and has a proven track record of successfully mediating cases on behalf of insured clients.

In addition to her litigation expertise, Lauren is a seasoned presenter on topics such as medical malpractice, employment law, and strategies for building a successful legal practice, contributing to risk management and continuing legal education programs. She holds a volunteer appointment with the University at Buffalo’s Department of Psychiatry, supporting the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship.

Originally from Vermont, Lauren is an avid skier who enjoys escaping to the mountains during the winter months. She is also a dedicated reader. Lauren is married to her college sweetheart, and together they are raising two energetic young boys who share her love for outdoor adventures.

SENIor Associate Attorney

Neal A. Johnson

As a graduate of the University at Buffalo Pharm.D./J.D. dual degree program, Neal has experience working with healthcare students and professionals of various disciplines in widely varying clinical settings. As legal intern at a local non-profit, he had the opportunity to apply this training to assisting in the representation of individuals in Medicare and Medicaid administrative appeals. Likewise, he brings this unique experience and perspective to the representation of healthcare professionals and institutions.

While completing the dual degree program, Neal also served as an Executive Publications Editor on the Buffalo Law Review, spent a summer as a judicial intern to the Hon. K. Gary Sebelius of the District of Kansas, and worked with local attorneys on general civil litigation matters.

A native of Western New York, Neal enjoys hiking and kayaking in the Summer and the occasional winter ski trip with friends and family.

Education

UNDERGRADUATE
University at Buffalo
Cum Laude, 2013

LAW SCHOOL
University at Buffalo School of Law
Cum Laude, 2018

PHARMACY SCHOOL
University at Buffalo, Pharm.D.
Cum Laude, 2019

Associate Attorney

erin A. Kopasz

As a recent graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Law, Erin's skill for writing and legal research has been built through her experience on the various law reviews and journals on campus, and assistance in research for articles published for the American Bar Association and Yale Law & Policy Review. She focused much of her work and studies in civil rights and family law, and brings the same passion into her practice today.

Before joining the legal profession, Erin had a vibrant career in dance and arts outreach, leading community initiatives with the Boston Ballet, and other various programs throughout both the Chicago and Boston Metro areas. She maintains a passion for the arts and community wellness, and still enjoys finding ways to bring her heart for creativity and connection into her daily life and work.

Education Contact

UNDERGRADUATE EMAIL
University at Buffalo, 2015 ekopasz@eaganheimer.com

LAW SCHOOL DIRECT DIAL University at Buffalo School 716.427.0097 of Law, 2022

PARALEGAL

JESSICA L. MOORE

Prior to joining Eagan & Heimer, Jess spent two years developing her paralegal skills at a workers’ compensation insurance defense practice.  She is a graduate of the Paralegal Certificate program at Daemen College and is a member of the Western New York Paralegal Association.  Jess is an integral part of the firm’s continued growth and success.

In her free time, Jess enjoys cooking, hiking and volunteering with local organizations such as Grassroots Gardens and Feral Cat Focus. 

Education Contact

UNDERGRADUATE EMAIL
The College at Brockport, 2011 jmoore@eaganheimer.com

PARALEGAL CERTIFICATE DIRECT DIAL Daemen College, 2021 716.427.0096

Legal Administrator

Jessica N. Blasdell

Jessica received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from SUNY Oswego in 2010. Before transitioning to the legal administration, Jessica spent 9 years in the health care industry.

Born and raised in Western New York, she knows all the fun activities that come with living near a lake in the summer will be buried in lake effect snow by winter. She splits her free time between writing her most recent novel, exploring all the hidden corners Buffalo has to offer, and taking care of two temperamental cats and a mischievous ferret.

Contact

EMAIL
jblasdell@eaganheimer.com

Legal ASSISTANT

Zahra L. West

Zahra recently graduated from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor’s degree in law. In 2023, she joined E&H as summer intern through Say Yes Buffalo’s internship program, after which she transitioned into a full time Legal Assistant. During her internship, she closely observed the inner workings our law office, while also managing to assist the attorneys with organizing and maintaining their daily workflow.

Zahra is a WNY native, born and raised in Buffalo. She spends her free time trying local restaurants, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Contact

EMAIL
zwest@eaganheimer.com