From a local Buffalo agency to a national leader, Lawley celebrates decades of excellence and growth.

Founded in 1955 as a local agency, Lawley has grown into a nationally recognized firm, thanks to the dedication of its team and the trust it has built within its communities. The company’s associates form the foundation of its culture and growth, with many employees serving for decades, some for over 40 years. Their loyalty, expertise, and passion have embodied Lawley’s core values across generations.

Lawley’s history is marked by adaptability and strategic expansion, entering new markets, broadening service lines, and strengthening its national footprint through mergers that address changing client needs. Notable recent milestones include its largest merger in 2023 with Shoff Darby, which added 75 employees in Connecticut. This was followed by a 2024 merger with Sgroi Financial (now Sgroi Lawley), which, together with Georgetown Lawley and Lawley Retirement Advisors, has expanded wealth management services to nearly 10,000 clients nationwide. Recently, Lawley entered Florida via a merger with JL Insurance/Professional Insurance Services and enhanced its Rochester, NY Medicare offerings by merging with ROC Insurance Services. These initiatives reflect the entrepreneurial mindset that has guided Lawley since its inception and highlight its ongoing focus on building enduring relationships based on trust.

In recognition of its consistent growth and industry standing, Lawley rose to #48 from #53 on Business Insurance’s list of the Top 100 Largest Insurance Brokers in the U.S. for 2024, underscoring its mission to be the preferred partner for businesses, individuals, and carriers seeking reliable, long-term connections.

Lawley also continues its longstanding partnership with the Buffalo Sabres as their official insurance broker, reinforcing its dedication to Western New York.

Today, with more than 600 associates and 19 locations nationwide, the agency continues to expand while remaining deeply rooted in its principles of integrity, service, and community engagement.

“My grandparents laid the foundation for Lawley with a simple but powerful idea: do the right thing for people. That principle has guided us through seven decades of change and growth. From a small Buffalo agency to a national firm, we’ve remained true to those values, integrity, service, and trust. This milestone is a tribute to their vision and the enduring culture they created,” says Bill Lawley Jr., Principal at Lawley.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we’re incredibly thankful to our clients, teammates, and industry partners. Lawley’s success has always been rooted in adaptability and forward thinking,” says Mike Lawley, Principal at Lawley. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on this foundation, embrace new opportunities, and continue delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the people and businesses we serve.”

“Over the decades, our expansion into new markets and services has been guided by a clear mission: to build long-term relationships rooted in trust. We’re proud of the impact we’ve made, not just in business, but in the lives of our clients and the neighborhoods we call home,” says Chris Ross, Principal at Lawley.