Lawley welcomes Jack Hoctor, Melinda Schwartz, and Stéphane Legris to employee benefits and insurance roles.

Lawley, a Top 50 independent insurance broker and family-owned firm specializing in insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and wealth management, welcomes three new team members: Jack Hoctor, Employee Benefits Consultant, based in Rochester, N.Y.; Melinda Schwartz, Medicare & Individual Health Consultant, based in Buffalo, N.Y.; and Stéphane Legris, Insurance Advisor, based in Buffalo and serving the Saratoga, NY region.

These additions reflect Lawley’s continued growth and further strengthen the firm’s ability to deliver specialized expertise and responsive client service across its footprint.

As an Employee Benefits Consultant, Hoctor specializes in employee benefits, cost-control strategies, and rate and renewal analysis. He serves as a trusted advisor, helping clients design employee benefits programs that support their workforce, manage costs, and align business goals. Hoctor guides employers through the complexities of healthcare, compliance, and benefits strategy while serving as a liaison between clients and insurance carriers.

Prior to Lawley, Hoctor was an executive sales representative at Paycom, where he worked with organizations across New York State to streamline backend processes and deliver measurable return on investment. Hoctor earned bachelor’s degrees in finance and management information systems from the University at Buffalo.

As an Insurance Advisor, Legris specializes in business insurance, captive solutions, and construction, transportation, and marine coverage. With 10+ years of experience, Legris builds strong client relationships and takes a focused, detail-oriented approach to helping clients evaluate coverage and implement effective programs. He delivers practical strategies that help reduce their total cost of risk.

Prior to Lawley, Legris held roles on both the carrier and brokerage sides of the industry, including with Philadelphia Insurance Companies and USI Insurance Services, equipping him with knowledge of specialized insurance products and preparing him to navigate traditional brokerage, specialty markets, and alternative risk strategies.

Legris holds a New York State Property & Casualty license and earned his bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College.As a Medicare & Individual Health Consultant, Schwartz specializes in Medicare insurance plans, the New York State individual marketplace, relationship management, and client service.

With 25+ years of varied industry experience, Schwartz helps clients navigate health insurance decisions with clarity and confidence. She advises Medicare beneficiaries and employers on renewals, open enrollment, and compliance, while also supporting educational outreach and cross-selling opportunities across Lawley’s client base.

Prior to Lawley, Schwartz built extensive experience in the health and wellness industry, working closely with clients and patients in physical therapy, massage therapy, medical aesthetics, and health insurance. That background shaped the personalized, consultative approach she brings to her role today. Schwartz holds a New York State Life, Accident, and Health license and is also a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Licensed Massage Therapist. She earned both her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo, where she also received the program’s Clinical Excellence Award.

“Jack, Melinda, and Stéphane each bring valuable experience and perspective to our team,” said Raman Luthra, Lawley partner. “Their expertise strengthens our ability to deliver thoughtful guidance and personalized service to clients across our markets.”

“As we continue to grow across Western New York and beyond, adding strong talent in key markets helps us meet clients’ evolving needs with the level of attention and expertise they expect,” said Alyssa McGovern, Director of Medicare.