Michael Szymoniak Jr., Adam Clouden, and Michael Bandini Promoted to Partner-Level Roles

Buffalo, NY, (January 26th, 2026) | Lawley, an independent and family-owned firm specializing in insurance, employee benefits, retirement planning, and wealth management, is proud to announce the promotion of Michael Szymoniak Jr. and Adam Clouden to Partner within the Employee Benefits division, and Michael Bandini to Partner within the Property & Casualty division.

These promotions expand Lawley’s leadership across its core business areas and reinforce the firm’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions to clients.

Szymoniak brings more than a decade of experience in strategic benefits planning, cost-control initiatives, self-funded arrangements, and captive insurance solutions. He played a key role in developing Lawley’s Proactive Health Captive and launching Lawley Marketplace, the firm’s benefits technology platform.

He holds a NYS Life, Accident & Health License and is a Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS). Szymoniak is a Cornell University graduate and a Leadership Buffalo alumnus. Committed to community leadership, Szymoniak serves on the Board of Directors for The Foundation of Catholic Health and the Advisory Council at Hilbert College with past board involvement with Kenmore Mercy Foundation and the Junior Board of Nativity Miguel School of Buffalo.

With over ten years of consulting experience, Clouden advises organizations on funding options and benefit programs tailored to financial targets, risk levels, and employee needs. He specializes in self-funded health plans and captive insurance strategies, helping employers control healthcare costs and increase transparency.

Clouden is a Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS), a Voluntary Benefit Specialist (VBS), and holds a Series 65 license. He is a graduate of the University at Buffalo and serves on boards for Make A Wish Foundation and the Rochester Small Business Council.

Bandini brings 15+ years of experience at Lawley and deep technical expertise across construction, life sciences, manufacturing, and other specialized commercial sectors. He is particularly dedicated to supporting ambulance services and emergency response organizations, helping them navigate complex operational and regulatory complexities.

Bandini has built a reputation for guiding clients through complex risk landscapes and works closely with organizations facing intricate exposures, leveraging his technical background and broad insurance knowledge to deliver true advisory value.

Bandini is a Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), a Construction Risk & Insurance Specialist (CRIS), an Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), and an Energy Risk & Insurance Specialist (ERIS). He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey and serves on the board of Torn Space Theater.

“Each of these professionals consistently demonstrate excellent leadership, creative thinking, and a strong commitment to our clients and company culture. We are very excited to welcome each of these individuals to the partnership level,” said Mike Lawley.

“These well-earned promotions represent our agency’s growth and the outstanding talent on our team. We’re proud of each individual and excited for the future,” said Bill Lawley Jr.