Mike Moore, Corporate Practice Area co-chair, was featured in the Rochester Business Journal article “Upstate NY Attorneys Outline Top Business Risks for 2026,” which reflects on major vulnerabilities for businesses that were exposed in 2025—especially gaps in succession planning, cyber preparedness, and readiness for rapidly evolving AI tools.
Mike emphasized that “one of the most significant risks this year was the widespread lack of deliberate succession planning among long-established, owner-operated businesses,” noting that delayed transitions can jeopardize both financial outcomes and an owner’s long-term legacy.
Looking toward 2026, Mike highlighted the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence on operations and governance. He warned that AI’s “democratization and market-wide impact will reshape how work gets done,” urging companies to adapt early. He also noted that even cost-conscious clients increasingly prioritize cybersecurity, saying “with rising threats, clients increasingly seek our firm’s technical and coverage-focused cybersecurity audits to shore up vulnerabilities early.”
Mike and other Rochester-area attorneys stressed that proactive engagement and stronger communication are key to heading off emerging risks. Mike encouraged leaders to tap advisors early and broaden internal risk discussions, explaining that “in bigger organizations, distributing risk discussions across departments — rather than siloing them with the general counsel or CFO — can improve early issue spotting.” Insights from Harris Beach Murtha and Nixon Peabody add that cybersecurity, immigration exposure, supply chain strain, and tightening AI and data-governance expectations will all shape the 2026 risk landscape.
Rochester Business Journal subscribers can read the full article here.