WRITTEN BY MARISA ZEPPIERI

Deep in the heart of Rochester, where the rhythms of life flow as dynamically as the Genesee River, one man has orchestrated a harmonious blend of legal acumen and musical passion. Angelo Rose is known in his community for being a beloved musician as well as a distinguished litigation attorney and owner of Finger Lakes Legal, Inc. Though at first glance, law and music may seem worlds apart, Angelo has seamlessly woven these two passions into the fabric of his life. His journey is one that embodies the delicate balance between the rigid structures of law and the fluid artistry of music.

Angelo’s lineage is steeped in legal tradition. His father, Michael Rose, and his maternal grandfather, Charles West Sr., both made their mark in New York’s legal arena. Their influence was instrumental in shaping Angelo’s path. Conversations about what it meant to be a “practicing attorney” were not mere discussions but guiding philosophies that Angelo absorbed while growing up and continued on during his formative years at St. Lawrence University. These influences, along with the selfless and compassionate way his beloved mother Rita lived her life, profoundly shaped his perspective, adding another layer to Angelo’s understanding of the importance of empathy and service in his professional journey.

“I saw the legal profession as an opportunity to help others and that particular inspiration came primarily from my mom. Her entire life has been dedicated to selflessly giving her time, energy and compassion to others.” Angelo shares. “The legal profession can be used as a vehicle for altruism. Often, lawyers are perceived to be stiff, boring, singular, uptight, dishonest. But at the end of the day, clients know the difference between being ‘just a number’ and if they are cared and concerned for.”

Armed with the combined vision of upholding legal standards and using his career to help others, Angelo began his legal career alongside his father’s expansive practice, where he primarily focused on litigation. Even at 87, Michael Rose continues to work alongside his son, coming to the office multiple times a week. This close professional relationship has been a cornerstone of Angelo’s career, allowing him to immerse himself in various facets of litigation—criminal, civil, estates, corporate, and family law. Over time, Angelo honed his focus on personal injury, criminal, divorce, and estates practices, finding the courtroom to be a familiar stage where his interactions with judges, clerks, law enforcement, and legal peers became some of the most rewarding aspects of his work.

Yet, beyond the courtroom, Angelo Rose finds his solace and self-expression in music. His journey as a musician began at the tender age of 12 with a guitar, followed by a serendipitous understanding of the piano at 17. By 15, he was writing and recording music, a passion that culminated in the release of a heartfelt debut album, Shadows, in 2007. “A very close friend from law school had been given a terminal cancer diagnosis and I simply wanted him to hear the album before he passed.

Honestly, I had no clue how to record, engineer, produce or package something like that, but I figured it out. Shadows came out three weeks before he died and from thereon, I knew music was going to be a big part of my life,” Angelo tells. This poignant tribute eventually made its way to WBER 90.5 program director, Joe Guisto. Joe began playing several songs off that album on the radio and that exposure provided Angelo a significant bump into the music world.

When asked about his musical influences, Angelo reflects on a vibrant and diverse musical upbringing. “I was raised around jazz, with both my parents being fans of that genre. Because my older sisters were jamming their way through school ahead of me, rock and funk were also prevalent in the Rose house,” he shares. “Throughout college and law school, my musical taste expanded to more indie-based artists and blues. With my band of 15 years, Good Trip, we explore extended versions of some Grateful Dead jams but mostly play original music now. Big Head Todd and the Monsters and The Samples are two of my biggest influences from a style and sound perspective. When producing or recording, I am drawn to the sound and flow that emanated from those bands.”

Since the release of Shadows, Angelo’s musical career has flourished. About to release his seventh solo album and 2nd with Good Trip, his music has garnered attention far beyond Rochester, with streams in over 80 countries. Despite his success, Angelo is quick to acknowledge the instrumental role his mentors have played in shaping both his music and legal careers. Locally, his two biggest musical mentors have been Dan Schmitt and Joe Chiappone, the owner of Northfield Music in Pittsford. “Dan and Joe have been there every step of the way since I was 14 years old,” Angelo recalls. “And, after my first album, I worked with Michelle Taylor as my vocal coach, and I still lean on her occasionally for her exceptional insight. As fantastic as their respective musicianships may be, they are even better people. I am incredibly lucky.”

Alongside his musical successes, Angelo is transparent about the darker and more frustrating side of the industry: “There’s been a seismic shift in the music industry with the rise of streaming platforms, where even renowned artists struggle to earn meaningful revenue. I retain full ownership of my music, avoiding the need to share profits with labels,” he explains. “Yet, streaming royalties are shockingly low—between .003 to .008 cents per play on Spotify. It’s a paltry sum that affects all musicians and their fans alike.” Angelo highlights the challenges bands face in generating income solely from streaming, leading to extensive touring and reliance on production and ticketing companies that inflate costs. “Everyone has their hand in the till. I feel horribly for so many talented musicians I know trying to ‘make it’ out there. The industry’s current state is regressive,” he observes. “And we must restore value to artistic expression.”

In the dynamic world of the music industry, frustrations often abound. Yet, in just one conversation with Angelo, optimism shines through. His outlook on life is decidedly positive, a trait that extends beyond words to his actions. Through both, his deep-seated care for others is unmistakable. This sentiment, integral to his character, is palpable the moment one steps into Finger Lakes Legal, Inc. There, Angelo’s essence is felt—a blend of warmth and professionalism that epitomizes a personal touch. His vision for his practice was accomplished: a smaller, more intimate firm where clients feel valued and receive his direct attention for the entirety of their case. While at work, Angelo doesn’t have to look far for inspiration; his father, in the office next door, has been his guiding light. “His stellar reputation opened so many doors for me when I was starting out. I quickly realized how fortunate I was,” he reflects. Angelo also mentions the prominent criminal defense attorney Joe Damelio, who worked with his father for many years and provided invaluable advice and perspective as Angelo began his trial career. And, of course, there is his grandfather, Charles West Sr., who worked downtown for over 50 years and was renowned for his incredible work ethic, fairness, decency, and honesty.

When reflecting on client cases that stand out, Angelo shares two poignant examples. “One of the last homicide-related trials I handled in Rochester several years ago was excruciating. I was convinced my client was innocent, misidentified as a shooter at a local gathering. He spent almost a year in jail awaiting trial, and after a lengthy deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of ‘not guilty.’ Somewhat ironically, it was my client’s birthday, and finally, he was free.”

He continues, “The other case involved a personal injury matter where there insurance company to settle. My client had to overcome countless physical, legal, and personal obstacles to simply get to a jury. We fought for nearly five years, even had to appeal a ruling that wrongfully terminated the lawsuit. Finally, after a long trial and right before Christmas in 2016, a jury returned a verdict in favor of my client that was not only just but also the second-highest jury verdict in the history of Ontario County.”

Angelo is humbled that clients often remain in contact with him after their cases end and his representation concludes. “I cherish this part of my practice. I am immensely proud of what we do and the people I work with every day.”

Despite the victories and supportive mentors at his side, Angelo will be the first to tell you that balancing his dual careers requires a delicate prioritization and the necessity of creativity in both fields. He describes how crafting a compelling closing argument for a jury is akin to composing lyrics for a song— as “both require a keen sense of rhythm and narrative flow.”

Angelo acknowledges that his legal work often takes precedence, but music remains an integral part of his world: “Music sometimes suffers but always finds a way into my life on a daily basis, even if it is just playing the guitar or piano for 15 minutes in an exhausted stupor at the end of a long day.”

Beyond his professional life, is yet another faucet of this multi-hyphenate – his humanitarian efforts through St. Damien Pediatric Hospital in Haiti. Angelo’s connection with St. Damien deepened following his visit in 2017. Reflecting on his upcoming album release with his band Good Trip—featuring Tom Bernacki, Mike Borrelli, and Nathan Thomas—he shares, “We’ve poured our hearts into this project throughout the winter and spring, and it’s set to launch this July. A portion of all streaming and music proceeds will support St. Damien Pediatric Hospital.”

Angelo first engaged with St. Damien in 2010, following the tragic earthquake that claimed over 300,000 lives and orphaned countless children. His transformative visit in 2017 underscored the profound impact of the hospital’s work, leaving him deeply moved. “That trip challenged everything I thought I knew,” he reflects. “With this album, I hope to amplify awareness and support for St. Damien and the children of Haiti. The situation there is beyond words.”

Between his humanitarian musical endeavors and fighting for his clients in the courtroom, it’s easy to see how Angelo’s life mirrors the bisection of the Genesee River in his beloved hometown, each branch flowing with its own currents yet deeply interconnected. When questioned about the legacy he hopes to leave in both his legal practice and contributions to Rochester’s music community, Angelo expresses a simple yet profound aspiration: “I hope to be remembered as fair, honest, hardworking, and empathetic in both realms of law and music.” His desire reflects a commitment to integrity and compassion that transcends his dual roles, aiming to leave a lasting positive impact on everyone he serves.

ALL of Angelo’s revenue goes to St. Damien for the children of Haiti, including this most recent release, entitled “The Living Room” and streaming on all major platforms.So when you make a puchase it is going directly to this amazing cause! Visit haitisrain.org where you can also make a donation.

You can learn more about Angelo at AngeloRose.com and FingerLakesLegal.com