Volume 63, No. 1
Meet Your 2024 Elected Bar Leaders Bar Association of Erie County Bulletin July/August 2023 | Volume 63 | No. 1
Vanessa C. Gabriele Deputy Treasurer
Elise L. Cassar Director
Keri D. Callocchia Director
Lauren E. Breen Vice President, President-Elect
Read More About your Newly Elected Leaders on Page 8
Second Annual Empire State Legal Diversity Job Fair: August 11, 2023; Volunteers Needed. Page 5 A Message from Kevin Spitler, 2024 President, Erie County Bar Foundation Page 16 Joshua E. Dubs Director Cheyenne N. Freely Director BAEC President Timothy J. Graber’s First Letter to the Membership Page 4
2 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
Bar Association of Erie County Bulletin Table of Contents Features Letter from the President
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Empire State Legal Diversity Career Fair - Volunteer Flyer 2023-2024 BAEC Board of Directors Meet Your 2024 Bar Leaders BAEC Annual Meeting Photos BAEC Leaders in the News! From the Erie County Bar Foundation From the Erie Institute of Law 2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty
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32 32 33 33 35 38 In Every Issue Social Security Administration Has Its Thumb on the Scales of Disability BAEC Member Chris Grover Quoted Extensively in Buffalo News Article Mario A. Giacobbe Nominated to be a New York State Court of Claims Judge Neighborhood Legal Services Opens 4th Office in Lockport, New York Join the BAEC LRIS Panel Hurwitz Fine Achieves Midsize Mansfield Certification “Plus”
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BAEC Sponsors Member Assistance Program Bench and Bar in The News BAEC New Members Contributions to the Foundation In Memoriam BAEC Life Members and Contributing Members Classifieds
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Bulletin Advertisement Index Bulletin Submission Deadline
Bar Association of Erie County President Vice President Treasurer Timothy J. Graber Lauren E. Breen
Sarah M. Washington Vanessa C. Gabriele Anne M. Noble Chase A. Kalandia Board of Directors
Deputy Treasurer Executive Director Editor of the Bulletin
Anne K. Bowling, Jamila A. Lee, Sharon Nosenchuck, Hon. Stephanie A. Saunders, Stephen C. Earnhart, Katie Kestel Martin, Maura O’Donnell, Carmen L. Snell, Elise L. Cassar, Joshua E. Dubs, Keri D. Callocchia, Cheyenne N. Freely
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 3
Bar Association of Erie County SPONSORS Proudly Announcing Our 2024 Sponsors! These organizations have partnered with the BAEC for 2024.
Annual Law Firm Sponsors
THE LAW OFFICES OF TIMOTHY M. O’MARA
Annual Corporate Sponsors
4 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
Letter from the President
Later in my career, I again learned about civility. This time from being a member of the Board of Directors of this Bar Association. I was fortunate. I had a front row seat and was able to watch Presidents of this organization carry out their duties with civility. For example, I was Treasurer when Oliver Young was President. It was a presidential election year, and the nation was deeply divided. Oliver led this organization with civility. He was calming and unifying and tolerant of different views. During my presidency, I will strive to employ the civility I observed from Oliver. I encourage early career lawyers to do just that—watch and learn from more experienced lawyers. Kevin Spitler declared that “the third face of civility is the hard part -- when lawyers show deep respect for their opponents while in the very act of disagreeing with them and vigorously presenting their side of the argument.” Kevin also spoke of the importance of lawyers “extend[ing] our civility to our clients” noting that clients “often experience anxiety and uncertainty, that can lead to frustration and anger [and that lawyers’] polite demeanor can tamp down that anger.” In June of this year, in an address to the New York State Bar Association House of Delegates in Cooperstown, Richard Lewis, the President of the New York State Bar Association, discussed the importance of being civil both within and outside of the practice of law. President Lewis alluded to the divisiveness that pervades society today saying that perhaps it is most important to listen to people with whom we disagree. He called on us as lawyers to lead the way in restoring civility to the public discourse saying in a later conversation that lawyers may be the last bastion of civility in society. Like President Lewis, Kevin too observed an increase in the “divisiveness existing today [where] people seem drawn into factions and are unable to understand or appreciate other people’s points of view.” Kevin also aptly noted that being civil is “not hard”, and that it “feels good”, and that it can have “far-reaching impacts . . . out into the greater community.” In summary, civility is essential to our system of justice and the integrity of the legal profession. As lawyers we should not only be civil within our profession—which I think we do a pretty good job at—but we should strive to spread civility beyond our profession. Perhaps we start by consciously trying to be more tolerant of views that we disagree with and listen more carefully to those espousing those views. We should also be more conscious of how we express our disagreement, going the extra step to disagree without being disrespectful. I believe we can do this while still advocating for what we believe to be right and just and without compromising our principles. We should also use our knowledge of the law to explain why things may have played out the way they did and, at the same time, defend our system of jurisprudence. Opportunity to do this is abundant. As lawyers we are so often used as a sounding board by non- lawyers as to anything legal such as why a court decided a case the way it did or why someone was indicted, convicted, acquitted, elected, silenced, or amplified. We should use one of these occasions to practice being civil and to listen and, if it calls for it, to respectfully disagree and to educate and defend our system of justice. Indeed, although imperfect, it deserves defending. Let’s do our part.
TIMOTHY J. GRABER President Bar Association of Erie County
The legal profession’s attention to civility within the profession is longstanding and significant. Contemporaneous examples include the Standards of Civility and the Civility Principles. The Standards of Civility were adopted by the New York State Unified Court System in 1997 and amended in January of 2020. The Civility Principles were adopted by the United States District Court for the Western District of New York in September of 1998 and amended in 2018. Notably, the Civility Principles are a part of the Western District’s Admission Forms Package. Both the Standards of Civility and the Civility Principles are seminal, well drafted must-reads on the topic of being civil. Thankfully, these pronouncements have taken root and are embraced by lawyers in Western New York, and we are truly fortunate to practice in a legal community where civility is by far the norm and not the exception. This message was driven home by Kevin Spitler, a past President of this Bar Association, who spoke at the Law Day Luncheon in May of this year. Kevin spoke from the heart about what it means to be civil and provided numerous examples of things that lawyers can do—both small and large—to practice civility. Kevin noted that lawyers in Erie County “are polite, considerate and respectful. They treat each other, their clients, and their support staff, with kindness and courtesy. They practice civility every day, numerous times during the day.” In his remarks, Kevin described three “faces” of civility. The first being the “easy side of civility. It is the human nature side of civility” and includes simply being polite and courteous to one another. Kevin pointed to the courtroom for the second face of civility noting that the “courtroom requires a more serious side of civility” and that “in the courtroom politeness, good manners and courtesy are expected.” This is true. Both the Civility Principles and the Standards of Civility demonstrate as much. Kevin asserted that one of the reasons he is proud of lawyers in this area is that “we have learned to practice with civility and mutual respect, even while we understand that the very nature of our work is adversarial.” Observing that lawyers learn to practice with civility hits home with me as I recall early in my career learning from more experienced lawyers how to be a zealous advocate and civil at the same time. The Divisiveness of the Day Makes Us Long for Civility
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 5
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Job Fair Co-Chairs: Natalia Marte Andrew M. Wilson Samantha I.V. White
Interested in volunteering? Register online at: https://forms.gle/NRyMFuPRGmwu5ivc7
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 1 th, 202 3 8AM-5PM UB Center for Tomorrow 101 Service Center Rd . , Buffalo, NY 14260 We are seeking volunteers to take either a morning shift ( 8 : 0 0am - 12:30pm) or afternoon shift (12:30pm - 5pm)
Presented by:
Contact Larry Waters with questions at: lwaters@nls.org
This career fair is for law students, JDs, and licensed attorneys. It is open to all applicants, with the goal of providing employment opportunities for all candidates from many different backgrounds and with varied life experiences.
6 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
Bar Association of Erie County Committees
www.eriebar.org/committees Click the link below to view the calendar and request to join a new Committee! Our Committees are on Summer break and will back in full swing in September!
CLE ONDEMAND VIEW ANYWHERE, ANY TIME!
The Erie Institute of Law offers a robust library of pre-recorded CLE programs that are easy to access and watch on your time! Get the CLE credits you need wherever, whenever!
CLICK TO BROWSE PRE-RECORDED CLE LIBRARY
Questions? Contact Alicia Quebral at aquebral@eriebar.org or by telephone at 716.852.8687 x122 Watch for The Brief email update every Wednesday!
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 7
8 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin Introducing the BAEC’s 2023-2024 Board of Directors We are pleased to announce your Board of Directors for the 2024 fiscal year, which began June 1, 2023. In accordance with BAEC bylaws, the Board of Directors are elected by you, our members, every year. Officers serve a one-year term and Directors serve a three-year term. Timothy J. Graber assumes the Presidency, having served as Vice President, President-Elect last year. Sarah M. Washington has become Treasurer, having served as Deputy Treasurer, Treasurer-Elect last year. Directors continuing their term are Anne K. Bowling, Stephen C. Earnhart, Katie L. Kestel Martin, Jamila A. Lee, Sharon Nosenchuck, Maura O’Donnell, Hon. Stephanie A. Saunders, and Carmen L. Snell. Newly elected Officers are Lauren E. Breen, Vice President, President-Elect, and Vanessa C. Gabriele, Deputy Treasurer, Treasurer-Elect. Newly elected Directors are as follows: Elise L. Cassar, Joshua E. Dubs, Keri D. Callocchia, Cheyenne N. Freely. Board members were all sworn in at the Board of Directors meeting on June 6, 2023 by Hon. Kevin M. Carter. Congratulations to the new additions to the Board. We are excited to see where our leadership takes the Bar Association over the coming year! •
The Honorable Kevin M. Carter, Administrative Judge for the Eighth Judicial District, is pictured above, welcoming Board members and administering the oath of office.
Pictured above is newly sworn-in Vice President Lauren E. Breen, Honorable Kevin M. Carter, Administrative Judge for the Eighth Judicial District and newly sworn-in President Timothy J. Graber.
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 9 Let Us Assist You With Your SSD & SSI Cases
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The 2023-2024 Erie County Bar Foundation Board of Directors
The Erie County Bar Foundation is pleased to announce its 2023-2024 Officers and Board of Directors. Kevin W. Spitler has succeeded Jeffrey M. Priore as President. Helen Ferraro-Zaffram is now serving as Vice President. Penny B. Selmonsky and Jesslyn A. Holbrook are the Foundation’s Treasurer and Secretary respectively. The Directors of the Board are Aviva Abramovsky, Laurie Styka Bloom, Terrence M. Connors, Hon. David L. Edmunds, Jr., Robert J. Fluskey, David E. Gutowski, Hon. Craig D. Hannah, John G. Horn, Marianne Mariano, Michael F. Perley, Jeffrey M. Priore, John E. Richmond, and Pamela H. Thibodeau. •
Pictured at right are Erie County Bar Foun- dation Board Members with Resource Coun- selor, Kelly Bainbridge, front and center.
MEET YOUR NEWLY ELECTED BAR LEADERS 10 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
VICE PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT ELECT
Lauren E. Breen Executive Director, Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
Lauren Breen is the Executive Director of Neighborhood Legal Services, WNY’s largest free civil legal services agency, where she initiated medical-legal partnership programs with Roswell, Evergreen Health and Catholic Health Systems and replicated the California-based Justice Bus program to serve low-income communities throughout WNY. In 2016, Lauren returned to Neighborhood Legal Services after teaching for nearly 24 years at the University at Buffalo School of Law as a clinical professor and where she most recently had directed UB Law’s New York City Program in Finance & Law. Before joining the UB Law School faculty, Lauren practiced commercial litigation as an associate with Hiscock & Barclay and worked as a public benefits litigator at Neighborhood Legal Services. Her other professional experience includes Western New York Law Center Supervising Attorney; Massachusetts Avenue Project Interim Executive Director; and Daemen College Center for Sustainable Communities and Civic Engagement Executive Director. Lauren serves on the UB School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors and the NYSBA President’s Committee on Access to Justice. She is an officer and co-founder of the NYS-based Legal Services Access Alliance. Lauren served on the 8th Judicial District Attorney Grievance Committee from 2017-2023, chairing the Committee from 2021-2023. She is a member of the Minority Bar Association/ BAEC/UB Law-sponsored Empire State Legal Diversity Career Fair Planning Committee and was honored to serve on the BAEC Board of Directors from 2018- 2021. Lauren has served on numerous nonprofit boards and advisory groups, including the Massachusetts Avenue Project; New Yorkers for Responsible Lending; Erie County Child Care Resource Center; C.A.S.H. Buffalo; Precious Jewels Day Care Center; ABA Forum on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law Legal Educators’ Practice Division; and Neighborhood Legal Services. She also was part of the team that created the Buffalo Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office (CLARO), a WNY Law Center-sponsored pro se free legal clinic. Originating through Fordham Law School’s Feerick Center for Social Justice, New York CLARO programs provide limited legal advice to unrepresented consumer debtor-defendants. Lauren has an A.B. from Georgetown University and a J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law, where she received the Birzon Prize in Clinical Legal Studies. In 2022, the UB Law School Law Review recognized Lauren for community contributions over her career. She is a recipient of the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County ‘One Person Can Make a Difference’ award for her work in creating a local free tax preparation network and the ‘Women Builders of Communities & Dreams’ award from the St. Philip’s Community Center. She is an inaugural member of the DC-based National Women’s Law Center Progressive Leadership Advocacy Network. Under Lauren’s leadership, the UB Law Community Economic Development Clinic received awards from the Internal Revenue Service, Child Care Research Center and the Buffalo Chapter of the American Association for University Women Educational Foundation.
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 11
DEPUTY TREASURER, TREASURER-ELECT Vanessa C. Gabriele Managing Attorney, Gabriele Law PLLC
Vanessa Gabriele is the Managing Attorney at Gabriele Law PLLC, a law firm with a focus on divorce and family law litigation. Originally from Rochester, New York, Vanessa pursued her undergraduate and law degrees at the State University at Buffalo. She graduated with a cum laude degree in Business Administration from the University at Buffalo’s School of Management, and is admitted to practice law in the State of New York, as well as the Western District of New York. Her professional achievements have earned her recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and as one of the Best Lawyers to Watch. In 2022, Vanessa completed the flagship CORE program at the University at Buffalo’s (CEL) Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. She is an active member of the Executive Committee of the Family Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, where she serves as a district representative for the 8th judicial district and co-chair of the child custody committee. Vanessa frequently lectures on the topic of Matrimonial and Family Law, having chaired and lectured Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars for the Bar Association of Erie County and the New York State Bar Association. She has also been a guest lecturer at the University at Buffalo Law School and the State University at Buffalo. She will be teaching Family Law to undergraduates at the State University at Buffalo beginning in the Fall. Vanessa is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Women Business Owners, the Women Lawyers of Western New York, the Monroe County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the Bar Association of Erie County. She is a current member of the Family Court Practice and Procedure Committee and the Matrimonial and Family Law Committee of the Bar Association of Erie County. Vanessa most recently served as a co-chair for the Bar Association of Erie County’s Matrimonial and Family Law Committee. She also served on the past president Marianne Mariano’s Membership Events Community Outreach Committee. Aside from her legal work, Vanessa is committed to promoting Italian culture in Western New York, and is an active member of the Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo, a non-profit organization dedicated to that cause. In addition, Vanessa has helped the last few years to organize the BAEC’s Ski Day in Ellicottville, New York. T
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12 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin DIRECTORS
Elise L. Cassar Senior Associate, Duke Holzman Photiadis & Gresens LLP
Elise is a Senior Associate at Duke Holzman Photiadis Gresens, LLP, where she handles a variety of civil litigation matters, including construction matters, first party insurance disputes and employment disputes. Prior to joining Duke Holzman, Elise focused her practice on defending personal and commercial clients in a range of personal injury litigation. She received her Juris Doctor from SUNY Buffalo Law School and her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia. Elise is the current Immediate Past President of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), Western New York Chapter. She has served on their board in multiple roles since 2013. She was also recently selected as the Corresponding Secretary of WBASNY and will start her term on June 1, 2023. Elise serves on the Board of Directors of the University at Buffalo Law Alumni Association, and the National Association of Women in Construction, Buffalo-Niagara Chapter. Outside of the legal profession, Elise enjoys travel, running, gardening, and spending as much time as possible with family. She lives in Orchard Park with her husband John, son William, and their two dogs.
Keri D. Callocchia Partner, Callocchia Law Firm, PLLC
Keri D. Callocchia is a Partner of Callocchia Law Firm, PLLC focusing on counseling clients in all matters related to Real Estate, including commercial and residential real estate sales and purchases, title and financing. Initially an attorney with a prestigious litigation firm in downtown Buffalo, Mrs. Callocchia founded her own firm in 2006. She additionally served the City of Buffalo as an Administrative Law Judge and has served on many non-profit Boards to better her community and has founded and supported many local initiatives. Originally from Tennessee, Mrs. Callocchia majored in Psychology and Art where she developed her lifelong passion for the Arts. She continues painting for many local charity events and supports of the arts through her talent as a visual artist and fundraiser. She earned her Law Degree together with a Masters in Business Administration concentrating in Finance from the University of Tennessee. While in school, she formed an investment group that funds a scholarship for future MBA students to this day. Mrs. Callocchia served the Bar Association of Erie County as Chair of the Real Property Law Committee from 2014 to 2016. She is a sought-after lecturer for the Bar Association of Erie County, New York Bar Association and has contributed as a speaker and writer for NPR, AM Buffalo and The Buffalo News. She also dedicates her expertise to numerous first time homebuyer education events throughout Erie and Niagara County for real estate brokerages and non-profit organizations. She is also an active member the Women’s Bar Association where she served on the Judiciary Committee. She additionally served two terms as a Board member for the Elmwood Village Association. Mrs. Callocchia is the founder of Suits for the Troops, organizing the collection of suits for veterans in Western New York; in addition, she was a founding committee Member for the Lawyers for the Arts, promoting attorneys to volunteer their talents to raise money for emerging local arts organizations. She was also the co-founder of the Play Space Committee for the Elmwood Village Association, Committee Member for International School Playground Development and Strategic Community Partner for Delaware Soccer Club, Strategic Partner of Women’s Council of Realtors and served as an appointed Member of the Citizens Commission for Reapportionment by Mayor Byron Brown.
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 13
Joshua E. Dubs Partner, Webster & Dubs, PC
Josh is originally from the great state of Rhode Island. He grew up there, graduating cum laude from Rocky Hill School in 2000. From there he attended Union College in Schenectady, New York. While at Union, he was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi, wrote for the newspaper, Concordiensis, and participated in clubs such as Mountebanks (the student-run theatre group), the German Klub, UBGLAD (the Gay-Straight Alliance), and was a member of the Student Judiciary Committee. Josh graduated from Union in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Performance Art, with a minor in German. Following a brief stint as a reporter for a newspaper in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Josh returned to Rhode Island to work as an IT Technician for Ocean State Job Lot. Josh enrolled at the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School in 2005. While there, Josh became active in Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, worked on the Buffalo Public Interest Law Journal, and worked for the Office of Development, eventually being promoted to the department’s Graduate Assistant. Josh received his Juris Doctor degree from UB in 2008. After being admitted to practice law in the State of New York in February, 2009, Josh hung up a shingle, opening the Law Offices of Joshua Dubs on March 6, 2009. He and partner Daniel Webster joined forces and opened Webster & Dubs, P.C. on April 2, 2018. Josh lives in Lockport, New York. He is married to Lauren, a pharmacist. They have two children, Matthew and Isabelle, and one cat, Sunny. In his spare time, Josh is a Certified Football Official, officiating football games from little league to high school level all over Western New York. Josh also rides in the Ride for Roswell every year, achieving Extra Mile Club status for 12 consecutive years and counting. Josh has been recognized multiple times for his pro bono work, including receiving the prestigious Presidents Pro Bono Award from the New York State Bar Association and the Rev. A. Joseph Bissonette Pro Bono Award from the Bar Association of Erie County. Josh is a den leader for Cub Scout Pack 58 in Tonawanda. He also serves as President of the Board of Directors for the WNY Coalition for Housing Equity, and is a prior board member of Project Homeless Connect Buffalo and the UB Law Alumni Association’s GOLD Group. He has presented at numerous CLEs and speaking engagements regarding Landlord/ Tenant law and Surrogate’s Court practice. Throughout her educational and legal careers, Cheyenne has always strived to advocate for her peers and colleagues. This is a passion she hopes to continue as a BAEC Director. Cheyenne graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in political science and international studies from Niagara University in 2019. During her senior year, she became the first black woman to be elected Student Body President. In 2022, she graduated from the Georgetown University Law Center. During law school, Cheyenne served as a Student Bar Association representative and a Co-Director of the Georgetown Appellate Advocacy Division. All of these roles were motivated by her passion for advocacy and drive to equip others with the tools necessary to succeed. After two summers with Hodgson Russ LLP, she joined their business litigation group in September of 2022. She is committed to ensuring that all current and future members feel supported by the BAEC network and its resources to advance our community, our profession, and the tenets of justice. Cheyenne N. Freely Associate, Hodgson Russ LLP
14 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin 2023 ANNUAL MEETING
BAEC Past Presidents Hon. David L. Edmunds Jr., Melinda G. Disare, Jill K. Bond with BAEC President Timothy J. Graber and Vice President Lauren E. Breen
BAEC Past President Jill K. Bond Passes the Gavel to incoming BAEC President Timothy J. Graber
BAEC Past President Jill K. Bond & BAEC President Timothy J. Graber
BAEC Past President Hon. David L. Edmunds Jr. & BAEC Vice President Lauren E. Breen
BAEC Treasurer Sarah Washington & BAEC Deputy Treasurer Vanessa C. Gabriele
BAEC Leaders In The News!
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 15
BAEC President Timothy J. Graber & BAEC Past President Maryann Saccomando Freedman at the premiere of “Buffalo Stories: The Life of Maryann Saccomando Freedman”
Pictured above are award winners from the NYS Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts, Gender Fairness Committee, Eighth Judicial Districts Lamplighter Award Luncheon on June 7th.
BAEC Chairperson of the Surrogate’s Court Committee Linda Grear speaking at the Surrogate’s Court Committee’s Annual Luncheon in June.
Each year the Fourth Department, Attorneys for Children Advisory Committee, selects two outstanding attorneys for children from each of the Fifth, Seventh and Eighth Districts to receive the Hon. Michael F. Dillon Award. Pictured on the far right, above, is BAEC member Michele A. Brown who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award on June 13th.
16 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
FROM THE Erie County Bar Foundation
I am honored, excited, and challenged as I take on the role of President of the Erie County Bar Foundation. I owe a great debt to those that came before me and extend gratitude today to our immediate Past President, Jeff Priore, for his hard work and commitment. It is an honor to lead a Board whose purpose is to assist those members of our profession in need of our help. We are a profession that’s critical to a society based on the rule of law. When one of us needs help, we step up and step in. I am excited because it’s exciting and rewarding to help someone in need. The Foundation provides assistance with many things, including housing, treatment, and counseling. Lawyers come to us when there is nowhere else to turn as they struggle with what daily life often puts unexpectedly in our path, such as substance use disorder, death, trauma, and illness. We are here for the lawyer and their families facing these challenges. We are in a good place now financially. But what may come is always an unknown. The members of the Board are so kind, compassionate and understanding. They have been and will continue to be excellent stewards of the Foundation’s money and your generous donations. Because of the strict confidentiality that is granted to all who seek our assistance, I am unable to share with you the Foundation’s success stories. But be assured that the recipients are overwhelmed by the support they receive. They are appreciative of the help extended to them and grateful to those who make it all possible with generous donations. So, with your continued support, I am confident that we will be able to carry out the Foundation’s mission and make reality the vision of our founders.
KEVIN SPITLER President Erie County Bar Foundation
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BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 17
FROM THE Erie Institute of Law
Dear Members,
The Bar Association’s recently updated mission statement reads, “To serve our members by educating, pursuing justice, and fostering camaraderie, well-being, and belonging.” It is fitting that we begin with educating, as education is critical to furthering all of our collective goals.
As Dean of the Erie Institute of Law, the Continuing Legal Education arm of the BAEC, I want to extend my appreciation to all of our members and other professionals who have volunteered their time as faculty for our CLE programming during the past year. We rely on our members to share their expertise with their peers, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude for making us better attorneys. During my tenure as Dean, we have centered diversity and well-being in our programming, and we are committed to promoting belonging in the legal profession. This concept as part of the diversity, equity and inclusion conversation may be new to some; as Law.com puts it, “If diversity refers to who is in the mix, equity refers to structural barriers that exist and inclusion refers to how those in the mix are being engaged, then belonging refers to the broad experience of those in the mix feeling respected and valued.” We hope that you feel respected and valued at the Erie Institute of Law, and we urge you to learn from your colleagues as well as to share your own knowledge with them. We encourage members of all backgrounds to complete our Speaker’s Panel Application if you are interested in presenting in an area of your expertise, and you are always welcome to reach out about the topics that you believe need to be covered.
Sincerely, Hugh M. Russ, III
For more on belonging & the law: • The Belonging Project
• DEI…B? Why ‘Belonging’ is Law’s Next Step for DEI • Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging resources from Harvard
2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty 18 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
Stephanie A. Adams Law Office of Stephanie Adams, PLLC Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Joseph W. Allen Office of the United States Trustee 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 William P. Allen Brisbane Consulting Group, LLC The Practice of Matrimonial Law: For Beginners & Experienced Attorneys, March 22, 2023
Randall P. Andreozzi Andreozzi Bluestein LLP 68th Tax Institute, November 4, 2022
Megan Andrews, LCSW-R Child & Family Services Life After Law School, April 28 & May 12, 2023
Substance Use Disorders & Addiction: Understanding & Addressing the Problem, May 8, 2023 The Spiritual Practice of the Law & Its Connection to Lawyer Wellbeing, April 4, 2023
Hon. Tracey A. Bannister Supreme Court of the Appellate Division Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Arthur G. Baumeister, Jr. Baumeister Denz LLP 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023
Jennifer A. Beckage The Beckage Firm PLLC Cybersecurity, Privacy & Data Protection for Lawyers, January, 25, 2023 Beth Ann Bivona Barclay Damon LLP 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 James P. Blenk Lippes Mathias LLP Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Gary Bluestein Andreozzi Bluestein LLP 68th Tax Institute , November 4, 2022 Ryan Boggs, PT, DPT, DSc, ITPT, Cert VRS Daemen University 1st Annual Medical Legal Institute-Session One, June 14, 2023 1st Annual Medical Legal Institute-Session Two, June 21, 2023 Jill K. Bond Rich Products Corporation Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Gary D. Borek Gary D. Borek, LLC 68th Tax Institute, November 4, 2022
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 19
Luisa D. Bostick Hodgson Russ LLP The CROWN Act: Reviewing the History of Hair Discrimination and its Current Protections, September 22, 2022 Erica Brecher Excelsior Orthopedics Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023 Daniel F. Brown Lippes Mathias LLP 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 Meghan M. Brown Goldberg Segalla LLP Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Robert C. Brucato, Jr. Counsel Press Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023 William E. Brueckner, III Supreme Court of the Appellate Division 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 Lauren Bruno Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023 Hon. Carl L. Bucki United States Bankruptcy Court 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 Rosalind Burgin Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors 33rd Annual Real Estate Conference, March 25, 2023 B. Kevin Burke, Jr. Gross Shuman PC Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Stephanie J. Calhoun New York State Office of the Attorney General Introduction to Native American Cultural Competency, November 10, 2022 Moving Beyond White Fragility: Honest, Effective Conversations About Race After May 14th, August 24, 2022 The Spiritual Practice of the Law & Its Connection to Lawyer Wellbeing, April 4, 2023 Margaret C. Callanan Attorney Grievance Committee 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 Keri D. Callocchia Callocchia Law Firm, PLLC 33rd Annual Real Estate Conference, March 25, 2023 Kelly Ann Campbell Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023 2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty
2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty 20 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
Hon. Mary Giallanza Carney Erie County Family Court Substance Use Disorders & Addiction: Understanding & Addressing the Problem, May 8, 2023 Charles S. Carra United States District Court, Western District of New York Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Madison Carter WSOC-TV Charlotte Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023 Hon. Deborah A. Chimes New York State Supreme Court The Practice of Matrimonial Law: For Beginners & Experienced Attorneys, March 22, 2023
Amanda Circcarella Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court An Overivew of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023 Hon. Emilio Colaiacovo New York State Supreme Court Part 36 Receivership Training, November 29, 2022
Michael J. Colletta Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC The Practice of Matrimonial Law: For Beginners & Experienced Attorneys, March 22, 2023 Ida Comerford Law Offices of Kenneth Hiller Representing an SSA Claimant After an ALJ Denial, April 14, 2023 Hon. John M. Curran Supreme Court of the Appellate Division Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Nisha DeSouza Antonino S. Pecoraro, PC 68th Tax Institute, November 4, 2022 Carolyn L. DeVaughn Gross Shuman PC Life After Law School, April 28 & May 12, 2023 Nicholas P. DiFonzo Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Ann Dillon Flynn Appellate Division, 4th Department Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Elizabeth M. DiPirro Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC The Practice of Matrimonial Law: For Beginners & Experienced Attorneys, March 22, 2023
Stephen A. Donato Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 21
2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty
Jeffrey A. Dove Barclay Damon LLP 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 Joshua E. Dubs Webster & Dubs, PC There’s a Fiduciary: Now What?, May 24, 2023 Sarah Duval Center for Elder Law & Justice Concepts in Elder Law Practice, December 8, 2022 Stephen C. Earnhart Erie County District Attorney’s Office An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023 Kristen V. Elmore-Garcia The Law Office of John V. Elmore, PC 1st Annual Medical Legal Institute-Session One, June 14, 2023 Wrongful Death Damages: Where Are We in New York Now? February 24, 2023
Joseph N. Endres Hodgson Russ LLP 68th Tax Institute, November 4, 2023 Randy C. Fahs Moog, Inc. Cybersecurity, Privacy & Data Protection for Lawyers, January 25, 2023 Susan Fenster People Inc. Concepts in Elder Law Practice, December 8, 2022 Shelly Ferullo Neighbor to Neighbor News Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023 Samuel S. Feuerstein Hurwitz, Whitcher & Molloy What’s Happening at the Workers’ Compensation Board: Your Workers’ Compensation Update, October 21, 2022 Stephanie J. Calhoun New York State Office of the Attorney General Introduction to Native American Cultural Competency, November 10, 2022 Moving Beyond White Fragility: Honest, Effective Conversations About Race After May 14th, August 24, 2022 The Spiritual Practice of the Law & Its Connection to Lawyer Wellbeing, April 4, 2023
Raymond L. Fink Lippes Mathias LLP Part 36 Receivership Training, November 29, 2022 Jennifer G. Flannery Barclay Damon LLP There’s a Fiduciary: Now What?, May 24, 2023 Greg Ford, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS Daemen University
1st Annual Medical Legal Institute-Session One, June 14, 2023 1st Annual Medical Legal Institute-Session Two, June 21, 2023
Sarah A. Frederick Frederick Law Offices, PLLC Representing an SSA Claimant After an ALJ Denial, April 14, 2023 Andrew J. Freedman Hodgson Russ LLP The CROWN Act: Reviewing the History of Hair Discrimination and its Current Protections, September 22, 2022 Vanessa C. Gabriele Gabriele Law, PLLC The Practice of Matrimonial Law: For Beginners & Experienced Attorneys, March 22, 2023 Hon. Richard Gergel Ret., United States District Court of South Carolina Unexampled Courage: Sergeant Isaac Woodard and the Unknown Road to Brown v. Board of Education, October 17, 2022 Gretchen Gonzalez Volunteer Lawyers Project Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 David M. Goodman The Coppola Firm 1st Annual Medical Legal Institute-Session One, June 14, 2023 Carin S. Gordon City of Buffalo Law Department Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty 22 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
Kenneth W. Gordon Gordon & Schaal, LLP 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 Nicole Graci Hamberger & Weiss LLP Life After Law School, May 12, 2023
Linda S. Grear Pfalzgraf Beinhauer Grear Harris Schuller Case Law Update from Erie County Surrogate’s Court 2022, January 26, 2023 There’s a Fiduciary: Now What?, May 24, 2023 Wil Green UB Graduate School of Education & Tremani Solutions, LLC Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023
Charles D. Grieco Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC Environmental Law Update 2023, March 31, 2023 Christopher J. Grover Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Representing an SSA Claimant After an ALJ Denial, April 14, 2023
David E. Gutowski Zdarsky, Sawicki & Agostinelli LLP Substance Use Disorders & Addiction: Understanding & Addressing the Problem, May 8, 2023
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 23
Brian D. Gwitt Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP NYS Update on Civil Practice & Procedure, November 9, 2022 Richard Halinda Halinda Romaniuk Law PC Canadian Cottage Alert: The New Underused Housing Tax Act, March 16, 2023 The Canadian Cottage Update, November 16, 2022 Ian M. Harrington Harrington & Mahoney Life After Law School, April 28, 2023 Kevin A. Harris Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023 Christopher L. Hayes Delaware North Cybersecurity, Privacy & Data Protection for Lawyers, January 25, 2023 Hon. Carol E. Heckman (Ret.) Lippes Mathias LLP Introduction to Native American Cultural Competency, November 10, 2022 Lauren A. Heimer Eagan & Heimer, PLLC Life After Law School, April 28, 2023 Renee E. Heitger Hamberger & Weiss LLP What’s Happening at the Workers’ Compensation Board: Your Workers’ Compensation Update, October 21, 2022 Michael Hillery Erie County District Attorney’s Office Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Elizabeth A. Ingold Ingold Law Concepts in Elder Law Practice, December 8, 2022 Katie M. Ireland Sumitomo Rubber USA, LLC Life After Law School, April 28, 2023 Rebecca F. Izzo US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023 Pastor Edward Jackson, Jr. Friendship Baptist Church The Spiritual Practice of the Law & Its Connection to Lawyer Wellbeing, April 4, 2023 Emily F. Janicz Lewis & Lewis, PC What’s Happening at the Workers’ Compensation Board: Your Workers’ Compensation Update, October 21, 2022 2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty Ryan C. Johnsen Hogan Willig Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022
2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty 24 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
Hon. Barbara R. Johnson-Lee Buffalo City Court An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023 Kara Kane Erie County Department of Health Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023 Cydney Kelly
Attorney Grievance Committees, 4th Judicial Department 33rd Annual Real Estate Conference, March 25, 2023 Life After Law School, April 28, 2023 Daniel P. Kelly Hodgson Russ LLP 68th Tax Institute, November 4, 2022 Colin M. Knoer The Knoer Group, PLLC Environmental Law Update 2023, March 31, 2023 Life After Law School, April 28, 2023 Robert E. Knoer The Knoer Group, PLLC Environmental Law Update 2023, March 31, 2023 John T. Kolaga Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC Environmental Law Update 2023, March 31, 2023 Katie Krespan Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023 Mikal J. Krueger McConville, Considine Cooman & Morin PC 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 Anthony J. Kuhn Tully Rinckey PLLC An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023 Pamela Lamancuso Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023 Jamila A. Lee University at Buffalo School of Law There’s a Fiduciary: Now What?, May 24, 2023 Jeffrey Leichtnam Chicago Title 33rd Annual Real Estate Conference, March 25, 2023 Hon. John B. Licata New York State Supreme Court Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Christopher D. Lindquist Appellate Division, 4th Department Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022
2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 25
Ashley R. Lowry UNOVA Coworking Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023
Hon. Keith M. Lundin (Ret.) United States Bankruptcy Court 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 Gregory J. Mascitti McCarter & English, LLP 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023
Nanette Massey Speaker & Author Moving Beyond White Fragility: Honest, Effective Conversations About Race After May 14th, August 24, 2022 Michael E. Maxwell Hodgson Russ LLP Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Thomas E. Mazurek Tronconi, Segarra & Associates, LLP 68th Tax Institute, November 4, 2022 Hon. Jeremiah J. McCarthy United States District Court, Western District of New York Unexampled Courage: Sergeant Isaac Woodard and the Unknown Road to Brown v. Board of Education, October 17, 2022 Cat McCulle Law Office of Lindy Korn, PLLC Life After Law School, April 28 & May 12, 2023
Britta L. McKenna Hodgson Russ LLP There’s a Fiduciary: Now What?, May 24, 2023 Anna Mercado Clark Phillips Lytle LLP There’s a Fiduciary: Now What?, May 24, 2023
Stephanie R. Messina Burgio, Curvin & Banker 1st Annual Medical Legal Institute-Session Two, June 21, 2023 Cheryl Meyers-Buth Meyers Buth Law Group PLLC Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023
Angela Z. Miller Phillips Lytle LLP 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 Molly L. Miranda United States District Court, Western District of New York Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Daniel Mitchell Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023
2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty 26 | July/August 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
Hon. Mark A. Montour Supreme Court of the Appellate Division Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Introduction to Native American Cultural Competency, November 10, 2022 Hon. Acea M. Mosey Erie County Surrogate’s Court There’s a Fiduciary: Now What?, May 24, 2023 James J. Nash Nash Connors, PC Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Hon. Patrick H. NeMoyer Supreme Court of the Appellate Division Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022 Karen L. Nicolson Center for Elder Law & Justice Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Linda C. Novotny Erie County Surrogate’s Court There’s a Fiduciary: Now What?, May 24, 2023 Bridget M. O’Connell New York State Judicial Districts 5, 6, 7 8 & Court of Claims Life After Law School, April 28, 2023 The Spiritual Practice of the Law & Its Connection to Lawyer Wellbeing, April 4, 2023 Dara Biltekoff Ordon Cheryl Stein Law Firm, PLLC 33rd Annual Real Estate Conference, March 25, 2023 Life After Law School, April 28, 2022 Susan Burch Parzymieso O’Donnell & Associates Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10. 2023
Anthony S. Pecoraro Antonino S. Pecoraro, PC 68th Tax Institute, November 4, 2022 Hon. Erin M. Peradotto Supreme Court of the Appellate Division Have Gavel Will Travel Appellate CLE, October 27, 2022
Michael F. Perley Hurwitz & Fine, PC Substance Use Disorders & Addiction: Understanding & Addressing the Problem, May 8, 2023 Unexampled Courage: Sergeant Isaac Woodard and the Unknown Road to Brown v. Board of Education, October 17, 2022 Wrongful Death Damages: Where Are We in New York Now?, January 26, 2023
Julie Philippi WDNY Chapter 13 Trustee, Buffalo Division 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023
BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2023 | 27
2022-2023 Continuing Legal Education Faculty
Lisa A. Poch Chiacchia & Fleming, LLP Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023 Amber Poulos Assigned Counsel Program An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023 Marie Rachelle Convergence Coworking Put Your Best Face Forward: Media Training in a Post-Pandemic World of Law, March 10, 2023 George M. Reiber WDNY Chapter 13 Trustee, Rochester Division 19th Annual WNY Bankruptcy Conference, June 9, 2023 Sara P. Rera Gross Shuman PC Life After Law School, May 12, 2023 Anna Marie Richmond Law Office of Anna Marie Richmond The Spiritual Practice of the Law & Its Connection to Lawyer Wellbeing, April 4, 2023 Nora Robshaw Law Offices of Nora Robshaw An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023 Nicholas A. Romano Connors LLP Life After Law School, April 28, 2023 Michael Ross, PT, DHSc, OCS, FAAOMPT Daemen University
1st Annual Medical Legal Institute-Session One, June 14, 2023 1st Annual Medical Legal Institute-Session Two, June 21, 2023 Hon. Trini E. Ross United States Attorney Life After Law School, April 28, 2023 Jennifer A. Runfola LoTempio PC Law Group Life After Law School, May 12, 2023
Hugh M. Russ, III Hodgson Russ LLP Canadian Cottage Alert: The New Underused Housing Tax Act, March 16, 2023 Cybersecurity, Privacy & Data Protection for Lawyers, January 25, 2023 Moving Beyond White Fragility: Honest, Effective Conversations About Race After May 14th, August 24, 2022 Public Speaking for Lawyers, November 14, 2022 The Canadian Cottage Update, November 14, 2022 The CROWN Act: Reviewing the History of Hair Discrimination and its Current Protections, September 22, 2022 Hon. Robert T. Russell Buffalo City Court An Overview of Veterans Treatment Court, March 3, 2023
Kelly Barrett Sarama Center for Elder Law & Justice Concepts in Elder Law Practice, December 8, 2022
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