BAEC Bulletin - July/August 2025

| July/August 2025 | BAEC Bulletin

BAEC Bulletin | July/August 2025 |

MEET YOUR NEWLY ELECTED DIRECTORS

In addition to his work at the firm, Andrew was recently appointed to the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission by Hon. Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Judge of the State of New York. The Commission, established in 2017, addresses legal and policy issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Andrew also serves as Co-Chair of the newly established LGBTQIA+ Committee for the Bar Association of Erie County, which brings together LGBTQIA+ attorneys and allies. The committee has hosted a CLE on transgender rights, organized social networking events, and sponsored two name change clinics. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Minority Bar Foundation and the Buffalo United Charter School, and currently holds the position of Second Vice President for the New York State Association for School Attorneys (NYSASA), where school attorneys work collaboratively to advance public education.

VICE PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT ELECT Maura K. O’Donnell Associate General Counsel, Optum

DIRECTORS

Maura K. O’Donnell is a strong and inclusive leader with a record of fostering collaboration to achieve results. She currently serves as an Associate General Counsel with Optum, a health solution and care delivery organization. Maura formerly served as the Buffalo Regional Director for the New York State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit, where she led a team of attorneys, analysts, and detectives in investigating allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse within the state’s healthcare system. In this capacity, she handled both civil and criminal cases on behalf of New York State. Prior to joining the New York Attorney General’s Office, Maura spent ten years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of New York, where

Cat McCulle Attorney, Law Office of Lindy Korn PLLC

C at is an attorney with the Law Office of Lindy Korn, PLLC. She joined the firm prior to attending law school and has remained with Lindy ever since. She negotiates and litigates plaintiff-side discrimination claims in the WDNY Federal Court, the NYS Supreme Court, and the NYS Division of Human Rights. Cat advocates passionately for her clients and works collaboratively to obtain the best possible resolution of each matter. Cat is admitted to practice in New York State, United States District Court for the Western District of New York, United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

she investigated and prosecuted complex financial and healthcare fraud cases, civil rights violations, public corruption, cybercrime, and crimes against children. She is a 2015 recipient of the FBI Director’s Award for Excellence and has extensive experience in federal litigation. Maura began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney and has tried cases in a variety of New York State Courts and in United States District Court. Maura recently completed her term as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bar Association of Erie County (BAEC), where she has been active in several committees, and has organized and supported a variety of programs. She is a member of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York and the Minority Bar Association of Western New York. Maura and her husband Kevin Corbett – a teacher and musician – live in the City of Buffalo with their three children and are enthusiastic supporters of their children’s many athletic and artistic endeavors and volunteers at their school. A long-standing board member of the West Side Rowing Club, Maura is an advocate for youth rowing and is a frequent regatta volunteer and former high school rowing coach. Maura received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin. As a former NCAA athlete, she remains an avid Badger fan and member of the Wisconsin Varsity Letterwinner Club. She is also proud to have chaired events to raise money and awareness for organ donation, a cause that has closely impacted her family.

She is active in the legal community, having served as a Chair for the BAEC’s Young Lawyers Committee, and currently serving as Board Member and incoming Treasurer for UB Law’s GOLD Group and as an Associate Board Member for the NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers. Hailing from Angola, Cat has lived in Buffalo her entire life. She went to Buffalo State College for her bachelor’s degree, majoring in History and minoring in political science and athletic coaching. Cat played a year of DIII hockey for the Buffalo State Bengals and graduated cum laude. While at the University at Buffalo School of Law, she was involved in various clinics, was selected to be a Pro Bono Scholar, and played two years of ACHA Division II hockey. In her spare time, Cat enjoys playing ice hockey in various leagues, hitting the beach, traveling, and spending time with her Newfoundland, Mortimer. Milton D. Gordon

DEPUTY TREASURER, TREASURER-ELECT

Assistant District Attorney, Erie County District Attorney’s Office Milton Gordon has had the privilege of serving as an Assistant District Attorney since 2016. A proud graduate of the University at Buffalo Law School, Class of 2015, Milton’s path to the legal profession has been shaped by a range of diverse experiences—from serving in the Jamaican Military to working in the corporate sector. These experiences have instilled in him a deep appreciation for commitment, support, and community—core values essential to the pursuit of justice. In his role at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Milton has had the

Andrew J. Freedman Partner, Hodgson Russ LLP

Andrew J. Freedman began his legal career at Norton/Radin/Hoover/Freedman, a small law firm in Kenmore. In 2011, he joined Hodgson Russ LLP as a partner in the Labor and Employment Group, focusing primarily on Education Law. He represents school districts and charter schools across Western New York and the Southern Tier, advising on a wide range of complex legal matters. From 2019 to 2024, Andrew served as Chair of Hodgson Russ’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Under his leadership, the committee implemented initiatives to promote a more inclusive and equitable workplace, emphasizing internal education, talent development, and community engagement.

opportunity to work closely with many colleagues, navigating the complexities of the legal system. This work has allowed him to witness firsthand the dedication, resilience, and humanity required in the profession. His background has given him a unique understanding of the justice system’s significant impact on individuals and communities, especially in times of difficulty.