OUR 2023 LAW DAY AWARD WINNERS 10 | March/April 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
Liberty Bell Award Winner : Marianne Mariano, Esq. Federal Public Defender, Western District of New York
Marianne Mariano, Esq. has been selected in recognition of her dedicated service to the legal community in her capacity as the first female to head a Federal Public Defender’s office in the Second Circuit. Not only does Marianne run two offices but she also maintains her own roster of cases and argues in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Professionally, she is dedicated to defending all clients, even those who have committed horrific acts. Marianne performs extraordinary work quietly and “under the radar.” Her work has been described as under-recognized and well- deserving. Nomination materials state she is “not only an excellent practitioner and a tough defender of indigent clients, but an extraordinary supervisor.” For these reasons, we are priviledged to give our highest Law Day award to Marianne. Special Service Award Winner : Kelly Bainbridge, LMSW Erie County Bar Foundation Resource Counselor Kelly Bainbridge has been selected for this award in recognition of her unwavering commitment and invaluable service as Resource Counselor for the Erie County Bar Foundation. Kelly personifies the concept of service to our profession. When our less fortunate colleagues fall on hard times and reach out to the Foundation for assistance, Kelly’s compassion and “unique energetic sensitivity” help ease them through a difficult process. She handles each situation with the utmost discretion, care and integrity and her outstanding efforts contribute greatly to the important and effective functioning of this organization.
Special Service Award Winner : Ilene R. Fleischmann
Vice Dean, UB Law School and Executive Director, UB Law Alumni Association Ilene Fleischmann has been selected for this award in recognition of her dedicated service to the legal community in the four decades she has meaningfully connected with, uplifted and engaged thousands of UB Law alums. A letter nominating Ilene for the award stated that she “assists UB Law grads in private practice, public interest, business, government and other venues—at all stages of their professional careers—with networking opportunities, social and professional events, CLEs, career connections, mentoring, reunions, and student professional development.” Ilene has exceeded the standard of ordinary helpfulness to our profession. We are grateful to have her in our community.
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