20 | Fall 2021 | BAEC Bulletin
Committees of the Bar Association
INTERNATIONAL LAW COMMITTEE Chairs: Jeffrey D. Coren and Jill A. Apa | Board Liaison: Sharon Nosenchuck
The International Law Committee promotes the practice and study of international law. In today’s global environment, cross-border and international issues impact nearly all areas of the law, including business transactions, litigation, intellectual property, tax, employment, estate planning, and family law. This is especially true in Erie County given the area’s close proximity to Canada. The committee brings together local attorneys spanning various practice areas to learn about and discuss a broad range of international topics, including cross-border investment transactions, international arbitration, foreign judgment enforcement, trade and immigration. The committee also collaborates with attorneys and bar associations in Canada. JUDGES' COMMITTEE Chair: Hon. Deborah A. Chimes | Board Liaison: Samuel A. Alba The Judges' Committee promotes discussion and interchange of ideas in connection with issues of interest and concern to the judiciary. JUDICIARY COMMITTEE Chair: Elizabeth M. Midgley | Board Liaison: Karen Richardson The Judiciary Committee investigates and evaluates the qualifications of candidates for judicial office in Erie County.The ratings are made public to assist voters in selecting their choices in the general election each November. JUSTICE COURTS COMMITTEE Chair: Michael H. Kooshoian | Board Liaison: Gayle T. Murphy The Justice Courts Committee offers members the opportunity to discuss current Justice Courts issues with attorneys practicing in the towns and villages, as well as with many of the judges who are members of this committee. LABOR LAW COMMITTEE Chair: Kinsey A. O’Brien | Board Liaison: Colleen Curtin Gable The Labor Law Committee consists of attorneys involved in all aspects of labor and employment law.This includes employment discrimination law and private and public sector labor and management relations.The monthly meetings tend to be educational, usually featuring a presentation by a committee member or an outside guest speaker. LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE COMMITTEE Chair: Robert A. Fiordaliso The Lawyer Referral & Information Service Committee monitors and reviews the operation of the LRIS and recommends improvements in service or modifications in policies and procedures to staff and the Board of Directors. MATRIMONIAL AND FAMILY LAW COMMITTEE Chairs: Vanessa C. Gabriele and Daniel J. Schuller | Board Liaison: Kelley A. Omel The Matrimonial and Family Law Committee is one of the largest and most active committees of the Bar Association. Committee activities include monthly meetings featuring discussions of new substantive law, court rules and guest speakers on topics relevant to the practice. Seminars featuring presentations by experts on issues important to matrimonial practitioners are held annually. The primary focus of the Membership Committee is ensuring that each and every member of the BAEC feels welcome and connected to their fellow members and to the work the BAEC is doing.They are committed to ensuring members get the most out of their membership. MOCK TRIAL COMMITTEE Chair: Matthew J. Fitzgerald The Mock Trial Committee is tasked with organizing and facilitating the Erie County High School Mock Trial Competition. Each year, mock trial teams from various local high schools compete in mock trials.The local champion then goes on to compete on the state level. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Chair: Jennifer Metzger Kimura
NEGLIGENCE COMMITTEE Chair: James J. Nash | Board Liaison: Samuel A. Alba
The Negligence Committee fosters cooperation between the plaintiff and defense bar in order to encourage the efficient administration of justice; updates and educates the general bar about recent developments in the field of negligence law through CLE seminars; and considers, and makes recommendations about proposed legislation affecting the practice of negligence law.
Powered by FlippingBook