CANDIDATES FOR DIRECTOR 10 | May/June 2023 | BAEC Bulletin
Elise L. Cassar Senior Associate, Duke Holzman Photiadis & Gresens LLP
One of the greatest joys of my professional career has been my involvement with the legal community of Erie County. I am running for a position on the Board of Directors to strengthen that connection and continue my dedication to the profession. Through my service as President of the WNY Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, I understand the direct benefit that bar associations provide through relevant programming, networking opportunities and support. As a member of the Board of Directors, I would work to continue the Bar Association of Erie County’s mission of furthering the administration of justice and camaraderie in our legal community. The practice of law is both gratifying and challenging. We as lawyers are constantly searching for that perfect balance of professional success and personal wellbeing. This can be both rewarding and difficult as we juggle parenting, caretaking, and other personal obligations, while also striving to provide the best results for our clients. As a mother, wife, sister, and friend, I am continuously looking for ways to achieve this. Together, we can continue to work to support each other in our legal practice and I hope to have the opportunity to do so through service on the Board of Directors. I am honored to be running for a position on the Bar Association of Erie County Board of Directors. When I think of the Bar Association of Erie County, I think of a community that has welcomed me in and supports my success. During my participation on the BAEC Strategic Planning Task Force, I joined highly esteemed lawyers to assess the goals, mission, values, and future of the Bar Association of Erie County. I am humbled to have participated in those efforts, and am more excited than ever to be a member of the Bar Association and a part of its future. As a member of the Board of Directors, I would strive to learn all that I can from a wide range of voices and perspectives, and would advocate for the advancement of justice, diversity, inclusion, and professionalism in our community. I would direct my passion and efforts toward balancing the foundation upon which the Bar Association was built with the opportunity for progress and advancement in our future. Carolyn L. Devaughn Associate Attorney, Gross Shuman P.C.
Thank you for considering me for this position.
D. Charles Roberts, Jr. Owner, Roberts Law PLLC
In my twenty-five years of practice, I have had the opportunity to work with attorneys all over the country, ranging from Am Law 100 firms to solo practitioners, in cities large and small. When I view our legal community in Western New York through this experience, I appreciate how fortunate we are to practice here. Our community has many intelligent and skilled attorneys, while at the same time we maintain a notable level of civility. At the heart of our legal community is the Bar Association of Erie County, with its numerous committees and events. The BAEC – most recently through the leadership of Jill Bond and Hugh Russ – has helped guide us through challenging times, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the tragic mass shooting at Tops, and racial and social justice issues. The BAEC’s commitment to mental health and wellness is personally meaningful. Mental health and wellness and the associated stigma are significant issues for our community. It’s okay to not be okay. And to talk about it. We are fortunate to have the BAEC’s leadership in this area through its Member Assistance Program, the Committee to Assist Lawyers with Depression, and the Erie County Bar Foundation. Servant leadership. Focusing on the growth and well-being of others. This is why I am seeking to take on a more active role in the BAEC. Thank you.
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