BAEC Bulletin | September/October 2022 | 5
Bar Association of Erie County Committees As I was talking to these first year law students, I realized that I was a first year law student 40 years ago. As these bright eyed students are looking forward to a career in the law, I am looking forward too, but mostly I am looking back--back at a career that has brought so much to my life. The practice of law has brought me challenges, fulfillment, pride, friendships and a comfortable living. I am so very grateful. I have decided to dedicate my President’s messages to individuals who have had a special impact on my career. This message is dedicated to Robert community and wanted to start doing things that will address the problem. The event was a huge success. Samantha and her team worked tirelessly for the better part of a year, securing sponsorships, engaging 35 employers and close to 100 candidates from well beyond Western New York. We know that offers were made and hopefully accepted and more young lawyers of color will see the great opportunities here and WNY employers will experience the benefits of adding diverse candidates to their workplaces. As Sam White brilliantly said, “we need to stop looking for cultural fit and start thinking of cultural additions.” Thank you to Sam and her committee for all the hard work and teamwork. You really knocked it out of the ballpark.
DiVita. Bob is a self-described “country lawyer.” He had a solo general practice law firm. He took a chance and hired me as his law clerk after my first semester of law school and I stayed with him until I graduated. I learned so much from him. He seemed to handle everything --real estate, corporate law, divorces, wills and estates, personal injury, and criminal law. He actually was defending a homicide case when I joined him. It was amazing how much he knew about so many different areas of law. He worked tirelessly for his clients and they loved him. Many of his clients were his closest friends. He exhibited integrity in everything he did. Bob’s wife Doreen was his Legal Assistant. Their office was at their home on Maple Road in Williamsville. Together Bob and Doreen also showed me the beauty of a strong marriage and that co-workers can become family. I have stayed in touch with them over the years and my admiration for them has only grown over the years. Bob is mostly retired now but he will always be a person I think of when I consider all that is good about this profession.
With gratitude, Jill •
www.eriebar.org/Committees Our Committees have begun meeting for the Fall! Click the link below to view the calendar and request to join a new Committee!
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