Meet Our Alumni
Meeting in their 1L Legal Analysis Writing and Research (LAWR) class 1L year, Joshua Larmon ’23 and Lucy Shephard ’23 tackled law school side by side. They helped each other conquer law school during the COVID-19 pandemic, interned together at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, and were partners in the Desmond Moot Court Competition, winning the 2021 competition. Now, Lucy and Joshua have made their way to New York City and are working together once again.
Read more alumni and student stories in our Admission Viewbook.
Background
Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
Why did you choose UB Law?
My family lives in the Western New York area. When I applied to UB Law, I lived in Albany, and I wanted to move closer to home. UB Law was also one of the most cost-effective options, given that it is New York State’s only public law school.
What aspects of UB Law’s community or culture had the biggest impact on you?
Immediately after arguing my motion for summary judgment during our first-year Legal Analysis Writing and Research (LAWR) class, I knew that I wanted to be a litigator. I won the Desmond Moot Court Competition, along with my co-counsel Josh Larmon, and participated in UB Law’s intra-school Trial Technique Competition. I taught students as a LAWR Teaching Assistant and interned with Senior U.S. Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Honorable Richard C. Wesley. Through these experiential learning opportunities, I received course credit, honed my legal skills, and determined my next steps after UB Law.
How has your experience been working with a fellow UB Law graduate?
Josh is not only one of my colleagues, but he has also become a close friend. Should I say, “partner against crime”? Our current job is difficult, but I continue to remind myself (or Josh continues to remind me) that we can tackle the extremely steep learning curve together. We look forward to another alum joining us in New York City shortly!
Background
Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
Why did you choose UB Law?
I was born and raised in Genesee County, NY and attended the University at Buffalo for my undergraduate program. My first legal job was at the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, so choosing UB Law was a natural fit. As a first-generation law student, I was also very cognizant of the cost of a legal education. After much consultation with friends and alumni, I decided on UB Law because I knew I would get a quality education at an affordable price while remaining in the Buffalo community.
What was your best learning experience at UB Law?
My best learning experience at UB Law was the New York City Program. Being from a small, rural community, I had always wanted to move to a large city. The New York City Program was a tremendous opportunity to live and work in New York City for a semester of my law school career. During that time, I interned with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, made lasting connections with our New York City alumni base, and got an immersive education on the intersection between finance and the law.
How has your experience been working with a fellow UB Law graduate?
Starting law school together during a pandemic, then learning, competing, and graduating together, has created a lasting friendship. Getting hired together at the Manhattan DA’s Office was a dream come true. While Lucy and I are in different trial bureaus, we frequently talk through our cases and support each other. As much as I love being a prosecutor, the work can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. In Lucy, I have a friend in whom I can trust and rely. So, in short, it’s been great!
Meet with Admissions
Visit UB Law
Every law school has distinctive qualities, individual cultures, and a unique atmosphere. Visiting a law school can help determine if it’s the best place for you.