The Harry A. Rachlin (1926) Oral History Project

Featuring some of the best-known names in New York State’s legal community and beyond, the Oral History Project hosts a collection of interviews compiled since 1999 with alumni, faculty members and friends of the School of Law. Scroll down to explore and search all of our interviews.

Pillars of the Legal Community
“The Oral History Project memorialize(s) a great law school, which I think UB is, and a great legal tradition, which is the Western New York legal tradition.”
12/1/25

Lauren Rachlin Esq., son of Harry Rachlin ’26 

“The Law School is constantly changing... [however] the values that our Law School was founded on in 1887 are the same values we have today. ”
12/1/25

Ilene Fleischmann, Vice Dean Emerita for Alumni Affairs

“The law school experience made me a better student and a better person than I could probably have ever imagined.”
1/8/26

Hon. Craig D. Hannah ‘95

“Law is the conscience of the community. ”
1/8/26

Hon. Ann T. Mikoll ’54

“I remember a great deal about then Professor Hyman and Dr. Lenhoff, whose voices rang through in the Bar Exam. ”
1/8/26

Carl A. Green '50

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Featured Interviews

  • Hon. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg - A Conversation 2019
    12/1/25
    Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a U.S. Supreme Court associate justice, professor of law and attorney, was a champion of gender equality. Her legal brilliance and unwavering dedication to justice defined her career. Known for her powerful dissents, she became a cultural icon, symbolizing strength and resilience. Her legacy endures, inspiring generations.
  • Lillian E. Cowan ’27
    1/7/26
    Lillian E. Cowan was only 18 years old when she began Buffalo law school in 1924. She graduated in 1927, the 45 woman to graduate. An accomplished and pioneering woman, she practiced law until she was 98 years old.
  • Jonathan S. Beane ’98
    12/1/25
    Jonathan S. Beane ’98 is a nationally recognized leader in forming and implementing strategies that foster an inclusive culture across companies. He is a strong proponent of change in workplace diversity and inclusion philosophy.
  • Professors Kenneth F. Joyce and Louis A. DelCotto ’51
    1/7/26
    Professors Kenneth F. Joyce and Louis Del Cotto ’51 were two of the most beloved professors at the School of Law.
  • Hon. Trini E. Ross ’92
    12/1/25
    Trini E. Ross ’92 is senior litigation counsel for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of New York. She also teaches Trial Technique at UB School of Law.
  • Hon. John T. Curtin ’49
    1/12/26
    Hon. John T. Curtin ’49 was a judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, nominated in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, and its chief judge from 1974-1989, when he assumed senior status. He was considered one of the giants of the court.
Harry Rachlin in front of bookshelves.

About the Project

The Oral History is a project of the Law Alumni Association, funded in part by the Rachlin family as a tribute to the memory of Harry A. Rachlin, a 1926 graduate. (Read our FAQs to learn more.)

Make a gift to this project  Click to make a gift to the Oral History Project.
This is a group photo of the first Buffalo Law Review editorial board (1951-52). The Law Review's inaugural issue was published by a group of law students under the guidance of Professor Charles W. Webster. The issue was 350 pages and had an initial run of 100 copies without having any subscribers. The lead article in Volume 1 was written by Charles S. Desmond who was then an Associate Judge on the New York Court of Appeals and would later become the Chief Judge of New York's highest court.

The first Buffalo Law Review editorial board (1951-52).

Our History

Explore the rich history of the School of Law, including our accomplished alumni, prominent faculty and global impact.

Law School History

Search results for names are not limited to interviews with that person; they may return any reference to the name, including mentions within interview descriptions for other individuals.

Filter interviews by clicking one (or more) of the categories below.

Results 1 - 20 of 178. (0.33 seconds)
  • Professor Lee A. Albert
    12/1/25
    Lee A. Albert was a teacher, researcher and administrator in the law school from 1975-2008, including service as associate dean from 1988-1990 and from 1991-1993. A specialist in health care law and Constitutional law, Albert focused his scholarship on medical ethics.
  • Marc A. Alpert ’86
    12/1/25
    Marc A. Alpert ’86, among our most prominent alumni in New York City, is senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for the Loews Corp., a global, diversified holding company with businesses in the insurance, energy, hospitality and packaging industries, headquartered in New York City.
  • Hon. Michael A. Amico ’58
    12/1/25
    Michael A. Amico ’58 was a prominent alumnus who had a long and successful career in law enforcement. He was sheriff of Erie County from 1970-1977.
  • Hon. John J. Ark ’72
    12/1/25
    Hon. John J. Ark ’72 was a justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Seventh Judicial District, in Rochester, who presided primarily over toxic torts and divorce cases.
  • Mason P. Ashe ’89
    12/1/25
    Mason P. Ashe ’89 is a multifaceted legal professional who has been an attorney, industry adviser and brand strategist for more than 30 years. A successful sports and entertainment lawyer representing companies, celebrities and elite athletes, his passion is teaching.
  • Professor James B. Atleson
    12/6/25
    James B. Atleson was a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus at the University at Buffalo School of Law. A pioneering scholar in labor law, he joined the faculty in 1964 and taught labor law and related courses to many hundreds of students for over 40 years.
  • Erin Barclay ’98
    12/6/25
    Erin M. Barclay ’98 serves as acting director of the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of State, where she is a career member of the senior executive service. She champions global democratic renewal and international women’s human rights.
  • Hon. Michael A. Battle ’81 - Jaeckle Award 2020
    12/5/25
    Hon. Michael A. Battle ’81, former U.S. Attorney, received the 43 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award in recognition of his contributions to the law and his public service in local, state and federal government. The Jaeckle Award is the highest honor UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Jonathan S. Beane ’98
    12/1/25
    Jonathan S. Beane ’98 is a nationally recognized leader in forming and implementing strategies that foster an inclusive culture across companies. He is a strong proponent of change in workplace diversity and inclusion philosophy.
  • Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. ’59 - Jaeckle Award 2005
    12/5/25
    Thomas R. Beecher Jr. ’59 received the 30 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award for his considerable legal skills and unusually important levels of public and community service. The Jaeckle Award is the highest honor UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Joseph W. Belluck ’94
    12/16/25
    Joseph W. Belluck ’94 is a founding partner of Belluck Law, in NYC, representing clients with mesothelioma and other terminal illnesses. A SUNY trustee, he is widely recognized for his high ethical standards and community service, including his service on the NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct and the NYS Cannabis Advisory Board.
  • Thomas E. Black, Jr ’79 - Jaeckle Award 2011
    12/4/25
    Thomas E. Black Jr. ’79, recipient of the 34th Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, was recognized for his significant contributions and leadership as an exemplary chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council. The Jaeckle Award is the highest honor UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Hon. Ralph A. Boniello III ’69
    12/1/25
    Hon. Ralph A. Boniello III ’69 is a justice of the New York State Supreme Court, 8 Judicial District, in Niagara Falls. He was first elected in 2001.
  • Dean Barry B. Boyer
    12/1/25
    Barry B. Boyer, professor of law since 1973, served as dean of UB School of Law from 1992-1998. He implemented a “new curriculum” that prepared law students for practice by emphasizing practical skills.
  • Michele A. Brown ’79
    12/6/25
    Michele A. Brown ’79 is a Buffalo family law attorney who advocates for children. She is a former Chief Attorney for the Children’s Legal Center in Buffalo. She is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of attorneys for children.
  • Dr. John Lord Butsch
    12/1/25
    Dr. John Lord Butsch, M.D., practices general surgery in Buffalo. He is a grandson of John Lord O’Brian, the distinguished lawyer and prominent public servant for whom the School of Law building is named.
  • Paul J. Cambria, Jr.
    12/6/25
    Paul J. Cambria Jr. is a criminal defense and appellate attorney who has represented well-known figures and companies in the pornography industry as well as many prominent white-collar defendants.
  • Mary K. Davey Carr ’52
    12/1/25
    Committed to gender equality and women’s rights in the workplace, Mary Kay Davey Carr ’52 was an early pioneer for women’s equality in the legal community and, in 1970, became the first woman in New York State to be appointed an administrative law judge.
  • Ross M. Cellino, Sr. ’56
    12/1/25
    Ross M. Cellino Sr. ’56 founded the law firm that became Cellino & Barnes, one of the largest personal injury firms in the nation.
  • Hon. Deborah A. Chimes ’89
    12/1/25
    Hon. Deborah A. Chimes ’89 is a justice of the New York State Supreme Court in the 8 Judicial District, elected in 2010. She worked as a trial attorney throughout much of her legal career.
Results 1 - 20 of 178. (0.33 seconds)

The law school cannot verify the accuracy of the interview content, and the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the university, the law school or the Law Alumni Association.

Additional Campus-Wide Resources

Learn More About Our School of Law’s History