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.”
12/1/25

Hon. Craig D. Hannah ‘95

“Law is the conscience of the community. ”
12/1/25

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. ”
12/1/25

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
    12/1/25
    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.
  • 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.
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
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

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

Results 121 - 126 of 147. (0.26 seconds)
  • Hon. Michael A. Telesca ’55
    12/1/25
    Hon. Michael A. Telesca ’55 was a judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. Nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1982, he served until 2020. He was its chief judge from 1989 to 1995.
  • Hon. Michael A. Telesca ’55 - Jaeckle Award 2006
    12/1/25
    Hon. Michael A. Telesca ’55, who served as chief justice of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, received the 31 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, the highest honor bestowed by the University at Buffalo School of Law and the Law Alumni Association.
  • James A. Ullman ’71
    12/1/25
    James A. Ullman ’71 is one of the leading attorneys in the United States whose practice focuses on franchising, licensing, distribution and intellectual property law. He has worked on significant deals for national and multinational corporations and major financial institutions, including private equity and venture capital groups.
  • Hon. Thomas M. Van Strydonck ’73
    12/1/25
    Hon. Thomas M. Van Strydonck ’73, a Supreme Court justice for the 7 Judicial District until 2012, served as chief administrative judge from 2000 to 2010. Appointed by Gov. George Pataki to the Supreme Court in 1998, he previously served as an assistant Monroe County district attorney and worked in private practice.
  • Hon. Dale M. Volker ’66
    12/6/25
    Hon. Dale M. Volker ’66, a Republican, served as a New York State Assemblyman and Senator from 1972 to 2010. He led the Senate’s Western New York delegation and was chair of the Senate Codes Committee, which plays a key role in shaping criminal justice policy for New York State.
  • Steven J. Weiss ’91
    12/6/25
    Steven J. Weiss ’91, founding partner of a Buffalo affordable housing law firm, is deeply committed to serving his community. He is president and board chair of the Buffalo Jewish Federation; a board member of Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center; and serves on the New York State Housing Finance Agency.
Results 121 - 126 of 147. (0.26 seconds)

Additional Campus-Wide Resources

Learn More About Our History