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 19 - 24 of 147. (0.22 seconds)
  • 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.
  • Paula M. Ciprich ’85
    12/1/25
    Paula M. Ciprich is the retired senior vice president of National Fuel Gas in Williamsville, N.Y., and a role model for women in business.
  • John A. Cirando ’66
    12/1/25
    John A. Cirando ‘66 is a pre-eminent appellate lawyer based in Syracuse, N.Y. He is a former Onondaga County chief assistant district attorney and an Army captain.
  • Anthony J. Colucci, Jr. ’58
    12/1/25
    Anthony J. Colucci Jr. ’58 practiced law for decades in Western New York, where he was active in the civic and cultural life of the City of Buffalo and believed in giving back.
Results 19 - 24 of 147. (0.22 seconds)

Additional Campus-Wide Resources

Learn More About Our History