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

previous next

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 43 - 48 of 147. (0.24 seconds)
  • Hon. John J. Flynn ’95
    12/6/25
    Hon. John J. Flynn ’95 was elected Erie County’s district attorney in 2017. He directed a staff of 180 people, about half of them attorneys, who prosecuted 30,000 cases a year. Flynn was known for combining relentless energy with a deep sense of purpose and compassion.
  • Kenneth B. Forrest ’76 - Jaeckle Award 2010
    12/1/25
    Kenneth B. Forrest ’76 was recognized with the 33 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, the highest honor UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow. One of UB Law’s most accomplished alumni and past chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council, he has been an invaluable adviser to four deans.
  • David E. Franasiak ’78
    12/1/25
    David E. Franasiak ’78 is a partner in the Washington, D.C., law firm Williams & Jensen PLLC, where he consults on legislative and administrative matters related to tax, securities, financial institutions and natural resources.
  • Maryann Saccomando Freedman ’58
    12/1/25
    Maryann Saccomando Freedman ’58 was the first female president of the Bar Association of Erie County, the first female president of the New York State Bar Association and a former president of the New York State Bar Foundation. She is a role model and mentor for female attorneys in Buffalo.
  • Hon. Paul L. Friedman ’68
    12/1/25
    Hon. Paul L. Friedman ’68 is a U.S. District Court judge for the District of Columbia since 1994. He is a member of the American Law Institute and its Council.
  • Hon. Julio M. Fuentes ’75 - Jaeckle Award 2024
    12/5/25
    Hon. Julio M. Fuentes ’75, Sr. United States Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, received the 2024 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, the highest honor the law school and the UB Law Alumni Association can bestow. He has mentored dozens of UB School of Law students and welcomed over 50 of them as summer interns.
Results 43 - 48 of 147. (0.24 seconds)

Additional Campus-Wide Resources

Learn More About Our History