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 61 - 66 of 147. (0.25 seconds)
  • President William R. Greiner Tribute
    12/6/25
    William R. Greiner's impact on UB was profound. He drove significant growth as president of the university, expanding research, facilities and athletics. His legacy includes academic advancements, campus development and raising UB’s national stature. His dedication to students and the community cemented his lasting influence.
  • President William Greiner - Jaeckle Award 2002
    12/1/25
    William R. Greiner, University at Buffalo president and a professor of law, receives the 27 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award recognizing his distinguished 35-year career at UB as a law professor, provost and president. It is the highest honor the School of Law and Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Gordon R. Gross ’55
    12/1/25
    Gordon R. Gross ’55, a prominent local attorney, businessperson and community leader, is a co-founder of the law firm Gross Shuman, P.C. He is admired for his many philanthropic endeavors. He was a SUNY trustee from 2001-2008. He is a member of 24 boards and has led 12 of them.
  • Gordon & Gretchen Gross Classroom Dedication
    12/1/25
    Gordon Gross ’55 and his wife, Gretchen, are thanked for their engagement and philanthropy with the law school, the university and the community by having a classroom in John Lord O’Brian Hall named in their honor.
  • Hon. John J. Gruber ’52
    12/6/25
    Hon. John J. Gruber ’52 was an attorney specializing in admiralty law who served for 24 years as Tonawanda town justice. From 2001-2007 he served concurrently as a town justice and a Buffalo City Court judge.
  • Robert J. Gutowski ’99
    12/1/25
    Robert J. Gutowski ’99, general counsel of MSCI Inc. in New York City, helped build, take public, and now heads the legal department at a cutting-edge global financial services firm. He regularly volunteers to supervise law student externs and mentors law students in the New York City Program in Finance and Law.
Results 61 - 66 of 147. (0.25 seconds)

Additional Campus-Wide Resources

Learn More About Our History