The Harry A. Rachlin (1926) Oral History Project

James W. Grable Jr. ’96, a partner in the Buffalo law firm Connors LLP, focuses his practice on complex federal criminal and civil litigation, handling trial and appellate matters in federal and state courts.

Carl A. Green ’50 was a founding partner of the Buffalo law firm Lipsitz Green Scime & Cambria. A renowned trial lawyer, he was an advocate for workers exposed to asbestos, children endangered by lead-based paint and union officials incriminated for being un-American.

Hon. Samuel L. Green ’67 is an associate justice of the Appellate Division, 4 Department. He was the first African-American judge outside of New York City elected to a state judgeship. He then became the first African-American justice in the Appellate Division outside of New York City.

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. He received the 27 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award recognizing his distinguished 35-year career at UB as a law professor, provost and president. This award is the highest honor the School of Law and Law Alumni Association can bestow.

Richard F. Griffin ’57, a respected Buffalo lawyer for six decades, was a skilled litigator who focused on civil rights, railroads and personal injury. He was an advocate who devoted his career to helping people get justice.

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 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 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, 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.

Hon. Deborah A. Haendiges ’91, Erie County Supreme Court justice, 8 Judicial District of New York, presides over Erie County Integrated Domestic Violence Court. She was first elected in 2006, and her current term ends on Dec. 31, 2033.

Hon. Craig D. Hannah ’95 served as chief judge of Buffalo City Court and supervising judge of the 11 city courts in the Eighth Judicial District, encompassing Western New York. Judge Hannah was the presiding judge of the first Opioid Intervention Court in the United States, established in May 2017.

James P. Harrington ’69, a well-respected defense attorney and adjunct faculty member at the law school, believes everyone deserves a fair trial—sex offenders, a cop-killer, and the Yemeni national alleged to have played an integral role in the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Pamela Davis Heilman ’75 was recognized with the 38 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, the highest award the UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow. A member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, she has worked to enhance the reputation of the law school and is a major donor.

Hon. Kathy C. Hochul, a lifelong New Yorker, is a politician and lawyer who has served at all levels of government: town, county, state and federal. She represented the 26 Congressional District from 2011-2013 and was elected lieutenant governor of New York in 2015.

Hon. Barbara D. Howe ’80 received the 41 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions as a New York State surrogate judge for Erie County. The Jaeckle Award is the highest honor the University at Buffalo School of Law and UB Alumni Association can bestow.

Hon. Alexander W. Hunter Jr. ’74 is a judge in the United Nations Dispute Tribunal, in New York City, Geneva and Nairobi; and a judicial hearing officer in the Criminal Court of the City of New York.

Jacob D. Hyman, former dean of the University at Buffalo School of Law and a longtime faculty member, became dean in 1953 and held that post until 1964, when he returned to full-time teaching. He retired, at age 90, after 54 years at UB law school. After he died April 8, 2007, esteemed members of the legal community and university officials and friends gathered to celebrate his memory.

Christopher L. Jacobs ’09 is interested in public service and real estate development. President of Avalon Development, he was elected Erie County clerk in 2011. He has been active in redeveloping Main Street in downtown Buffalo and has won numerous awards for his preservation efforts.

Hon. Matthew J. Jasen ’39 (Ret.) was an associate judge of the state Court of Appeals from 1967 until 1985 and is a celebrated presence in Buffalo’s legal community. He also served as a U.S. judge for the Third Military Government Judicial District at Heidelberg, Germany, in postwar Europe.

Hon. Barbara R. Johnson-Lee ’86, elected a Buffalo City Court Judge in 2014, is now an Acting Judge for Erie County Court. Her judicial assignments have included domestic violence court, general civil and criminal rotations, and currently, she presides over the treatment courts—veterans, mental health, and drug court.