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 91 - 96 of 147. (0.22 seconds)
  • NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer ’79
    12/1/25
    Sen. Shelley B. Mayer ’79 is a Democratic New York State Senate member representing the 37 Senate District. She is chair of the Committee on Education. Before her Senate election in 2018 and three subsequent re-elections, she served in the state Assembly for six years.
  • Hon. Joseph P. McCarthy ’61
    12/1/25
    Hon. Joseph P. McCarthy ’61, an Erie County Court judge since 1978, was the former second in command in the Erie County district attorney’s office under two former district attorneys.
  • Dennis R. McCoy ’77
    12/1/25
    Dennis R. McCoy ’77 is a senior litigation partner at the Buffalo law firm Hiscock & Barclay. He represents clients in major, complex litigation throughout New York State and the Northeast, focusing on legal and health care professionals facing malpractice actions. He also serves as a court-appointed mediator.
  • Ann T. Mikoll ’54 - Jaeckle Award 2004
    12/1/25
    Hon. Ann T. Mikoll ’54 received the 29 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award after serving with distinction as a New York State judge for 44 years. She was a pathbreaker for women in the judiciary. The Jaeckle Award is the highest honor the UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Hon. Joseph D. Mintz ’56
    12/1/25
    Hon. Joseph D. Mintz ’56 was a State Supreme Court justice until he stepped down in 2009. In 1958 he founded the Aid to Indigent Prisoners Society of Erie County, which became a model for similar programs throughout the state and nation.
  • Hon. Michael M. Mohun ’80
    12/1/25
    Hon. Michael M. Mohun ’80 is a New York State (Acting) Supreme Court Justice, 8 Judicial District, and a Wyoming County Multi-Court Judge in Cowlesville, N.Y. He has presided over the County, Family and Surrogate courts in Wyoming County.
Results 91 - 96 of 147. (0.22 seconds)

Additional Campus-Wide Resources

Learn More About Our History