2013 UB Law Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards

Zoom image: Left to right: Christopher L. Jacobs, James P. Harrington, Lauren D. Rachlin, Carol M. Matorin, Hon. John M. Curran, Mark G. Pearce Group of people standing: Christopher L. Jacobs, James P. Harrington, Lauren D. Rachlin, Carol M. Matorin, Hon. John M. Curran, Mark G. Pearce.

Left to right: Christopher L. Jacobs, James P. Harrington, Lauren D. Rachlin, Carol M. Matorin, Hon. John M. Curran, Mark G. Pearce

At the 51st UB School of Law Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Presentation of the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Awards, five alumni and one non-alumnus were recognized for the valuable contributions that they have made to their profession and community.

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Date

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Place

Hyatt Regency Buffalo
2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo

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Honorees

Award for the Judiciary: Hon. John M. Curran ’84

Justice, New York State Supreme Court, Eighth Judicial District. For his conscientious and diligent performance in the judiciary. Presented by Mary Pat Enright Fleming ’85

Award for Private Practice: James P. Harrington ’69

Partner, Harrington & Mahoney. For his leadership by example as a private practitioner. Presented by Brian D. Gwitt ’98

Award for Community Service: Christopher L. Jacobs ’99

Erie County Clerk, For his many contributions to the betterment of our community. Presented by Mary Pat Enright Fleming ’85

Award for Public Service: Mark G. Pearce ’78

Chairman, National Labor Relations Board, Washington, D.C. For his commitment to public service. Presented by Brian D. Gwitt ’98

Award for Business Achievement: Carol M. Matorin ’76

Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Marc Jacobs International, New York City. For her exemplary performance in business. Presented by Mary Pat Enright Fleming ’85

Award for Service by a Non-Alumnus: Lauren D. Rachlin

Partner, Hodgson Russ LLP. For Outstanding Service to the University and the Community by a Non-Alumnus. Presented by Brian D. Gwitt ’98

Speakers and Co-Chairs

Master of Ceremonies Brian M. Melber ’96, President, UB Law Alumni Association; Remarks presented by: Makau W. Mutua, Dean and SUNY Distinguished Professor, University at Buffalo School of Law; Terrence M. Gilbride, Mary Pat Enright Fleming ’85 and Brian D. Gwitt ’98.

Dinner Co-Chairs were Mary Pat Enright Fleming ’85 and Brian D. Gwitt ’98.

Interviews Featuring These Awardees

  • Hon. John M. Curran ’84
    12/1/25
    Hon. John M. Curran ’84 focused his practice on commercial litigation before becoming a New York State Supreme Court judge, 8 Judicial District, in 2004.
  • James P. Harrington ’69
    1/7/26
    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.
  • Hon. Christopher L. Jacobs ’99
    1/7/26
    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.
  • Mark G. Pearce ’78
    12/1/25
    Mark G. Pearce ’78 is a lawyer, arbitrator and university professor best known for serving as a member of the National Labor Relations Board. Pearce was designated chair of the NLRB by President Barack Obama on Aug. 28, 2011.
  • Carol M. Matorin '76
    2/20/26
    Carol M. Matorin ’76, an intellectual property lawyer, is senior vice president and general counsel for Marc Jacobs International in New York City. She also serves as a director of Cool Culture, which partners with over 90 cultural institutions to provide low-income children with free access and experiences that improve literacy and learning.
  • Lauren D. Rachlin
    12/1/25
    Lauren D. Rachlin, a pioneer in international law in Buffalo, founded the International Law and Practice Section of the New York State Bar Association in the 1970s. He had a corporate international practice. He supported the Law Alumni Association’s Oral History Project, named after his father, Harry A. Rachlin ’26.