2024 UB Law Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards

Zoom image: Left to right: Hon. Henry J. Nowak, John V. Elmore, Bruce Karpati, Hon. Stephanie A. Saunders, Erin M. Barclay, Terrence M. Gilbride Group of people standing: Hon. Henry J. Nowak, John V. Elmore, Bruce Karpati, Hon. Stephanie A. Saunders, Erin M. Barclay, Terrence M. Gilbride.

Left to right: Hon. Henry J. Nowak, John V. Elmore, Bruce Karpati, Hon. Stephanie A. Saunders, Erin M. Barclay, Terrence M. Gilbride

At the 61st UB School of Law Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Presentation of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards, five alumni and one non-alumnus were recognized for the valuable contributions that they have made to their profession and community.

About this Interview

Date

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Place

Hyatt Regency Buffalo
2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo

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Honorees

Award for the Judiciary: Hon. Henry J. Nowak ’93

Associate Justice, NYS Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department. For his conscientious and diligent performance in the judiciary. Presented by Neil A. Pawlowski ’10

Award for Private Practice: Terrence M. Gilbride ’88

Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Buffalo Bills LLC, Buffalo. For his leadership by example as a private practitioner. Presented by Nicholas A. Romano ’13

Award for Public Service: Erin M. Barclay ’98

Acting Director, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.  For her commitment to public service. Presented by Neil A. Pawlowski ’10

Award for Community Service: Hon. Stephanie A. Saunders ’00

Judge, New York State Court of Claims, Buffalo. For her many contributions to the betterment of our community. Presented by Nicholas A. Romano ’13

Award for Business Achievement: Bruce Karpati ’96

Partner and Chief Compliance Officer, KKR & Co. Inc., New York City. For his exemplary performance in business. Presented by Neil A. Pawlowski ’10

Award for Service by a Non-Alumnus: John V. Elmore

Partner and Founder, Law Office of John V. Elmore, PC, Buffalo. For Outstanding Service to the University and the Community by a Non-Alumnus. Presented by Nicholas A. Romano ’13

Speakers and Co-Chairs

Master of Ceremonies: Michael J. Hecker ’09, President, UB Law Alumni Association. Remarks were presented by S. Todd Brown, Interim Dean, University at Buffalo School of Law; Dr. Satish K. Tripathi, President, University at Buffalo; Robert C. Brucato ’90, Neil A. Pawlowski ’10 and Nicholas A. Romano ’13

Dinner Co-Chairs were Nicholas A. Romano ’13 and Neil A. Pawlowski ’10

Interviews Featuring These Awardees

  • Hon. Henry (Hank) J. Nowak, Jr. ’93
    12/22/25
    Hon. Henry J. Nowak Jr. ’93 has risen in the judiciary, from Buffalo Housing Court to the State Supreme Court and now to associate justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department. Before becoming a judge, he worked at two law firms, Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria and Connors LLP.
  • Terrence M. Gilbride ’88
    12/6/25
    Terrence M. Gilbride ’88, Sr. Vice President and Chief Legal Officer for the Buffalo Bills, LLC., was a partner in Hodgson Russ LLP, where he focused on real estate, energy, and finance from 1997 to 2023. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council and was president of the Law Alumni Association.
  • Erin Barclay ’98
    12/6/25
    Erin M. Barclay ’98 serves as acting director of the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of State, where she is a career member of the senior executive service. She champions global democratic renewal and international women’s human rights.
  • Hon. Stephanie A. Saunders ’00
    12/6/25
    Hon. Stephanie A. Saunders ’00,  judge, New York Court of Claims, is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. She has volunteered with organizations such as the Volunteer Lawyers Project, the Erie County Bar Association, the American Red Cross, and the Minority Bar Association.
  • Bruce Karpati ’96
    12/6/25
    Bruce Karpati ’96 is a partner and global chief compliance officer at KKR & Co., Inc., an American global private equity and investment company, which is principally engaged in holding, managing, and investing securities. He’s also a member of the law school’s Dean’s Advisory Council.
  • John V. Elmore
    12/6/25
    John V. Elmore, a personal injury and criminal lawyer in Buffalo, is a founding partner of Law Office of John V. Elmore. A leader and role model in the African- American community, he is committed to community service and works with the Minority Bar Association on criminal justice reform and mentoring.