Hon. Elizabeth A. Wolford

Born in Buffalo in 1966 and raised in Rochester, N.Y., Judge Wolford attended public schools, obtained a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University (1989) and a juris doctor from Notre Dame Law School (1992). Her interest in law was influenced by her father, an attorney, and the lively legal discussions that filled their dinner table. Her Catholic upbringing and her mother’s influential role in education also shaped her perspective.

At Notre Dame, she found certain subjects, such as property and federal tax, less appealing, but developed a fondness for criminal law, particularly under Professor Blakey. She actively participated in the Trial Advocacy Program and Law Review, highlighting the importance of mentors in her academic journey. She believes in the correlation between law school success and professional achievement and never considered abandoning her legal studies.

For over two decades, Judge Wolford practiced law alongside her father, Michael R. Wolford, building their firm and absorbing invaluable lessons about litigation and maintaining positive relationships in the legal community. As a female litigator, she navigated both obstacles and advantages, recognizing the impact of perception and personal connections in building a successful practice. Transitioning to the bench, she missed the camaraderie, excitement and community involvement of private practice. However, she found fulfillment in contributing to just outcomes and remained actively involved in bar associations.

Her appointment by President Barack Obama as a U.S. District Court judge in the Western District of New York in 2013 marked a milestone. In July 2021, she made history as the first woman to serve as chief judge in the district. Judge Wolford expressed humility and pride in these achievements and emphasized the need for greater diversity in the judiciary. She advises aspiring judges to prioritize enjoying their work and upholding high standards. A particularly memorable experience was interviewing the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an event she described as one of the highlights of her life.

Judge Wolford stresses the importance of balancing personal and professional life, advising young attorneys to work diligently while finding joy in their careers. Recognizing the persistent lack of diversity in the legal field, she supports initiatives to address this issue. Her advice to litigators: listen attentively to judges and avoid adversarial attitudes.