Hon. Kevin M. Dillon ’76

James Dillon in judge's robe.

Hon. Kevin M. Dillon ’76 was a justice of the Erie County Supreme Court in the 8th Judicial District of New York. He was elected to the position in 1997 and re-elected in 2010.

About this Interview

Interview Date(s)

2013

Occasion

His retirement from the bench

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About the Hon. Kevin M. Dillon

A Lackawanna native, Kevin Dillon graduated from Canisius College in 1968 and from Villanova University in 1972. He then received his J.D degree from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1976.

Dillon was a prominent criminal defense lawyer and worked for 12 years in private practice. Among his notorious clients was Joseph Christopher, the “.22 Caliber Killer,” a case that brought him fame and changed his practice.

Gov. Mario M. Cuomo appointed Dillon district attorney in 1988. After his one-year appointment, Dillon won two four-year terms for a total of nine years as the Erie County district attorney.

He also taught criminal procedure and evidence as an adjunct professor at UB law school for 18 years, starting in 1992.

Dillon said he decided he wanted to go to law school when he was “in the second grade.” His father, Judge Michael Dillon, suggested that he attend UB Law rather than Cornell. His favorite professors were Wade Newhouse, Paul Birzon, George Zimmerman and Ken Joyce.

Dillon was a member of one of Erie County's most prominent political families. His father became the presiding judge of the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, 4th Department. An uncle, John A. Dillon, and a cousin, James H. Dillon, also served as judges in Erie County.

Dillon received the Frank Hogan Award from the New York District Attorneys Association. It had been presented to his father in 1982. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Public Service from the UB Law Alumni Association in 1996 for his service as district attorney.

Born 1951—Died 2016

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    Hon. Kevin M. Dillon ’76 was a justice of the Erie County Supreme Court in the 8 Judicial District of New York. He was elected to the position in 1997 and re-elected in 2010.