Hon. Ralph A. Boniello III ’69
Hon. Ralph A. Boniello III ’69 is a justice of the New York State Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District, in Niagara Falls. He was first elected in 2001.
About this Interview
Interview Date(s)
April 5, 2016
Occasion
Recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award for the Judiciary at the 54th Annual Alumni Dinner
Watch the Video
Explore the Video Index
Click to browse and search the indexed media:
- View segment-level summaries
- Keyword search and navigation
- Data linked to corresponding video segment
About the Hon. Ralph A. Boniello
Justice Boniello mentions the influence of his late father, Ralph Boniello Jr., also an attorney, whom the justice likes to quote: “If you get bored practicing law, you’re doing something wrong.”
He began his career in 1970 as an attorney in private practice, then ran his own firm, The Law Offices of Ralph A. Boniello III, from 1998 to 2000. From 1990 to 1994 and from 1998 to 2000, he also served as agency counsel for the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency. He then served as a Niagara County attorney for a short time in 2000 prior to his election to Supreme Court in 2001.
He always wanted to be a judge. The 1960s shaped his perspective on civil rights and Vietnam. He also wanted to be a pilot, but did not have 20/20 vision. He discusses changes in the profession, opportunities for women and offers advice for law students.
His professional service included:
- Past president, New York State Association of Supreme Court Justices
- Past president and member, Niagara County Bar Association
- Past president and member, Niagara Falls Bar Association
Among his honors are:
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Western New York Trial Lawyers Association
- Hon. Jacqueline Koshian Service Award, Niagara County Bar Association
- Judge of the Year Award, Western New York Matrimonial Trial Lawyers Association