Thomas E. Black, Jr ’79 - Jaeckle Award 2011

Thomas Black.

Thomas E. Black Jr. ’79, recipient of the 34th Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, was recognized for his significant contributions and leadership as an exemplary chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council. The Jaeckle Award is the highest honor UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.

About this Interview

Date

Jan. 28, 2011

Occasion

Presentation of the Edwin F. Jaeckle Award at the annual New York City Alumni Luncheon

Place

Union League Club, New York City

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About Thomas E. Black, Jr

Black, the son of a third-generation steelworker and a native of South Buffalo and West Seneca, and his wife, Bridget, who grew up in the Town of Tonawanda, now live in Texas. His law firm, Black, Mann & Graham LLP, was founded in 1997 and has offices in Dallas, Flower Mound and Houston. With over 130 employees, the firm concentrates its practice on mortgage servicing. It is the largest document preparation law firm in Texas, where preparing a mortgage loan document requires an attorney. The firm represents major mortgage companies and banks, preparing their mortgage loan documentation and counseling them on regulatory compliance issues.

“Tom Black has set the highest standard in both his legal work in business and his invaluable contributions to UB law school,” said UB Law Dean Makau W. Mutua. “His leadership on the Dean’s Advisory Council has been of immeasurable value as we continue to work to become a Top 50 law school. I can think of no more fitting honoree for this year’s Jaeckle Award.”

The honoree has long been a strong advocate for the law school. He has served on the Dean’s Advisory Council since 2002 and as Council chair since 2007. He also currently co-chairs the UB Law Campaign Steering Committee.

The Blacks’ support for UB Law has been financial as well, and their $1 million gift this year will establish a named professorship at the school. “Endowed chairs and professorships allow us to bring in people who might not otherwise consider UB Law,” Black said.

Speakers

Master of Ceremonies: Dennis R. McCoy, Dean’s Advisory Council.

Remarks presented by Laurie Styka Bloom, Law Alumni Association president; SUNY Distinguished Professor Makau W. Mutua, UB Law dean; Francis M. Letro, Dean’s Advisory Council vice chair.

The award is co-presented by Satish K. Tripathi, UB provost, and Dean Mutua. Thomas R. Black offers acceptance remarks.

About the Jaeckle Award

The Jaeckle Award is given annually to a person who exemplifies the highest ideals of UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association and has made significant contributions to the school and the legal profession. It is named for Edwin F. Jaeckle ’15, a founding partner of the Buffalo law firm Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel, and a major benefactor of the school.

Explore the Class of 1979

  • Francis M. Letro ’79 - Jaeckle Award 2012
    12/1/25
    Francis M. Letro ’79, a prominent Buffalo trial attorney, received the 35 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award for enhancing the quality and reputation of the law school through exceptional philanthropic leadership. This award is the highest honor the University at Buffalo School of Law and the UB Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Thomas E. Black, Jr ’79 - Jaeckle Award 2011
    12/4/25
    Thomas E. Black Jr. ’79, recipient of the 34th Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, was recognized for his significant contributions and leadership as an exemplary chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council. The Jaeckle Award is the highest honor UB School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Michele A. Brown ’79
    12/6/25
    Michele A. Brown ’79 is a Buffalo family law attorney who advocates for children. She is a former Chief Attorney for the Children’s Legal Center in Buffalo. She is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of attorneys for children.
  • NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer ’79
    12/1/25
    Sen. Shelley B. Mayer ’79 is a Democratic New York State Senate member representing the 37 Senate District. She is chair of the Committee on Education. Before her Senate election in 2018 and three subsequent re-elections, she served in the state Assembly for six years.
  • Ann E. Evanko ’79 (Jaeckle Award 2019)
    1/19/26
    Ann E. Evanko ’79, a well-regarded attorney in the Western New York legal community, took on major leadership roles in community service while serving as managing partner of the Buffalo law firm Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. She is a role model and trailblazer for female attorneys, and received the 42 annual Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, the highest honor the School of Law and the Law Alumni Association can bestow.
  • Marilyn Tebor Shaw ’79
    12/1/25
    Marilyn Tebor Shaw ’79, associate judicial administrator of Cornell University, serves in the New York State Bar’s Attorney Emeriti Program in the field of estate planning for the elderly, and serves pro bono on Ithaca’s Board of Zoning Appeals. She has served as legal counsel for the Nomadic Kenyan Children’s Educational Fund.

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