David E. Franasiak ’78 to receive the Edwin F. Jaeckle Award at New York City Program's Anniversary Celebration
A pivotal leader and tireless advocate of the law school’s New York City Program in Business and Law will be honored with the law school and the Law Alumni Association’s highest accolade. The 2026 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award will be presented to David E. Franasiak ’78 (JD/MBA) at a luncheon celebration to take place on Feb. 24, 2026, at the Union League Club in New York City.
The event will also mark the 20th anniversary of the New York City Program, which enables highly motivated students to spend a semester in the city exploring law and business topics with practicing professionals. More than 270 law students have participated in the program to date, many of whom have gone on to launch successful careers in law and finance and related industries in New York City and well beyond. Details and registration for the luncheon are available online.
Franasiak, a 1978 graduate of UB Law with a joint JD/MBA degree, is a principal at Williams & Jensen PLLC and a member of the firm’s executive committee, where he oversees financial management and serves as a trustee of the firm’s pension plans. Since joining Williams & Jensen in 1992, he has advised companies, trade associations, financial institutions and nonprofit organizations as they navigate complex policy and regulatory challenges in Washington, D.C.
Since the New York City Program’s inception in 2006 —a program he helped envision and champion—he has shared that expertise with students, teaching courses that explore securitization, cryptocurrency and commercial real estate, and meeting with students to advise them on navigating the Big City market.
Event Details
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
11:30 a.m. - Cocktail Reception
12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Luncheon and Award Presentation
The Union League Club
38 E 37th St (at Park Ave)
New York, NY 10016 [View Map]
Questions? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 716-645-2107 or law-alumni@buffalo.edu.
“From day one, David has been instrumental in shaping our New York City Program in Business and Law—investing his time, talent and resources to ensure its success,” says Dean S. Todd Brown. “Through his expertise in the classroom and his dedicated mentorship, he has guided students as they explore careers in the world’s financial capital.
“His decades of leadership and unwavering commitment to our community exemplify the profound impact of alumni who give back in ways that inspire and empower the next generation of lawyers. It is a privilege to honor him with our highest award.”
In practice, Franasiak draws on deep knowledge of legislative and administrative processes and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, in issues ranging from data access and antitrust to financial services and natural resources.
Before joining Williams & Jensen, he advised on tax, securities and financial institution matters with Ernst & Young; held senior roles in government and industry, including director of tax at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and handled tax, finance, venture, environmental and energy issues for British Petroleum.