UB School of Law hosts several high-profile events that bring together members of our law school community to recognize outstanding accomplishments, highlight important topics, and celebrate our shared commitment to learning in the pursuit of justice. These events have become cherished traditions and serve as powerful touchpoints for connection, inspiration, and reflection.
Marquee events hosted by the School of Law and/or its Law Alumni Association.
The Presentation of the Edwin F. Jaeckle Award
The highest honor bestowed by the University at Buffalo School of Law and its Law Alumni Association, the annual Edwin F. Jaeckle Award is presented annually and recognizes individuals who embody the school’s ideals and have made lasting contributions to the legal profession. Named for James McCormick Mitchell, Class of 1915, the award has honored many distinguished members of the legal community.
The Mitchell Lecture Series
Established in 1950 in memory of James McCormick Mitchell, the Mitchell Lecture Series is the University at Buffalo School of Law’s premier lecture program. Justice Robert H. Jackson delivered the first lecture in 1951, published in the inaugural issue of the Buffalo Law Review. Over the decades, the series has featured leading scholars and public intellectuals, including Derrick Bell, Carol Gilligan, Duncan Kennedy, and Richard Posner.
UB Law Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Awards
Each year, the UB Law Alumni Association honors exceptional graduates and community leaders at its highly attended Annual Dinner. This long-standing tradition celebrates excellence in the legal profession and recognizes outstanding contributions in six categories: judiciary, private practice, public service, business, and community impact.
Highly anticipated events and programming organized by our students in conjunction with the law school and/or its Law Alumni Association.
Buffalo Law Review Dinner
The Annual Buffalo Law Review Dinner celebrates the accomplishments of the journal’s editors and associates, and honors members of the legal community who have made significant contributions to the Review and the School of Law.
Buffalo Public Interest Law Program (BPILP) Auction
The Annual BPILP Auction is a spring tradition that brings together law students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends for an evening of networking and fun. The event includes a live auction, an online auction and a raffle, featuring unique prizes donated by members of the law school community. Proceeds support summer fellowships for law students working in public interest roles.
OUTLaw’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony
The Annual OUTLaw Dinner and Awards Ceremony honors leadership and advocacy in the LGBTQ+ legal community and celebrates OUTLaw’s mission to educate, connect, and uplift through recognition and community building.
Sports Law Forums
Presented by the UB Center for the Advancement of Sport and the UB Law Alumni Association, this webinar series features athletes, executives, and thought leaders exploring timely issues in the sports law industry. Offering insights at the intersection of law, athletics, and leadership, the series has featured New York Times sports reporter, Ken Belson; NFL Agent Shane Costa ’13; and Vice President of Women's Sports Programming for ESPN, Susie Piotrkowski.
Students of Color Dinner
Hosted jointly by the Black Law Students Association, the Latin American Law Students Association, and the Asian Pacific Allied Law Students Association, the Students of Color Dinner celebrates the achievements of our graduating law students and honors community leaders and alumni who have helped pave the way for minority legal professionals.