BAEC Summer 2020 Bulletin
The official newsletter of the Bar Association of Erie County. Volume 60, No. 1
The official newsletter of the Bar Association of Erie County.
Volume 60, No. 1
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A Message From Bar Foundation<br />
President, David Pfalzgraf, Jr.<br />
Page 8<br />
Bar Association of Erie County<br />
<strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
SUMMER<br />
CLE Faculty Recognized for<br />
Committment to Education<br />
Page 22<br />
<strong>2020</strong><br />
Volume 60<br />
No. 1<br />
Introducing Your <strong>2020</strong>-2021 <strong>BAEC</strong><br />
Board of Directors<br />
with Oliver C. Young Assuming the Presidency<br />
PAGES 6 & 7
2 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Bar Association of Erie County <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Table of<br />
Contents<br />
Page 4<br />
Page 5<br />
Page 6<br />
Page 6<br />
Page 7<br />
Page 8<br />
Page 9<br />
Page 9<br />
Page 10<br />
Page 11<br />
Page 12<br />
Page 12<br />
Page 14<br />
Page 14<br />
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Page 15<br />
Page 16<br />
Page 17<br />
Page 17<br />
Page 18<br />
Page 19<br />
Page 20<br />
Page 21<br />
Page 22-30<br />
Page 31<br />
Page 32<br />
Page 33<br />
Page 34<br />
Page 35<br />
Page 36<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> Sponsors<br />
Letter from the President<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> Welcomes Newly Elected to Board of Directors<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>2020</strong>-2021 Board of Directors<br />
Oliver Young Assumes <strong>BAEC</strong> Presidency<br />
A Message from Foundation President, David Pfalzgraf, Jr.<br />
Members Vote to Amend <strong>BAEC</strong> Bylaws<br />
New Members of <strong>BAEC</strong> Nominating Committee Elected<br />
Bench & Bar In The News<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> COVID-19 Face Mask Campaign<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> Committees Accepting New Members<br />
Say Yes! Buffalo seeks to partner with new organizations<br />
Introducing <strong>2020</strong>-2021 Erie County Bar Foundation Board of Directors<br />
Thank You to Departing Foundation Board Members<br />
Reprint of <strong>BAEC</strong>’s Response to George Floyd’s Killing<br />
Legal Community Walk For Justice<br />
Erie County Bar Foundation COVID-19 Campaign<br />
Thank You to Departing <strong>BAEC</strong> Board Members<br />
Young Lawyers Committee Selects New Executive Council<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> Issues Judicial Candidate Ratings<br />
Notice of Changes Governing the Professional Conduct of NY Attorneys<br />
In Memoriam<br />
Foundation Contributions to Benefit Profession<br />
Recognition of 2019-<strong>2020</strong> CLE Faculty<br />
Lawyers for Learning Update<br />
NYSBA Ethics Opinion 1192<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> Life Members and Contributing Members<br />
Classifieds<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> New Members<br />
<strong>Bulletin</strong> Advertisement Index<br />
Bar Association of Erie County<br />
Oliver C. Young<br />
Hugh M. Russ, III<br />
Timothy J. Graber<br />
Kelley A. Omel<br />
Anne M. Noble<br />
Greg Hirtzel<br />
President<br />
Vice President<br />
Treasurer<br />
Deputy Treasurer<br />
Executive Director<br />
Director of Marketing & Communications, Editor of the <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Board of Directors<br />
Lauren E. Breen, Reetuparna (Reena) Dutta, Elizabeth A. Kraengel, Michael L. McCabe, Robert C. Brucato, Jr.,<br />
Colleen Curtin Gable, Krista Gottlieb, Karen Richardson, Kara M. Addelman, Samuel A. Alba, Peter J. Crotty,<br />
Jennifer Metzger Kimura, Kelly Barrett Sarama
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 3<br />
Live CLE programs are<br />
continuing through the<br />
summer!<br />
We will continue to offer CLE programs, led by local, experienced,<br />
and knowledgeable faculty throughout the summer.<br />
CLICK TO VIEW CLE CALENDAR<br />
PLUS, CHECK OUT OUR PROGRAMS<br />
ONDEMAND BY CLICKING HERE<br />
WEAR A MASK<br />
MY MASK PROTECTS YOU<br />
YOUR MASK PROTECTS ME<br />
TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE LIVES
4 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Bar Association of Erie County<br />
SPONSORS<br />
These organizations have partnered with the <strong>BAEC</strong> for <strong>2020</strong>. We are tremendously grateful for their support and generosity!<br />
THE<br />
LAW OFFICES OF<br />
TIMOTHY M. O’MARA<br />
ATTORNEYS<br />
LLP<br />
MSP Compliance Solutions
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 5<br />
Letter from the<br />
President<br />
As I commence this journey as president of the Bar Association of Erie County, I first want to thank<br />
the members of this Association for placing your trust in me to serve in this capacity. My humble<br />
pledge is to each and every day honor your trust.<br />
The first step on my journey is to recognize and commend my predecessor, Bridget M. O’Connor. She<br />
has, despite the extraordinary circumstances confronting us due to the global public health pandemic,<br />
ably and effectively led this Association. With class, wit and exceptional interpersonal skills, Bridget<br />
has worked tirelessly to guide the Association in meeting the needs of our members. At the risk of<br />
Oliver C. Young<br />
appearing to overstate the matter, I can forthrightly state that Bridget’s fortitude and steadfastness<br />
have shown us that with perseverance we may even accomplish the nearly impossible. Emblematic<br />
of her awesome stewardship of the Association is Bridget’s management of the widely-heralded visit of Associate Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg to<br />
Buffalo. We all still have a sense of pride from the Ginsburg visit. Bridget’s love for lawyers and the legal profession is palpable and is evinced by her<br />
eagle-eyed focus on the need of Association members, further evinced by her successful efforts in working closely with our committee chairpersons<br />
to strengthen our standing committee structure. Thanks Bridget for all you have done for the Association. Your leadership has been awe-inspiring.<br />
Next, I wish to acknowledge our <strong>BAEC</strong> Committee Chairpersons, who have, throughout the shutdown, continued to call committee meetings<br />
and to do the work of the Association. Since the shutdown, the chairpersons have been meeting with the Association leadership twice per week to<br />
receive information about the state of the court closing, which information is passed on to their committee members. The chairpersons’ willingness<br />
to participate in this twice-weekly exercise is worthy of praise and very much appreciated.<br />
The Court Pause<br />
We were all dismayed by, and have come to understand the reasons for, the Governor’s decision to close schools and non-essential businesses, as<br />
well as concerned about the impact of the decision on some court operations. The novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) has dealt a devastating blow to<br />
the citizens of New York State, having caused a heavy loss of life and business interruptions. However, a decision on the part of our governmental<br />
authorities not to shut down in March <strong>2020</strong> would likely have resulted in more deaths and other losses. In the wake of the pause in some court<br />
operations, our ability to practice law in some courts and serve our clients has been somewhat hampered. The future uncertainty has caused<br />
enormous consternation. We should look to our institutions, like the Bar Association, for assistance in navigating these troubled waters. Hopefully,<br />
we are not at Winston Churchill’s “end of the beginning,” but rather closer to the “beginning of the end.”<br />
As of this writing, we are about to enter Phase Three of the courts’ return to full operation. Phase Three will allow for more access to the courts for<br />
the processing of additional non-essential matters. The expansion under Phase Three will not be a return to “business as usual” in the near term.<br />
What you will see, in the parlance of Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, is a “new normal” in court operations. For the near future, there will be heavy<br />
reliance on technology and virtual court proceedings. The Association is working closely with the courts to devise processes and procedures to<br />
resolve pending cases and calendar new cases.<br />
George Floyd and Police Misconduct<br />
By the time you read this post, the Human Rights Committee will have held a CLE seminar entitled “Law Enforcement Accountable: Section<br />
1983 and Excessive Force Claims.” The tragic death of George Floyd has touched people deeply not only in this country, but in far-flung places all<br />
around the world. On the heels of Mr. Floyd’s death, there was the killing of Rayshard Brook by an Atlanta police officer. The seminar will address<br />
how lawyers can seek redress for their clients injured as a result of police misconduct. More about the seminar in my next letter.<br />
I was able to join 200+ other lawyers on the June 10 th Walk for Justice, organized by Buffalo attorney Shawn W. Carey. The .6-mile walk, which<br />
started in front of Old County Hall, included a kneel-down in front of the U.S. Constitution sketched on the outside wall of the federal courthouse.<br />
While the Walk was not a <strong>BAEC</strong>-sponsored event, some of our members assisted in organizing it and many other members took part in the walk<br />
(Note that the Bar Association on June 1, <strong>2020</strong> issued a presser addressing the George Floyd matter).<br />
Re-Opening Our Law Offices<br />
The <strong>BAEC</strong> has created a task force entitled Resuming Operations: Adapting to Practicing in a COVID-19 World. The task force, headed by<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> Director Liz Kraengel, will make recommendations on how to re-open safely our offices, and how to navigate and maneuver in this<br />
COVID-19 environment. Please check the <strong>BAEC</strong> website in the coming weeks.<br />
Election <strong>2020</strong><br />
I wish to thank our retiring Board members for their outstanding service to the <strong>BAEC</strong>. They include: President Bridget M. O’Connell, Treasurer<br />
Craig R. Bucki, and Directors Jennifer I. Fay, Mario A. Giacobbe and Peter Matthew Kooshoian. Much success to them in all of their future<br />
endeavors.<br />
In closing, please enjoy the remainder of this summer. Stay safe. Be well. I will be in touch again by way of this medium in the Fall.
6 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> Welcomes Newly Elected to<br />
Board of Directors<br />
On June 26, <strong>2020</strong>, the membership voted to elect new additions to the Board of Directors of the Bar Association of Erie<br />
County. We wish a heartfelt congratulations to the new Board members! We are extremely excited for what this next year<br />
has in store for the Association!<br />
Hugh M. Russ, III<br />
Kelley A. Omel<br />
Kara M. Addelman<br />
Samuel A. Alba<br />
Kelly Barrett Sarama<br />
Jennifer Metzger<br />
Kimura<br />
Peter J. Crotty<br />
The Bar Association of Erie County’s <strong>2020</strong>-2021 Board of Directors is made up of the following:<br />
Oliver C. Young, President<br />
Hugh M. Russ, III, Vice President<br />
Timothy J. Graber, Treasurer<br />
Kelley A. Omel, Deputy Treasurer<br />
Lauren E. Breen, Director<br />
Reetuparna (Reena) Dutta, Director<br />
Elizabeth A. Kraengel, Director<br />
Michael L. McCabe, Director<br />
Robert C. Brucato, Jr., Director<br />
Colleen Curtin Gable, Director<br />
Krista Gottlieb, Director<br />
Karen Richardson, Director<br />
Kara M. Addelman, Director<br />
Samuel A. Alba, Director<br />
Peter J. Crotty, Director<br />
Jennifer Metzger Kimura, Director<br />
Kelly Barrett Sarama, Director
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 7<br />
Oliver Young Assumes Presidency<br />
of the Bar Association of Erie<br />
County<br />
Oliver C. Young is the Bar Association of Erie County’s 114 th President. He was officially<br />
sworn in as President at the Board of Directors meeting on June 30, <strong>2020</strong>. He succeeds Bridget<br />
O’Connell.<br />
Oliver C. Young is a 1980 graduate of the SUNY at Buffalo Law School. In addition to a law<br />
degree, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of<br />
Wisconsin-Madison and a Masters Degree in Economics from SUNY at Buffalo. Until October<br />
2018, Mr. Young was employed as a Principal Court Attorney for the NYS Supreme Court, 8th<br />
Judicial District, having retired on October 31st after more than 38 years of service. Mr. Young is<br />
now Of Counsel to Barclay Damon, LLP, with a focus on general commercial litigation.<br />
He is also a member of the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, a member of the New York State Bar<br />
Association House of Delegates, and a member of the American Bar Association. Among other affiliations, he is the former<br />
President of the Board of Directors of the Western New York Law Center.<br />
Upon assuming the Presidency, Mr. Young stated, “As we move towards what Chief Judge Janet DiFiore calls the ‘new<br />
normal,’ we in the legal profession reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law, to civility, and to seeking justice for<br />
all. Given the current social climate, I call upon all of us to reimagine the role we can play in rooting out all vestiges of<br />
institutional racism, in facilitating diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our civil society, and in bending the arc of history<br />
towards justice.”<br />
Here is a glimpse of President Young’s swearing-in ceremony, officiated by the Honorable Eugene Fahey. Despite our<br />
need to maintain social distancing during the ongoing health pandemic, the event was a success, being conducted via web<br />
conferencing technology.
8 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
FROM THE ERIE COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION<br />
This is my first official communication since taking over for Pamela Thibodeau as the President<br />
of Erie County Bar Foundation’s Board of Directors. I am honored and humbled to assume this<br />
role. Many thanks to Pam for her stellar leadership and tireless efforts this past year. Although<br />
I certainly have big shoes to fill, I am up for the challenge and I am looking forward to leading<br />
the Foundation as we endeavor to help many of our fellow lawyers who are in need of assistance<br />
and support. I also want to take this opportunity to welcome aboard the Foundation’s newest<br />
Directors: Hon. Mary Giallanza Carney, Tiffany Perry, Laura Styka Bloom, and Kevin Spitler and<br />
thank our outgoing board members Treneeka Cusack Fields, Michael Scinta, and Stephen Yonaty.<br />
I follow in a long line of attorneys, including my father, David Sr. (who was President of the<br />
Foundation in 2001 - 2002), who have passionately supported the works of the Foundation<br />
and who have experienced first-hand the reward of reaching out to others in need. Practicing law<br />
can be a tremendously fulfilling and rewarding endeavor. At the same time, though, it can also be<br />
incredibly stressful and damaging to a lawyer’s mental health and overall quality of life. Many of<br />
our colleagues struggle with burn-out levels of stress, family problems, mental health difficulties, anxiety, medical problems, drug and alcohol<br />
dependency, and financial hardship, among other personal and professional difficulties. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly increased<br />
the level of stress and anxiety for many in our profession.<br />
We all know attorneys who have faced difficulties and have suffered the ill-effects of stress and burnout. Countless studies over the years<br />
have confirmed that over 50% of all lawyers in the United States will struggle with clinical depression, drug and alcohol dependency, and/<br />
or anxiety issues at some point in their career. These studies have found that one of the key obstacles for attorneys seeking assistance for<br />
their behavioral health problems is the fear that someone will find out and discredit them or that requesting help may possibly affect their<br />
license to practice. Especially for lawyers it may be a natural inclination to hide one’s problems and try to struggle through alone. There is the<br />
perception of stigma and judgment tied to mental health and substance abuse issues - but failure to reach out for readily available assistance<br />
can just make problems worse.<br />
There is a real need for help and support in our local legal community, and the Bar Foundation is here to offer that help and support, in a<br />
confidential and non-judgmental manner. Help is just a phone call away and the assistance you will be offered is completely confidential. If<br />
you contact the Bar Foundation, nobody at your law firm, in the judiciary, the Office of Grievance or any of your clients or your colleagues<br />
will ever know that you asked for help, or the type or amount of help you receive. All information and communications are kept in strictest<br />
confidence according to the mandates of Judiciary Law Section 499, Disciplinary Rule 1-102 and HIPAA.<br />
If you need assistance – or know a friend or colleague who does – please call 852-1777 and ask for Anne Noble, or access the on-line<br />
application at eriebar.org/ErieCountyBarFoundation/Application. Your Foundation board is anxious and able to help our fellow lawyers<br />
in need.<br />
Finally, I want to make everyone aware of a special campaign that the Foundation has launched to help support lawyers in our association<br />
who have been particularly hit hard by COVID-19. If you are able to contribute, feel free to use this link: https://eriebar.org/<br />
covid19campaign.<br />
Many thanks for your continued support of the Foundation.<br />
David R. Pfalzgraf, Jr.<br />
President<br />
THE COMPANY OF<br />
FRIENDS.<br />
THE SUPPORT OF<br />
COLLEAGUES.
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 9<br />
New Members of Nominating Committee<br />
Voted In<br />
The Bar Association of Erie County’s Nominating Committee is tasked with a great responsibility: selecting candidates for future<br />
leadership positions in the Association. The Nominating Committee identifies, researches, and ultimately nominates Board of<br />
Directors candidates to be voted on by the membership. Every year, the Committee works diligently in seeking out qualified members<br />
of our legal community who are willing, ready, and able to lead the Association as it fulfills its mission.<br />
On June 26, the members elected two new members to the Committee: Michael H. Kooshoian and Cheryl Meyers-Buth.<br />
Michael H. Kooshoian<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> Members<br />
Approve<br />
Amendments to<br />
Bylaws<br />
On June 26, <strong>2020</strong>, the Association membership voted and<br />
approved of amendments to the Association Bylaws. A<br />
summary of the changes is set forth below.<br />
The changes to the Bylaws conform the Bylaws to the most<br />
up to date not for profit legal standards in New York. These<br />
changes principally relate to how meetings are conducted<br />
and are generally technical in nature. The proposed<br />
Bylaws formally identify the role and composition of the<br />
Association’s Executive and Finance Committees. The<br />
Bylaws also identify and provide a role for the Association’s<br />
immediate Past President to sit as an ex- officio non-voting<br />
member of the Executive and Finance Committees. Finally,<br />
the proposed Bylaws eliminate the duties of the Judiciary<br />
Committee to receive, consider and investigate complaints<br />
about the Judiciary.<br />
CLICK TO VIEW AMENDED BYLAWS<br />
Cheryl Meyers-Buth<br />
BAR ASSOCIATION OF ERIE COUNTY<br />
DISABILITY INSURANCE PROTECTION<br />
Because your family depends on you<br />
For more information on protecting your income,<br />
your family, and your practice, contact<br />
Phone: 716-627-5400 Fax: 716-627-5420<br />
E-mail: insurance@ sellersinsurance.com<br />
Underwritten by: Life Insurance Company of Boston & New York, Athol Springs, NY.<br />
This policy provides disability income insurance only. It does not provide basic<br />
hospital, basic medical or major medical insurance as defined by the New York State<br />
Insurance Department. The expected benefit ratio for this policy is 60%. This ratio is<br />
the portion of future premiums which the company expects to return as benefits,<br />
when averaged over all people with this policy. See the Product Brochure and/or<br />
Policy Form DIC-N (0900) NY for details concerning policy benefits, limitations and<br />
exclusions. CJS573 8/19 Exp. 8/21
10 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Bench and Bar In the News<br />
Lani J. Brandon has joined Hurwitz & Fine as an associate in the firm’s Litigation Department, where she handles matters<br />
involving automobile liability and premises liability. Ms. Brandon routinely provides advice on litigation strategy and counsel on<br />
questions of liability and damages. Prior to joining Hurwitz & Fine, she served as Assistant Field Counsel for a large national<br />
insurance carrier, where she managed a large volume of cases, defending commercial and individual policyholders in lawsuits arising<br />
out of motor vehicle accidents and premises liability.<br />
Attorney Erin K. Ewell of The Coppola Firm has been installed as a board member of the Arts Services Initiative of Western New<br />
York (ASI). ASI acts as a resource hub for the region’s arts community, connecting artists with funding and learning opportunities.<br />
Ewell joins the ranks of local artists and directors supporting art culture in the region. In addition to her ASI board membership,<br />
Ewell is a member of the University at Buffalo Law School’s GOLD Group board of directors and a member of the Amherst<br />
Chamber’s Emerging Business Leaders class of <strong>2020</strong>.<br />
William Mattar law offices is pleased to welcome Annabelle Gao to the firm’s attorney staff at its principal location in<br />
Williamsville, NY. Ms. Gao grew up in Ontario, Canada, where she graduated from McMaster University, receiving an Honors<br />
Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Ms. Gao went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from the University at Buffalo<br />
School of Law. Ms. Gao is admitted to practice law in New York, and prior to joining William Mattar law offices, she worked at<br />
civil litigation law firms.<br />
Lippes Mathias Partner Judge Carol E. Heckman (Ret.) was invited to join the College of Commercial Arbitrators (CCA), one of<br />
the top professional organizations for commercial arbitrators in the United States and internationally. Judge Heckman will join an<br />
elite group of arbitrators who have the professional training, judgement and years of experience to undertake the most complex and<br />
difficult commercial arbitration assignments. With more than 40 years of experience as a trial lawyer and judge, Judge Heckman<br />
(Ret.) has an active practice as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association, and conducts arbitrations in most major<br />
metropolitan areas.<br />
Hodgson Russ is pleased to announce that Hugh M. Russ, III has been inducted as a Fellow into the prestigious and distinguished<br />
American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), the “preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America, dedicated<br />
to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics and the administration of justice.” The<br />
organization acknowledges and honors only the best trial attorneys located in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. ACTL<br />
Fellows include civil practice plaintiff and defense lawyers, public interest lawyers, prosecutors as well as criminal defense attorneys.<br />
Marc A. Schulz has advanced from Associate to Member at Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. Marc focuses his practice on labor law; SUM/<br />
AAA claims, including the production of claims files and defending adjuster depositions; complex litigation; and insurance defense<br />
matters. Marc is a board member of the Defense Trial Lawyers Association of Western New York and of the GOLD Group of UB<br />
Law School.<br />
Stillwell Midgley Visco is proud to announce Nancy J. Sheehan, RN, Esq., has joined our firm as Special Counsel. Ms. Sheehan<br />
was Vice President of Legal Services at Catholic Health for twenty years before coming to our firm. She will focus her practice<br />
on healthcare law, regulatory compliance, business formation, corporate practice of medicine, contract review and negotiation,<br />
litigation, professional licensing, disciplinary hearings, and OPMC matters.<br />
Amber E. Storr has advanced from Associate to Member at Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. Amber is an experienced litigator, focusing her<br />
practice on business & commercial litigation, employment law litigation, professional liability defense, and mediation. She is also<br />
Commercial Litigation Co-Chair of the Commercial Litigation and Bankruptcy Law Committee of the Bar Association of Erie<br />
County and an active member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee.<br />
HOW TO PLACE A BENCH & BAR ANNOUNCEMENT<br />
If you are a <strong>BAEC</strong> member in good standing and you’ve moved, been promoted, hired an associate, taken on a partner, or received an award, we’d<br />
like to hear from you. Notices must be submitted in writing and limited to 100 words. They are printed at no cost to members and are subject<br />
to editing. Email your notice and high resolution photo (300 dpi) to Greg Hirtzel at ghirtzel@eriebar.org. Talks, speeches (unless they are of<br />
international stature), CLE presentations, and political announcements are not accepted.
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 11<br />
Let Us Assist You With Your SSD & SSI Cases<br />
• We have a winning track record & helped over 20,000 clients with their claims.<br />
• We pay referral fees as allowed by New York Rules of Professional Conduct.<br />
• Your client relationship is protected.<br />
Please call us at 716-856-7091, email Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys at info@jeffreyfreedman.com.<br />
Administrative Office: 424 Main St., Suite 622 Buffalo, NY 14202 | Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> COVID-19 Face Mask Campaign<br />
On May 19, <strong>2020</strong>, the <strong>BAEC</strong> began its "100 Mask Campaign" and our members delivered! Since then,<br />
over 200 masks (and still counting...) have been delivered to the West Side Bazaar. 100 of these masks<br />
will be given to Grassroots Gardens for distribution to families working in community gardens across the<br />
city and who rely on each other to grow food together for their communities. The remaining masks will be<br />
distributed to students in WEDI’s education programs and to families on the West Side and in Riverside<br />
who may not otherwise have the means to obtain masks on their own. WEDI and Grassroots Gardens are<br />
extremely thankful for the <strong>BAEC</strong>'s efforts and support!<br />
Special thanks to the following face mask donors<br />
Buffalo Mobile Notary Services ( John<br />
Duffy)<br />
William Mattar<br />
John V. Millane III<br />
Hodgson Russ<br />
David Stillwell<br />
Noemi Fernandez<br />
The Coppola Firm<br />
Robert Ciesielski<br />
Jeffrey Freedman<br />
Daniel Archilla<br />
Karen Richardson<br />
Judith Olin<br />
Susan Roney<br />
Rod Personius<br />
Judge Barbara Howe<br />
Michelle Parker<br />
Krista Gottlieb<br />
Kathleen Knoer<br />
James J Zawodzinski Jr<br />
Julie A Dee<br />
Patrick J. Brown<br />
Emilie E. Ronald<br />
Elizabeth Kraengel
12 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Stay Connected in Our Rapidly Changing Legal<br />
Environment by Joining a Committee<br />
It’s easy and free!<br />
The <strong>BAEC</strong> has many Committees, some of which focus on specific practice areas, others of which focus on program,<br />
practice management and policy matters, such as the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Solo Practice Committee and<br />
the Human Rights Committee. A complete list of our Committees can be found at eriebar.org/Committees. You can join<br />
a committee of your choice by emailing the <strong>BAEC</strong> at dortega@eriebar.org and stating your interest. We welcome new<br />
members to our committees.<br />
When you join a committee, we hope you will attend their meetings, many of which are monthly. A calendar of meetings<br />
can be found on the <strong>BAEC</strong> website. By attending meetings and joining a committee, you will get timely legal updates and<br />
access to a variety of speakers, with unique insights into pressing issues facing the local legal community. When something<br />
breaks in your practice area, the committee forum is an excellent way to ensure you have the latest insights and connections<br />
that you need to service you clients. Our meetings are presently virtual making it easy and efficient to attend while<br />
balancing a rigorous schedule.<br />
Your membership dues covers the full cost of your participation in Committees. So, it is free and easy. Join today!<br />
If you have any questions, please contact Anne Noble, Executive Director, at 716.852.8687 or anoble@eriebar.org.<br />
Say Yes! Buffalo Seeking Interns<br />
The Bar Association of Erie County is committed to the Diversity & Inclusion Committee’s<br />
diversity pipeline initiatives - even in these uncertain times that we are living in. Last<br />
summer, we teamed up with Say Yes! to pair undergraduate students and law firms/legal<br />
service organizations with paid internships. We continue to push our efforts forward with<br />
programming, but have decided to focus our efforts to the Fall <strong>2020</strong> semester. However, if<br />
you are interested in still having an undergraduate intern this summer, we can make that<br />
happen too as Say Yes! is still accepting internship applications. If you are unable to accept<br />
an intern at this time, but you would like to support these diversity pipeline initiatives,<br />
you can also make individual contributions to sponsor internships. Please contact Jennifer<br />
Metzger Kimura at jkimura@legalaidbuffalo.org or via telephone at 716-853-9555 ext. 465<br />
with any questions.<br />
Jennifer Metzger<br />
Kimura<br />
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14 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Introducing Erie County Bar Foundation <strong>2020</strong>-2021<br />
Board of Directors<br />
The Erie County Bar Foundation is pleased to announce its <strong>2020</strong>-2021 Officers and Board of Directors. David R. Pfalzgraf,<br />
Jr., Managing Partner at Rupp, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham, LLC, has succeeded Pamela Thibodeau as President.<br />
Michael F. Perley, Senior Member at Hurwitz & Fine, P.C., is now serving as Vice President. Tiffany R. Perry and Helen<br />
Ferraro-Zaffram are the Foundation’s Treasurer and Secretary respectively.<br />
Serving as Directors are Laurie Styka Bloom, Hon. Mary Giallanza Carney, Alan S. Carrel, David<br />
L. Edmunds, Jr., Robert J. Fluskey, William R. Hites, Jeffrey M. Priore, Penny B. Selmonsky,<br />
Kevin W. Spitler, Pamela H. Thibodeau, and Mark Alan Worrell.<br />
David R. Pfalzgraf, Jr.<br />
President<br />
Upon becoming President of the Foundation, Pfalzgraf reflected, “I am honored to take over<br />
the Presidency of the Bar Foundation from Pamela Thibodeau, who lead our Board with great<br />
distinction this prior year. We have a lot of important work ahead of us and I know that our Board<br />
is up for the challenge of helping lawyers in need in our community.”<br />
Thank you departing Foundation Board<br />
Members!<br />
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of the departing Erie County Bar Foundation<br />
Board members. They invested much of their time and expertise to assist many lawyers and<br />
their families.<br />
On behalf of the Foundation and the Association, we wish a heartfelt thank you to the<br />
following people:<br />
Treneeka Cusack Fields<br />
Michael Scinta<br />
Stephen Yonaty<br />
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Visit www.williammattarcareers.com to learn more
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 15<br />
A message to the members regarding the death of<br />
George Floyd and the call for justice and equality<br />
On May 25, <strong>2020</strong>, George Floyd was killed Minneapolis, Minnesota by Minneapolis police officers. This tragedy sparked a nationwide cry for<br />
justice and the end of systemic racism. The Bar Association of Erie County leadership released a statement in response to this significant moment<br />
in history.<br />
Dear Members,<br />
The death of Mr. George Floyd requires us to speak. As the Bar Association of Erie County, our mission calls us to<br />
facilitate the administration of justice. A just society cannot accept the mistreatment of people of color.<br />
As lawyers, we embrace peaceful solutions to the serious systemic challenges facing us in these troubling days and nights.<br />
We reject silence following Mr. George Floyd’s death. In the words of Harriet Beecher Stowe, “the bitterest tears shed over<br />
graves are for words left unsaid and for deeds left undone.” To our members, now is the time to do and say all we can to<br />
help bring equity and justice to our workplaces, homes, and neighborhoods and to support and strengthen fair application<br />
of the rule of law, due process, and enduring equality in our courts and society.<br />
While we condemn the violence in our streets, we are committed to the cause and the struggle. We are responsible for each<br />
other and accountable for forging change to right injustices of the past and present.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Bridget M. O’Connell and Oliver C. Young<br />
Legal Community stands up against racism and police<br />
brutality on their “Walk for Justice”<br />
Spearheaded by Shawn Carey, a local attorney, the legal community came together on June 10, <strong>2020</strong> for a silent, peaceful<br />
Walk for Justice. This event happened due to the unjust killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 at the hands of<br />
law enforcement. The walk was a statement from the legal community that injustice, inquality, racism, and police brutality<br />
are unacceptable and must end immediately.<br />
The Walk was attended by several hundred members of the local legal community. Participants began the walk at the Erie<br />
County Courthouse / Old County Hall, went past City Hall, and paused a moment at the Robert H. Jackson United States<br />
Courthouse to take a knee in front of the U.S. Constitution engraved on the side the courthouse.
16 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Erie County Bar Foundation implements COVID-19<br />
Campaign to assist those in need<br />
The Erie County Bar Foundation has implemented a new campaign in the effort to assist<br />
lawyers and their families in need, directly affected by the COVID-19 health pandemic.<br />
The Foundation is asking each member of the Association to consider giving to the<br />
Foundation during the health care crisis. The WNY legal community has consistently<br />
been generous and supportive of their colleagues over the years. Your kindness has made<br />
the difference in the lives of many lawyers.<br />
The economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will cause great financial<br />
hardship for many local attorneys, who are seeing an extreme loss of revenue and even,<br />
for some, a total loss of income. Many suffering from a total loss of income serve as<br />
court appointed counsel and help ensure access to justice for people who might not<br />
otherwise have a lawyer. In response, the Erie County Bar Foundation launched a special<br />
emergency fundraising drive. Many of our Western New York judges have already provided substantial support, along with<br />
our Board of Directors.<br />
The business interruption from COVID-19 may represent one of the most significant challenges we have faced in support<br />
of lawyers since our founding. Our grants are used for healthcare, household expenses, funeral costs, and other expenses<br />
necessary to sustain a household or practice. Unfortunately, it is not at all clear that there is a definitive end to this public<br />
health crisis, and we anticipate lawyers may be in financial need for some time to come with the need for Foundation<br />
support growing perhaps to an unprecedented level.<br />
Your donation today will help us help lawyers through this crisis. You may donate by clicking the button below or by<br />
sending a check payable the Erie County Bar Foundation, 438 Main Street, Buffalo NY 14202.<br />
Thank you for your generosity!<br />
CLICK TO DONATE<br />
If button does not work, copy and paste this link in your web browser address bar: https://eriebar.org/COVID19Campaign<br />
RICHARD F. GRIFFIN, ESQ.<br />
MEDIATOR AND ARBITRATOR<br />
MR. GRIFFIN IS NOTED FOR<br />
HIS PREPARATION,<br />
PATIENCE AND<br />
PERSISTENCE<br />
Richard F. Griffin has served as a Mediator and Arbitrator for<br />
over 15 years. Prior to that time, he litigated hundreds of civil<br />
cases in both state and federal courts. These involved multiple<br />
issues: personal injury (defense and plaintiff), commercial,<br />
business, construction, employment, and civil rights. He is a<br />
member of the American College of Trial Lawyers.<br />
Mr. Griffin is a member of the Mediation and Arbitration Panels<br />
of the AAA, CPR, NY State Supreme Court, U.S.D.C.W.N.Y. and<br />
a Charter Member of the New York Academy of Mediators and<br />
Arbitrators.<br />
The Following are some recent comments from the parties:<br />
• “I would like to express my appreciation for the terrific effort<br />
you have made in resolving this case.” (Personal Injury)<br />
• “Your passion and desire for the legal system have left a deep<br />
impression with me.” (Widow’s Contract Enforcement)<br />
• “Thank you again for everything...my clients loved you.”<br />
(Estate Dispute)<br />
• “I liked his style.” (Party in Business Dispute)<br />
• “Just don’t give any thought about retirement. Great<br />
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Richard F. Griffin, Esq.<br />
Mediator and Arbitrator<br />
716.845.6000<br />
www.kavinokycook.com<br />
rgriffin@kavinokycook.com<br />
Bar Association of Erie County<br />
Committees<br />
www.eriebar.org/<br />
Committees<br />
Get involved in the <strong>BAEC</strong>, join a<br />
committee!
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 17<br />
Thank you departing <strong>BAEC</strong> Board Members!<br />
We are so appreciative for the hard work our Board of Directors does each and every year. We’d like to give a special thanks<br />
to the Board members whose tenure on the Board has come to an end. Bridget O’Connell (2019-<strong>2020</strong> President), Craig<br />
Bucki (2019-<strong>2020</strong> Treasurer), Jennifer Fay, Mario Giacobbe, and Peter Matthew Kooshoian (Directors) were a integral<br />
part of our organization and we appreciate the time and hard work they put into executing the <strong>BAEC</strong>’s mission. Thank you<br />
departing Board members!<br />
O’Connell Bucki Fay Giacobbe Kooshoian<br />
Young Lawyers Committee announces <strong>2020</strong>-<br />
2021 Executive Council<br />
Co-Chairs Sam White and Carolyn DeVaughn would like to announce the Young Lawyers<br />
Committee’s Executive Council for the <strong>2020</strong>-2021 year: Andrew Drilling, Cat McCulle, Jesslyn<br />
Holbrook, Kate Johnson, Colin Knoer, and Tom Lyons. The Executive Council is an integral part<br />
of the YLC. Its members—who are chosen based on their initiative and involvement in YLC<br />
activities—plan and run the numerous events that the YLC hosts each year.<br />
The Committee is looking forward to all that this year will bring, and will be working creatively<br />
to provide programming despite the current challenges that we face. It is an extremely active<br />
committee and is open to all <strong>BAEC</strong> members who have been admitted ten years or fewer. The<br />
Committee hosts numerous charitable and social events throughout the year, and will continue<br />
to do so. The YLC will meet every third Friday of the month via Zoom or at the <strong>BAEC</strong><br />
Headquarters at 12:15, if and when social distancing restrictions are relaxed. Lunch is provided<br />
during in-person meetings.<br />
Active participation in the YLC is an easy way to take that first step toward getting involved<br />
in the local legal community and networking with your peers. Most of the YLC’s events are<br />
completely free and designed to be welcoming in order to make it easy for newcomers. Stay tuned<br />
for the YLC’s Fall Kickoff Happy Hour in September and the Evening with the Judiciary in<br />
November. If you would like more information about how you can get involved with the YLC,<br />
contact Sam at samanthawhite196@gmail.com or Carolyn at cdevaughn@gross-shuman.com.
18 | Spring <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Bar Association of Erie County releases ratings<br />
of Judicial Candidates<br />
The Bar Association of Erie County has completed and issued its <strong>2020</strong> ratings for judicial candidates for New York State<br />
Supreme Court and Erie County Court. The ratings are as follows:<br />
New York State Supreme Court<br />
Gerald J. Greenan III – Not Recommended<br />
Hon. Amy C. Martoche – Well Qualified<br />
Erie County Court<br />
Hon. Kenneth F. Case – Outstanding<br />
The Association uses a four-level rating system of Outstanding, Well Qualified, Qualified, and Not Recommended.<br />
Ratings are done annually prior to fall elections to assist the public in making informed decisions as they vote for judicial<br />
candidates.<br />
Judicial candidates are evaluated on criteria necessary to hold judicial office, including integrity, experience, professional<br />
ability, education, reputation, industry, temperament, fairness, statutory standards, attitude, punctuality, and knowledge<br />
of the law. Judicial candidates are asked to complete a written questionnaire and are also interviewed as part of the<br />
comprehensive rating process. Interviews with lawyers and judges who have had interaction with the candidates are also<br />
considered in determining the rating for judicial office. Please visit eriebar.org for further information.<br />
The Bar Association of Erie County has been rating candidates for judicial office since 1993. With more than 3,000<br />
members, the not-for-profit professional association was founded in 1887 to advance the administration of justice through<br />
programs and services for the legal profession and the public.<br />
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<strong>BAEC</strong> Establishes Office<br />
Re-Opening Safety Plan<br />
In accordance with the New York State and the Governor’s<br />
Executive Order, the Bar Association of Erie County has<br />
implemented their Workplace Re-Opening Safety Plan.<br />
Effective immediately, all employees, members, and visitors<br />
will be required to comply to the plan in order to enter the<br />
premises.<br />
CLICK TO READ SAFETY PLAN<br />
PREPARED • PERSISTENT • PROFESSIONAL
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 19<br />
NEWS ADVISORY<br />
New York Court System’s Administrative Board<br />
Approves Two Rule Changes Governing the<br />
Professional Conduct of NY Attorneys<br />
NEW YORK − The court system’s Administrative Board, comprising the Chief Judge and the four Presiding Justices<br />
of State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, has approved changes to two rules governing the professional conduct of<br />
attorneys in New York State.<br />
The Administrative Board has adopted revisions to a rule that had banned law firms from advertising their services under<br />
trade or domain names. While the original intent was to prevent misleading the public about the identity, responsibility<br />
and status of those who use the name, the rule (New York Rule of Professional Conduct 7.5) was based on outdated<br />
professionalism standards, spurring a First Amendment challenge that further argued that the rule was overbroad.<br />
In April, the New York State Bar Association’s Committee House of Delegates approved a revised rule proposed by the<br />
Committee on Standards of Attorney Conduct that prohibits names that are false, deceptive or misleading. The revision<br />
also reorganizes the structure of the rule, deleting superfluous portions and adding guidance regarding proper and improper<br />
law firm names. The Administrative Board has adopted the Committee’s recommendations with some modifications,<br />
putting New York on par with many other jurisdictions throughout the country that allow the use of trade names.<br />
Additionally, the Administrative Board has approved an amendment to New York Rule of Professional Conduct 1.8(e),<br />
allowing legal services organizations and pro bono attorneys to provide financial assistance to low-income clients beyond<br />
the costs and expenses of litigation that had previously been permitted.<br />
Soon after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bar associations began to field calls from lawyers and nonprofit groups who<br />
wished to assist indigent clients to pay for food and other basic needs without facing disciplinary action. The amended rule<br />
relaxes the ban on providing financial assistance to clients, allowing lawyers to provide humanitarian assistance to their<br />
clients in dire need while keeping appropriate ethical safeguards in place.<br />
The Administrative Board adopted the humanitarian exception with the following limitations: funds raised for any legal<br />
services organization for purposes of providing legal services will not be considered for humanitarian purposes; and<br />
financial assistance may not include loans or any other form of support that causes the client to be financially beholden to<br />
the provider of assistance.<br />
Hon. Lawrence K. Marks<br />
Chief Administrative Judge<br />
Date: June 18, <strong>2020</strong><br />
www.nycourts.gov/press<br />
New York State Contact:<br />
Unified Court System Lucian Chalfen<br />
Public Information Director<br />
Arlene Hackel, Deputy Director<br />
(212) 428-2500<br />
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20 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Bar Association of Erie County<br />
IN MEMORIAM<br />
We wish to honor the memory of the following members of our Bar Association. Memorial gifts to the Erie County<br />
Bar Foundation are an excellent way to remember friends and colleagues, as gifts are used for the benefit of the entire<br />
profession.<br />
Chris T. Brunea<br />
Hon. John J. “Jack”<br />
Gruber<br />
Richard T. Vallone, Jr.<br />
Paul G. Cleary<br />
David L. Sweet<br />
Paul F. Labaki<br />
Peter J. Fiorella, III<br />
Craig M. Cwick<br />
Laurence D. Behr<br />
CLICK TO VIEW FULL IN MEMORIAM LIST<br />
“The heart hath its own memory, like the<br />
mind. And in it are enshrined the precious<br />
keepsakes, into which is wrought the giver’s<br />
loving thought.”<br />
~ H.W. Longfellow<br />
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<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 21<br />
FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTIONS TO BENEFIT PROFESSION<br />
Contributions to the Erie County Bar Foundation provide an excellent vehicle for recognizing and honoring members of our profession. Memorial gifts to the<br />
Foundation become a lasting tribute to the entire legal profession, as funds are used exclusively to assist attorneys and promote understanding of our legal system.<br />
The Foundation gratefully acknowledges the following memorial contributions:<br />
In Honor of Bridget M. O’Connell on her<br />
remarkable year as President:<br />
The Coppola Firm<br />
In Honor of Justice James H. Dillon’s Service on<br />
the Bench:<br />
Hon. Michael E. Hudson<br />
In Honor of the Retirement of Albert J. Mogavero,<br />
Chapter 13 Trustee:<br />
Howard & Marylou Kleiman<br />
In Honor of the Retirement of Earl K. Cantwell,<br />
II:<br />
Justin S. White<br />
In Honor of Law Day <strong>2020</strong> Award Winners:<br />
Marilyn Hochfield<br />
In Honor of Donald McHenry for his services in<br />
assisting lawyers:<br />
William R. Hites<br />
In Memory of Hon. Mark G. Farrell and Hon.<br />
Joseph S. Forma:<br />
Hon. Dennis E. Ward<br />
In Memory of Hon. Frederick M. Marshall:<br />
Hon. Frederick J. Marshall<br />
In Memory of Mark Hirschorn and Hon. Henry<br />
Gossel:<br />
Hon. Daniel J. Furlong & Mary Jane Keyse<br />
In Memory of Bernadette Hoppe:<br />
Mark Worrell<br />
Mary Claire Worrell<br />
Penny Selmonsky<br />
In Memory of Hon. John J. Gruber (Father of J.<br />
Mark Gruber):<br />
Allan M. Lewis<br />
Anthony M. Nosek<br />
Coleman Volgenau<br />
Hon. J. Mark & Maura Gruber<br />
Hon. John M. Curran<br />
Jim & Mary Shea<br />
Joel L. Daniels<br />
Michael F. Perley<br />
Michael G. Cooper<br />
Patrick J. Brown<br />
Stephen R. Lamantia<br />
William E. Carey<br />
In Memory of Michael J. Giallanza and John J.<br />
Carney, III, Esq.:<br />
Hon. Mary G. Carney & Mark S. Carney<br />
In Memory of John J. & Melanie T. Olszewski:<br />
Hon. Margaret Olszewski Szczur<br />
In Memory of My Dear Friends, Dr. William<br />
Sutton & Mrs. Joan Sutton:<br />
David L. Edmunds, Jr.<br />
In Memory of Robert P. Freedman:<br />
Hon. Brenda M. Freedman<br />
In Memory of Hon. Edmund Maxwell and Patrick<br />
J. Maxwell, Sr.:<br />
Hon. Suzanne Maxwell Barnes<br />
In Memory of Hon. Frank R. Bayger:<br />
Hon. Timothy J. Drury<br />
Joel L. Daniels<br />
In Memory of David Sweet (Father of Kathleen<br />
Sweet):<br />
Andrew B. Isenberg<br />
Audrey & Arthur Russ<br />
Coleman Volgenau & Diane F. Bosse<br />
David M. Braunstein<br />
Donna L. Burden<br />
Elisabeth Baker<br />
George R. Grasser<br />
Hon. Erin M. Peradotto<br />
Hon. Eugene M. Fahey<br />
Hon. J. Mark & Maura Gruber<br />
Hon. John M. Curran<br />
Hon. Michael E. Hudson<br />
Hurwitz & Fine, P.C.<br />
Jennifer Noah<br />
Kathie Bifaro<br />
Melinda L. Grabowski<br />
Michael G. Cooper<br />
Mrs. Stephen E. Cavanaugh<br />
Paula & Terry Newcomb<br />
Philip Celniker<br />
Sally J. Broad<br />
Scott & Sharon Schwartz<br />
In Memory of Robert I. Gannon (Brother of<br />
Joseph T. Gannon):<br />
Hon. J. Mark & Maura Gruber<br />
Kathleen A. Grome<br />
Larry P. Maher<br />
Michael G. Cooper<br />
In Memory of Craig M. Cwick:<br />
Joseph J. Terranova<br />
In Memory of Lucian C. Parlato:<br />
Joel L. Daniels<br />
Stephen R. Silverstein<br />
In Memory of Harold J. Boreanaz:<br />
Joseph M. LaTona<br />
In Memory of Gerald J. Greenan, Jr. (Father<br />
of Gerald J. Greenan, III, John W. Greenan,<br />
Margaret Greenan Bebak and Timothy Greenan):<br />
Michael G. Cooper<br />
Phillip Brothman<br />
In Memory of Thomas Andruschat:<br />
Thomas Whissel<br />
In Memory of Gwen Kennedy (Mother of Rick<br />
Kennedy):<br />
Thomas C. Farley, Jr.<br />
In Memory of John Shanahan:<br />
Thomas C. Farley, Jr.<br />
In Memory of William A. Price:<br />
Hon. Eugene M. Fahey<br />
In Memory of Chris T. Brunea:<br />
Anthony M. Nosek<br />
Clifford Merkle<br />
Joel L. Daniels<br />
Stephen R. Silverstein<br />
William E. Carey<br />
In Memory of William F. Keenan:<br />
Alan S. Carrel<br />
Anne C. Evans<br />
Michael G. Cooper<br />
Stephen R. Lamantia<br />
Terence B. Newcomb<br />
Thomas Whissel<br />
Tom & Bonnie Sanderson<br />
In Memory of Thomas J. Hanifin, Jr.:<br />
Coleman Volgenau<br />
Hilary P. Bradford<br />
Philip Celniker<br />
In Memory of Richard T. Vallone, Jr.:<br />
Justin S. White<br />
In Memory of Paul G. Cleary:<br />
Hon. J. Mark & Maura Gruber<br />
Joseph J. Terranova<br />
In Memory of Peter J. Fiorella, III (Son of Peter J.<br />
Fiorella, Jr.):<br />
Hon. Mary G. Carney & Mark S. Carney<br />
Hon. John M. Curran<br />
Jim & Mary Shea<br />
Phillip Brothman<br />
In Memory of Justice Joseph S. Forma:<br />
Hon. Michael E. Hudson<br />
Joel L. Daniels<br />
In Memory of Laurence Oppenheimer:<br />
Scott & Sharon Schwartz<br />
In Memory of Christ Gaetanos:<br />
Robert I. Jadd<br />
In Memory of Gerald J. “Jerry” Gorman (Father of<br />
Hon. Gerald P. Gorman):<br />
Phil & Joyce Celniker<br />
In Memory of Patrick Stafford:<br />
Michael G. Cooper<br />
In Memory of Susan Trott (Mother of Emily<br />
Trott):<br />
Thomas C. Farley, Jr.<br />
In Memory of Ruth Baum:<br />
Tracey A. Kassman<br />
2019-<strong>2020</strong> Annual Appeal and COVID-19 Campaign donations will be acknowledged in our Fall <strong>2020</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> issue.
22 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Recognizing our 2019-<strong>2020</strong> Continuing<br />
Legal Education Speakers<br />
The Erie Institute of Law extends sincere appreciation to the following CLE faculty members for<br />
sharing their time and talent with <strong>BAEC</strong> members. Without their dedication and commitment, it<br />
would not be possible for the Institute to offer such timely programming on such a diverse range of<br />
legal subjects.<br />
Stephanie A. Adams, Law Ofc of Stephanie Adams, PLLC<br />
Polishing Your SHIELD: Wow New Data Security Law Will Impact Almost Every Business with a Computer 1/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Covid-19: What to Say When Your Client Asks About Force Majeure 4/6/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Kenneth W. Africano, Harter Secrest & Emery, LLP<br />
Thorny Valuation Issues Created by the COVID-19 Shutdown 6/25/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Joseph W. Allen, Office of the US Trustee<br />
Recent Amendments to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and Other Updates 4/21/<strong>2020</strong><br />
William P. Allen, Brisbane Consulting Group, LLC<br />
Thorny Valuation Issues Created by the COVID-19 Shutdown 6/25/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Edward L. Arcara, CPA, Edward L. Arcara CPA PC<br />
66th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
James Quinn Auricchio<br />
Bail Reform, Lessons Learned, and the Newest Passage of Laws 5/6/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Brian D. Barnas, Hurwitz & Fine, PC<br />
Child Victims Act: Litigation and Coverage Concerns 10/30/2019<br />
Charles Beinhauer, Pfalzgraf, Beinhauer & Menzies<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day One) 4/17/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Mark W. Bennett, Appellate Division<br />
A Guide to Filing at the Appellate Division Fourth Department 12/11/2019<br />
David W. Bentivegna, Prisoners’ Legal Services<br />
Beth Bialis<br />
An Introduction to Jail Time and Sentencing 9/18/2019<br />
Attorneys and Paralegals - Working Together Efficiently and Ethically 5/27/<strong>2020</strong><br />
James P. Blenk, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP<br />
City of Buffalo <strong>2020</strong> Property Tax Assessment Revaluation 11/15/2019<br />
Michael M. Blinkoff, Blinkoff & Blinkoff<br />
30th Annual Real Estate Conference 3/14/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Gary Bluestein, Andreozzi Bluestein LLP<br />
66th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Kristine L. Bly<br />
66th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Gary D. Borek<br />
66th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Anne K. Bowling, Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham, LLC<br />
Environmental Law Seminar: Current Trends and Emerging Issues in Water Resources Law 9/20/2019<br />
Legal and Practical Issues Related to Re-Opening of Businesses 5/19/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Alan J. Bozer, Phillips Lytle LLP<br />
Law Enforcement Accountability: Section 1983 and Excessive Force Claims 6/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
David G. Brock<br />
Small Firm Management: Budgeting, Advertising & Financial Practices in the Digital Workplace 11/13/2019<br />
Robert C. Brucato, Jr., Counsel Press<br />
A Guide to Filing at the Appellate Division Fourth Department 12/11/2019<br />
Adapting to Remote Communication and Court Appearances 5/8/<strong>2020</strong>
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 23<br />
2019-<strong>2020</strong> Continuing Legal Education Speakers<br />
Craig R. Bucki, Phillips Lytle LLP<br />
U.S. Supreme Court Review and Preview 11/22/2019<br />
Kelley Buckley<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Gale R. Burstein, Erie County Department of Health<br />
The Medical and Legal Update on Opioid Treatment 10/17/2019<br />
Stephanie Calhoun, Buffalo Public Schools<br />
From Batson to Flowers: Where do we go with Jury Selection Today? 3/13/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Ashlyn M. Capote, Goldberg Segalla LLP<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 <strong>2020</strong><br />
Charles S. Carra<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Louis J. Cercone, Jr., Brisbane Consulting Group, LLC<br />
Thorny Valuation Issues Created by the COVID-19 Shutdown 6/25/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Craig Cirbus, Dopkins & Company LLP<br />
66th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Howard B. Cohen, Gross Shuman P.C.<br />
Small Firm Management: Budgeting, Advertising & Financial Practices in the Digital Workplace 11/13/2019<br />
Hon. Emilio Colaiacovo, Supreme Court<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Lisa A. Coppola, The Coppola Firm<br />
Pandemic Planning in the Workplace 3/26/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Adam Croglia<br />
Legal and Practical Issues Related to Re-Opening of Businesses 5/19/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Brooke Crouse, Buffalo Opioid Intervention Court<br />
The Medical and Legal Update on Opioid Treatment 10/17/2019<br />
Danielle N. D’Abate<br />
Adapting to Remote Communication and Court Appearances 5/8/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Victoria L. D’Angelo, Barclay Damon LLP<br />
Case Law Update from Erie County Surrogate’s Court 1/23/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day One) 4/17/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hot Practice Tips for Estate Planning Under Covid-19 4/29/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Katherine L. Dibble, ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc.<br />
Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019: What Your Clients Need to Know 9/10/2019<br />
30th Annual Real Estate Conference 3/14/<strong>2020</strong>
24 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
2019-<strong>2020</strong> Continuing Legal Education Speakers<br />
Richard F. DiGiacomo, Nesper, Ferber, DiGiacomo, Johnson & Grimm<br />
30th Annual Real Estate Conference 3/14/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Attorneys and Paralegals - Working Together Efficiently and Ethically 5/27/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Thomas Diina, Jail Management Division, Erie County Sheriff ’s Office<br />
Adapting to Remote Communication and Court Appearances 5/8/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Vincent E. Doyle, III, Connors LLP<br />
WNYTLA Winter CLE – Ethics & Civility 2/7/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day One) 4/17/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Drew R. DuBrin, Monroe County Public Defender’s Office<br />
Delivering Persuasive Oral Argument 10/4/2019<br />
Spencer L. Durland, Hodgson Russ LLP<br />
Delivering Persuasive Oral Argument 10/4/2019<br />
Hon. Susan Eagan, Erie County Court Judge<br />
Bail Reform, Lessons Learned, and the Newest Passage of Laws 5/6/<strong>2020</strong><br />
John V. Elmore, Law Office of John V. Elmore<br />
Law Enforcement Accountability: Section 1983 and Excessive Force Claims 6/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Connor P. Entenmann, The Coppola Firm<br />
Small Business Administration Loans 3/12/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Erin K. Ewell, Connors LLP<br />
Pandemic Planning in the Workplace 3/26/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Keeping Up With The Overlap Between The FFCRA & NYS Employment Laws Related To COVID-19 4/22/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. Eugene M. Fahey, Court of Appeals<br />
Delivering Persuasive Oral Argument 10/4/2019<br />
Sophie Feal, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo<br />
Adapting to Remote Communication and Court Appearances 5/8/<strong>2020</strong><br />
John J. Fenz, Erie County Clerk’s Ofc<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. Paula L. Feroleto, Administrative Judge, 8th District<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Helen Ferraro-Zaffram, Center for Elder Law & Justice<br />
Recent Changes to the Social Security POMS 10/25/2019<br />
Patrick T. Fitzgerald, Phillips Lytle LLP<br />
Environmental Law Seminar: Current Trends and Emerging Issues in Water Resources Law 9/20/2019<br />
Jennifer G. Flannery, Barclay Damon LLP<br />
Hot Practice Tips for Estate Planning Under Covid-19 4/29/<strong>2020</strong><br />
David P. Flynn, Phillips Lytle LLP<br />
Environmental Law Seminar: Current Trends and Emerging Issues in Water Resources Law 9/20/2019<br />
John J. Flynn, Jr., District Attorney’s Office<br />
The Medical and Legal Update on Opioid Treatment 10/17/2019<br />
Melissa Ann Foti, Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak LLP<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Elizabeth Fox-Solomon, U.S. EEOC<br />
EEOC Updates and COVID-19 Information (Labor Law Series Part One) 6/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Patricia L. Fulwiler, The Coppola Firm<br />
Pet Trust Primer: What to do When Clifford Outlives His Owner 11/20/2019<br />
Colleen Curtin Gable, District Attorney’s Office<br />
From Batson to Flowers: Where do we go with Jury Selection Today? 3/13/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Peter Galie<br />
U.S. Supreme Court Review and Preview 11/22/2019
2019-<strong>2020</strong> Continuing Legal Education Speakers<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 25<br />
Ryan L. Gellman, Colucci & Gallaher, P.C.<br />
U.S. Supreme Court Review and Preview 11/22/2019<br />
Katherine A. Gillette, Erie County Water Authority<br />
30th Annual Real Estate Conference 3/14/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Brian D. Ginsberg, Office of the NYS Attorney General<br />
Delivering Persuasive Oral Argument 10/4/2019<br />
Joshua Glasgow, Phillips Lytle LLP<br />
Law Enforcement Accountability: Section 1983 and Excessive Force Claims 6/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Gretchen Gonzalez, ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Jonathan G. Gorman, ADR Program<br />
Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019: What Your Clients Need to Know 9/10/2019<br />
Krista Gottlieb, ADR Center & Law Office<br />
Virtual Mediations: An Introduction for Advocates and Neutrals 4/23/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Garry M. Graber, Hodgson Russ LLP<br />
Recent Amendments to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and Other Updates 4/21/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Timothy J. Graber, Gibson, McAskill & Crosby<br />
U.S. Supreme Court Review and Preview 11/22/2019<br />
Leslie Mark Greenbaum, Gross Shuman P.C.<br />
Polishing Your SHIELD: Wow New Data Security Law Will Impact Almost Every Business with a Computer 1/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Daniel P. Greene, Beckage PLLC<br />
Polishing Your SHIELD: Wow New Data Security Law Will Impact Almost Every Business with a Computer 1/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Legal and Practical Issues Related to Re-Opening of Businesses 5/19/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Herbert L. Greenman, Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP<br />
U.S. Supreme Court Review and Preview 11/22/2019<br />
From Batson to Flowers: Where do we go with Jury Selection Today? 3/13/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Kenneth A. Grossberg, Phillips Lytle LLP<br />
66th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Hot Practice Tips for Estate Planning Under Covid-19 4/29/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Brian D. Gwitt, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP<br />
2019 Update on New York State Civil Practice and Procedure 9/12/2019<br />
2019 Update on New York State Civil Practice and Procedure 9/27/2019<br />
Richard Halinda<br />
The Canadian Cottage Update 1/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Cheryl Hall, UB School of Management<br />
66th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Hon. Craig D. Hannah, Buffalo City Court Judge<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Lindsey E. Haubenreich, Phillips Lytle LLP<br />
Environmental Law Seminar: Current Trends and Emerging Issues in Water Resources Law 9/20/2019<br />
Carol E. Heckman, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP<br />
What WNY Lawyers Need to Know About American Indian Law 10/9/2019<br />
Virtual Hearings: A Sea Change for Lawyers, Judges and Arbitrators 06/9/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. Shannon M. Heneghan, Buffalo City Court<br />
The Medical and Legal Update on Opioid Treatment 10/17/2019<br />
Michael J. Herberger<br />
Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019: What Your Clients Need to Know 9/10/2019<br />
Michael E. Hickey, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC<br />
Labor and Employment Issues in the Time of COVID-19 3/25/<strong>2020</strong>
26 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
2019-<strong>2020</strong> Continuing Legal Education Speakers<br />
Henry Hildebrand, Esq., Chapter 13 Trustee, Nashville, TN<br />
Continuing Your Bankruptcy Practice During COVID-19 5/10/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Elizabeth A. Holmes, Barclay Damon LLP<br />
City of Buffalo <strong>2020</strong> Property Tax Assessment Revaluation 11/15/2019<br />
Timothy W. Hoover, Hodgson Russ LLP<br />
Delivering Persuasive Oral Argument 10/4/2019<br />
Aimee T. Hopkins, Center for Resolution & Justice<br />
Recognizing Mental Illness & Dementia 7/17/2019<br />
Presumptive ADR Roll Out 11/18/2019<br />
Steve Ingraham, Internal Revenue Service<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Robert P. Ingrasci<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Cheryl Jankowski, CPA, Lumsden & McCormick, LLP<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Neal A. Johnson<br />
The Medicare Appeals Process 1/10/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. Barbara R. Johnson-Lee, Buffalo City Court<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Gary M. Kanaley, Duke Holzman Photiadis & Gresens LLP<br />
66th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Jessica Keltz, Law Ofc of Stephanie Adams<br />
Covid-19: Small Business Administration Loans: A post-CARES Act Explainer 4/7/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Daniel M. Killelea<br />
U.S. Supreme Court Review and Preview 11/22/2019<br />
Mark S. Klein, Hodgson Russ LLP<br />
66th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Hon. Richard C. Kloch, Sr., Supreme Court<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Robert E. Knoer, The Knoer Group, PLLC<br />
Environmental Law Seminar: Current Trends and Emerging Issues in Water Resources Law 9/20/2019<br />
Charles M. Kruly, US Attorney’s Office<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 <strong>2020</strong><br />
Erin A. Kulesus, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo<br />
U.S. Supreme Court Review and Preview 11/22/2019<br />
Rebecca Diina LaCivita, Erie County Surrogate’s Court<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Julie Loesch, Child and Family Services<br />
Presumptive ADR Roll Out 11/18/2019<br />
Bradley Loliger, Center for Elder Law & Justice<br />
Recognizing Mental Illness & Dementia 7/17/2019<br />
Hon. Sharon M. LoVallo, Erie County Family Court Judge<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Ashley R. Lowry, District Attorney’s Office<br />
Delivering Persuasive Oral Argument 10/4/2019<br />
Adapting to Remote Communication and Court Appearances 5/8/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Marianne Mariano, Federal Public Defender’s Office<br />
The Medical and Legal Update on Opioid Treatment 10/17/2019<br />
Kelly E. Marks, Phillips Lytle LLP<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019
2019-<strong>2020</strong> Continuing Legal Education Speakers<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 27<br />
Douglas W. Marky<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Daniel J. Marren, Supreme Court<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 <strong>2020</strong><br />
Katie L. Kestel Martin, Pusatier, Sherman, Abbott & Sugarman<br />
Presumptive ADR Roll Out 11/18/2019<br />
Virtual Mediations: An Introduction for Advocates and Neutrals 4/23/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Thomas E. Mazurek, Tronconi, Segarra & Associates, LLP<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Mara McCabe, District Attorney’s Office<br />
Bail Reform, Lessons Learned, and the Newest Passage of Laws 5/6/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Anastasia M. McCarthy, Hurwitz & Fine, PC<br />
Child Victims Act: Litigation and Coverage Concerns 10/30/2019<br />
Anna S.M. McCarthy, Harter Secrest & Emery, LLP<br />
EEOC Updates and COVID-19 Information (Labor Law Series Part One) 6/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. Jeremiah J. McCarthy, U.S. Magistrate Judge<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Mollie C. McGorry, Connors LLP<br />
U.S. Supreme Court Review and Preview 11/22/2019<br />
Lindsay M. McKenna, Hodgson Russ LLP<br />
Hot Practice Tips for Estate Planning Under Covid-19 4/29/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Mark R. McNamara, Barclay Damon LLP<br />
City of Buffalo <strong>2020</strong> Property Tax Assessment Revaluation 11/15/2019<br />
Elizabeth M. Midgley, Stillwell Midgley PLLC<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day One) 4/17/<strong>2020</strong><br />
David C. Mineo<br />
30 th Annual Real Estate Conference 3/14/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Stacey L. Moar, M&T Bank<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Jeffrey M. Monaco, Phillips Lytle LLP<br />
Small Business Administration Loans 3/12/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. Mark A. Montour, Supreme Court Justice<br />
What WNY Lawyers Need to Know About American Indian Law 10/9/2019<br />
Hon. Acea M. Mosey, Surrogate’s Court<br />
Digital Wills and Digital Assets 2/14/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Timothy P. Murphy, Federal Public Defender’s Ofc<br />
U.S. Supreme Court Review and Preview 11/22/2019<br />
A Guide to Filing at the Appellate Division Fourth Department 12/11/2019<br />
Katelyn E. Niedermier, Neighborhood Legal Services<br />
Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019: What Your Clients Need to Know 9/10/2019<br />
Bridget M. O’Connell, ADR Coordinator<br />
Presumptive ADR Roll Out 11/18/2019<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day One) 4/17/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. E. Jeannette Ogden, Supreme Court Justice<br />
Law Enforcement Accountability: Section 1983 and Excessive Force Claims 6/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Andrew D. Oppenheimer, Hodgson Russ LLP<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Diana Padilla<br />
The Medical and Legal Update on Opioid Treatment 10/17/2019
28 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
2019-<strong>2020</strong> Continuing Legal Education Speakers<br />
Victor Paladino, NYS Office the Attorney General<br />
Delivering Persuasive Oral Argument 10/4/2019<br />
Michelle Parker, Erie County Attorney’s Office<br />
Pandemic Planning in the Workplace 3/26/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Adapting to Remote Communication and Court Appearances 5/8/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Elizabeth Pascal, Hodgson Russ LLP<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Robert W. Patterson, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Anthony S. Pecoraro<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Steven E. Peiper, Hurwitz & Fine, PC<br />
Covid Interruption Insurance <strong>2020</strong> - What’s In, What’s Out, What’s Coming 5/7/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Brittanylee Penberthy, VanDette Penberthy LLP<br />
The Medical and Legal Update on Opioid Treatment 10/17/2019<br />
Bail Reform, Lessons Learned, and the Newest Passage of Laws 5/6/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Michael F. Perley, Hurwitz & Fine, PC<br />
Ethical Considerations in the Age of Covid-19 5/7/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Carrie A. Phillips, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo<br />
Bail Reform, Lessons Learned, and the Newest Passage of Laws 5/6/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Margaret L. Phillips, Daemen College<br />
Attorneys and Paralegals - Working Together Efficiently and Ethically 5/27/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Jacob A. Piorkowski, The Tarantino Law Firm, LLP<br />
Legal and Practical Issues Related to Re-Opening of Businesses 5/19/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Roderick Quebral<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 <strong>2020</strong><br />
Ethical Considerations in the Age of Covid-19 5/7/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Raymond P. Reichert, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Bruce D. Reinoso, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP<br />
Recent Changes to the Social Security POMS 10/25/2019<br />
Steven J. Ricca, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC<br />
Legal and Practical Issues Related to Re-Opening of Businesses 5/19/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Denetra D. Roberts, Attorney General’s Ofc<br />
From Batson to Flowers: Where do we go with Jury Selection Today? 3/13/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Nicholas A. Romano, Connors LLP<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day One) 4/17/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Peter Ross, Hodgson Russ LLP<br />
<strong>2020</strong> Annual Enrichment Seminar 1/23/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Anthony Michael Rossi, The Rossi Law Firm<br />
DWI 2019 Update – New Legislation, Discovery, and Case Updates 9/26/2019<br />
Michael Anthony Rossi, The Rossi Law Firm<br />
DWI 2019 Update – New Legislation, Discovery, and Case Updates 9/26/2019<br />
Nicholas Michael Rossi, The Rossi Law Firm<br />
DWI 2019 Update – New Legislation, Discovery, and Case Updates 9/26/2019<br />
Martha L. Salzman, SUNY Buffalo School of Management<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Andrea L. Sammarco, The Sammarco Law Firm, LLP<br />
Legal and Practical Issues Related to Re-Opening of Businesses 5/19/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Steven Sanders<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019
2019-<strong>2020</strong> Continuing Legal Education Speakers<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 29<br />
Kelly Barrett Sarama, Center for Elder Law & Justice<br />
The Medicare Appeals Process 1/10/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Emma M. Savino, Hodgson Russ LLP<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
William F. Savino, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP<br />
2019 Update on New York State Civil Practice and Procedure 9/12/2019<br />
2019 Update on New York State Civil Practice and Procedure 9/27/2019<br />
Jennifer R. Scharf, The Coppola Firm<br />
Pandemic Planning in the Workplace 3/26/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. H. Kevin Schroeder, Jr., U.S. Magistrate Judge, WDNY<br />
Law Enforcement Accountability: Section 1983 and Excessive Force Claims 6/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
G. Michael Seaman, Phillips Lytle LLP<br />
Law Enforcement Accountability: Section 1983 and Excessive Force Claims 6/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Maura C. Seibold, Bennett, DiFilippo & Kurtzhalts, LLP<br />
City of Buffalo <strong>2020</strong> Property Tax Assessment Revaluation 11/15/2019<br />
Stuart B. Shapiro<br />
Polishing Your SHIELD: Wow New Data Security Law Will Impact Almost Every Business with a Computer 1/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Joseph A. Shifflett, Surrogate’s Court<br />
Case Law Update from Erie County Surrogate’s Court 1/23/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. Mary L. Slisz, Supreme Court Justice<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Jeff Smith, Buffalo Opioid Intervention Court<br />
The Medical and Legal Update on Opioid Treatment 10/17/2019<br />
Douglas P. Sosnowski, Brisbane Consulting Group, LLC<br />
Thorny Valuation Issues Created by the COVID-19 Shutdown 6/25/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Glenn J. Speller, Dennis J. Speller, P.C.<br />
30 th Annual Real Estate Conference 3/14/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Amber E. Storr, Hurwitz & Fine, PC<br />
What You Need to Know About EDDS 5/8/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Steven R. Sugarman, Pusatier, Sherman, Abbott & Sugarman<br />
Virtual Mediations: An Introduction for Advocates and Neutrals 4/23/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Michael J. Tedesco, Andreozzi Bluestein LLP<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Nicholas Texido, Assigned Counsel Program<br />
U.S. Supreme Court Review and Preview 11/22/2019<br />
Bernard Tolbert, National Federation for Just Communities of WNY, Inc.<br />
Law Enforcement Accountability: Section 1983 and Excessive Force Claims 6/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Erin Torcello, Bond Schoeneck & King, PLLC<br />
EEOC Updates and COVID-19 Information (Labor Law Series Part One) 6/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Stephen C. Townsend, Law Office of Stephen C. Townsend<br />
30 th Annual Real Estate Conference 3/14/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. Shirley Troutman, Appellate Division<br />
From Batson to Flowers: Where do we go with Jury Selection Today? 3/13/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Robert G. Trusiak, Trusiak Law<br />
Polishing Your SHIELD: Wow New Data Security Law Will Impact Almost Every Business with a Computer 1/24/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Michael Van Remmen, Freed Maxick CPA’s<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Paul A. Vance, Vance Law Firm<br />
Matrimonial and Family Law in the Age of Covid-19 4/2/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. Lawrence J. Vilardo, US District Court<br />
WNYTLA Winter CLE – Ethics & Civility 2/7/<strong>2020</strong>
30 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
2019-<strong>2020</strong> Continuing Legal Education Speakers<br />
Kevin D. Walsh, Osborn, Reed & Burke, LLP<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day One) 4/17/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Laurie Walsh, Daemen College<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day One) 4/17/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Peter Allan Weinmann, Wolfgang & Weinmann<br />
City of Buffalo <strong>2020</strong> Property Tax Assessment Revaluation 11/15/2019<br />
Peter H. Wiltenburg, Hodgson Russ LLP<br />
Legal and Practical Issues Related to Re-Opening of Businesses 5/19/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Hon. Kathleen Wojtasez-Gariano, Niagara County Family Court<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Matthew D. Yusick, US District Court<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Billie Jo Zakia<br />
Life After Law School <strong>2020</strong>: Basic Practice 101 (Day Two) 5/15/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Jeffrey Zawada, Freed Maxick<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Erica M. Zeis, Vance Law Firm<br />
Matrimonial and Family Law in the Age of Covid-19 4/2/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Bruce M. Zgoda<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
Mindy L. Zoghlin, Bansbach Zoghlin P.C.<br />
<strong>2020</strong> Annual Enrichment Seminar 1/23/<strong>2020</strong><br />
Nick Zoyhofski<br />
66 th Tax Institute 11/7/2019<br />
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having over 30 years of experience<br />
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Update From Lawyers for Learning<br />
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 31<br />
The Lawyers for Learning Board would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the tutors who dedicated their time<br />
to the students of P.S. 18 this school year. Your gift of time truly makes a difference.<br />
Mary Aldridge<br />
Michele Brown<br />
Christopher Kerr<br />
David Nelson<br />
Matthew Duggan<br />
Benjamin Dwyer<br />
Gail Mitchell<br />
Henry Gartner<br />
Heather Anderson<br />
Helen Graf<br />
Hilary Banker<br />
Aimee Hopkins<br />
Janet Curry<br />
John Milane<br />
Julia Purdy<br />
Katherine O’Hara<br />
Leanna Pilarski<br />
Mariya Lokshina<br />
Mary Thomas Scott<br />
Morgan Flitt<br />
Sarah Duval<br />
Seth Seegert<br />
Steven Munoz<br />
Hon. Susan Eagan<br />
Taylor Schubauer<br />
Amanda Somma<br />
Caroline McDonough<br />
Kathryn Horn<br />
Laura Doolittle<br />
Rhonda DiPronio<br />
Rebecca Gioia<br />
Robert Schreck<br />
Tracey Casseus<br />
Jill Trembath<br />
Katherine Wood<br />
VOLUNTEER TO TUTOR A STUDENT!<br />
As we continue to navigate these strange times, we know one<br />
thing; students will need help with learning next year more than<br />
ever. There is a real need for tutor volunteers. While we don’t<br />
know yet what tutoring will look like next year, we know that<br />
we will be there for our P.S. 18 students in whatever capacity we<br />
can. Lawyers for Learning is currently working with the school<br />
on the option of remote tutoring, as well as addressing any health<br />
and safety concerns for in person tutoring. If you think you can<br />
commit to tutoring a student for one hour a week, in some form,<br />
please submit an application. We will work with tutors, students, and the school to address any questions and concerns and<br />
facilitate keeping this important program in place.<br />
Lawyers for Learning is designed to assist our community’s young people in improving their academic performance,<br />
self-esteem, and self-confidence, primarily through one-on-one tutoring. Tutoring is open to all members of the Erie<br />
County legal community, including judges, attorneys, legal secretaries, paralegals, law students, and retirees. Tutoring is<br />
a one-hour-per-week commitment. You may also sign up to tutor with other colleagues if you want to share the weekly<br />
commitment. Sessions can be held any day Monday-Friday 8:00-9:00 a.m., Monday-Thursday 4:00-5:00 p.m., or Monday-<br />
Thursday 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tutoring begins in mid-October and takes place at Buffalo School #18, 750 West Avenue in<br />
Buffalo. If you would like to volunteer to tutor a child, please visit www.lawyersforlearning.org to submit your application.<br />
For more information or questions, please contact the Lawyers for Learning tutoring coordinator, Sarah Duval, at sduval@<br />
elderjusticeny.org or 716-853-3087 x.225.<br />
COLLEAGUES<br />
CONNECTING<br />
Here help solve problems lawyers may<br />
be facing while isolating from coworkers,<br />
family, neighbors and others upon whom<br />
they may typically rely for support in their<br />
day to day lives.<br />
CLICK TO LEARN MORE
32 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Ethics Opinion 1192<br />
By the New York State Bar Association Committee on Professional Ethics (06/09/<strong>2020</strong>)<br />
TOPIC: Retention and disposition of lawyer’s closed files<br />
DIGEST: With certain important exceptions, a lawyer has no ethical duty to retain closed client files (or other documents held by the<br />
lawyer owned by third parties) for an indefinite period when neither the client nor the third party requests their return. The exceptions<br />
are original documents of intrinsic value such as wills, deeds, or negotiable instruments, as well as documents that the lawyer knows or<br />
should know that the client or third party may need in the future. Apart from these documents, a lawyer has an ethical duty to retain<br />
for seven years certain books and records concerning an attorney-client relationship, and any documents otherwise required by law to<br />
maintain.<br />
RULES: 1.9, 1.10, 1.15<br />
FACTS<br />
1. The inquirer is a New York attorney who acquired a partnership interest in a law firm some years ago. Upon the inquirer’s arrival, the<br />
firm was, we are told, in a state of disarray in both its financial and administrative affairs. The prospect of the firm’s insolvency looms.<br />
Of particular concern to the inquirer in the context of a possible dissolution are the files of thousands of clients and former clients<br />
of the firm. The inquirer says that most of these files are stale and without connection to any ongoing client of the firm. The costs of<br />
disposal of the files,by whatever means, would be substantial.<br />
QUESTION<br />
2.What are a lawyer’s obligations in dealing with closed client files?<br />
CLICK TO READ OPINION<br />
(Redirects to NYSBA website)<br />
If button does not work, copy and paste this link in your web browser address bar: https://nysba.org/ethics-opinion-1192<br />
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MATRIMONIAL• EMPLOYMENT• BUSINESS • ORGANIZATIONAL• ELDER ISSUES
<strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong> | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | 33<br />
Bar Association of Erie County<br />
LIFE MEMBERS<br />
Mark A. Adrian, Carol J. Alaimo, James Quinn Auricchio, Brian D. Baird, Patrick J. Bannister, Lynn A.<br />
Clarke, Maria L. Diakos, Eric P. Doherty, Jennifer L. Friedman, Sharon Stern Gerstman, Jean E. Gittler,<br />
Susan J. Grelick, Melvyn L. Hurwitz, Michael Kuzma, Stanley Kwieciak, III, Michael P. McClain, J.<br />
Eldon Owens, James D. Schultz, Jr., Michael A. Smith, Jeffrey A. Spencer, Joseph Greco Trapp, James M.<br />
Wadsworth<br />
Bar Association of Erie County<br />
CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS<br />
Joan Casilio Adams, Donald A. Alessi, Grace Marie Ange, Richard J. Attea,<br />
Hon. Tracey A. Bannister, Stephen E. Barnes, Thomas R. Beecher, Jr.,<br />
Ronald P. Bennett, Leonard Berkowitz, Richard S. Binko, Peter J. Brevorka,<br />
Timothy P. Bridge, Phillip Brothman, David Buch, Donna L. Burden,<br />
James P. Burgio, Michael C. Burwick, Shawn W. Carey, John J. Carney,<br />
Alan S. Carrel, John F. Collins, William B. Collins, Robert N. Convissar,<br />
Edward C. Cosgrove, Steven P. Curvin, Roger T. Davison, Regina A. Del<br />
Vecchio, John M. Dempsey, Richard F. DiGiacomo, Anne C. DiMatteo,<br />
Dean M. Drew, Timothy J. Drury, Leo J. Fallon, Victor N. Farley, Gabriel<br />
J. Ferber, Michael E. Ferdman, Robert P. Fine, Cheryl Smith Fisher, Brian<br />
P. Fitzgerald, Lawrence C. Franco, Bernard B. Freedman, Hon. Brenda M.<br />
Freedman, Jeffrey M. Freedman, Maryann Saccomando Freedman,<br />
Jerry A. Gambino, Lynn D. Gates, Eugene M. Gaughan, Stuart A.<br />
Gellman, Jerome C. Gorski, John C. Grennell, Richard F. Griffin, Mark W.<br />
Hamberger, James P. Harrington, Mary Louise Hayden, William R. Hites,<br />
Susan S. Hogan, Edwin P. Hunter, Norman E. Joslin, Tracey A. Kassman,<br />
Judith D. Katzenelson, Christopher C. Kerr, Dan D. Kohane, Anthony S.<br />
Kowalski, Thomas E. Krug, Stephen R. Lamantia, Richard J. Lehner, John<br />
N. Lipsitz, James L. Magavern, Mark J. Mahoney, Giles P. Manias, Mary<br />
Dee Martoche, Salvatore R. Martoche, Norman J. Mattar, Hon. Jeremiah<br />
J. McCarthy, Maureen A. McCready, Thomas I. McElvein, Jr., Raymond<br />
T. Miles, III, Joseph D. Mintz, Albert J. Mogavero, Paul T. Nesper, Paula<br />
M. Eade Newcomb, Anthony M. Nosek, James J. O’Brien, Hon. John F.<br />
O’Donnell, Timothy M. O’Mara, Ibrahim Omerhodzic,<br />
Carl P. Paladino, Anthony D. Parone, James A. Partacz, Robert E. Pearman,<br />
Hon. Erin M. Peradotto, Robert H. Perk, Jeffrey A. Perla, Michael F.<br />
Perley, Arcangelo J. Petricca, Theodore J. Pyrak, James P. Renda, Jay N.<br />
Rosenthal, Richard P. Rosso, Arthur A. Russ, Jr., Thomas Santa Lucia,<br />
Scott M. Schwartz, Richard B. Scott, Richard J. Sherwood, David A. Siegel,<br />
Robert G. Sillars, Richard Charles Slisz, Robert B. Sommerstein, Charles<br />
S. Spinner, Gregory Stamm, Kathleen M. Sweet, George J. Trimper, Jr.,<br />
Thomas V. Troy, Frederick D. Turner, Dimitri J. Tzetzo, Matthew X.<br />
Wagner, Jr., Oliver C. Young<br />
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utilize Casemake today!
34 | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | <strong>BAEC</strong> <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Bar Association of Erie County <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
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Become a Contributing<br />
Member!<br />
The <strong>BAEC</strong> bylaws confer “contributing member” status<br />
on any member who resides or maintains an office in<br />
Erie County and elects to pay an additional $50 in annual<br />
dues to help support Association programs. Contributing<br />
members have the same rights and privileges as regular<br />
members and “such additional rights and privileges as<br />
the board of directors shall bestow”, including special<br />
recognition in the <strong>Bulletin</strong>, annual dinner program, and<br />
other publications.
Bar Association of Erie County<br />
<strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
SUMMER<br />
<strong>2020</strong><br />
Volume 60<br />
No. 1<br />
Bar Association of Erie County<br />
NEW MEMBERS<br />
The Bar Association of Erie County is pleased to welcome the following new members:<br />
Bridget Daley<br />
Sara DiBernardo<br />
Amine Hafayedh<br />
Melissa J. Horvatits<br />
Elizabeth S. Kent<br />
Ryan P. Maxwell<br />
Andrew W. Meier<br />
Christopher J. Phillips<br />
It’s great to belong to something this good!<br />
Breanna Reilly<br />
Alison E. Romanowski<br />
Brian D. Sarama<br />
Rachael Sparacino<br />
Kristen R. Spulecki<br />
Patrick Stafford<br />
Octavio Villegas<br />
Peter Wiltenburg<br />
The Bar Association of Erie County is currently<br />
accepting new members<br />
Become a member today!<br />
Benefits of being a member include:<br />
• Networking and connection opportunities with your colleagues in the<br />
legal community<br />
• Discounted rates for CLE<br />
• Leadership development opportunities on committees<br />
• Invitation to special events<br />
• Unlimited access to Casemaker<br />
• Access to healthcare and other valuable benefits<br />
• Public service opportunities<br />
Learn more at eriebar.org
Bar Association of Erie County <strong>Bulletin</strong><br />
Advertisment<br />
Index<br />
The <strong>BAEC</strong> is incredibly grateful to our advertisers. Their support helps us serve our members better. Below is an<br />
an index of the organizers who have an ad in this issue. We encourage you to learn more about them and how<br />
they help the legal community and general public.<br />
Advertiser<br />
Black Oak Group<br />
Brian P. Brady, Architect<br />
Charles J. Sellers & Co, Inc.<br />
Hagelin Spencer, LLC<br />
Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys<br />
Krista Gottlieb<br />
Law Office of Michael Menard<br />
Paramount Settlement Planning<br />
Pusatier, Shermon, Abbott & Sugarman LLP<br />
Richard Griffin, Esq.<br />
Smith Murphy and Schoepperle<br />
Southtowns Trophy & Acrylics<br />
William Mattar, PC<br />
Page<br />
30<br />
23<br />
9<br />
20<br />
11<br />
18<br />
30<br />
13<br />
32<br />
16<br />
20<br />
19<br />
14