2005 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award: Thomas R. Beecher Jr. '59

Segment Synopsis: UB Law Alumni Association President, John Curran, head table introduction: (From right) Ilene Fleischmann; Thomas Beecher; Dean Nils Olsen; Richard DiGiacomo; David Hare. Recognizing previous Jaeckle Award winners and former Presidents present at luncheon. Special mention of Dr. Willis. Curran on Beecher's kindness. Curran on Beecher: Upon writing his speech he "googled" Beecher and found nine pages of distinction. His education and career history, from his graduation from Canisius High School to being a partner in Phillips Lytle LLP. and President of Ballynoe Inc. Devoted husband and proud father. Daughter present at luncheon. His commitment to the Bison Fund, Kaleida Health, Canisius College and high school, the Diocese of Buffalo among other public service involvements. "Googling" his award history and finding 209 entries. He is a role model and friend. Recalling his favorite memory of Beecher, taken to the Buffalo Club. Learning about relationships from Beecher. The benefit of relationships on the self, community, the profession, and business. Story from his past on fast-food protest in the 1960's. Family man and friend to community. Celebrating his relationship with UB Law School. Turning podium over to Dean Olsen.

Keywords: Character and Values; City of Buffalo; Community Service; Distinction; Humor; Jaeckle Award; Jaeckle, Edwin; Legal Education; Other; Relationships; UB

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Olsen on Beecher: Worked with him on establishing affordable housing clinic, and a human rights and asylum clinic, with affiliation with LeBrun Foundation. Served on Dean's advisory council over the past 8 years, enormous support. Role model for community service. Substantial pubic service project with Mayor Masiello helping with health sciences. Active in various institutions, collaborating with UB for enhancing the city of Buffalo. Reaction to being selected for Jaeckle Award. Particular pleasure because he was mentored by Edwin Jaeckle early in his career. Jaeckle a "lawyers lawyer", Beecher the same. Two analogies in describing Beecher and his practice. First example, publication on ethical practice, first code of ethics for legal profession. Olsen on the "50 Resolutions" publication. Law involves two competing values, rights and responsibilities. Olsen on Hoffman's publication and "Resolution 33" on maintaining relationship between rights and responsibilities. Beecher and his practice exemplify value of representation. Olsen on Beecher: An "Atticus Finch" an example of a favorite description of a lawyer, for his personal and professional values. Reading of Jaeckle Award text on plaque.

Keywords: Being a Lawyer; Character and Values; City of Buffalo; Community Service; Distinction; Jaeckle Award; Jaeckle, Edwin; UB

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Thanking Dean Olsen for honor and speech, and leadership in law school; and John Curran. Thanking his best friend and advisor, his wife Judy. Acknowledging lawyers in his family present at luncheon. Thanking his firm, Phillips Lytle, work community intellectually challenging. On his relationship with Edwin Jaeckle, mentor to Beecher. Sponsored his membership at the Buffalo Club and the board of Liberty National Bank and Trust Co. Proud to be a lawyer for serving the purpose of standing up for the rights of others. Shakespeare quote about killing all the lawyers. Lawyers are the protectors of liberty, generous to community, inquisitive by nature and adaptable. On Marv Levy's quote, "Where would you rather be, than in the company of lawyers." Encouraging others to continue the leadership of lawyers. Expressing pride in his profession and for award. UB Law Alumni President, John Curran, closing statements on the luncheon ceremony.

Keywords: Intellectual Tradition; Jaeckle, Edwin; Law Firms; Mentors; Spouse; UB Law School

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; FAMILY HISTORY; LAW