Paul R. Comeau '73

Segment Synopsis: Comeau grew up in a small town within a family of six children. His parents didn't go to college, but they encouraged their children to. The children were launched in different directions. His high school had a public speaking class, that inspired his lawyer pursuit. By watching Perry Mason on television, he was inspired. It seemed like a reasonable career path. Initially, expectations differed from the glossy TV because he realized all the work he had to do/general concepts he didn't know. He picked UB for law school because he had to pay his own way through school. His small town compared to the large size of Buffalo was a huge adjustment for him. He was involved in study groups, worked with professors on projects, got involved in Law Review, etc. Law Review pushed him to work hard and challenged his thoughts. UB law school prepared him in his daily work by forcing him to adapt and absorb concepts that aren't necessarily interesting. Also, applying these concepts to further challenges/work. His peers had different experiences than him, but yet they all came together for their law work. He went into lots of jobs without experience, but because he is malleable he was able to learn his way through.

Keywords: Choosing UB Law School; Education; Expectations; Experience as Student; Father; Law Review; Legal Education; Mother; Peers; Public School; Siblings; Student Culture; Study Habits

Subjects: EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW FACULTY

Segment Synopsis: Comeau works within high-end tax and real estate work. This practice evolved over time. He took an accounting course in college and barely passed. During law school, there was a mandatory tax course. It taught him logic and clarity. His professors were inspiring and really guided his practice. When he arrived at his law firm, he became a tax attorney because his bosses saw that he took so many tax classes. He worked with a variety of concepts though, and now his practice has evolved even more.

Keywords: Career / Professional Experience; Choice of Law; Faculty/Professors; Future Interests; Law Courses; Law Firms; Mentors; Practice; Tax Law; UB Law School

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Comeau helped to create the state and local tax practice group in Hodgson Russ. When he joined, there was no group. He began at the bottom of the totem pole, because the practice was not considered sophisticated. He now has national recognition and gave speeches to promote the work done. He is extremely proud of the results.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Law Firms; Practice; Tax Law

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Comeau enjoys working with his clients and hearing their problems/coming up with solutions. He likes to help families and propel their success. He believes that the opportunities for lawyers are at its all time highest. Companies can find workers easily and education is normalized. Law is complex, therefore, opportunities have expanded.

Keywords: Clients; Enjoyment; Occupations; Opportunities

Subjects: LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: Balance is very important for an attorney because they work many hours. Comeau travels frequently, so he tries to find ways to be with his family and continue his hobbies. He plays golf, takes care of the house (mows lawn, etc.), and travels. His children are all grown up and have their own jobs, but he keeps heavy contact with everyone. Additionally, he keeps in contact with UB law. After graduation, he kept in contact with a professor and ended up teaching a course on taxes. He found it challenging, but was honored to teach it. Later, UB offered him as a founding member of a tax certification course. He chaired and spoke at the bar association annual tax institute. Comeau is on the dean's advisory council, and helped fund raise for the UB law school. The law school has excellent professors and students. His firm attracts a lot of graduate students, and the firm expanded from 20 lawyers to 200.

Keywords: Children / Grandchildren; Choice of Law; Faculty/Professors; Mentors; Professional Experiences; Relationship with UB Law; Teaching UB; UB law

Subjects: EDUCATION; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: The advice Comeau gives to new law students is that you need to be curious and willing to learn from your professors. Education is all around you, and it's important to do the best you can and apply yourself. Oral, written, and technical advocacy are vital skills to become successful. If he had to describe himself, he would say he's self and intellectually motivated, a happy and friendly person, and tries to help others find their path. He would devote himself to landscaping and improving his lawn if he couldn't be a lawyer; it helps him break away from reality in a creative way. Comeau thanks his parents for guiding his work and dream.

Keywords: Academic vs. Career Success; Accomplishments; Advice; Choice of Law; Law School; Mentors

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE