Hon. David Edmunds, Jr.

Partial Transcript: "Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best."

Segment Synopsis: Introduction and background. Son of two South Carolina native who migrated to Buffalo, NY looking for employment. Grew up in the east side of Buffalo in an all-black neighborhood of Hamlin Park and attended Public School 74 on same street where he grew up, Parents set good example of hard work and achievement. Father employed by GM/Chevrolet a the rear axle assembly plant on East Delevan for 34 years. Mother worked in the home and then a clerical position at American Standard. Worked with his father during summers at the GM plant. Father wanted him to see what he did for the family to show him his father wanted something better for his children. Going to college was non negotiable. Father finished 8th grade, mother finished high school. Parents were very supportive of his education. "Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best." Education is most important tool for a young black person. Perceptions of lawyers was Perry Mason on TV. Did not meet a lawyer until college. Exposed at a distance to John Lewis and Montgomery Bus Boycott and Civil Rights Attorneys he read about. Formed his perceptions about the critical nature lawyers make in the lives of everyday people. First black lawyer he knew about was Will Gibson, a classmate's father. First black lawyer he met was Hugh Scott and Edmunds did not know he was lawyer. Asked him for directions in City Hall. Shared the story with Judge Scott who became a mentor.

Keywords: Being a Lawyer; Father; Mother; Perceptions; Role Models; Undergraduate Education; Value of Education

Subjects: EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; LAW

Segment Synopsis: First black lawyer he knew about was Will Gibson, a classmate's father. First black lawyer he met was Hugh Scott and Edmunds did not know he was lawyer. Asked him for directions in City Hall. Shared the story with Judge Scott who became a mentor. [interruption with interviewer/zoom]. Decided to pursue career in law in High School along with his three best friends who all decided their careers, Episcopal minister and executive at IBM. He still is best friends with them. Went to University of Rochester for Political Science, active in community. Career in Public Interest Law. Pre-law advisors at U of R. Admitted to all the schools he applied to. He chose Case Western Reserve in Ohio after visiting all the schools where he was accepted. While visiting Case Western, became aware that noted Civil Rights Attorney Fred Gray was a graduate of Case Western. Helped influence decision to go there. Summer jobs in law school, ACLU in Cleveland, worked for US Attorney's office in Cleveland, how our Constitution comes into play in everyday lives of people.

Keywords: Choice of Law; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Other Law Schools general; Role Models; Undergraduate Education; Value of Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; EDUCATION

Segment Synopsis: Relationships in law school. Participated in black student union organizations. Made friends he still has today. Formed a bond a with first year law students. At Case Western had RAW: Research Advocacy and Writing. 12 third year students mentor 12 first year students. Mentors in law school were supervisor at US Attorney's office, professors at law school: Owen Heggs, Lewis Katz, Bernard Adams. Open door policy and practical hands on guidance in school. Every law student needs that mentorship to understand the steps in the process. Returning to Buffalo to take NYS Bar Exam. Least favorite class was Tax. Did not feel the relevance. Federal Jurisdiction was favorite class. See how the Constitution is applied in people's lives. Job search was difficult. Wanted a career in Public Service. Hired by Ohio Attorney General's office for litigation in Columbus, OH. Had no job when he returned to Buffalo to take the Bar exam. Case Western Placement Office notified him he was awarded a Reggie Fellowship to work at Neighborhood Legal Services in Buffalo. Three offices: Lackawanna, Jefferson Ave., Niagara Street.

Keywords: Bar Admissions and Exams; Classes; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Other Law Schools general; Relationships

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; EDUCATION

Segment Synopsis: Judge Hugh Scott story: working at Neighborhood Legal Services in Housing services. Had a case that went to trial with 2 hours preparation. Because he took trial techniques in school, he went back and won the case. Hugh Scott called him several days later at the recommendation of Judge Sims and they met for lunch. Scott had just been named head of Attorney General's office and he was looking for young bright talented black lawyer. After several conversations, agreed to leave Neighborhood Legal Services to have a greater impact. He was immersed in litigation. Robert Abrams appointed him deputy assistant attorney general at large. Judge Scott's open door policy. Listened and then advised. Wise beyond his years. Judge Scott would summon Edmunds to correct his mistakes too. Mentor professionally and personally.

Keywords: Appointments; Legal Aid; Relationships; Scott, Hon. Hugh; US Attorney

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW

Segment Synopsis: Greatest professional achievement was becoming 116th president of the Bar Association of Erie County. Elected June 2001 and assumed office June 14, 2002. Huge moment for his family and the Bar. Diversity within the profession was still a major concern. Special task for minorities in the profession, focused on diversity issues and guaranteeing that students, young professionals were prepared for the opportunities. Minority Bar Association as a pipeline organization. Helping students become dedicated contributing members to our profession. UB Law is committed to effort to increase diversity. Filvaroff, Headrick, Hyman came to the table to represent the Law School's commitment to diversity which continues today.

Keywords: Bar Association; Ethnicity / Diversity; Greatest Achievement; Role Models; UB Law School

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Daughters were encouraged to pursue careers they were passionate about and fulfilling. Gives same advice to law students and young lawyers. The reward will balance out the long hours and commitment. Attorney wellness is very important to him. Balance in life and work. Advice? Make informed decisions. 1, 3, and 5 year goal plans. Richard Griffin's children said, "He always told them: Plan your work. Work your plan." Importance of a mentor for a young attorney. Find the best mentor you can. Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.