Hon. Lenora B. Foote Beavers '97

Segment Synopsis: Introduction and family background, moved from East Side to Williamsville for a better education. Mother was first African American head nurse at Millard Fillmore Suburban when it opened in 1974. Saw parents breaking glass ceilings so it gave her motivation to do the same. Father was a manager at Texas Instruments. College was interesting. Got pregnant her first year, had her son and continued school with the help of community service type organizations. Why she feels the need to be involved and give back today. Kids are 31 and 23. Younger son helps with her campaigns as social media manager. First school was at ECC in paralegal department. Encouraged to go to law school. Accepted to Canisius with a partial scholarship. Takes LSAT and applies to UB, Newell was dean of admissions. Began law school in 1994 and found support with other parents/non-traditional students. Diverse class, split men and women. Class camaraderie that holds on today. Social life in law school and socializing with kids. Nils Olson was dean. Classes and focus on family law. Susan Mangold and Suzanne Thompkins were main professors in that certificate program. Working in family court. Got involved with the Alumni Association through minority bar association and mentoring program. Interned with Judge Ogden while pregnant with second child. Ogden pushed her and is still a mentor.

Keywords: Alumni Association; Children / Grandchildren; Choosing UB Law School; Class Composition; Classes; Ethnicity / Diversity; Father; Gender; Law Professor; Mentors; Mother; Undergraduate Education; Value of Education

Subjects: FAMILY HISTORY; UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW: GENDER

Segment Synopsis: First job at Cigna Insurance when she was hired by the city of Buffalo for the Save Our Streets program, a federally funded program and worked closely with Denise O'Donnell who was US Attorney for Western District. Focused on drug activity and residential properties asset forfeiture to low income families to turn neighborhood around. Masiello hires her for position in Corporation Counsel for Housing court. Natural progression for her career. Represented Common Council and then Mayor Brown, promoted to General Counsel for Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency. Goes to Family Court for 10 years as a support magistrate. Moves up to Appellate Division as executive assistant in Judge Whalen's Fouth Department. Buffalo chamber offices in Larkin Building. Loved all her positions and the opportunity to give back to community and families. Mother recently passed away. She would be so proud. Champion for the City of Buffalo. Believes Law School helped develop passion for community service as a public law school. Involvement with the Alumni Association, president and on board 13 or 14 years. Work of Alumni Association. Would like to see more law students doing service in community. More diversity, more ideas. Loves to travel for fun, also exercise, play flute and was a music major originally. Likes to have a good time and is serious about making changes in community. Attorneys have an obligation to those coming after and those in the community right now. Diversity in the legal community to look like the community being served. Change Buffalo? Weather. Perceptions of Buffalo. Campaign for City Court judge and what she can do from that position to help people. Honored to receive the Community Service Award from the Alumni Association.

Keywords: Alumni Association; Buffalo History; Career / Professional Experience; City of Buffalo; Community Involvement; Community Service; Elections / Political History; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Ethnicity / Diversity; Legal Community; NYS Court of Appeals

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL