Jodyann Galvin '98

Segment Synopsis: Introduction, grew up in West Seneca with parents and brother. Father was a Buffalo Police officer who worked his way up to eventually becoming deputy commissioner. Mom was stay at home until kids were in high school. Can't say her exposure to law enforcement drew her to a legal career. Undergraduate at Hamilton College thinking she would be an English professor. Graduates from Hamilton 1992, moves back in with parents. Takes a job with Buffalo Museum of Science, studied for LSAT on lunch breaks. Took a position with the Bar Association of Erie County, learned about lawyers. Applied to a few schools, UB was first choice. UB Law Alumni she met were enthusiastic about the school. First impression of UB: overwhelmed by the large university. Having the Law School in an isolated silo on the larger campus, knew that this was her place. Immersion in first year class. Procedure geek, loved Civil Procedure. Liked the reading. Liked the rigor of reading for classes, figuring out substantive input and how to digest it and being with her classmates was her favorite part of first year. Choosing area of practice. Knew after first year she wanted private practice. Interned at U.S. Attorneys Office Western District liked Civil aspect. Course load was mostly transactional classes, thought she would be transactional lawyer. As a summer associate, knew transactional practice was not for her. As a 3L decided to be a litigator. Retooled her schedule added trial technique and an advanced evidence class. Struggled with public speaking skills. Community service, friends involved with BPILP (Buffalo Public Interest Law Program). Working part time during law school. Firm supports community events. At a dinner for Buffalo Prep, something motivated her to get involved. Been at Hodgson Russ her entire career.

Keywords: Choice of Law; Class Composition; Classes; Community Involvement; Community Service; Family; Father; LSAT; Law Firms; Mother; Practice; Undergraduate Education

Subjects: EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Legal practice, work life balance, involvement in the community. Did not juggle well with an all in or all out mentality. First non-profit board membership did not go well for her or for organization. Work took precedence. Became a donor, not of time but money until she could do the service. Story of being late to a board meeting and her child was sick, recognized she needed to step away. Later looks for ways to contribute and becomes involved with Buffalo Prep through a colleague. Career was growing, becoming more evolved as a lawyer, first chair on a number of cases. 'Toolbox' of skills her time at UB gave her. Research and writing. Applying her skills to community service and legal career. UB provides opportunity to try things. Astounded how lawyers are treated on non-profits. All legal questions go to them even if it isn't their area of expertise. Taught her exercise of judgment and who you are talking to. UB provided strong foundation of confidence for job search and as a lawyer. Classmates helped with her confidence. UB's reach beyond WNY.

Keywords: Caliber of Students; Community Involvement; Community Service; Practice; Student Culture; Value of Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; GENDER; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Partial Transcript: If you don't drop into bed exhausted at night, you haven't made the most of the day.

Segment Synopsis: UB's reach beyond WNY. Good school, good area, good city, should be more national, appropriate. Would like to keep lawyers here. Increasing level of community service involvement. Finding worthy causes and ways to give back. Created a personal mission on how she would give back. Focused on underserved communities with an interest in education. Allocation of resources, advocacy work, providing access to education. Personal involvement with Discover Law. Evolved into an educational advocate. Most fulfilling aspect is hearing again from someone who was helped. Benefitted from strong mentors. Loves children. Direct impact of community service with constituents, kids. Advice? "If you don't drop into bed exhausted at night, you haven't made the most of the day." Service to the community does not be come a burden but becomes a reward.

Keywords: Advice; Community Involvement; Community Service; Continuing Role; Relationship with UB Law; Reputation

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS