Hon. Judith J. Gische '80

Segment Synopsis: Introduction. Associate Justice, Appellate Division, 1st Dept. Manhattan. Born in Queens, NY Working class family, mother bookkeeper, father in garment industry, sister in Buffalo. Undergrad, 2 years at Queens College and then to UB for philosophy. Decision to go to law school, analytical rigor, seemed natural progression. Met her husband and many friends she still has today. UB School of Law had 50% women and non-traditional students. Louis Del Cotto favorite professor. Worked for Grace Blumberg, family law and did some matrimonial law. Summer work study with Blumberg, small law firms. Has students work for her now but has no budget to pay them and limits them to 15 hours a week. Took Bar and lived with her parents, took hourly work doing discovery, landed first job at pool court attorney at Appellate division in Albany. Story of being interviewed with large firm by a partner for a blue sky law position and told she would never move from that department or make partner. Women not given same opportunities. She took the Appellate job in Albany instead. After working 3rd Division, went to a small firm doing commercial litigation. She is pregnant and on a case that took longer than anticipated. Asked to adjourn for 3 month maternity leave, denied. Appeared on cover of Law Journal about this. She remained as consult on case. Changes in profession for lawyers to deal with child care.

Keywords: Career / Gender; Choosing UB Law School; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Family; Father; Law School / Gender; Mother; NYS Court of Appeals; Undergraduate Education; Women and Gender

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

Segment Synopsis: Professional achievement, blessed by her opportunities and current position. Something others don't know? Loves movies. Dr. Zhivago favorite movie. Would have liked engineering, good in science and math. Describe herself: compassionate, empathetic, analytic, logical, rational, kind and loving. Relationship with UB Law, ambassador for UB, Buffalo. Married Steven Schurkman, two sons, one grad of UB Law. How she met her husband, friends first, mutual friends. Finding a familiar face when she entered law school. Advice? Find your path in the law. Work hard to find position that is rewarding to you. Network. Join Bar Association. Get involved. Meet other lawyers.

Keywords: Advice; Family; Greatest Achievement; Relationship with UB Law

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE