Hon. Craig D. Hannah '95

Segment Synopsis: He grew up in the east side of Buffalo with six siblings. He's the youngest child, with a six-year age difference. His father passed away when he was young, so his mother supported the family. He was encouraged strongly to go to school and stay out of trouble. Since his mother worked hard, he relied on neighbors and community members for some social assistance: he loved his community. There was nonstop drug activity where grew up and he thought it was an universal norm, so everyone was surprised when he pursued a career in law. The best part of growing up was seeing his mother work so hard, and develop an idea of a work ethic.

Keywords: Childhood; City of Buffalo; Community Involvement; Family; Mother; Siblings; Social Life; Work Ethic

Subjects: FAMILY HISTORY; LEARNING; PERSONAL ISSUES

Segment Synopsis: When he was in his early years, he was a class clown in school. As he got older, he began to work hard. A gym teacher in class took interest in him and would note his accomplishments. He was grateful for his time with he coach because he really cared. Once at the University at Buffalo, he studied abroad and got in trouble with drug use. He realized then that he needed to get his life together and stay clean, so he went home and did so. Everyone has hardships in their lives, and its a reason why he commits so much time to UB law. He feels as though it changed him as a person and he wants to continuously give back.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Drug Laws; Drug Usage; Expectations; High School; Mentors; Relationship with UB Law; UB; UB Law School general

Subjects: EDUCATION; PERSONAL ISSUES; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: He went to law school because he didn't want to get a job after college. His mother would have cut him off if he didn't do something productive after school. He had a friend that lived nearby who went to UB for law school, so he sought him out for career advice. At the time, he wasn't put together well enough so he fixed his appearance and went back. Once his braids and earrings were out, he was deemed serious and professional enough. His friend helped him write opening statements and introduced him to the staff. The moral of the story was that, no one will take you seriously in law school if you aren't put together. His support system is strong and he is still involved in the community that he grew up in. For example, he visited his old frat because they are still connected. He lived in north buffalo and he still goes to the same restaurants, clubs, churches, etc. As a law student, he was afraid and intimidated. He learned slower than others and felt like he had to work harder than others. Still though, he graduated early. The skills he learned at UB were invaluable and was the best decision he has ever made.

Keywords: Choosing UB Law School; Community Involvement; Expectations; Experience as Student; Graduaion; Social Life; Student Culture; Study Habits; UB; UB Preparation

Subjects: EDUCATION; EXPECTATIONS; LAW; PERSONAL ISSUES; UB LAW AS A STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: He was a part of the student government, the minority law student association president, and a member of mock trial, moot court, and trial technique. The last being the most beneficial. Up until two years ago, he kept using the same trial techniques for work. Practical help is the most influential in school. He had a lot of professors that he loved at school, and he didn't understand all the talent until after. He found the staff to be welcoming, warm, and always helpful. When he chose UB, it was known as the "poor man's Harvard". In school, he thought he was going to be a civil rights attorney in regards to personal injury.

Keywords: Faculty / Professors; Moot Court; Other Law Schools general; Relationship with UB Law; Trial Practice; UB; Undergraduate Education

Subjects: LAW; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: He got a job in the DA's office after law school, and even though people might say it's an entry-level job, he knew it wasn't. He learned so much about practice and trial work, that after two years he left. Different forms of experience will give you exponential, invaluable practice. There were multiple role models at the district attorney's office.
After that job, he worked in a corporations councils office (cases in federal and state court). Then, a hearing examiner for the city of buffalo, He also worked in private practice, taught students, and more. He is currently on his seventh or eighth job post law school.

Keywords: Career / Early; Career / Professional Experience; District Attorney; First Job; Mentors

Subjects: LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: He had a lot of work going for him before he became a judge, but someone told him he should and he considered it. The idea was a shock to him at the start because he always pictured judges to be old (at the time he was 35). He really tries to teach the citizens he works with so he can make a long-term difference.
The Intervention Court that he is involved in started last May, 2019. This drug/wellness program assisted many struggling addicts. He tries to instill hope in those that need his help. Habit, consistency, and reflection on past mistakes is what keeps him clean, and he abides by his values.

Keywords: Associations / Societies; Career / Professional Experience; Character and Values; Community Involvement; Drug Laws; Expectations; Judge; Reflection; Value of Education; Values

Subjects: LAW; PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: As a nation, we have an opioid problem and a lot of it is due to prescribed addiction. People go to doctors with blind faith and trust pills that can become addictive. Being over-prescribed or not educated correctly can cause these issues to rise, and his job tries to bring awareness to citizens. It is accurate to call this a national emergency because overdosing issues are becoming more and more prevalent. Right now, he is focusing on helping the bottom tier of society through his Intervention Relief program.

Keywords: Character and Values; Community Service; Drug Laws; Expectations; Practice; Safety; Value of Education; Values

Subjects: LAW; PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: He has been active in the alumni and the minority bar association. He admires his loved ones and professors that have taught him all his life, because he thinks education is a priceless gift. There weren't many other African American males at UB and work, but he always felt welcomed.

Keywords: Community Service; Service

Subjects: LAW; PERSONAL ISSUES; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: His wife grew up around the corner from him, but she didn't know him until he was grown up. Also, he currently works at the high school he went to, so they both value education heavily. He has a daughter, Taylor, and will be 13 this year. She is into arts much more so than science or law studies.
Advice he likes to give is, find an internship that you can use for experience. You won't know what you like until you try out different jobs.

Keywords: Advice; Character and Values; Children / Grandchildren; Family; Reflection; Value of Education; Wife

Subjects: FAMILY HISTORY; PERSONAL ISSUES

Segment Synopsis: He likes the enthusiasm and vigor that law students have, but they definitely are naive. Students now are growing up with more and more technology, and he feels as though they need to live a bit more. Arrogance and judgmental quality shine through when some students graduate. Also, it's okay to ask for help!
If he didn't pick law for his studies, he thinks he would have become a teacher. Outside of work, he spends a lot of time with his family and likes to do what they enjoy: he travels, goes to the movies, skis, etc. Overall, he likes to balance out his work and personal life.

Keywords: Advice; Caliber of Students; Expectations; Law Students; Skills; Value of Education

Subjects: PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING