Hon. Mary Ann Killeen '52

Segment Synopsis: Oldest, three brother, deceased, mother was nurse for Dr. Burke,a clinic on Main Street, father was attorney worked for great uncle Penny, Killeen and Nigh, then became partner with Sherman, Goldring, Weisman and Killeen. Father went to UB Law School and graduated 1915? She went to St. Mary's Seminar on corner of North and Franklin, then Trinity College for BA and started UB. Had a cousin and friend near DC, went back to school and worked for Justice Department. Mother supported her. Parents paid first year, then she had to drop out for a year in 1949 to manage father's law firm in Ellicott Square Building. Dean Hyman offered her pay her way. One woman in law school who had not gone to college, could not take bar exam. Professors were good. Some students felt she didn't belong in law school, didn't talk in class. Lenhoff friend of family, Hyman, Summers. Worked at father's office, also Monroe Abstract Title Co. while in law school. Did title work after law school for Kennefick Cook in 1952. Represented people before Common Council and City Court. In early 70's accepted Democratic nomination for Family Court Judge, served for 22 years. Main cases were juvenile delinquent. Married to lawyer who worked for Walter Mahoney. Satisfaction was from feeling of accomplishment. Did not have volunteer lawyers in 1950s like today. Did volunteer service after retirement, made quilts, watercolor lessons from Robert Blair.

Keywords: Career / Gender; Elections / Political History; Family; Family Court; Law Firms; Law School / Gender; Undergraduate Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; FAMILY HISTORY; PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW: GENDER