Nicole C. Lee '02

Segment Synopsis: Grew up in North Buffalo, went to Buffalo Seminary, SUNY Buffalo undergrad History major with Women's Studies minor, UB Law School. Always wanted to work in International human rights, told to be a lawyer. Was interested in theater. Wanted to work abroad and in human rights. Didn't know any lawyers. Mother is a minister. First year as a law student not exciting, while taking Women Studies courses. Internship in South Africa 2nd year summer, suing DeBeers on a toxic tort, needed refreshed on basics for tort, importance of the law school foundation for her human rights causes. Favorite classes: Public International Law, International Business Transactions. Favorite profs: Bert and Amy Westbrook and Makau and Athena Matua. Jessup Moot Court competition, went to International rounds in Washington DC. Theater background helps. Law Review? Law School means to end for her, avoided competitive activities. 1st summer internship in deputy's speaker office with Arthur Eve's office. Worked on Bill Clinton campaign. Still works on domestic politics human rights.

Keywords: Choice of Law; Choosing UB Law School; Deans; Family; Graduate / Professional Training; Internships; Law Professor; Moot Court; Undergraduate Education

Subjects: EDUCATION; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Started third year without an offer from a firm. Had to find a job after graduation. Irwin Stotzky visiting professor from U of Miami Law School. She was Human Rights Fellow and spent time with him. Found a job in Haiti he helped to secure. Moved to Port Au Prince. Help Haitian justice system. Military and para-military massacre case. Rape and sexual assault as a weapon of war. Talked to American Congressional people to educate them on the issues. Doing what she loved and missing life in the States. Classmates thought she was crazy. Issues of being a person of color. Coup in Haiti, asked to leave. Work was undone there. Back in States, asked to Hill to talk on Haiti, counseled members on issues. TransAfrica organization, appointed to lead year after, 2006, for 9 years. Highlights of those years, proudest personal accomplishment.

Keywords: Career / Early; Career / Gender; Career / Professional Experience; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Legal Topics

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Took sabbatical to be with children. Shootings of people of color. Live Stream of Ferguson, MO. Made the connection of police there with other countries' violations. No human rights frame of police violations. Documenting violations of human rights by police and providing information to Congress. DOJ reinforced their report. SUNY Buffalo and teaching bridge class in DC to introduce and connect students in human rights issues. Advice? Don't go with the flow, follow hopes and dreams. Don't be bored.

Keywords: Career / Professional Experience; Relationship with UB Law

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING