2001 Edwin F. Jaeckle Award: James L. Magavern '59

Segment Synopsis: UB Law Alum. Assoc. Pres., Ernest Norman, welcomes luncheon attendees and announces James Magavern as this year's recipient of Edwin F. Jaeckle Award. Luncheon sponsored by Law School and Alumni Association. Criteria for Jaeckle Award: Must have had significant contact with UB Law School or be distinguished alumni. James Magavern has been adjunct professor for Law at UB and served the city of Buffalo, county of Erie, state of New York, the Philippines and South Korea. Norman introducing head table: (From left) Ilene Fleischmann, Exec. Dir. of UB Law Alumni; Dean Jacob Hyman; Hugh Scott, US Magistrate Judge; Hon. Anthony Masiello, Mayor; Dean Thomas Hedrick, former Dean of UB Law; Dean Nils Olsen; William Magavern; James Magavern; Hon. Eugene Pigott; Lynn Clarke; David Brock.

Olsen welcome: Thanks Mayor for coming. Pleasure to be associated with award named after Mr. Jaeckle. Olsen on Magavern: Pleasure to honor James Magavern as he honored UB Law school in so many ways. Olsen on Magavern: Knowing him as an extraordinary lawyer downtown, meeting him 11 years ago. Always available for readings, discussions and suggestions. More impressive James Magavern's willingness to engage his firm in this practice, i.e. provided access to office space. Olsen on Magavern: His work continues to this day, still willing to listen. Working with him on the city charter recasting. Olsen on Magavern: Gracious again to provide opportunities for students to work in the summer on independent study. Committed to intellect and public service. Olsen acknowledges the many Magaverns associated with UB Law School. James Magavern represents the very best of the tradition of the legal profession. Olsen on Magavern: Extraordinary intellectual, on policies and practice. He is a "lawyer's lawyer." Congratulations.

Keywords: Alumni Association; Jaeckle Award; Law Faculty; Law Firms; Mentors; Practitioners and Faculty; Relationship with UB Law; UB Law School general

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

Segment Synopsis: William Magavern gives more personal account on Jim, jokes of his sports attire and how he wooed his wife, Robin, and how he is example for his children, grandchildren and other lawyers. More personal remarks. Introducing family members. Has 2 guiding principles. One, avoid being paid for legal work whenever possible. Two, avoid receiving recognition for wisdom, leadership and accomplishments. Doesn't have to have the last word, usually has the right words for the best resolution of a problem. Takes time for others and works 7 days a week. William Magavern on James and Robin Magavern: Literally married the girl next door 46 years ago. Could not have accomplished what he does without her. With 4 children and 11 grandchildren their example will carry on for generations. Robin's career history and Uncle Frosty's family role. His first date with Robin. At 18 yrs old, he picked her up for a date in his '37 Ford with a live goat in the backseat. Sports attire distractingly worn and outdated. On the way out today to ceremony, Robin had to pin his sport coat. William Magavern on James and Robin Magavern: Children and grandchildren followed their example of service to others. Tutored grandson in science and social studies for 2 yrs, dedicating his time successfully leading and inspiring him to greater achievement. Work in the mid 1980s regarding central police services, academy training, and testing resulted in major gains for minority admissions to the Buffalo Police force. Helped create statewide model for ethics and functioning, structuring of finances for Buffalo General Hospital, chaired Buffalo City Charter revision commission resulting in many amendments to city charter. Designated as the top municipal lawyer in Erie County. In all their years growing up together they have never had a disagreement. James was a leader in their firm and has honored and elevated traditions. Latest role in the firm is new plan for Buffalo Zoo. Works tirelessly for family, law firm, the city of Buffalo and WNY.

Keywords: Career / Professional Experience; Children / Grandchildren; Community Service; Family; Greatest Achievement; Spouse

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; FAMILY HISTORY; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Norman: Introducing Anthony Masiello. Joking that the city of Buffalo is #1 in pro-bono work and that James Magavern cannot afford expensive clothes. Called on by Mayor Griffin to revise code of ethics because he is most ethical, and to meet design team for baseball stadium. Also called on to head equity and diversity department at Buffalo State College. Masiello called on James Magavern to be member of transition team and to head city charter revision committee. Did his work because it was the right thing to do, and succeeded because people respected him. Led us through difficult task of rebuilding public school system. Without his leadership, would not be in position they are in to begin first phase of investment. The best task master because he gets the most and the best out of people and from himself. Always focused, ahead of the game, knows when to lead and when to follow. Jaeckle Award going to an outstanding alumnus, professor and civil servant. He is a person of value and that is why he is a tremendous success.

Keywords: Career / Professional Experience; City of Buffalo; Jaeckle Award; Pro Bono

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Hyman on Magavern: Unable to think of anyone who approaches amount of professional contributions that James Magavern has other than John Lord O'Brian. Commenting on O'Brian's achievements. Pleased to pay respects to James Magavern. Was in one of his earlier classes and watched his career grow. Headrick on Hyman: Jack Hyman was the longest serving Dean of UB Law school and longest serving ex-dean ever. Longevity gives encouragement that there is life after deanship. Headrick's opinion of Magavern as an outstanding student, public servant, leader of the bar, force for reason and integrity, and a visionary. Headrick on Magavern: Jim and Robin inseparable. Has known them for over 25 years. Stories about Jim's heroics on canoe trips. Intuitively puts himself first. Headrick on Magavern: Story about hiking the hills in Boston. Followed a gas line along a trail into someone's backyard. Joke about implicit threat from owner and James Magavern's attempts to convince the owner that Magavern's party was not trespassing, being certain of his legal rights. Most of all, Headrick remembers enjoyment of conversations with Magavern. Jim and Robin's thoughtful reflective engagement with community and their open-mindedness, bring enlightenment and enjoyment to those around them. Headrick on Magavern: Law school honors both Jim and Robin, as parts of each other. Pleased to have opportunity to take part in this special day.

Keywords: Bar Association; Classes; Family; Hyman, Jacob; Jaeckle Award; Law Faculty; O'Brian, John Lord; Spouse; UB Law School general

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

Segment Synopsis: Dean Olsen presents 2001 Jaeckle Award to James L. Magavern, class of 1959. The highest honor the law school and law alumni can bestow, award recognizes outstanding contributions to law and society throughout distinguished career. Brought honor to the law school and legal profession. Thanks family and friends for gross exaggerations. Pro-bono work in Buffalo not intended that way. Magavern thanks Magavern and acknowledges Edwin Jaeckle as a long time hero who was an influential leader in state politics and controlled Buffalo and Erie County politics. Jaeckle created Erie County government as a regional government. Thanks those at event and fellow lawyers. Affection for field of law in part due to UB Law school, not to be exclusionary. Thanks fellow lawyers and professional colleagues, and particularly colleagues in his firm. Struggle to maintain traditions and medium sized firm. Always a pleasure to go to work. Robin, his wife, has not only contributed indispensively to his life, but has defined what has been good in his life. Words of appreciation for UB Law school. Had the good fortune of being immersed in the local practice downtown and watch Vincent Doyle and Harold Fahringer on homicide cases. Had professors who were great scholars and set high standards. Describes benefit of being immersed in local practice as well as the greater issues of the world. Jack Hyman's class in Constitutional Law opened eyes to fundamental issues of justice. UB Law always exhibited the combination of immersion in reality of the local community and wider perspectives. Today UB Law school is thriving thanks to leadership and faculty. On the local level, the school has affordable housing and domestic violence clinics, Buffalo River project, and courtroom on campus that will give students first hand experience. UB Law has interdisciplinary professors and joint degree programs that open broader issues of the world. UB Law school participates in the community, trains good lawyers, and gives opportunity to participate in the great issues of the world, issues of justice and the law. Thanks all of those that make the law school what it is and those that are striving. Closing statement from UB Law Alumni Assoc. Pres. Thank you for attending.

Keywords: Alumni Association; Classes; Contributions; Family; Hyman, Jacob; Jaeckle Award; Jaeckle, Edwin; Law Firms; Law Professor; Practitioners and Faculty; Pro Bono; Relationship with UB Law; Reputation; UB Law School general

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