Hon. Ann T. Mikoll '54

Segment Synopsis: Introduction. Satisfied with accomplishments in career; lack of opportunities for women; led the way for other women, satisfied with women practicing law. Women in appellate level work; began practice in 1954 and appointed in 1957 to City Court bench, accomplishment at the time; one of two women on the bench Judge Madge Taggart, hard fought for party endorsement. Overview of "historic accident"--active in Democratic party, seen by Dean Lawless former professor, won top prize in his class; worked under him in corporation counsel office; work in city court--increased visibility; Mayor appoints her to bench on leaving office. Protest and politics involved; Sedita model. Mayor reflecting on career decides a women should be on City Court bench. Mikoll high profile, coverage in media in court work; shocked by offer, 27 years old, takes opportunity to become more known--asset for a lawyer. Accepts offer. Furor over appointment; Bar protests leads to "Mikoll amendment" drafted requiring a certain number of years practice before eligible for appointment. Liked by the public. Emulates Frank Sedita as a model, attitude and style. People take to her, fresh face, representing a new area; Party bosses ran elections, had to give OK. Democratic chairman decides not a bad thing if she runs. Party chairman gives party endorsement; exciting time in career; set a precedent.

Keywords: Appointments; Bar Admissions and Exams; Bench; Career / Gender; Discrimination / Prejudice; Elections; Elections / Political History; Gender; Judiciary; Lawless, William; Role Models; Satisfaction; Sedita Model; Sedita, Frank; Taggart, Madge; Women and Gender

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER

Partial Transcript: "One's attitude in life predetermines one's success..."

Segment Synopsis: Party chairman gives party endorsement; exciting time in career; set a precedent. Lawyer role models? Uncle was lawyer, lived in Europe. Father newspaperman, mother homemaker, siblings educated but not in law; youngest child of 6 by 20 years; Reading important influence. Admired profession; told everyone at 14 she wanted to be a lawyer; never regretted choice. Mother, father born in Europe; siblings older and only family here; Attended St. Stanislaus; Villa Maria Academy HS and UB; had several scholarship offers from private parochial schools, wanted broader experiences. Interviewer synthesis of statements; choosing male dominated profession; "One's attitude in life predetermines one's success..." Husband served in Korea; He was a lawyer too; good partner and husband; gave good advice.

Keywords: Choice of Law; Choosing UB Law School; Ethnicity / Diversity; Family; Occupations; Primary / Secondary School; Role Models; Spouse; Value of Education; Values; Women and Gender

Subjects: FAMILY HISTORY; GENDER

Segment Synopsis: Other anchor points throughout career? After 5-6 years on city court bench, asked to run for supreme court; Bertie Amsterdam only other woman to serve on NYS Supreme Court; Crangle asks Mikoll to run last minute, she wants to wait; no lead time into race; Agrees to run with stipulation that she can run again in the future on her own terms. Loses first race. Approached party to run for Supreme Court in 1970 when she was ready; wins in 1971. [Long interviewer comment]; People confused US Supreme Court with NYS Supreme Court, wins against incumbent; good timing, time for courts to open up for women, benefits from that. Elected first woman outside of NYC to bench; considers highlight of career; Good campaigner--Sedita model. 1985 incumbent and ran a contested race, others lacked credentials; painful experience; Opponent well-connected with media; campaigned successfully. Felt Judicial nominating system should be more open, run a primary; committee decides now

Keywords: Accomplishments; Advice; Crangle, Joe; Elections; Elections / Political History; Gender; Greatest Achievement; NYS Supreme Court; Women and Gender

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Partial Transcript: "Never comment without a period of reflection."

Segment Synopsis: Appellate division judge role of judiciary: rare and unique experience; all appeals go to it; final word on the law in NYS; better balance the bench the better it serves; personal prejudices and bias. Appellate Division in Albany, first woman; research department male dominated; three women on the bench when she left; research department 70-80% women today; old boy network; unknown quantity; faced gender bias, considered too liberal. Better contributions was in field of criminal law; interview by LEGAL DEFENDER (newspaper) considered a jewel in eyes of defenders, saw herself as upholding rights of those less fortunate. After leaving a researcher contacted her regarding a dissent that reversed court's judgement; judgement had to do with identification. Other Democrats on bench? One other, Mahoney; procedure vote around the table, comment made she votes with heart not mind; she argues logic, senior associate agrees; dissenter asks to table; Gender bias, stereotyping of women. Never lose cool no matter how irritating the situation; phrase to live by? Husband said, "Never comment without a period of reflection." Don't embarrass yourself in public; 42 years on the bench, never a missed step.

Keywords: Advice; Bench; Contributions; Criminal Law; Discrimination / Prejudice; Elections / Political History; Gender; Judiciary; Laws; Women and Gender

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER

Segment Synopsis: Outpouring of support from lawyers in WNY for not getting endorsement; New faces, stronger people on the bench; does not believe in service after 70; asked to do other things, is contemplating her options after a sabbatical. She is exception to colleagues; most sit on bench until 76 years of age.; Old judge on the bench in appellate division on last extension, cantankerous, against social programs for needy. Had intended of leaving practice early to go into practice with her husband; Interests outside the law: education; community; arts supporter; personal interests include golf, gardening, travel.

Keywords: Career / Professional Experience; Community Involvement; Elections; Judiciary; NYS Supreme Court; Peers; Retirement

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; CAREER: LEGAL; PERSONAL ISSUES

Segment Synopsis: Advice? Emphasizes challenges of profession, lower pay; more personal satisfaction in service; retain priciples--honesty, interest and enthusiasm. Go to UB Law School, fine institution; Impact of UB on life: speculative but feels UB was good preparation and stayed where her roots were; grounded in the community. School had a great intimacy, small, rapport with teachers and students; proud of UB accomplishments, ranking against other schools. Eagle Street recounts some class rooms, court rooms, lecture halls.

Keywords: Advice; Career / Professional Experience; Choosing UB Law School; Classes; Eagle Street Campus; Intellectual Tradition; Reputation; Student Culture; UB Law School general; UB Preparation

Subjects: UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS