James M. Nesper ’55

Segment Synopsis: Background. Mother went to UB, was a librarian. He went to Amherst HS. UB was affordable. Perceptions of lawyers? Didn't know any. Undergrad in business at UB, girlfriend, now wife, suggested law school. Worked most of the time. Eagle Street Campus, started in 1952. About 170 first year. 4 women. Law School configuration, declining class sizes. 2 out of 5 left at end. Dean Hyman taught Constitutional Law. Struggle to get through. Al Mugel was humorous. Clyde Summers was excellent teacher. Academic success didn't guarantee professional success. Law School challenges prepare for practice. Story of taking a local government course, had to interview municipal legal counsel. 2 hour interview. Got a clerk offer from that. Davis, McGelvin, & Potter firm. Delivered milk in summers. Drafted after law School, served 2 years. Lee Davis offers him deputy town attorney.

Keywords: Academic vs. Career Success; Attrition; Choosing UB Law School; Eagle Street Campus; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Government jobs; Hyman, Jacob; Law Firms; Mugel, Albert; Summers, Clyde; Undergraduate Education; Value of Education; Women

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; EDUCATION; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW FACULTY

Segment Synopsis: Story of University of Buffalo coming to Town of Amherst was surprise to Town Board. Rockefeller dropped surprise. Development corporation wants to build housing. 2 School districts involved. State would not fund UDC had to operate in the marketplace. Program never materialized. Plus wetlands law. Had to deal with this as town attorney. Very interesting experience. Finally retired after 35 years. Stature in community. Represented a lot of government work. Granddaughter just admitted to bar, do best you can, work hard, be honest.

Keywords: Amherst Campus; Government jobs; Rockefeller

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE