Hon. Lisa Bloch Rodwin '85

Segment Synopsis: Douglas College, part of Rutgers, women's college. Applied to 'seven sisters' schools; told get a car and go to Douglas or go to Vassar or Smith and take out loans, chose the car. Two sister, parents were educators, emphasis on community service. Decision to go to law school, moved to Buffalo 1979, urban planner with 78 Restoration in Masten District. Jimmy Griffin was mayor and animosity towards the work. UB great school. Blessed with friends from law school. Parents Law School Association. Changes with women in criminal litigation, only allowed to wear suits, judges were biased against women, faced denigration, DA Arcara and Dillon still hired female lawyers. Women were better prepared, stronger and more focused. Changes in family violence cases from 1980-1990s to now. Loved Moot Court, Appellate Advocacy. Spent 5 years in Appeals. Moved to Canada fro 2 years. Moved back to Buffalo and became a trial lawyer with DA. Started domestic violence bureau.

Keywords: Choosing UB Law School; Family; Moot Court; Undergraduate Education; Women and Gender

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; CAREER: LEGAL; EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; GENDER

Segment Synopsis: Dean was Tom Headrick. Remembers early UB Amherst campus. Remembers feeling overwhelmed, studying in a carrel, photo of early class and would look at Justice Desmond's look of determination in the class. Fondest law school memory was moot court competitions, enthusiasm of Schlegel. No clinic experience, no courtroom, learned on the job. Academic vs. career success. Skills she learned at law school used to change laws. Learned to think on her feet and express herself, use the law to accomplish change. Mentors? No. Not much support for moms. Women's Bar was just starting. Got support from other law student moms. Decided to become a judge after starting domestic violence bureau. Quit UB Law? Law professor told her she would never have a great legal mind. Decided to prove him wrong.

Keywords: Academic vs. Career Success; Amherst Campus; Deans; Fondest Memory; Mentors; UB Academic Advisors; UB Law School general; Women and Gender

Subjects: UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW: GENDER

Segment Synopsis: Summer: Attorney General's office; clerkship at DA's office, amazing opportunity. Practice of law changes: mostly positive. Criminal and family law more responsive to human needs, more service to victims. Negative changes, now at mercy of 24/7 demand from clients. Interviewed with Jack Frizell who told her evenings and weekends were off. Not true today, personal time away from practice is harder. Anecdote of gender discrimination in her practice from a judge in open court. Teacher if not a lawyer, high school social studies. Channels love of teaching and lectures regularly. Two sons, one a lawyer, doing civil and human rights law. Other son a doctor. Advice? Find mentors! Collegiality in the profession. Not being prepared bothers her in her court. How did she come to this work? Had opportunities and grabbed them, tried to change system. Passionate about her work, wants to help people.

Keywords: Career / Gender; Discrimination / Prejudice; Practice; Women and Gender

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