David C. Schopp ’82

Segment Synopsis: Introduction. Background, from Buffalo, grew up in Williamsville. Father was ophthalmologist, mother a nurse. Went to Nichols. Started at University of Rochester and finished his undergrad at UB with an English degree. Law School at UB. Worked in Buffalo whole life. Deep roots in WNY. Perceptions of attorneys, knew few. Parents friend was a corporate attorney at Philips Lytle. Never aspired to be an attorney. Parents pushed him to medical school. Decision to go to law school was his own. Parents were happy. He knew his skill set would be a good fit. Applied to several law schools. Got into 4 other law schools. Decided on UB, significantly more affordable. Law School was at Amherst Campus. About 250 in class. 3 sections. Camaraderie with students. Commuter student. Headrick was dean. Fondest memory is a clinic, where students went to Albion Correctional Facility. Met with inmate and talked legal issues. Led him to his interest in criminal defense and legal defense. Everybody is a person of value entitled to their rights and legal representation. Halpern was criminal law course professor. Favorite class was tax with Professor Joyce. Least favorite class was debtor creditor law with Marjorie Girth. Exposure to court room with Trial Technique and clerking for a matrimonial attorney during first year through his third year, tagging along. No Law Review.

Keywords: Amherst Campus; Choosing UB Law School; Class Composition; Classes; Family; Father; Law Faculty; Legal Clinic; Mother; Role Models; Undergraduate Education; Value of Education

Subjects: EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Academic success and legal success, affects initial employment opportunities. Has little connection whether an attorney is going to be successful in a career in public interest law. His experience hiring people for Legal Aid. Critical factor is passion and commitment to this type of work to help the client. Did not experience the mentorship in Law School. Has mentored UB students in his role as executive director for Legal Aid. Informal mentor in an adjunct professor he socialized with. Mentors in career opened doors to Legal Aid. Legal Aid was real first job as an attorney. Left in 1986, went to Lipsitz, Green and worked for Paul Cambria doing Appellate work. Decided to come back to Legal Aid in 1989. Summers he clerked full time for the matrimonial attorney. Law School was helpful in guiding him towards the type of employment which best suited him. Applied to postings but hard to get a position until you are admitted to practice.

Keywords: Academic vs. Career Success; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Law Firms; Legal Aid; Legal Community

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

Segment Synopsis: Greatest professional achievement is: 1. Role as Appellate attorney, 2. As Executive Director at Legal Aid. Case he handled that was complex murder prosecution involving multiple personality disorder, getting the case reversed. Proud of growth of Legal Aid under his directorship, expanded staff and areas of practice. Changes to professional opportunities for lawyers in Public Interest Law and New York State allocation funding supports positions. Issues of loan forgiveness of student loans for those who accept this type of work. Would choose the field of law again. Feels good about the work as a practicing attorney and with Legal Aid and the services they provide. Recommends to law students if they want something rewarding, Legal Services is that. Advice is to try to think about where you want to be 20 years down the road. Money matters but so does satisfaction. Once you've gone down a road for a very long time, it's hard to pick another road. There is something out there for every attorney. Has three mentees now and has UB interns, mostly from the law school, some paid, some unpaid. If he could change anything, would have the Law School campus in downtown Buffalo. Would choose the same schools and UB Law to apply to. Appreciates UB's approach to teaching. Closing.

Keywords: Advice; Choice of Law; Choosing UB Law School; Greatest Achievement; Legal Aid; Location; Significant Cases; UB Law School general

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE