Marilyn Tebor Shaw '79

Segment Synopsis: Tebor-Shaw was born in Rochester, NY. Her parents were both accountants and self-employed. Her grandmother lived with them too, and it was a multilingual household. She went to the local public schools, and her volunteer work began in the 7th grade as a tutor. Volunteering was always a priority for her and her parents. She graduated from Brighton High School after three years, then worked for a year to earn money for college. She went to Cornell for college, then UB for law school. She didn't know it at the time, but the school offered a huge commitment to social justice, which was a passion for Shaw. UB meshed well with the experience at Cornell, because they were both very diverse and passionate about their work.

Keywords: Choosing UB Law School; Community Involvement; Community Service; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Family; Father; Legal Education; Mother; UB Admission; UB Preparation; Undergraduate Education; Value of Education

Subjects: EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY

Segment Synopsis: Tabor Shaw served on the Law Review and found it to be very stimulating to look at law from a scholarly point-of-view. She regrets not submitting an article in the Law Review, when she left for Georgetown during her third year. She believes that law school really shaped her life and forced her into some sacrifices. But, it prepared her for her future jobs, starting with Leboeuf Lamb. UB was a positive experience and she felt completely prepared to complete the work assigned. Finding jobs after law school was never too difficult for her.

Keywords: Academic vs. Career Success; Buffalo Law Review; Career / Early; Career / Professional Experience; Experience as Student; UB Preparation; Value of Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Tebor Shaw made a career shift from a private practice to the National Gallery of Art. Rochester tends to be a close community and her mother introduced her to a woman named Liz, who was a lawyer within the National Gallery. She was offered a 6 month consultant job and accepted it (and at this time she had three children under the age of five). After a couple more years, the same position became available again.

Keywords: Career / Early; Children / Grandchildren; Continuing Role; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Practice

Subjects: CAREER: EARLY; CAREER: GENDER; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Tebor Shaw's grandmother and father came to America with nothing and lived in a tenement. Her grandmother said to her son, to go to DC to work and make money when you can, but accept that it comes and goes. That value of money has influenced Tebor Shaw by being independent and self-employed. It allowed her to walk away from a Wall Street Firm at the age of 29 and open a practice with a partner. She helped people and businesses navigate the legal terrain. Her ability and decision to place value on work over money, helped propel her career happily.

Keywords: Career; Career / Professional Experience; Character and Values; Expectations; Grandparents; Law Firms; Practice; Values

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

Segment Synopsis: Tebor Shaw's greatest professional achievement of practicing law came during her time in Ithaca. She helped someone pro bono and saved a family from foreclosure. No one believed the work could be done, but she saved the family's home and potential bankruptcy. Her philosophy is that we're all here to help each other. It is a privilege and honor to practice law and be in trust of the welfare of other people.

Keywords: Character and Values; Community Involvement; Contributions; Greatest Achievement; Pro Bono

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Tebor Shaw's community service began in the 7th grade and hasn't let up since. One of her favorite community service experiences was working at the YWCA. She served there as a board member and worked with people of color to advance their economic opportunities. Also, she went to Kenya and worked on the board of trustees and legal council for the Nomadic Kenyan Children's Educational Fund (NKCEF). Additionally, she would give out books, scholarships, and computers on tours there. She volunteered there for a multitude of reasons and created drastic changes for children there. Her philanthropy and volunteerism affects her professional life by carrying those values into every case and person she deals with. She seeks fairness and justice, and this volunteer work helps propel her strong, genuine motives.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Community Involvement; Community Service; Contributions; Greatest Achievement; Teaching Law; Volunteer

Subjects: EDUCATION; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: If she were giving advice to someone graduating law school, she would say that you can do anything you wish in the world with your fine legal education. It's important to play your part, follow your instincts, and don't worry about what others are doing. She'd also like to emphasize the importance of family. We receive characteristics and values from our family and we spread them to our children. It's important to keep it close to you and follow that truth.

Keywords: Advice; Character and Values; Discovery Rule; Distinction; Expectations; Family; Legal Education; Values

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING