Hon. William M. Skretny

Segment Synopsis: Skretny has one younger sister, and his parents are deceased. His dad was a city worker and for the most part drove a city plow, and his mother was a stay-at-home mom. Growing up in the 1960s, his perception of lawyers was very limited. He didn't know any lawyers growing up, and it only changed when he went to college. He graduated from Canisius College then went to Howard Law School, then graduate law school at NorthWestern in Chicago; he picked Howard because he was offered a scholarship. He recalls that most people were surprised to see him there. It was an amazing experience from day 1, and he met a lot of scholars and women studying there. There were a lot of issues in politics at the time, so there weren't many easy tasks.

Keywords: Canisius College; Education/Early; Family; Father; Law School History; Other Law Schools general; Perceptions; Undergraduate Education

Subjects: EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; LAW

Segment Synopsis: When Skretny left Northwestern, he was invited to work at the United States Attorney's Office in Chicago. He was in the office during the Black Panther Case. He worked with prosecution for 3 years in Chicago, appellate work, and he was very active in trial criminal cases. He had a broad range of experience. After some time, Skretny was offered a position in Buffalo.

Keywords: Career / Early; Career / Professional Experience; City of Buffalo; Criminal Law; Expectations; Prosecution; Significant Cases; US Attorney

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Skretny considered quitting at Howard because he found it to be socially and academically challenging. He stuck it out, and everything ended up okay. His roommate in law school is his closest friend, and he periodically visits his law school classmates. Law practice influenced his whole life. He learned a practical definition of respect because law made the society what it is today. He believes that law impacts his relationships because they're the product of analysis, experience, and respect. Skretny treasures loyalty, friendship, and reciprocity. If he had to do it over again, he would hands-down practice law.

Keywords: Character and Values; Choice of Law; Law Classmates; Law Courses; Law Firms; Practice; Practitioners and Faculty; Quit; Reflection; Values

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; FAMILY; LAW; PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Skretny's advice to lawyers is that: 1. Don't hesitate to challenge the status quo, because sometimes it isn't always right. Your results will be positive if you challenge what you believe in. 2. "Don't ever wish for anything you are not. Be and do what you are perfectly."

Keywords: Advice; Being a Lawyer; Reflection

Subjects: LAW; PERSONAL ISSUES; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: Skretny was a local prosecutor for the district attorney, and he was asked that year to run for Erie County district attorney. After consulting with his family, he decided to run. He lost by the largest margin ever to someone who he is still friends with. After losing and returning to private practice, he was called by the republican party chairman and was asked to throw his hat in the ring for the position of federal judge. That offer made him competitive, and eventually worked out. It was a delight to take this opportunity. If he had to choose a different profession, he would pick something with a different discipline. He loves creativity and the ability to think in an unusual fashion. He might pick philanthropy because he understands how to make an impact within others needs. If he had to describe himself in ten words or less, he'd say: serious, wacky, trustworthy, loyal, and loving.

Keywords: Academic vs. Career Success; Being a Lawyer; Career / Professional Experience; Choice of Law; Distinction; Elections; Likes; Personality; US Attorney

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE