Hon. Michael A. Telesca '55

Segment Synopsis: He is a life-long resident of Rochester and went to school there. He graduated from UB law school in 1955. His parents were illiterate immigrants, and he is the youngest of 5 children. He was the first to finish high school, go to college, and finish law school. His mother was a stay at home mom who worked in a clothing factory, and his father worked in a clothing factory as a presser. He worked very hard and made sure his family was financially stable. He grew up poor because the economy was declining, and he lived off of welfare. He was embarrassed by the charities his family had to go to. Right after WW2, he graduated high school, then went to the University of Rochester. In 1952, he went to law school. At the time, most of the students were WW2 veterans, and there was a strong sense of camaraderie. After graduation from law school, he spent two years as active duty in the US marine corps. The draft was quite active at that time. He got married during his second year of law school. He had jobs during his time as a student to pay his rent and simply get by. He had a mentor in law school, who was a professor and veteran. The law school was located in downtown Buffalo on Eagle street. At that time, it was a new building and the classrooms were very nice. Over each year, his classes would thin out and students would leave the law program. He graduated with 65-70 students. He had a great experience because classes were small and relationships with professors were easy to make. Students would gather together in the basement, and there was strong connection between peers.

Keywords: Character and Values; Choosing UB Law School; Faculty / Professors; Family; Graduate / Professional Training; Military Draft; Other Relatives; Peers; Relationship with UB Law; Relationships; Rochester; UB; UB Preparation; Undergraduate Education; Value of Education; WW2

Subjects: CAREER: MILITARY; FAMILY HISTORY; PERSONAL ISSUES; UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW FACULTY; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS

Segment Synopsis: There were a lot of positives at the law school; relationships between students and professors. There was not much socializing because mostly everyone had a job and were commuters. Some peers were married. There weren't many open mentors, you just had to ask a professor for advice. He never wanted to quit law school because he knew it was what he wanted to do, regardless of his economic problems. The greatest shortcoming during law school was that there was very little connection between the law school and placement. Students had some idea of law firms, but post-graduation was difficult. A professor helped him with a project to create internships and opportunities for other students. UB always accepted students to enroll, regardless of color, race, ethnicity, etc.

Keywords: Choosing UB Law School; Experience as Student; Faculty / Professors; Practitioners and Faculty; Relationship with UB Law; UB

Subjects: EDUCATION; LAW; PERSONAL ISSUES; UB AS A STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: He was been a federal judge for quite a few years before he found a woman law clerk, and hired her to keep his 50% male, 50% female staff. Finishing law school helped his personal life and self-esteem. There never was a meaningful program to help students pass the bar, but now, students can train and study for it in multiple ways. The bar prepares you to practice law, understand the roots, and test your abilities. In terms of research and writing, the practice of law has changed. There is a lot more discovery and motion practice due to technology. He was never denied employment due to his background. He learned a lot; how to manage cases, people, and time.

Keywords: Bar Admissions and Exams; Computers / Technology; Employment / Jobs / Wages; Graduate / Professional Training

Subjects: LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: His greatest professional achievement was being elected to the bench/surrogate court judge/supreme court judge. President Ronald Regan appointed him to become the federal court judge of western NY in 1982. He called Telesca and offered him a position; he notes it as a high point in his life. He was never quizzed on controversial social topics before getting the job. Being the only federal judge in Rochester (for five years), was quite a rewarding experience. He was able to expand his internships with Buffalo law students, and he takes interns all year round. He has them work on meaningful cases and helps them jump start their law career.

Keywords: Character and Values; Choice of Law; Ethnicity / Diversity; Interns; Law Firms

Subjects: LAW; PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: People skills are extremely abilities for lawyers when searching for graduates. For example, he might not hire someone with tattoos because it could deem them narcissistic. Noting how someone dresses and talks is important in seeing true colors. He enjoys practicing law, still at 82 years old. He just wants to make a contribution and stay connected. The law is a growing institution that is exciting. He thinks that technology gives lawyers a too comfortable environment, and students shouldn't use laptops. Also, he thinks that lawyers are becoming less assessable, and computers contribute to that.

Keywords: Career / Professional Experience; Character and Values; Computers / Technology; Ethnicity / Diversity; Expectations; Graduate / Professional Training; Hiring; Interns; Issues; Value of Education

Subjects: LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHNG

Segment Synopsis: He thinks that law schools can do more; they can develop a lifeline between graduates and alumni to create opportunities. There can be a lot of helpful training from those that graduated from UB to newly grads. Technology takes away from face-to-face meetings and familiarity of community.

Keywords: Advice; Alumni; Career / Professional Experience; Computers / Technology; Graduate / Professional Training; Other Law Schools general; Regrets

Subjects: LAW; PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING