Hon. Shirley Troutman

Segment Synopsis: Decision to go to law school. Professor Watkins convinced her to go to SUNY Albany. Family background: grew up in Buffalo and born in Georgia. Parents moved to NY for opportunity. Father, now deceased, worked at GM, mother was a housewife. Why law? Interested in law because of Thurgood Marshall's influence in the legal profession. Brown v. Board of Education and the change in the law. Career plans starting law school, had no trajectory in mind but did not want to be in court room. Interest in family law and civil procedure. Enjoyed Professor Peter Pfizer's 4th, 5th, 6th Amendment class. Criminal law piqued her interest. Married while in law school. Ex-husband then was in medical school and graduated from West Point. He had to serve in military and Troutman consider JAG. Considered getting the degree and put it in the drawer and not use it. Pregnant when she graduated law school. Came home to have the baby and study for Bar Exam. Her pastor, Bennett W. Smith met with the District Attorney and recommended her to apply as an intern, work under a practice order and after taking the Bar, practice. She fell in love with advocacy. Taught as a prosecutor not to persecute people but to make sure justice is served. Started at the 'front desk' where felony arraignments were handled after indictments were handed down by grand juries. Did extradition matters as well until she passed Bar Exam.

Keywords: Areas of Scholarship; Bar Admissions and Exams; Career / Professional Experience; Children / Grandchildren; Choice of Law; Family; Family Court; Legal Education; Spouse; Value of Education

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; GENDER; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Assigned Buffalo City Court, one of the busiest outside of NYC. Likened to 'cattle call' and found her voice in that situation, discovers love of advocacy. Is pregnant with second child, her daughter. Took off the minimum amount of time. When she returned, promoted to Grand Jury and then Felony Trials. Spent 2.5 years at DA office and moved through offices quickly. Opportunity opens at AG Office. Justice Ogden encouraged her to take the position and typed up her resume. Interned at AG's office in third year of law school, saw as opportunity to learn civil law. US Attorney's office taught her advocacy and skills. Buffalo City Court was not planned. Masiello appointed her and she served 10 year term on Buffalo City Court, longest assignment, elected in 1994, served 1995-2001. Thing she learned in City Court, greater opportunity to turn people towards the right path. Man retiring from Air Force, seeks her out to thank her for how his case was resolved which allowed him a military career. County court 2002-2009. County court is Appellate court for City and Town matters. Criminal matters and volume was overwhelming. First African American to be elected to Erie County Court and no judges of color have served since. Case of young man with jury trial who thanks her for a fair trial at his sentencing. Perception of justice becomes a reality.

Keywords: Appointments; Bench; Career / Professional Experience; Criminal Law; Internships; Judiciary; US Attorney

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Impact of law on her and others to see the world a different way, urge people of color to serve and learn what the process is as citizens. She modeled behaviors of dignity and respect in the court. Work as a Supreme Court Justice and encouragement she received. Opened other opportunities to be appointed. Currently designated to the Appellate Division, Fourth Department by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on February 19, 2016. Did Moot Court in law school. Trial partner was daughter's godfather and both were very shy. Never expected to be in courtroom. Differences in how cases are approached between City court and Appellate division. Enjoys oral arguments.

Keywords: Appointments; Judiciary; Moot Court; Role Models; Trial Practice

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Her involvement with UB Law School comes from her belief in Marshall's words to share opportunities and his legacy lives on through her and others' contributions to the legal community, educating youth about the law. Greatest professional achievement was getting out of her own way and trying. Wants to use her voice to impact and reinforce the law. Mother of two. Daughter is an attorney. Serving as a role model. "Lift as we climb." Advice to young lawyers: be careful with your reputation. It's OK if you don't know your career direction. Where to find mentors in upstate NY. Go to Law School advisors. Choice of law again? Yes. Law chose her. Law has great power and is a noble profession. Right fit for her and grateful to serve in the profession. Would add that lawyers should do more to give back.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Career / Professional Experience; Children / Grandchildren; Community Involvement; Continuing Role; Greatest Achievement; Relationship with UB Law; Reputation; Role Models

Subjects: UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS