Hon. Lawrence J. Vilardo

Segment Synopsis: Hon. Lawrence Vilardo, recipient of the UB Law Alumni Association’s Non-Alumnus Award, reflects on his journey from a modest upbringing on Buffalo’s West Side to becoming a federal judge. Raised in a small home with three brothers, Vilardo credits his parents—both high school graduates—for instilling in him and his siblings the non-negotiable value of higher education. While his brothers pursued careers in medicine, dentistry, and charter fishing, Vilardo became the first in his family to attend college, later earning admission to Harvard Law School.

Initially considering graduate study in history, Vilardo’s strong LSAT performance redirected him toward law, a field that combined his love of reading, writing, and debate. Though terrified upon arrival at Harvard, he soon thrived, finding community among his section peers and excelling academically—culminating in his criminal law exam being used by Professor Alan Dershowitz as a model answer. He fondly recalls the camaraderie of Friday afternoons and spirited classroom exchanges, especially in his favorite course, Torts.

While candid about his dislike of Civil Procedure and Property, Vilardo reflects on how those subjects later became central to his judicial work. His story illustrates resilience, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of mentorship and challenge—values that shaped his career and continue to inspire his service on the federal bench.

Keywords: Family; Father; Harvard University; Judiciary; Mentors; Siblings; Torts; Undergraduate Education; Mother

Subjects: EDUCATION; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; FAMILY HISTORY

Segment Synopsis: Following his graduation from Harvard Law School, Judge Lawrence Vilardo began his legal career clerking for Judge Irving Goldberg of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Dallas. Introduced to Goldberg through moot court and encouraged by fellow Harvard Law Review editors—including future Chief Justice John Roberts—Vilardo found the clerkship to be the best job he ever had. He recalls Goldberg’s warmth, generosity, and humor, as well as the lifelong friendships he formed during that year.

Despite opportunities to pursue high-paying positions in major cities, Vilardo chose to return home to Buffalo. Motivated by his deep love for the city, the presence of his family, and his relationship with his future wife Jeanie, he joined Damon & Morey under the mentorship of renowned trial lawyer Terry Connors. Vilardo credits Connors’ persistence and personal touch—including even calling Vilardo’s mother—as key factors in his decision.

Though briefly considering a career in academia, Vilardo instead partnered with Connors to establish Connors & Vilardo. What began as two attorneys, two secretaries, and a paralegal grew into Connors LLP, a firm that continues to shape Western New York’s legal landscape. Reflecting on this path, Vilardo views the decision to come home as pivotal—laying the foundation for both his personal and professional legacy.

Keywords: Clerkship; Family; Harvard University; Judiciary; Law Firms; Litigation; Practice; Career / Early

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

Segment Synopsis: In reflecting on his private practice career, the judge identifies his greatest professional achievement as being entrusted by fellow attorneys to represent them in litigation—an honor he regards as the highest compliment. He attributes his success to a blend of strong mentorship and values instilled by his parents, particularly fairness, respect, and the Golden Rule. While known as an aggressive litigator, he emphasized treating opposing counsel and clients with dignity, never resorting to humiliation, and always balancing tenacity with civility.

Mentorship played a central role in his development at every stage. He recalls guidance from his parents, grandparents, teachers, and most significantly from Judge Goldberg and attorney Terry Connors. Judge Goldberg became like family, providing lifelong advice and encouragement, while Connors instilled the discipline of excellence and relentless hard work, teaching that talent alone is insufficient without diligence. The judge now holds his clerks to those same high standards, believing it prepares them for lasting success.

Transitioning to his judicial career, he recounts his 2015 nomination by President Barack Obama upon Senator Schumer’s recommendation. Schumer praised him as a “true Buffalonian,” a description the judge considers the highest compliment. To him, being a Buffalonian means being genuine, grounded, and authentic—qualities embodied by his late wife, who kept him humble and true to himself. He takes great pride in being from Buffalo and carrying forward those values in both his personal and professional life.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Appointments; Family; Greatest Achievement; Judiciary; Litigation; Mentors; Practice

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; CAREER: LEGAL

Segment Synopsis: Although not a UB Law graduate himself, Judge Lawrence Vilardo has long been committed to supporting the school and its students. He views Buffalo and UB Law as central to his identity, making recognition from the institution especially meaningful. His service to the law school began through a unique connection with Judge Charles Desmond, former Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, who was of counsel at Vilardo’s first law firm. The two developed a close relationship, and on his deathbed, Judge Desmond asked Vilardo to take over his appellate practice class at UB. Vilardo honored that request, drawing on colleagues and judges to help teach, and found the experience deeply rewarding.

Since then, he has remained a dedicated contributor to UB, guest-lecturing on appellate practice, brief writing, oral advocacy, legal writing, and ethics. Whenever called upon, he makes it a priority to say yes, out of both love for Buffalo and respect for the law school’s role in shaping future attorneys.

The connection is also personal: his son Alexander chose to attend UB Law, turning down a substantial scholarship elsewhere to remain in Buffalo. With his father’s encouragement, Alexander pursued his degree there, later becoming a successful partner at a local firm, though steering away from litigation after seeing its demands on his father. For Judge Vilardo, this blend of mentorship, teaching, and family involvement with UB Law reflects both his pride in Buffalo and his enduring commitment to the next generation of lawyers.

Keywords: Children / Grandchildren; Contributions; Faculty; Mentors; Teaching Law; Relationship with UB Law

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PERSONAL ISSUES; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: Reflecting on his greatest professional achievements, the Judge highlights moments where he chose principle over popularity, including dismissing a criminal case for prosecutorial misconduct, protecting the rights of defense counsel, and challenging racially biased jury selection. He emphasizes that his role is not about politics or personal agenda, but about doing justice as the law requires—even when it is difficult. Turning to the next generation, he stresses the importance of leading by example, respecting the adversarial system, and safeguarding judicial independence. Beyond the bench, he shares how his education at Canisius High School gave him the confidence to pursue Harvard, and how his late wife, Jeanie, was his perfect partner and the foundation of his proudest legacy: their three accomplished children. For him, the honor of recognition from UB Law School is deeply personal—a testament not only to his career, but to Buffalo, family, and the values that shaped his journey.

Keywords: Canisius High School; Greatest Achievement; Judiciary; Values; Accomplishments

Subjects: PERSONAL ISSUES; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; CAREER: LEGAL