Steven J. Weiss '91

Segment Synopsis: Decision to go to law school. Expectations. Taught accounting at School of Management as TA, Law School and MBA. Grandfather's role in his career choice. Reasons for choosing UB Law, reputation, affordable, local. Law was seen as add on to business degree. Law School was tough. Fondest memory, 1st day of school, criminal law with Professor Ewing, referred to woman as a 'girl.' Mentor Herman Loonsk; story of how Weiss came to work at Moot and Sprague. Lessons Loonsk taught him.

Keywords: Choosing UB Law School; Classes; Financial Support; Fondest Memory; Grandparents; Location; Mentors; Moot and Sprague; Reputation; UB Law School general

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Law school preparation, taught how to think. Interest in affordable housing, George Hezel founded the Affordable Housing Clinic at the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1987 and Weiss learned much participating with it. Professional experience, Moot and Sprague to Cohen Swados, to Saperston and Day with Herman Loonsk, who passed from pancreatic cancer. Last 9 month's of Loonsk's life really important to Weiss's career and personal development, preparation for the transition. Would get Loonsk a double Whopper, fries and a shake. Call to come home and say goodbye to his mentor. Loonsk told him from his deathbed, "I learned as much from you as you did from me. Make sure you only do this as long as you're having fun. Make sure they take care of you." Partner at Saperston, felt it was headed in wrong direction. Wanted his own law firm, Cannon Heyman & Weiss, LLP was founded in 2001, as an affordable housing firm.

Keywords: Affordable Housing; Anecdote; Cannon Heyman & Weiss; Cohen Swados; Law Firms; Loonsk, Herman; Mentors; Practice; Relationships; Saperston and Day; UB Preparation

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Community service involves time and financial commitment, personal commitment. Serving on board for housing finance agency appointed by governor, involvement with Jewish community (president of Jewish Federation board), work at Roswell Park, dedicated to his mentor, Herman Loonsk. Community service enriches all of our lives. Social justice. Advice? Find something you love. Law can be a jealous mistress. Commit and the reward are endless. Bring back the Affordable Housing Clinic. Involvement with UB: donor, mentor, teach class at law school, teaches hard and soft skills, value to career. Dean Ilene Fleischman story. Motor home story, everything has its place. Grandfather's pride in his grandsons.

Keywords: Advice; Affordable Housing; Anecdote; Community Service; Relationship with UB Law

Subjects: PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS