Hon. Richard C. Wesley

Segment Synopsis: Wesley is a United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, which is located in NY. He was born and raised in Livonia, NY, in a middle class family, and went to the local high school. After, he went to University at Albany and graduated from the Cornell Law School in 1974. He originally wanted to be a history teacher, but was guided into becoming a lawyer. His family was supportive of his decision and were very proud. After graduation, he joined a firm and left the traditional practice of law. Wesley was elected in the fall of 1986 to work as a judge in the NY Supreme Court.

Keywords: Choice of Law; Elections; Family; Judiciary; NYS Supreme Court; Other Law Schools general; Undergraduate Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; EDUCATION; FAMILY HISTORY; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Wesley was proud of many different accomplishments; one being quickening the felony screening process. It continues to work in Monroe County to this day. His most significant opinion at the NY Court of Appeals was the case called Hamilton vs Pareto. This dealt with the illegal sales of guns. His position asked, should NY state create liability for guns used illegally? He also dealt with a case surrounding a US Citizen terrorist. He was able to see all different sides of the court.
He considers his greatest professional achievement to be ongoing. He uses the people around him to learn and teach more about his practice and the world.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Career / Professional Experience; Criminal Law; Significant Cases

Subjects: LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; TEACHING

Segment Synopsis: Wesley was disadvantaged at the start of his career because he was a republican, and those numbers were in the minority. This didn't impact his long-term career though. Wesley was on the Codes Committee and he was asked to help craft the statute that allowed the taking of blood after a serious accident (involving alcohol consumption).

Keywords: Accomplishments; Career / Early; Contributions; Criminal Law; Elections / Political History; Laws

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Wesley boasts about UB and the role they play providing a legal education. He can't stress enough how great UB is, and uses his daughters education there as a strong example. Wesley is active in the community and finds lawyers giving back to be vital. For example, he drove ambulances to patients in need and coached local basketball teams. These jobs had nothing to do with his lawyer skills, he just wanted to give back.

Keywords: Accomplishments; Community Involvement; Community Service; Daughter; Family; Legal Education; UB Law School

Subjects: FAMILY HISTORY; PERSONAL ISSUES; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Wesley is a member of the Advisory Board for the Efficacy Institute Law School. He believes that efficacy skills and communicating effectively are key components to becoming successful. He teaches a class at Cornell that teaches about applied efficacy. Advice for lawyers follows as: 1) Don't practice alone. Have a mentor at least. 2) Do the work where your passion takes you. 3) Don't have your plans too well defined.

Keywords: Advice; Legal Education; Other Law Schools general; Public Education Law; Relationship with UB Law; Teaching Law; UB Law School general

Subjects: LAW; TEACHING; UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW FACULTY