Hon. Caroline A. Wojtaszek '97

Segment Synopsis: Born in Rochester, NY and grew up in Binghamton, NY youngest of 3. Parents divorced when she was 5. Parents lived on same street. Went to SUNY Brockport. Life changing because of two programs she participated with. Overseas program at Oxford. Father graduated from Oxford and was from England. Intense and inspired her. Intern at Washington DC. Worked in Congress. Brother went to law school at Georgetown. Got into UB, great value and reputation. Why legal career? Was in a domestic violence relationship in high school. Drive to help women and children. Family was surprised and happy. Value of law education. Benefit of SUNY education and low cost. Public service opportunities and strong foundation. Gender and moot court competition experience, called the 'Skirts'.

Keywords: Character and Values; Family; Father; Gender; Law School / Gender; Moot Court; Undergraduate Education; Value of Education

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

Segment Synopsis: Class was diverse and offered perspective. Camaraderie in school [interruption as someone enters]. Thought it would be cut throat and found close friendship, camaraderie, and support which continues today. Mentors? Adjunct and bridge course professors. Kevin Dillon was a criminal law professor. Interned at Erie County District Attorney's Office. DA's wear the white hat and do the right thing. Matt Murphy from Niagara County DA's office was a judge at Moot court competition and hired her on the spot to work on domestic violence program. Sue Thompkins at UB mentored her and part of Domestic Violence task force. Niagara County domestic violence model became model for state. was there 12 years and then went to work as a confidential law clerk for Judge Sara Sheldon and worked because she had 3 young children. As a law Clerk she could do more research in criminal law and study, while helping to write briefs. Then she was asked to run for district attorney. Talks about decision to run and her unique perspective of and insights into the office.

Keywords: Class Composition; Classes; Elections; Law Faculty; Moot Court; Social Life

Subjects: CAREER: GENDER; CAREER: LEGAL; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Why she ran for office. Why not me? Experience, passionate, knows the office, offers a lot and wanted to steer ship. Three kids, 2 boys and 1 girl. Juggling family responsibilities, children supported her run. Wants to be a role model for women. As a woman, she brings a different perspective to law enforcement. "Our job is to compassionately navigate victims of crime through the criminal justice system." The compassionate social service component to law enforcement and rehabilitation. Greatest accomplishment? Bringing compassion to the criminal justice system in Niagara County. Gun violence in Niagara Falls, impact on families and neighborhoods. People are compassionate in her office and looking for creative ways to end violence. Her background gives her compassion and empathy and the law gives her ways to help. Father says continuously, "What's your five year plan?" Value of education, no one can take away.

Keywords: Career / Gender; Character and Values; Elections; Family; Legal Aid; Value of Education

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; GENDER; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Segment Synopsis: Law school fondest memory? Funny memory: Dad walking around at graduation with pockets inside out signalling he's done paying for her. Fondest memory: Trial technique with Robert Murphy (Murph). Life changing. Knew she wanted to be in courtroom, knew she wanted to help women and children, Murph taught her to be effective in courtroom. Stalked him to be in his class. Would review video after class with him and get feedback. The practice gave her an advantage over her peers. She still hears him in her head coaching her. Did not do Law Review. Worked Domestic Violence Task Force. Law School provides various opportunities to take advantage and depends on interests. Doubt? Yes. Experience sets you up for challenges ahead. Foundation which helps carry you through the challenges. Law School gave her confidence. Well rounded experience. Accomplishments of classmates and pride. Son may have interest in law. Difference in law then and now. Her advice is there is always room for a good lawyer. Can use law degree for anything you chose to do. Think outside the box.

Keywords: Career / Professional Experience; Character and Values; Father; Fondest Memory; Trial Practice; Value of Education; Women and Gender

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE; UB LAW AS STUDENT

Segment Synopsis: Advice for new grads? Don't walk out of school and start a practice. Train and mentor with someone. Tom Eoannou was Bridge course instructor and she shadowed him to figure out what you want to do. Find someone to train with. Most attorneys in her office are UB grads. What did you do while in Law School? Opportunities taken advantage of? Her people are heading right into courtroom. Don't assume you know everything. Stayed and this became her home. To be honored as a distinguished alum at this point in your career is extremely humbling. Has lifelong friends and colleagues from law school. Great foundation. 5 year plan? Judgeship is possible. Can affect change as DA. Loves her job. Choices for her family, children and husband provice report card. Brother is lawyer in DC. Sister is office manager in Boston area. Mom lives around corner. Life is good.

Keywords: Family; Practice; Practitioners and Faculty; UB Law School general

Subjects: CAREER: LEGAL; LAW; UB LAW AS STUDENT; UB LAW MISCELLANEOUS