UB Law School presents student awards

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Graduating law student Aaron M. Saykin of Buffalo was among the top honorees at this year’s University at Buffalo Law School commencement awards, chosen by the faculty and dean as the student who exemplified the highest standards of the profession by virtue of scholastic achievement, leadership and dedication to the ideals of the law.

Saykin was one of the graduating students to receive awards at the law school’s 124th Commencement ceremonies May 18 at UB’s Center for the Arts and the law school’s student awards convocation May 17 in UB’s Student Union Theater.

The Koren Award is considered one of the top three awards presented during the law school’s graduating ceremonies.

Photos of award winners are available.

A full list of the awards, including the Dale S. Margulis Award and the John N. Bennett Achievement Award -- the other two top law school commencement honors – follows:

Max Koren Award

The Max Koren award is made to the member of the graduating class, who, in the judgment of the faculty and the dean, has exemplified the highest standards of the profession by virtue of scholastic achievement, leadership and dedication to the ideals of the law. The selected student will receive a specially cast plaque and a prize. This award is supported by a gift from M. Robert Koren, Class of 1944, and son of Max Koren.

Aaron M. Saykin – Buffalo.

John N. Bennett Achievement Award

This award honors the member of the graduating class judged by the faculty to demonstrate the highest scholastic achievement in the graduating class. The winner’s name is inscribed on the Bennett Cup, which is displayed in the Law School. The award is named in honor of John N. Bennett, Class of 1933.

Kinsey A. O’Brien – Orchard Park.

Isaac Zimmerman – Waterport.

Dale S. Margulis Award

Dale S. Margulis, Class of 1982, died unexpectedly in August 1982. To honor his memory, his classmates, family and friends established the Dale S. Margulis Award. This award is presented to a member of the graduating class who has contributed the most to the Law School and the community. Candidates for the award are nominated by members of the graduating class, and the recipient is selected by the deans.

Meghan A. Corcoran – Massina.

These awards were given during the May 17 Student Awards Convocation:

American Law Institute-American Bar Association Scholarship and Leadership Award

This award is presented to the member of the graduating class who best represents a combination of scholarship and leadership, the qualities embodied by the American Law Institute and the American Bar Association

Katie L. Taylor – Eden.

American Bankruptcy Institute Medal for Excellence in Bankruptcy

This award is presented to encourage students to study bankruptcy law. The medal is given annually to the member of the graduating class for having demonstrated excellence in the study of bankruptcy law.  

Justin L. Hendricks – Cincinnati, OH.

The ABA/BNA (American Bar Association and The Bureau of National Affairs) Award for Excellence in the Study of Health Law

This award is presented to honor superior academic performance and encourage student interest in the field of health law.  This award is presented by the American Bar Association and The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. 

Christine Y. Lam – Hamburg (photo not available).

Richard M. Rowley – Castleton (photo not available).

Susan M. Rueckwald – Monroe.

The ABA/BNA (American Bar Association and The Bureau of National Affairs) Award for Excellence in the Study of Intellectual Property Law

This award is presented to honor superior academic performance and encourage student interest in the field of intellectual property.  This award is presented by the American Bar Association and The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. 

Adil Ahsanuddin – Bayshore.

Jeffrey M. Baumann – Hamburg.

KaWah J. Lee – Fresh Meadows.

The ABA/BNA (American Bar Association and The Bureau of National Affairs) Award for Excellence in the Study of Labor and Employment Law

This award is presented to honor superior academic performance and encourage student interest in the field of labor and employment law.  This award is presented by the American Bar Association and The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc.

Meghan A. Corcoran – Massina.

Mark P. Detwiler – Penn Yan.

Ashley M. Fasso – Itannacroix.

Birzon Prize in Clinical Legal Studies

Given in honor of Israel and Irene Birzon, parents of Paul Ivan Birzon, distinguished lawyer and adjunct faculty member at the Law School, the prize recognizes a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated excellence in the Law School’s clinical program. 

Bradley S. Loliger – Cheektowaga.

Charles Dautch Award

This award is presented to the member of the graduating class who has demonstrated the greatest proficiency in courses, examinations and independent research in the law of real property. Charles Dautch, Class of 1919, a well-known lawyer in Buffalo for 61 years. He was widely respected for his public service activities. The award has been endowed by his family. 

Kevin B. Campbell – Knoxville, Tenn.

Professor Louis DelCotto Award

This prize is given to the member of the graduating class whose academic performance in the area of taxation is outstanding, as recommended by the faculty. The award commemorates Louis A. DelCotto, Class of 1951, a beloved professor who taught tax law from 1961 to 1998, and developed the sequence of courses in taxation taught at the Law School. 

Kevin J. Dwyer – Oneida.

Maurice Frey Award

This award is given annually to the member of the graduating class whose academic performance in the area of family law is most exceptional. It is named to honor the memory of Maurice Frey, a prominent attorney who cared deeply about legal education and taught at the Law School for a number of years. He also worked tirelessly in the community to ensure that our legal system served and protected all members of our society. 

Kathryn A. Exoo – Woodlands, Texas.

Edith and David Goldstein Award

This award is presented to a member of the graduating class for outstanding performance in courses involving debtor-creditor and bankruptcy law.  It is supported by the friends and family of Edith and David Goldstein. Edith graduated from the Law School in 1924. Her husband, David, an accomplished practitioner in the areas of debtor-creditor and bankruptcy law, taught at the Law School from 1944 to 1969. 

Erin N. Colocillo – Rochester.

The Tom Headrick “Trees and Forest” Award

This award is given to the student of corporate finance who most clearly recognizes that a corporate practitioner needs both to understand the transaction fully and to get the details precisely correct. 

Jon P. Monna – Henrietta.

Judge Matthew J. Jasen Appellate Practice Award

This award is presented to the member of the graduating class who in course work and Moot Court Competition has shown outstanding achievement in appellate advocacy. The award is given in honor of Judge Jasen, Class of 1939, and is supported by his friends and former clerks. 

Caitlin M. Higgins – Buffalo.

Corey R. Forster – Forest Hill.

David Kochery Award

The award is provided by the family and friends of David Kochery, who taught at the Law School from 1953 to 1980. It goes to the member of the graduating class who has demonstrated leadership in the student community through service and involvement in one or more student organizations, and who has performed exceptionally well in courses in procedures, remedies or conflict of laws.

Aaron M. Saykin – Buffalo.

Laidlaw Law Alumni Association Award

This award commemorates William Laidlaw, a beloved professor and practitioner. Professor Laidlaw taught on the law faculty from 1926 to 1962. The award is given to the member of the graduating class who has the best performance in the area of commercial law, as described by the faculty, and is provided by the Law Alumni Association. 

Justin L. Hendricks – Cincinnati, Ohio.

Professor Virginia Leary Award

This prize is given to the member of the graduating class whose academic performance in the area of international law is outstanding, as recommended by the faculty. The award is given in memory of Virginia Leary, a beloved SUNY Distinguished Service Professor who taught international law from 1976, and developed the sequence of courses and externships in international law at the Law School.

Joshua J. Moldt – Webster.

Moot Evidence Award

This award is presented to the member of the graduating class for the best performance in the area of evidence as determined by the faculty. The award is given in honor of Welles and Caroline Moot and in remembrance of Adelbert Moot, who taught evidence in the founding years of the Law School. 

Nicholas A. Romano – Cheektowaga.

Albert R. Mugel Award

This award is for the member of the graduating class who has demonstrated the greatest proficiency in future interests and estate planning law. The award is named in honor of Albert R. Mugel, Class of 1941, founder of the law firm of Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel.  He taught future interests and estate planning at the Law School as an adjunct professor for over fifty years. During his long career in practice, he served the community with great distinction.  

Amanda Hunter- Rassi – Fort Meyers, Fla.

Ryan J. Mullins Award

This award will be given annually to the member of the graduating class demonstrating the greatest commitment to and proficiency in criminal law and criminal trial practice skills.  Ryan J. Mullins, a member of the class of 2005, died suddenly in September 2003.  To honor his memory, his classmates, family, friends and members of the Law School community established this award. 

Karalyn M. Rossi – Grand Island.

The Harry A. Rachlin Prize in Real Property Law and Real Estate Transactions

This award was established by the family of Harry A. Rachlin, Class of 1926, who during his lengthy and renowned career was a leading authority regarding the New York State Lien Law. Mr. Rachlin served as a lecturer and maintained an ongoing interest in the welfare of UB Law students. The prize is awarded to the members of the graduating class who exhibit excellence in research, clinical and academic performance in the areas of real property law, housing, housing finance and real estate transactions as determined by the faculty and administration of the Law School. 

Timothy L. Campany – Brantingham.

Judge William J. Regan Award

This award is for the member of the graduating class who has demonstrated the greatest proficiency in estates and surrogate’s law, and who is motivated by a strong concern for public service and public welfare. The award is named in honor of Judge William J. Regan, Class of 1938, and Erie County Surrogate from 1963 to 1981. During his long career in practice and on the bench, he served the community with great distinction. This award is supported from a fund donated by friends of Judge Regan. 

Robert P. Yawmann III – Fairport.

Cornelius W. Wickersham, Jr. Award

This award is presented to the member of the graduating class is the highest ranking student in the field of Constitutional Law.  This award is given by the Federal Bar Council.   The Federal Bar Council was formed in 1932 after breaking away from the national bar association to protest its refusal to admit minority members.  Mr. Wickersham was its president from 1955 – 1957. 

Brandon M. Wilsey – Honeoye Falls.

James M. Kieffer Trial Excellence Award

This award is presented to the member of the graduating class whose proficiency in trial advocacy has been most outstanding.  Selection is based on performance in both coursework and trial competitions.  The award is named in memory of James M. Kieffer, a nationally recognized trial attorney who practiced in Western New York.

Aaron M. Saykin – Buffalo.

Robert J. Connelly Trial Technique Awards

These awards are presented to the students who have the best performance record in the course in trial technique, as selected by their instructors. The award is presented in honor of Robert J. Connelly, who was an exceptionally able trial lawyer prior to his tragic and untimely death at age 44. The awards are presented by the Western New York Trial Lawyers Association.

Jennifer R. Bryant – Pavilion.

Stephen C. Earnhart – Buffalo.

Noha Elnakib – Bayshore.

Adam L. Hayes – Watkins Glen.

Paul T. Iya – Jos-Plateau St., Nigeria.

Dainia J. Jabaji – Interlaken.

Ryan Johnsen – Hamburg.

John D. Land – Larchmont.

Jon P. Monna – Henrietta.

Joseph L. Nicastro – Getzville.

Cathleen M. Roemer – Getzville.

Karalyn M. Rossi -- Grand Island.

Amy L. Tornambe – Cheektowaga.

Brian J. Uhrmacher –  Rochester.

Kimberly A. Worling – Orlando, Fla.

Henry A. Zomerfeld – Brooklyn.

Carrie A. Zimbardi – Buffalo.

Sarah E. Siracusa – E. Amherst (photo not available).

Carlos C. Alden Award

Carlos C. Alden was dean of the Law School from 1904-1936 and Professor of Law from 1904-1955. The award, given in his honor, is presented by the Bar Association of Erie County to the member of the graduating class making the greatest contribution to the Buffalo Law Review, as decided by the Law Review editors and the faculty adviser.  

Adam L. Hayes – Watkins Glen.

Justice Philip Halpern Award

Prior to becoming a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Justice Halpern was Dean of the Law School and a member of the faculty for 27 years. The Halpern award is given to the member of the graduating class for excellence in writing on the Buffalo Law Review. The winner is determined by the editorial board and the faculty adviser.  

Joshua M. Tallent – Sprakers (Utica).

The Order of Barristers

The Order of Barristers is a National Oralists Honors Society. The members include students who have shown dedication and who have excelled in the art of oral advocacy and service to the Moot Court Board. Each year, eight students are elected to membership in the organization. 

Adam J. Barth – Oakpark, Mich.

Michael S. Das – Bronx.

David J. Dechellis – Middleport.

Jonathan H. Dominik – Marlboro, NJ.

Amber M. Gorski – West Seneca.

Matthew M. Hoffman – Greenwood Lake.

Adam M. Lynch – Alden.

Phil A. Modrzynski – Clarence.

Erin M. Ross – Sparkill.

Christopher S. Safulko  - Amherst.

Justice M. Dolores Denman Award

This award commemorates the Honorable M. Dolores Denman, Class of 1965, who was the first woman to be named presiding justice of the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division. Justice Denman was a single parent while in law school, and yet managed to graduate as class valedictorian. This scholarship/award is presented by the WNY Chapter of the Women's Bar Association to the member of the graduating class who is a custodial parent.  The award is intended to offset the costs of daycare and other child rearing expenses during the bar study period. 

Eric T. Glynn – Lockport (photo not available).

Milton Kaplan Law and Social Development Award

This award honors Milton Kaplan, Professor of Law from 1965 to 1986.  As teacher and colleague, Professor Kaplan is admired for his selfless dedication to students and colleagues and for his penetrating yet admirably unassuming scholarship.  Throughout his career, he was committed to the shaping of law to improve the conditions of public life in local communities and around the world.  The Milton Kaplan Award honors a member of the graduating class who best demonstrates exceptional commitment to the study of law and social development in an American, comparative, or international context.

Sabrina R. Housh – Vestal.

Minority Bar Association of Western New York Award

This award will be presented to a member of the graduating class who, in the judgment of the Minority Bar Association and the Law School, has exemplified high standards of the profession by virtue of scholastic achievement and leadership, and who has demonstrated a significant commitment to effectuating changes within the legal system that addresses the needs of the minority community.

Amber J. Diem – Rochester.

Bibin J. Mathew – Parkland, Fla.

Anthony L. Orphe – Syracuse.

Wilber Trivino – East Elmhurst.

The Women Lawyers of Western New York Award 

This award is a new award to be given annually to a woman member of the graduating class whose performance in academic and Law School activities in the areas of children's rights and/or family violence is exceptional.  It is given by the Women Lawyers of Western New York. 

Amy E. Fellenbaum – Warren.

SUNY Buffalo Law Alumni Association GOLD Group Award

This award is given annually to the member of the graduating class who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in advancing the mission of the Law School and enhancing its reputation for excellence in legal education. The winner’s name is inscribed on the GOLD Group plaque, which is displayed in the Law Library. The recipient also receives a special GOLD Group watch and a commemorative plaque. 

Bradley S. Loliger – Cheektowaga.

National Association of Women Lawyers Award         

This award is presented to the outstanding law graduate who has shown superior academic achievement and has contributed to the advancement of women in society. The recipient of the award receives a one-year honorary membership in the NAWL.

Yuliya L. Pollack – Williamsville (picture not available).