Articles

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
Helping plan for retirement, aging populace
By Connie O. Walker
May 9, 2013
Would it surprise anyone to learn that even a cursory look at
the demographics of bar association members across the country
would reveal a predomination of the 50-year-old and over segment
in numbers and participation in association activities and
leadership roles?

As printed in The Daily Record
On the Town: Third Jazz for Justice hits a high note
By Daily Record Staff
On March 22, members of the legal community gathered at the Harro East Ballroom to enjoy an evening of music and conviviality as part of the third annual Jazz for Justice fundraiser for the Monroe County Bar Foundation.

As printed in the Democrat and Chronicle

Impact of gun law debated
By Jessica Alaimo
As courts prepare to decide several key gun issues in the coming years, the new laws in New York are facing scrutiny from people who say they don’t address the true causes of gun violence.

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
There's a lot to celebrate in the month of March
By Connie O. Walker
March 14, 2013
So what is all the fuss about March? It is a much anticipated month, without a doubt. Most notably, it is the month of transitioning from the cold realities of snowy, wintry weather to the promise of verdant spring where Mother Nature displays her best, most colorful, enriching and inspiring bounty.

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
Bar members get recognition from NYSBA
By Connie O. Waker
February, 14, 2013
Some of you might know the answer to the following question: What do veteran defense attorney Thomas J. Cocuzzi and energetic, young lawyer James M. Paulino II have in common with the Rochester Legal Diversity Clerkship Program, a multi-year collaboration between the Monroe County Bar Association, the Rochester Black Bar Association and the Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys?

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
Celebrating all the stars in the MCBA galaxy
by Connie O. Walker
January 10, 2013
The Monroe County Bar Association takes this opportunity to wish each of you a “Happy New Year!” Reminiscing a bit, these past six months as president, honestly, have left me somewhat breathless, but fulfilled and enriched in ways that mere words simply cannot do justice.

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
Judge Jones shared a connection with Rochester
by Connie O. Walker
December 13, 2012
This column is dedicated to memory of the Hon. Theodore T. Jones, associate judge of the New York State Court of Appeals and champion of diversity and inclusion, who passed away suddenly on the evening of Nov. 5.

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
MCBA memorial service pays tribute
by Connie O. Walker
November 8, 2012
The story is in the years: 1915, 1918, 1920, 1923, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1936, 1940, 1941,1945, 1946, 1956, 1959 and 1970.

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
Exploring the idea of legal residencies
by Connie O. Walker
October 11, 2012
I must admit that I have local attorney Scott Forsyth to thank for pointing me in the direction of this bit of innovation. Last week, at the conclusion of the week's first lunchtime meeting at the Monroe County Bar Association, he handed me an article of interest published in the Sept. 15 Florida Bar News, titled, "Is it time for legal residencies?"

Book Review
Business and Commercial Litigation in Federal Courts (Third Edition)
by Harold A. Kurland
September 5, 2012
Former MCBA President (2009-10) Harold A. Kurland reviews Business and Commercial Litigation in Federal Courts (Third Edition) edited by Robert L. Haig. Kurland praises the treatise and Haig’s uniformity and organization, “Haig’s iron discipline comes through readily in the consistent organization of this work. Each chapter starts with a practical scope section, has a useful table of contents, includes extensive footnotes to authority, and provides various references and forms.”

As Printed in The Daily Record
Diversity clerks attend mentoring event
by Nora A. Jones
July 12, 2012
Now in its eighth year, the Rochester Legal Diversity Clerkship Program organized an evening of “8 minute mentoring” for this year’s 13 students selected from a wide field of candidates. The Diversity Clerkship was launched in 2005 by the Monroe County Bar Association to encourage law students to consider Rochester for their future career.

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
Trailblazers, traditions and treating yourself better
by Connie O. Walker
July 11, 2012
For those fortunate enough to be present on the evening of the recent Monroe County Bar Association Installation Ceremony, it was difficult not to be struck by a sense of belonging and connectedness in a profession that is wonderfully satisfying, with lasting significance, admirable traditions, living core values, and deep humility at its power to change the lives of others.

As Printed in The Daily Record
MCBA, AG team up on gov't fraud CLE
by Denise M. Champagne
July 5, 2012
The New York State False Claims Act will be the subject of a special continuing legal education program on Wednesday.

As Mentioned on Rochester YNN
Phase Two of Renovations at Telesca Center for Justice
June 28, 2012
Phase two of a renovation plan will get underway next week at the Telesca Center for Justice building in downtown Rochester.

As Printed in The Daily Record
Telesca Center for Justice comes full circle
By Denise M. Champagne
June 28, 2012
The finishing touches are about to be put on the Telesca Center for Justice, a project in the works for more than 25 years that has gained national attention.

As Printed in The Daily Record
MCBA welcomes Walker as its 117th president
By Denise M. Champagne
June 20, 2012
People who know Connie O. Walker might find it hard to believe she was very shy as a girl.

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
Renovations Signal Bright Future for Telesca Center
By Bryan D. Hetherington
June 12, 2012
If you come to the Telesca Center for Justice for a meeting or
CLE program, you will see that Phase II of the Telesca Center
reconstruction is now under way. Construction has started to
expand the eighth floor reception area shared by the four legal
services programs housed at the Telesca Center and to make it
ADA compliant.

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
Helping future lawyers with 'pro bono' requirements
By Bryan D. Hetherington
May 10, 2012
In his Law Day remarks this month, Chief Judge Jonathan Lipmann
announced that, effective in 2013, applicants for admission
to the practice of law in New York state will have to demonstrate
to the Committee on Character and Fitness that they have
engaged in a minimum of 50 hours of pro bono activity. The pro
bono work can be completed in law school or after graduation.

As Printed in The Daily Record
Raise the Bar appeal asks attorneys to give back
By Elizabeth A. Wolford and Audrey Patrone Peartree
May 2, 2012
For those who were fortunate enough to be able to attend the Law Day luncheon on April 24, the words of Kenneth Lewis’ rap song probably resonated with you all day and even into the next day. Kenneth created his rap song to thank the “Lawyers” for supporting his attendance at Peace Camp.

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
All members can help steer bar groups' futures
by Bryan D. Hetherington
April 12, 2012
Paraphrasing an exchange between Alice and the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland, management experts advise leaders that, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.”

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record

National legal leaders come to Rochester
by Bryan D. Hetherington  
March 8, 2012
This spring, attorneys and judges in our community will have the opportunity to hear from and interact with two national leaders in the legal community who will be guests of the Monroe County Bar Association.

President's Message as printed in The Daily Record
County Public Defender a Necessary Position
by Bryan D. Hetherington
January 12, 2012
This week the Monroe County Legislator decided to reappoint Monroe County Public Defender Tim Donaher. This was a very important decision for our community.