The University at Buffalo School of Law has appointed eight new members to the dean's advisory council (DAC).
New members are Marc W. Brown, Class of 1999, president of the UB Law Alumni Association and partner with Goldberg Segalla LLP in Buffalo; Terrence M. Gilbride, '88, partner with Hodgson Russ LLP in Buffalo; F. Kenneth Graham, '11, senior associate with Phillips Lytle LLP in Buffalo; Josephine A. Greco, '81, partner with Greco Trapp PLLC in Buffalo; Robert J. Gutowski, '99, managing director of legal and compliance at MSCI Inc. in New York City; Hon. Barbara Howe, '80, senior counsel for Woods, Oviatt Gilman LLP in Buffalo and former New York state surrogate judge for Erie County; Michael D. Mann, '06, partner at Sidley Austin LLP in New York City; and Aaron M. Saykin, '13, president of the UB Law Alumni Association's GOLD Group and associate at Hodgson Russ LLP in Buffalo.
The DAC is chaired by Douglas W. Dimitroff, '89, partner with Phillips Lytle LLP in Buffalo and Washington, D.C. A long-time advocate for the law school and its alumni association, Dimitroff described the relationship between DAC and the law school as a "two-way street."
"Our role is not just to let the leadership of the law school understand what the alumni are thinking, but for the alumni to understand what is happening at the School of Law and the challenges that it faces," he said. "I don't think I have ever been to a DAC meeting where the question wasn't asked, 'What can we do to help?' "
Established in 1991, the council is comprised of 33 general members and 51 emeritus members who provide guidance and counsel to the dean on matters such as curriculum, advancement, alumni relations, governmental relations, public service and administration for the school. Members are leaders from across the country in law, government, business and the community. All members share a strong connection to the law school and a commitment to its future.
DAC members assist with furthering the dean's main priorities, including mentoring, admissions recruiting, career placement, fundraising and strengthening the law school's visibility among members of the judiciary.
"The DAC plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and reputation of the legal education that we provide," Dean Aviva Abramovsky said. "I am honored to have the collective wisdom and experience of our DAC members to guide me. Their input is critical to shaping the future of our law school."
