BUFFALO, NY – In recognition of the historic and ongoing success of its graduates in the legal profession, Canisius University is proud to announce the formation of the Desmond Law Society. Named in honor of Hon. Charles S. Desmond ’17, former Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, the Society is comprised of 1000-plus Canisius alumni who are practicing, presiding or retired attorneys and judges throughout Western New York and in 35 states across the nation.
The Desmond Law Society at Canisius University supports the practice of law and the administration of justice among its members, the Canisius administration and the college’s student body. The governing body of the Desmond Law Society includes five principal officers. They are: Thomas G. Smith ’71, chair; Kevin W. Spitler ’71, vice chair; Michael R. Mendola ’89, secretary and treasurer; Robert A. Klump ’79, director of the Raichle Pre-Law Center at Canisius; and John J. Hurley, president of Canisius University.
Membership into the Desmond Law Society at Canisius is conferred upon all lawyer alumni of the college, as well as active, supporting friends of Canisius who have graduated from an accredited school of law or been admitted to the practice of law. Serving members are responsible for carrying out the mission of the Desmond Law Society, which is to mentor and assist current and prospective Canisius students who are contemplating legal careers by actively supporting the Raichle Pre-Law Center at Canisius. Members also foster the recruitment of students interested in law, assist in fundraising for scholarships for prospective and current students interested in legal careers, and support and strengthen relationships between the college and its alumni and friends in the legal community. Similarly, members of the Desmond Law Society at Canisius enhance participation in academic, administrative and social activities at the college through the development of legally relevant programs, seminars and presentations, and the recognitions of outstanding achievements and service to the profession by members.
In order to achieve its mission, the governing body of the Desmond Law Society has established seven special committees: the Raichle Pre-Law Center Liaison Committee; the Mock Trial Liaison Committee; the Financial and Fundraising Committee; the Events, Programs and Awards Committee; the Communications and Membership Committee; the Phi Alpha Delta Liaison Committee; and the Admissions Support Committee.
One of 28 Jesuit colleges in the nation, Canisius is the premier private college in Western New York.
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