Class Notes - J.D. - 1980s
Class of 1980
Class of 1981
Jay Fialkov
Hello classmates. Here’s my 25-year update: I am Deputy General Counsel and an Executive Producer at WGBH, Boston's public broadcaster and the country's leading producer of public television programs (Frontline, American Experience, NOVA, etc.). Before joining WGBH ten years ago, I was an entertainment lawyer in Boston with a focus on music business matters; clients included artists such as the music group Phish, Maurice Starr (manager and producer of New Kids on the Block), and Mark Wahlberg, and record companies such as Rounder Records and Rykodisc. Besides lawyering, I am a Professor at Berklee College of Music and Coach of the Boys J.V. Basketball Team at Westwood High School. My wife Claire and I recently celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. Our son David is in his first year of law school at George Washington University in D.C., and our daughter Emma is a freshman at Skidmore College. 9/27/06
Elizabeth Palmer Higgins
I started with the IRS in November 2003 in their large case (LMSB) group. It’s great so far, and also great to be back in Conn. (though we still have the NYC apartment). Tom and I had our 10th anniversary last year, and I’m now a (step) great-granny.
Robert M. Lippman
My wife Rita and I have two boys, Matthew, 11, and David, 8. I was elected President of the Defense Trial Lawyers Association of Western New York in 2005. 9/19/06
Matthew D. Baxter
I practice immigration law in Huntingdon Valley, Pa. I am the immediate past Chair of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and just won a case in the Third Circuit, on a point that has split several circuits.
Mark T. Broth
I am currently chair of my firm’s labor and employment law department and have been elected to the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. I also serve on the Board of Directors of the Visiting Nurses Association in Concord, NH and the Amoskeag Rugby Club, which is focused on the development of youth rugby programs throughout New Hampshire. (10/07)
Daniel Donovan
After almost twenty years working as in-house counsel for securities broker-dealers in New York and Baltimore, I founded Donovan & Rainie, LLC in 2002, with BU Law '83 grad Denny Rainie. Our practice consists of commercial litigation, with an emphasis on securities law and regulatory issues, including the resolution of customer broker disputes in arbitration or through mediation. In addition, we advise broker-dealers on state and federal regulatory compliance matters. Denny and I enjoy hanging out together so much, that we are also married to one another and the parents of three teenagers. (6/07)
Edward M. Kilbane
I am currently in charge of the disease surveillance program at the Navy’s research unit in Cairo, Egypt. Among our programs is surveillance for avian influenza in the Middle East and Africa. We are also working with the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on planning and response to outbreaks of infection diseases in this region of the world. (6/07)
I have moved to the Naval Medical Research Unit Number Three in Cairo, Egypt, where I am the head of the Disease Surveillance Program. Our unit studies new and emerging infectious diseases in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. (10/07)
Brant K. Maller
Brant Maller (JD 1982) recently joined the international law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP as a Partner and the Chair of both its New York Real Estate Department and its firm-wide Alternative Investments Team. Mr. Maller is a member of the investment committee of New York State Common Retirement Fund, which is the nation’s second largest public pension fund with more than $140 billion of assets, and a member of the California Controller’s Advisory Council on Investments, which advises the Controller with respect to his seats on the boards of the California Public Employees Retirement System and the California State Teachers Retirement System (the nation’s first and third largest public pension funds, respectively). He is also the founder of and general counsel to a trade association for investment managers called Alternative Investments Forum, which promotes sounds investments in alternative asset classes by institutional investors. 9/4/06
James Henry Shenwick
On February 1, 2007, we moved to our current address. Our concentrations are real estate and bankruptcy and we're of counsel to Littman Krooks, a firm specializing in corporate and securities work. (10/07)
Class of 1983
Carol L. O'Riordan
I am based in Washington, D.C., and represent businesses operating in the U.S. and internationally, with emphasis on procurement law and construction law issues. I also provide consulting services to governmental and non-governmental entities.
Class of 1984
Steve Brodman
[From Michael Kohn] Sadly, I have to report that Steve Brodman, JD '86, passed away on September 21, 2006, after a courageous 3 and one half year battle with cancer. A scholarship has been set up in Steve's name at East Brunswick (NJ) High School and donations may be sent to the school at EBHS, Cranbury Rd. East Brunswick, NJ 08816 10/7/06
William Henry Cook
I practiced law from 1986 - 1996 with the Nassau County (NY) D.A's Office. For one year after that I worked for a civil litigation firm in Newark, NJ. After the firm and I had an amicable divorce, I changed careers. I am beginning my ninth year teaching 7th & 8th grade orchestra in South Orange and Maplewood NJ. For seven of those years I was also the JV boy’s soccer coach at Columbia High School. I gave up the coaching position to be able to spend more time with my family and coach my kids' teams. My oldest son, David, is now 24 and working full time. Billy is 8 and in the 3rd grade. Steffi is almost 6 and beginning kindergarten. My wonderful and loving wife, Carole, keeps all of us moving in more or less the right direction. We're all involved in varied and wonderful ways in serving God in the Presbyterian Church in Westfield. And if I don't have enough to do, I fill up the time by teaching private cello lessons. Change is good. Life is good. 9/10/06
Alan Fanger
I am continuing in solo practice, concentrating exclusively in all aspects of civil litigation. I live in Needham, Massachusetts with my wife, Judi, and daughters Ariel, 11, and Lauren, 8; my first love is coaching their sports teams. Apart from enjoying watching them grow up far too fast, I have a number of civic and charitable involvements, including serving on the board of trustees of our temple and in Needham's Town Meeting. In mid-life I've taken up windsurfing and have rediscovered competitive slow-pitch softball. I remain close with a number of BUSL classmates and cherish those friendships, which have flourished over the years (or, I cringe to say, decades). 8/25/06
Joe D. Jacobson
My greatest achievement: two great kids, Haley, 15, and Adam, 12. Both are smart, athletic, and social. A sad note: Sandy and I have separated and are getting divorced after 18 years together. We remain very close, good friends, however. Silver lining: I am designing and building a new home. It will probably be the greenest home in Missouri, and will be only six blocks from current home so the kids can easily walk between them. Professional milestones: My name is on the door. I have handled over 60 appeals and 25 completed trials, and have over a half-billion in judgments and settlements. 8/10/06
Margaret C. (Peggy) Jenkins
For the past five years I have worked at home, writing briefs for attorneys in the Northwest and the Far, far West. I have the best of both worlds: a thriving practice I can manage in my sweats. My husband Jay and my son Daniel and I recently moved to Moscow, Idaho, a wonderful little college town about two hours from Spokane. Moscow is a gem of a town, and I've been really active in school and civic events. I feel very fortunate to have found a livable, sustainable and affordable community, where my son can ride his bike to school and we know all our neighbors (and almost everyone else in town too). 9/11/06
Michael Rothstein
Almost seven years ago, I started a new law firm with two partners, Caesar Tabet and former Illinois appellate court justice Gino DiVito. Since then, Tabet DiVito & Rothstein has grown to about 20 attorneys, with offices on LaSalle Street in Chicago's historic Rookery Building. We concentrate in complex commercial, corporate, and governmental litigation in trial and appellate courts around the country.
On the personal side, my wife, Doreen, and I recently celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. We have four children: Evan (12); Connor (11); Nicole (5); and Alexandra (5). The boys are busy surviving junior high and middle school, and the twins just started kindergarten.
The twins were an unexpected blessing. Not only did they bring gender equality to our household, but Doreen and I get to relive a life phase that we thought we had moved past. Saturday mornings are once again spent watching clumps of eager 5 year olds chasing soccer balls up and down a field, and, once again, someone is excited when I come home from work. Life is good. (10/07)
Gay Rineberg Schreiber
Since graduation from law school, I have lived in Chicago. I have two children, a son Zach who is 14, and a daughter Jenny who is 11. In 1998, I cofounded McCormack Schreiber Legal Search, which has grown to be the largest all attorney search firm in Chicago. I really enjoy legal recruiting, and I often run across other BU alums in my day-to-day business dealings. Prior to recruiting, I practiced for 8 years as a litigator at Winston & Strawn in Chicago. 9/19/06
Paul H. Spitz
I no longer practice law, but I bought a franchise called The Great Frame Up, and just opened my first store.
Class of 1987
Mindy Gottleib Davidson
I am so sorry to miss our 20th Reunion! I was hoping to go, but now I'm looking forward to the 25th. Josh and I remain in Houston, with our daughters, Melissa (16) and Karen (13). I left law firm practice and have been an in-house benefits attorney with Lyondell Chemical Company since 2005, a job I enjoy very much. My best to everyone and see you in five years! (10/07)
Daniel Feder
I am the Managing Director for private equity and venture capital investments for the Princeton University endowment and am living in Princeton with my wife (Mary) and three children: Louise (19 -- Class of 2010 at Dickinson College), Henry (15), and Lucy (3). I made the transistion to investments in 1996 after several years as in-house counsel for CIGNA Corporation's investment division. The bulk of my free time is spent with my family and training for road races and marathons (and the occassional triathlon). (10/07)
Julianne Ableman Gansberg
I have been working at the same firm since graduation from B.U. I specialize in the field of domestic and international trademark law. I am married to Jeff Gansberg and I have a daughter, Jessie, who is almost 12 years old. Outside of work, we are busy taking our daughter to her horseback riding lessons and taking our dog to Central Park. (10/07)
James Houston
James D. Houston was named General Counsel of Orbian Corp. in September 2007. As general counsel to Orbian, James D. Houston brings 20 years of experience counseling public and private companies on a wide variety of business and legal issues including corporate finance, risk management and corporate governance.
Orbian is a privately-held finance company providing businesses worldwide with a trusted supply chain finance solution. Conceived and developed in the late 1990's by global leaders in financial services and enterprise software, Orbian helps companies generate significant operational and working capital efficiencies, increasing profitability and enhancing growth. Orbian is comprised of top talent from the world's leaders in finance, technology and customer service. The company is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut with an additional office in London, U.K. (10/07)
Lawrence S. Levin
My wife Barbara (School of Nursing 84') and I reside in Hingham with our 2 children: Aaron - age 19 and Laura -age 16. I work in the family law firm in Quincy MA. My wife is a nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital and works as a Legal Nurse Consultant as a nurse expert testifying all across the country. My son Aaron is a Sophomore at the BU School of Management and my daughter is a Junior at Hingham High School.
David Lowy
My wife Ginny and I live in Marblehead. Our son Jack is eight years old, and our daughter Maddy is five. I am a Superior Court Judge sitting mostly in Salem. I also teach at our law school as well as at Suffolk University Law School and New England School of Law. (10/07)
Stephanie L. Poster
I am the Senior Managing Counsel for State Street's US Investor Services (Mutual Funds)Division. I've been a Vice President of State Street's Legal Division, and living in the Charlestown Navy Yard, for approximately ten years. (10/07)
Melencio S.Sta.Maria
I am a full-time professor at the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law. I am teaching "Obligations and Contracts." I have authored a law textbook on the subject which is used in various law schools in the Philippines. I have also been engaged in legal consultancy. In this regard, I have appeared as "Expert Witness" in Philippine Law on Obligations and Contracts in international arbitrations, particularly under the ICC rules, involving contractual disputes where Philippine Law is material.
Before becoming a full-time Faculty Professor at the University, I was a senior partner at the Tanjuatco, Sta.Maria, Tanjuacto Law Firm. During my stint at the said law office, a number of my accounts dealt with banking legal practice. I am also a professorial lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy. This is the educational arm of the Philippine Supreme Court. I lecture judges on new legal developments to enhance their knowledge of the law.
I am married to Amparita Sta.Maria who is also a Professor at the Ateneo de Manila School of Law. She is presently taking her LLM at the University of Toronto under a scholarship grant.We have three children: Joseph, Patricia and Therese.
Class of 1988
Thomas Rechen
Simsbury resident Attorney Thomas J. Rechen, a partner in the law firm of Pepe & Hazard, LLP was recently appointed to the Public Defender Services Commission of the State of Connecticut. He will fill out the remainder of the term of Atty. Vincent Roche, which ends on September 30, 2007.
“We are delighted that Tom has accepted the position. He is going to be a very valuable member of the Commission,” says Carl Eisenmann, Chair of the Commission.
The Public Defender Services Commission has the responsibility of appointing the Chief Public Defender and Deputy Chief Public Defender. The Commission also appoints public defenders to each of the judicial districts in the State of Connecticut.
Atty. Rechen practices in the firm’s Litigation, Intellectual Property and Real Estate groups. He handles complex business lawsuits with particular emphasis on protecting and defending intellectual property rights (including copyright, trademark, Lanham Act and trade secret claims); unfair trade and competition claims (including tortious interference, restrictive covenant, and unfair trade practice claims); commercial real estate disputes (including leasehold, easement, and restrictive covenant claims); and other business disputes. Atty. Rechen has extensive experience in state and federal court, including numerous jury verdicts, injunctions, specific performance orders, and commercial arbitration awards.
Atty. Rechen lives in Simsbury with his wife Amy and their three children. (6/07)
Howard S. Weinberg
In March 2006 I won a hard fought election and I am now the Vice Mayor of Surfside FL, a wonderful oceanfront Town nestled between Miami Beach and Bal Harbour. My wife and I have a 5 year old son and 3 year old twins (boy and girl). We love Florida and I welcome any BULS alumni to email me if visiting the area. 8/9/06
Class of 1989
Bryan Neft
Bryan S. Neft have been elected partner at the law firm of Pietragallo Bosick & Gordon, LLP.
Mr. Neft is a member of the firm's Litigation Defense, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Coverage and Appellate Practice Groups. He is based in the firm’s Pittsburgh office.
Pietragallo Bosick & Gordon, LLP is a 70-attorney regional business and litigation law firm with a national client base. In addition to its Pittsburgh headquarters, the firm has offices in Steubenville, Ohio; Weirton, West Virginia; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; and Sharon, Pennsylvania. 10/9/06