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Bar Association of Erie County Announces Its 2026 Award Winners

BUFFALO, NY – November 4, 2026 – Continuing an annual tradition that dates back well over 100 years, on November 12 the Bar Association of Erie County (BAEC) will honor local lawyers and judges recognized by their peers as outstanding. This year, the celebration marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and highlights the unique role lawyers played in our founding and in upholding democracy today. The BAEC will recognize seven exceptional attorneys and judges in Western New York who demonstrate outstanding service to the public, the legal profession, and the Association.

This year’s Lawyer of the Year is Alan J. Bozer, a partner at Phillips Lytle LLP. Bozer is honored for his advocacy representing the East Side Parkways Coalition, championing environmental justice and the restoration of Frederick Law Olmsted’s historic Humboldt Parkway. His work reflects a commitment to using the law in partnership with the community to address historic neighborhood divides.

The BAEC will present a total of seven awards:

  • Lawyer of the Year: Alan J. Bozer, Phillips Lytle LLP
  • The John T. Curtin Profiles in Courage Award: Anne E. Doebler, Anne E. Doebler, P.C.
  • Outstanding Jurist Award: The Honorable Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department
  • Charles H. Dougherty Civility Award: Larry E. Waters, Jr., Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
  • Award of Merit: Daire Brian Irwin (posthumously)
  • Special Service Award: Cheyenne N. Freely, Hodgson Russ LLP
  • Special Service Award: Alan S. Carrel, University at Buffalo (retired)

The BAEC will be honoring these individuals during its 139th Annual Awards Celebration on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Seneca One Tower. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

“The BAEC Annual Awards truly reflect the best of our local legal community,” said Maura K. O’Donnell, President of the Bar Association of Erie County. “This year’s honorees embody the vision, courage, and integrity necessary to ensure that the promise of justice truly belongs to everyone.”

All are invited to our celebration. You can learn more about the awards, sponsorship opportunities, the celebration event, and purchase tickets, by visiting eriebar.org/annualawards.

The BAEC gratefully acknowledges our generous sponsors: Hurwitz Fine P.C., Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys, Law Office of John V. Elmore, Law Offices of Timothy M. O’Mara, M&T Bank, Northwest Bank, Personius Melber LLP, Proceed Legal, Usherwood Office Technologies, , William Mattar Law Offices, WithumSmith+Brown PLLC, Bond, Schoeneck & King, Brown Chiari LLP, Charles J. Sellers & Co., Inc., Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, Hodgson Russ LLP, and Ahrens Bar Association Marketplace.

 

ABOUT THE BAR ASSOCIATION OF ERIE COUNTY
The Bar Association of Erie County (“BAEC” or “Association”), a not-for-profit professional association, was founded in 1887. The Association serves its members by educating, pursuing justice, and fostering camaraderie, well-being, and belonging. The Association is a trusted voice and partner in the community, advocates for professional well-being and inclusion, and provides lawyers with the skills and tools to achieve excellence in the practice of law and pursuit of justice. The BAEC is a nonpartisan association made up of over three thousand lawyers and judiciary from varied practices and backgrounds, including lawyers in civil and criminal practice, corporate and trial lawyers, defense counsel, in house counsel, and those working in government, educational, and nonprofit settings.
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