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 Rochester, NY (March 27) …The law firm of Harris Beach PLLC is pleased to announce that H. Todd Bullard has joined the firm as an equity member effective March 26, 2007. Mr. Bullard began his legal career at Harris Beach in 1987 following graduation from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School. He left in 1991 to start his own firm, The Bullard Law Group, where he focused his law practice on municipal finance, real estate, corporate law, and commercial litigation.
Mr. Bullard will practice in the Harris Beach Public Finance & Economic Development and Business & Commercial Litigation Practice Groups. Carol Elizabeth Owens, an associate at The Bullard Law Group, has also joined Harris Beach as an associate.
Harris Beach Chairman Gunther K. Buerman said: “We had always recognized Todd's top-notch legal skills when he was with the firm 20 years ago. He built a successful career over the years in his own practice, and it is a pleasure to welcome him back as an equity member.”
Harris Beach CEO James A. Spitz, Jr. said: “Our firm is dedicated to promoting a culture where diversity is respected and welcomed. Todd's election to membership represents that dedication, and is reflective of our commitment to diversity and to the Rochester community. We are proud to welcome this talented lawyer back.”
Shawn M. Griffin, co-leader of the Harris Beach Public Finance & Economic Development Practice Group noted: “Municipalities, throughout New York state, continually express their commitment to and desire for diversity from their legal providers. Todd is well-known by local and state officials for his many years of public service and he has worked on complex transactions in the City of Buffalo Schools Project . His legal skills will be a significant asset to our municipal and state agency clients.”
Paul J. Yesawich, III, co-leader of the Harris Beach Business & Litigation Practice Group said: “Our clients recognize the value of a diverse workplace both within their own organizations and in the law firms that serve them. Todd possesses high level commercial litigation skills and he is very well-known in the Rochester business and legal community. We are enthusiastic about his decision to join us.”
Mr. Bullard said: "I am honored by the firm's vision and commitment to elect me as an equity member. At the same time, I am humbled by the historical significance and the message this event sends to those young African-American legal professionals who aspire to reach the highest levels at one of the nation's largest law firms. The message is it can be done with hard-work, dedication and community support."
Throughout the 1990's, Mr. Bullard has served on important committees such as the Urban League of Rochester Board of Directors (1990-1998), Legal Aid Society Board of Directors (1990-1993), Rochester Preservation Board (1990-1992), Boy Scouts of America, Inc. Executive Board (1991-1994), and Center for Dispute Settlement Board of Directors (1988-1991). He is a former Monroe County Legislator (1992- 2005), and served as vice-chair on the Ways and Means Committee. From 1993-1996, Mr. Bullard was Assistant Minority Leader, moving up to Democratic Minority Leader in 2000. Mr. Bullard has served on the Action for a Better Community, Inc. Board since 1994-2004. He serves on the board of Nazareth Schools and as a trustee on the Strong National Museum of Play. He has been a member of the Monroe County Bar Foundation since 1994, as well as the New York State, Rochester Black Bar and National Bar Associations. Mr. Bullard was formerly a member of the Minority Legal Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee of the Monroe County Bar Foundation. Currently, Mr. Bullard serves as co-chair of the Rochester Black Bar Association Judicial Review Committee. While at the University of Buffalo, Mr. Bullard participated in the Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition on the Regional Finalist Team, as well as maintaining a Teacher Assistant's position. He received is JD from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School with a concentration in state and local government law and his BA from Allegheny College.
Ms. Owens received her JD from Albany Law School of Union University and her BBA from Howard University . She is a member of the Monroe County, New York State and National Bar Associations. Ms. Owens serves as an attorney-mentor and advisory board member for the Rochester City Court and the City of Rochester Teen Court Program .
About Harris Beach
Established in 1856, Harris Beach is one of the country's Top 250 law firms as ranked by the National Law Journal and has offices throughout New York State in Albany, Buffalo, Geneseo, Ithaca, New York City, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers, as well as Newark, New Jersey. The firm's almost 200 attorneys provide full-service legal counsel to a diverse group of Fortune 500 corporations, privately-held companies, emerging technology businesses, municipalities, public benefit corporations, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals.
Public Finance & Economic Development Practice Group
Harris Beach is a nationally recognized bond counsel firm, serving most New York state issuers, more than 27 industrial development agencies throughout New York State, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The firm also serves as counsel to underwriters, borrowers, and entities providing credit enhancement and/or liquidity on all types of public finance transactions.
Business & Commercial Litigation Practice Group
Harris Beach handles all types of litigation, whether they involve individuals, closely-held businesses or Fortune 500 companies and issues ranging from antitrust to zoning. Harris Beach attorneys have extensive litigation experience in federal and state courts around the country. |
