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By: Brian Comerford ’25
This summer, I was fortunate to intern with Hon. Lawrence Vilardo, Judge of the Western District of New York. Thanks to the University at Buffalo School of Law Summer Public Interest Funding & Fellowship Program, I was able to pursue my passion in the law this summer.
I worked with two other interns throughout the summer. The three of us are in the same class year at the University at Buffalo School of Law. We worked together on different projects and often relied on one another. We were able to make relationships with great judges, lawyers, law clerks, courtroom deputies, court reporters, probation officers, U.S. Marshals, and many more. Additionally, as part of our internship, we were invited to a speaker series. Each Wednesday, a speaker or group of speakers from a specific field came to discuss their careers, give us an idea of what practicing law in that field would be like, answer questions, and offer us advice. It was great to hear from many different accomplished attorneys and judges on various aspects of the law.
One of the most memorable parts of the internship was being able to see a full trial, from start to finish. There has only been one full trial in 2023 in the Robert H. Jackson Courthouse and we were lucky that it happened to be during our internship with Judge Vilardo. We were able to watch everything. Throughout the trial, I often tried to put myself in the shoes of the lawyers. Whether I was trying to figure out why a lawyer used a peremptory challenge on a juror, or observing how a lawyer cross-examined a witness, I learned more than I could have imagined just by witnessing the trial.
Throughout the trial, I paid close attention to how the lawyers spoke to the judge, the jury, witnesses, experts, and opposing counsel. Each of the lawyers treated everyone with respect, even if they were on opposing sides. Once the entire jury left the courtroom to begin their deliberations, Judge Vilardo stepped down and shook hands with each lawyer to thank them for the job they did. He also shook hands with the defendant to wish him luck. That was one of the most memorable parts of my internship.
Along with experiencing what happens in a courtroom, we were also able to experience what happens behind the scenes. I was truly fortunate to work with Judge Vilardo’s law clerks. I learned a lot just by reading their writing. I learned even more with great feedback on my writing. The law clerks, along with Judge Vilardo, pay close attention to every detail in a decision. I was often impressed by Judge Vilardo and the law clerks’ dedication to the law and fleshing out each issue.
I would like to especially thank the donors from the University at Buffalo School of Law’s Class of 1979 for making this possible. Thanks to the funding, I had an unforgettable experience that will play an important role in my career as a lawyer. I especially want to thank Judge Vilardo, Colleen Demma, William Hayes, Dylan Jarrett, Ann Sawyer, and Allison Gioia for creating a great work environment and always being so approachable. Lastly, I am happy I was able to build a strong relationship with my fellow interns, Peter John Ciotta and Matthew O’Hara.
Name: Brian Comerford ’25
Fellowship: Class of 1979 1L Summer Fellowship
Placement: United States District Court for the Western District of New York, The Hon. Lawrence J. Vilardo
Location: Buffalo, NY
One important lesson I have learned from this fellowship: “Every decision is important. A decision should be made in a way that does justice, treats people with respect, and lets people know they are heard.”
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