By MATT CHANDLER
Buffalo Law Journal

Under the banner "A Legacy of Liberty: Celebrating Lincoln's Bicentennial," the Bar Association of Erie County will hold its 2009 Law Day luncheon Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency in Buffalo.

Hon. Bruce Selya, chief judge of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, will be the keynote speaker at the event, which will feature an awards presentation honoring members of the Buffalo legal community who have distinguished themselves over the past year.

Hon. Robert Russell, who has garnered national attention for his first-in-the-nation veterans' treatment court, will receive the association's Justice Award.

Russell said he was humbled and gratified to be receiving the award.

"The award is highlighting a unique collaboration between our courts, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, a host of volunteer veteran mentors, community treatment providers and the faith-based community," Russell said. "It further highlights that the issues facing our returning veterans are a community concern and that we can all make a contribution in truly welcoming our troops home."

There are an estimated 80,000 veterans living in Erie County. Like other area "problem-solving" courts, including local drug and gambling courts, the City of Buffalo's Veterans Treatment Court is a forum for alternative resolution of criminal matters pending against veterans. Russell sees it as a critical service to provide those who have served the United States in the military.

"For those veterans that are suffering from mental-health disease and/or self-medicating themselves and thereby suffering from substance abuse or addiction disease, the court is an opportunity to get their lives stable, healthy and productive," he said.

Honored alongside the Veterans Court will be the Western New York Law Center Inc., recipient of the Liberty Bell Award, recognizing the organization's service to the community, particularly its work to assist families facing foreclosure.

"The work we do with foreclosures is very important," said WNYLC Executive Director Joseph Kelemen. "A lot of the poor and working poor people are losing their homes, and in many cases we can prevent that."

Since initiating a foreclosure-prevention program in September, the Law Center has worked with 14 homeowners to resolve their cases and avoid foreclosure on their homes.  Kelemen said the number of homeowners affected is even higher.

"I  think it is really important in terms of stabilizing neighborhoods," he said. "Western New York has been hit very hard in terms of the foreclosure crisis, and foreclosures have a domino effect. They lower property values and, for many people, their home is their life investment. If neighborhoods start to go downhill, people can lose all of that."

Also to be honored at the luncheon is Michelle Pierce, longtime chief deputy clerk for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Buffalo. She will receive the Special Service Award, and called it "a thrill" to be recognized for her work. Edward Needham, a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, will receive the Police Officer Award and Barbara Burns, a reporter with WBEN-AM, will receive the Media Award.

Tickets to the luncheon are $25 and can be purchased by calling Maureen Gorski at 852-8687.