Hodgson Russ LLP will be honored by the University at Buffalo for community leadership and longstanding support of the university at the UB Partners Day luncheon June 9 at the downtown Adam's Mark hotel.

Formerly known as UB Business Partners Day, the event recognizes companies, organizations and individuals who have played key roles in partnering with UB to strengthen the economy locally and throughout New York state.

"UB's partnerships with business and civic organizations are critical to the quality of life for all of the Buffalo Niagara community," said Marsha Henderson, UB vice president for external affairs. "This UB Partners Day celebrates the role we play together in building a better future for our region."

Hodgson Russ will receive the Vital Partner Award - the highest honor bestowed on a company. Two of its attorneys, Millard Fillmore and Nathan Hall, were integral to the formation of UB in 1846, with Fillmore serving as the first chancellor. Now the firm employs more than 120 UB alumni, many of whom give back through volunteer service on the UB Council, UB Foundation and deans' advisory councils.

Phillips attorneys discuss issues

Several attorneys from Phillips Lytle LLP recently participated in workshops and conferences related to their practice fields.

At the ninth annual Conference on Carbon Capture and Sequestration in Pittsburgh, Susan Marriott discussed "Carbon Capture and Sequestration Project Advocacy: Lessons Learned from the Trenches of Project Development." She concentrates in the areas of environment and energy, telecommunications, and land use and zoning law.

Partner James Grasso, meanwhile, was guest speaker at the Wage & Labor Laws Seminar hosted by Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP) on May 27. He represents management in the private and public sectors in labor and employment matters.

William Brown, also a Phillips Lytle partner, participated in the seventh annual Western New York Bankruptcy Conference sponsored by the Monroe County and Erie County bar associations. He discussed "2009-2010 Case Law Developments Affecting Chapter 11 Cases." A Fellow in the American College of Bankruptcy, Brown practices bankruptcy law including creditors' rights, workouts, secured transactions and asset-based financing.

Hershel Gelber LLC reorganizes

Timothy O'Connell, former partner in Siegel Kelleher & Kahn, and Stephanie Gelber, former managing partner at Lustig & Brown LLP, joined the Gelber firm. O'Connell was named a senior partner in the firm and, in recognition of that, the firm was renamed Gelber & O'Connell LLC. It will continue to focus on personal-injury cases. The new Web site is www.gelberoconnell.com

Law firm to lead health-care seminar

Dopkins & Co. LLP will host a free seminar on health-care reform and what it means for business owners, including the financial impact and potential tax implications. It's scheduled for Tuesday, June 29 at the Millennium Hotel in Cheektowaga. To register, call 651-4213.

Alexander offers advice on estate-planning

Attorney David Alexander, of Gross Shuman Brizdle & Gilfillan PC, presented "Selected Issues in Estate Planning" at a seminar hosted by Georgetown Capital Group of Williamsville. The event included a discussion of issues related to wills and estates, living wills, health-care proxies, powers of attorney and supplemental needs trusts, Alexander practices in New York and Florida.

- Compiled by Matt Chandler