Attorney Terrence Connors, a partner in Connors and Vilardo LLP of Buffalo, is the recipient of the 2010 Lawyer of the Year Award from the Bar Association of Erie County. He was honored June 8 at the group's annual dinner, held at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo.

Connors, a graduate of the University at Buffalo Law School, was admitted to the Bar in 1973 and focuses his practice on litigation.

Also honored at the event were Judge Thomas Franczyk, attorney and Clarence Town Supervisor Scott Bylewski, and attorneys John Canale, Robert Lawrence and John Nuchereno.

Franczyk received the 2010 Outstanding Jurist Award. It recognizes his dedication to the bench, as well as his longtime work with aspiring lawyers.

Franczyk serves as adjunct professor at the University at Buffalo Law School and is the founder of the Buffalo-Niagara National Mock Trial Competition.

Bylewski was given an Award of Merit for the role he played, as Clarence town supervisor, in the emergency response following the crash of Continental Flight 3407.

Canale was presented with the 2010 Charles H. Dougherty Civility Award. He has been a practicing attorney since 1948.

Lawrence received the Special Service Award. He has spent his 35-year career with the Office of Social Security Administration, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.

Nuchereno, a solo practitioner, also received the Special Service Award. He has been an attorney for three decades, specializing in criminal defense. He also has assisted with the Indigent Prisoners Society Assigned Counsel Program.