The Bar Association of Erie County and the Monroe County Bar Association will co-sponsor the annual Western District Federal Court Dinner at 6 p.m., Nov. 9 at Statler City. Guests are invited to take a preview tour of the new federal courthouse, which opens Nov. 28 in Niagara Square. The dinner event will include the presentation of the 2011 Pro Bono Award to Buffalo attorney James Gresens of Duke, Holzman, Photiadis & Gresens LLP and Rochester attorney Kevin Saunders of Nixon Peabody LLP. The award recognizes "distinguished work representing indigent civil litigants, often in civil rights cases," according to Chief Judge William Skretny, as well as "extraordinary commitment, dedication, skill and professionalism in ensuring equal access to justice for all."

The 2011 Criminal Justice Act Award, meanwhile, will be presented to Buffalo attorney Robert Convissar, former president of the Bar Association of Erie County. He is being recognized for "distinguished criminal defense work representing indigent defendants in the U.S. District Court for the Western District," Skretny said. The judge said Convissar has been a "zealous advocate, ensuring that each criminal defendant receives a full and fair defense without regard to their financial circumstances."

For more information, contact Bonnie O'Brian at 852-8687, ext. 150.

Bar Association issues guidelines

The New York State Bar Association released a practitioner's guide to e-discovery. The guide is intended to assist lawyers and judges in managing the growing challenges associated with e-discovery. Titled "Guidelines for Best Practices in E-Discovery in New York State and Federal Courts," it is available free of charge and can be downloaded at www.nysba.org/e-discovery.

Goldberg attorney wins national award

Joseph Hanna, a partner in the Buffalo office of Goldberg Segalla, received the 2011 Community Service Award from the Defense Research Institute, which describes itself as the largest international membership organization of defense attorneys. He received the award at the group's annual meeting in Washington, D.C. It recognized his work as founder and president of Bunkers in Baghdad. He formed the nonprofit organization three years ago to ship golf equipment to soldiers serving overseas. To date, the charity has shipped more than 3 million golf balls and 50,000 clubs to military members in all 50 states and 11 countries.

Heckman to speak at CLE

Carol Heckman, a partner in the Buffalo office of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, will be a featured speaker on the topic of expert witnesses at an upcoming CLE: "Basics of Civil Practice - The Trial." The seminar is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Nov. 17 at the Holiday Inn, Amherst. Heckman is a former magistrate judge and has more than 33 years of experience as a trial and appellate lawyer.

Pigott to speak Nov. 8 at UB Law

The Hon. Eugene Pigott of the New York State Court of Appeals is a scheduled speaker from 6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 8 at the University at Buffalo Law School. He will address students and members of the Western New York legal community as part of an event by the executive committee of the New York State Bar Association's Commercial and Federal Litigation Section. Open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Contact Mary Mann at mmann@nixonpeabody.com

— Compiled by Matt Chandler