BUFFALO, N.Y. — Robert B. Conklin, immediate-past president of Hodgson Russ LLP and currently serving as the firm's general counsel, was honored by the Daily Record at the publication's inaugural Leaders in Law Awards reception, held recently at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo.

The Leaders in Law Awards recognize legal professionals in the Eighth Judicial District whose leadership, both in the legal profession and in the community, has made a positive impact.

"We have many 'leaders in the law' in Western New York, and, proudly, a high percentage of them have practiced and still practice at Hodgson Russ," Mr. Conklin said. "I am honored by this recognition for our firm."

Because he was in New York preparing for oral argument of an appeal at the 2nd Circuit early the following morning, Mr. Conklin was unable to attend the award ceremony. Gary M. Schober, president and CEO of Hodgson Russ, accepted the award on his behalf.

Mr. Conklin is a 35-year veteran of Hodgson Russ and served as president from 2001 to 2005. During his presidency, Hodgson Russ grew to more than 220 attorneys in seven offices in New York, Ontario, and Florida. Mr. Conklin was instrumental in Hodgson Russ's purchase and development of the historic Guaranty Building in downtown Buffalo, demonstrating the firm's commitment to the community. Mr. Conklin is a member of the University at Buffalo Law School Dean's Advisory Committee, and he was recognized for his commitment to the law school by the Buffalo Law Review in 2005. He is also a member of the board of directors of Shea's Performing Arts Center.

With more than 225 attorneys practicing in all major areas of law, Hodgson Russ is among the 200 largest law firms headquartered in the United States. It is one of approximately 100 firms in the country listed in America's Greatest Places to Work With a Law Degree. In June 2005, Hodgson Russ received the Carol S. Knox Family-Friendly Employer Award from the Capital District Women's Bar Association. The firm, which was established in 1817 and is among the oldest law firms in the United States, is the only law firm that can count two former U.S. presidents, Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland, among its alumni. Hodgson Russ has offices in Albany, Buffalo, Johnstown, and New York, New York; Boca Raton, Florida; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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