Distinguished Professor Addresses County Attorneys
By GREGORY BACON
A top state legal expert in the state was in town Thursday to give local attorneys some pointers. David D. Siegel, Albany Law School Distinguished Professor spoke to a crowd of about 85 at the Robert H. Jackson Center on civil procedure.
Siegel noted that many people don’t understand and care much about civil procedure, but it’s very important to the legal community. ‘‘I’ve developed a monopoly on this subject because no one wants to go near it,’’ he said.
Some of the issues Siegel touched on included how to start a lawsuit, how to conduct a lawsuit, how to appeal a decision against an attorney’s client and how to enforce judgment when an attorney is successful.
Fred Larson, a Jamestown attorney, appreciated what Siegel had to say.
‘‘He’s the legal expert in New York state. From New York City to Jamestown, he’s it,’’ he said.
First Assistant District Attorney Paul Andrews expressed similar sentiment. ‘‘He’s the legend, that’s why I’m here,’’ he said. ‘‘After listening to him I can understand why he’s so popular.’’
Fredonia attorney Tim Eades with the law firm Phillips & Lytle had Siegel as a professor 21 years at Albany Law School. ‘‘He hasn’t changed much,’’ he said.
Siegel has been to the county before but this was his first visit to the Robert H. Jackson Center.
An admitted fan of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Siegel believes Jackson is one of the best legal writers of all time. ‘‘He has a unique gift of expression,’’ he said. ‘‘He takes an idea that flows from his end to yours.’’
Attorneys are required to take a certain amount of continuing education to retain their law licenses. Those in attendance Thursday received credit from the SUNY Albany law school.
Rolland Kidder, the executive director of the Jackson Center, said they were very excited to have Siegel speak. ‘‘We’re happy to have lawyers use the Jackson Center in this practical way,’’ he said.
Kidder noted that Jackson was an alumnus of Albany law school, which is why they looked to the school for a special event. ‘‘We plan on doing more with Albany Law,’’ he added.