John J. LaFalce

In May of 2007 HoganWillig was honored to welcome former Congressman John J. LaFalce as Special Counsel to the firm. Congressman LaFalce maintains an office at HoganWillig’s Amherst office where he provides counsel to the firm’s Corporate and Business Law Department.

A respected figure in the local and national political landscape for over three decades, Buffalo native Congressman LaFalce graduated from Canisius High School (1957), Canisius College (1961) and Villanova University School of Law (1964). From 1965 to 1967 Congressman LaFalce served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, leaving active duty with the rank of Captain. In 1970, he ran successfully for the New York State Senate, and in 1972 was elected to the New York State Assembly. Congressman LaFalce served Western New York in the U.S. Congress for 28 years, from 1975 through 2002. His congressional career spans six United States Presidents, from President Gerald Ford to President George W. Bush.

Throughout his career, Congressman LaFalce has been a passionate consumer advocate, his efforts instrumental in working to reform a troubled financial system and winning legislative battles for union members, consumers and small business. Additionally, his efforts provided a legal framework for the clean-up of abandoned toxic waste sites like Love Canal, as well as expanded housing and community development opportunities.

Congressman LaFalce has been awarded four Honorary Doctorate Degrees, and is the first non-alumnus to be given the distinguished alumnus award by the University of Buffalo School of Law. He also received the Liberty Bell Award from the Erie County Bar Association for his significant contribution to government. In 2007, Congressman LaFalce accepted a position as Distinguished University Fellow at Niagara University.

Current boards/advisory boards:

Executive Committee of Citizens for Better Buffalo
Advisory Board to the Rochester Institute of Technology Center for Consumer Financial Services
Individual Investor Advisory Board to the New York Stock Exchange
Board of New Jobs for New York, a corporation created by Senator Hillary Clinton
The National Association to End Homelessness
Senior Advisory Board to the Canadian American Business Council
Honorary Co-Chairman of the Canadian American Border Coalition
Honorary Chairman of the Canadian American Border Trade Alliance
Canisius High School
Commemorative Commission to Celebrate the Ware of 1812
Brenton Woods Committee
Board Member of State Bankcorp Inc.
Honorary Director of the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern
Member of the New York State Banking Board