MEET YOUR ELECTED OFFICERS & DIRECTORS FOR THE 2025-2026 BAR ASSOCIATION OF ERIE COUNTY BOARD
VICE PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT-ELECT
Maura K. O’Donnell
Associate General Counsel, Optum
Maura K. O’Donnell is a strong and inclusive leader with a record of fostering collaboration to achieve results. She currently serves as an Associate General Counsel with Optum, a health solution and care delivery organization. Maura formerly served as the Buffalo Regional Director for the New York State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit, where she led a team of attorneys, analysts, and detectives in investigating allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse within the state’s healthcare system. In this capacity, she handled both civil and criminal cases on behalf of New York State.
Prior to joining the New York Attorney General’s Office, Maura spent ten years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of New York, where she investigated and prosecuted complex financial and healthcare fraud cases, civil rights violations, public corruption, cybercrime, and crimes against children. She is a 2015 recipient of the FBI Director’s Award for Excellence and has extensive experience in federal litigation.
Maura began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney and has tried cases in a variety of New York State Courts and in United States District Court. Maura recently completed her term as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bar Association of Erie County (BAEC), where she has been active in several committees, and has organized and supported a variety of programs. She is a member of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York and the Minority Bar Association of Western New York.
Maura and her husband Kevin Corbett – a teacher and musician – live in the City of Buffalo with their three children and are enthusiastic supporters of their children’s many athletic and artistic endeavors and volunteers at their school. A long-standing board member of the West Side Rowing Club, Maura is an advocate for youth rowing and is a frequent regatta volunteer and former high school rowing coach. Maura received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin. As a former NCAA athlete, she remains an avid Badger fan and member of the Wisconsin Varsity Letterwinner Club. She is also proud to have chaired events to raise money and awareness for organ donation, a cause that has closely impacted her family.
DEPUTY TREASURER, TREASURER-ELECT
Andrew J. Freedman
Partner, Hodgson Russ LLP
I am deeply honored to be a candidate for Deputy Treasurer of the Bar Association of Erie County. My father, Bernard B. Freedman, was President of the Bar Association of Erie County in 1998-1999. This candidacy is especially meaningful to me to carry on my father’s legacy of dedication to legal profession and community service. It also comes at a time when the legal profession is under assault. I am committed to ensuring that we are able to represent our clients regardless of their beliefs and positions before an impartial judiciary, as justice must be blind.
I began my career at Norton/Radin/Hoover/Freedman, a small law firm in Kenmore. From there I joined Hodgson Russ LLP in 2011 as a partner in the Labor and Employment Group practicing primarily Education Law. I represent school districts and charter schools throughout Western New York and the Southern Tier assisting them with a wide range of complex legal challenges. I was the Chair of my firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee from 2019- 2024. Under my leadership, the committee focused on several initiatives that have helped it become a more inclusive and equitable workplace including internal education, talent development, and community engagement.
In addition to my work within the firm, I was recently appointed to the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission by Hon. Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Judge of the State of New York. The Failla Commission was established in 2017 to address issues of concern to the LGBTQ+ community. I am also the Co-Chair of newly recognized LGBTQIA+ Committee for the Bar Association of Erie County. This committee brings together LGBTQIA+ attorneys with allies. We held a CLE on transgender rights, social networking events, and sponsored two name change clinics. I serve on the Board of Trustees for the Minority Bar Foundation, the Buffalo United Charter School, and I am Second Vice President to the New York State Association for School Attorneys (NYSASA). At NYSASA, school attorneys work together to advance public education.
If elected, I promise to devote the time and energy necessary to continue the Bar Association’s distinguished legacy. My main priority will be to safeguard the rule of law from the on-going assault by the federal government. I also promise to focus on ensuring our members have a sense of connection and belonging to the Bar Association.
Thank you for this opportunity and I ask for your vote.
DIRECTORS
Cat McCulle
Attorney, Law Office of Lindy Korn PLLC
Cat is an attorney with the Law Office of Lindy Korn, PLLC. She joined the firm prior to attending law school and has remained with Lindy ever since. She negotiates and litigates plaintiff-side discrimination claims in the WDNY Federal Court, the NYS Supreme Court, and the NYS Division of Human Rights. Cat advocates passionately for her clients and works collaboratively to obtain the best possible resolution of each matter.
Cat is admitted to practice in New York State, United States District Court for the Western District of New York, United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
She is active in the legal community, having served as a Chair for the BAEC’s Young Lawyers Committee, and currently serving as Board Member and incoming Treasurer for UB Law’s GOLD Group and as an Associate Board Member for the NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers.
Hailing from Angola, Cat has lived in Buffalo her entire life. She went to Buffalo State College for her bachelor’s degree, majoring in History and minoring in political science and athletic coaching. Cat played a year of DIII hockey for the Buffalo State Bengals and graduated cum laude.
While at the University at Buffalo School of Law, she was involved in various clinics, was selected to be a Pro Bono Scholar, and played two years of ACHA Division II hockey.
In her spare time, Cat enjoys playing ice hockey in various leagues, hitting the beach, traveling, and spending time with her Newfoundland, Mortimer.
Milton D. Gordon
Assistant District Attorney, Erie County District Attorney’s Office
Dear Members of the Bar Association of Erie County,
My name is Milton Gordon, and I have had the privilege of serving as an Assistant District Attorney since 2016. I respectfully seek your support and your vote for Director of this distinguished organization. As a proud graduate of the University at Buffalo Law School, Class of 2015, my path to the legal profession has been enriched by diverse experiences—from serving in the Jamaican Military to working in Corporate. These varied experiences have instilled in me a profound appreciation for commitment, support, and community—core values essential in the pursuit of justice.
In my role at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, I have had the opportunity to collaborate closely with many of you, navigating the complexities of our legal system. This role has allowed me to witness firsthand the dedication, resilience, and humanity required within our profession. My background has provided me with a unique understanding of the significant impact our justice system has on individuals and communities, especially during challenging circumstances.
I am running for Director to offer unbiased leadership and bring a fresh, comprehensive perspective to the BAEC. I believe my capacity for flexible thinking, mental resilience, and commitment to inclusivity will serve our association well as we adapt to the evolving needs of our members. Buffalo has become my home, and the BAEC has greatly contributed to the sense of community I cherish.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. It would be an honor to serve as a Director of the Bar Association of Erie County would be an honor.
Respectfully,
Milton Gordon
Linda S. Grear
Partner, Pfalzgraf Beinhauer Grear Harris Schuller LLP
I am honored to be a candidate for a Director position with the Bar Association of Erie County. I am currently a partner at Pfalzgraf Beinhauer Grear Harris Schuller LLP (PB Elder Law), having been a member of Western New York legal community since 1995.
Throughout my 30-year career, I have been committed to fostering professional excellence in a supportive, collaborative manner to ensure that the needs of clients and colleagues are met, including access to resources and supporting professional development.
I am a current Member and Former Section District Delegate for the New York State Bar Association. I am a current Member and previously served as Chair of the Bar Association of Erie County Surrogate’s Court Committee for several years. I feel compelled to serve the Bar by offering my time to promote initiatives that demonstrate the Bar’s commitment to practitioners and the community.
If granted the opportunity to do so, I am eager to collaborate with fellow Bar members to uphold the BAEC mission, supporting the growth and well-being of all attorneys. By serving as a Director, I hope to further the BAEC’s role in ensuring excellence in the practice of law, educating, pursuing justice, and fostering camaraderie, well-being, and belonging.
Brianna Shareef
In-House Senior Counsel, Lactalis, Inc.
What began at the ballet barre eventually led Brianna Shareef to the New York State Bar—two very different paths shaped by the same values: discipline, focus, and a deep commitment to growth. A Metro Detroit native, Brianna now serves as Senior Counsel of Contracts and Strategic Transactions at Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy company. In her role, she leads complex agreements and strategic initiatives.
Before entering the legal field, Brianna spent 15 years training as a classical ballerina, including time dancing with the renowned Joffrey Ballet. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and her J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, where she lived for five years. In 2021, she moved to Buffalo with her fiancé, and the two are excited to tie the knot this November.
Brianna is an active and committed contributor to both the legal profession and her local community. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, serves on the board of the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, and is Vice Chair of the BAEC’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee. She also serves on the junior board of Buffalo Prep, working to advance educational equity and uplift the next generation of changemakers.
Outside of work, Brianna enjoys golfing. Having picked up the sport just two years ago, she now enjoys honing her swing with her fiancé during their free time.
Patrick J. Long
Assistant Dean for Professional Development, University at Buffalo School of Law
A proud son of South Buffalo, Pat joined the Navy after college and served in the Persian Gulf War. After leaving the Navy as a Lieutenant, he returned to Buffalo to teach English and History at Nichols School, where he also coached Varsity Wrestling. He then attended law school at UB and joined Hodgson Russ LLP upon graduation. There, he practiced litigation, with a focus on product liability. He returned to the School of Law in 2009 to teach legal writing. He is now the Assistant Dean for Professional Development. He has also taught courses in Professional Identity, Legal History, and Shakespeare and Law.
In the community, Pat has served as president of the boards of Neighborhood Legal Services, Just Buffalo Literary Center, and Buffalo Seminary. He lives in Williamsville with his wife, Sandra Block, and their two children.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Melissa Hancock Nickson
Court Attorney Referee, ADR Program, New York State Supreme Court
Michelle M. Schwach
Court Attorney to the Hon. Mary G. Carney, Erie County Family Court