[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E89]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING HODGSON RUSS, LLP AS IT CELEBRATES ITS 200TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 24, 2017

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I stand before you to 
recognize and honor Hodgson Russ, LLP as the firm celebrates its 200th 
Anniversary.
  Hodgson Russ is not only Buffalo's oldest law firm, but the city's 
oldest continuously operating business, with roots dating back to 1817. 
The firm has played a pivotal role in the City of Buffalo's history and 
has been instrumental in the growth and expansion of the region.
  One of the first independent law firms in the nation, it was founded 
in 1817 by Mr. Hodgson Russ. Today, the firm employs 208 attorneys and 
more than 275 staff members who continue to follow the same 
philosophies upon which Mr. Russ originally founded the firm.
  The firm extends into industries such as health care, construction, 
life sciences, railroads, steel, banking, milling and manufacturing. It 
practices in areas that extend from business transactions and 
compliance to environment and energy, immigration, tax and real estate 
to name but a few. Since the firm's inception, Hodgson Russ provides 
representation to its clients with the utmost respect and integrity.
  Notably, Hodgson Russ has a long and substantial record shaping early 
Buffalo, producing notable attorneys that played key roles both locally 
as well as on a national stage.
  The founder of Hodgson Russ's earliest predecessor firm, Mr. Asa 
Rice, played a key role in the completion of the western terminus of 
the historic Erie Canal project in 1825.
  In 1832, partners Joseph Clary and Millard Fillmore drafted the first 
Buffalo city charter, playing a pivotal role in the city's municipal 
incorporation. A few years later, it was partner Nathan Hall who led 
the effort to create the Buffalo public school system, the first 
tuition-free, tax-supported public school system in the State of New 
York.
  The Hodgson Russ legal family more than made its contribution in and 
around elective public office as well. In 1849, Millard Fillmore was 
sworn in as the 12th Vice President of the United States, and sixteen 
months later, upon the death of President Zachary Taylor, was 
inaugurated the 13th President of the United States. A few years later, 
Grover Cleveland joined the firm as a clerk and in 1859 was admitted to 
practice, after which he would, during the period 1870-1892, be 
successively elected Sheriff of Erie County, Mayor of Buffalo, Governor 
of New York and twice as President of the United States. The firm's 
role in the history books continues in 1901 when Hodgson Russ partner 
John Milburn played an instrumental role in bringing the Pan-American 
Exposition to Buffalo. A sad postscript: President William McKinley--
wounded by an assassin's bullet at the Exposition--succumbs to his 
injuries at Mr. Milburn's home on Delaware Avenue, on the site where 
Canisius High School now stands.
  While the firm honors its illustrious past, it remains focused on the 
future, providing emerging businesses and new industries with business-
focused legal advice that contributes to the growth of our overall 
economy. The firm is also known for providing charitable contributions 
through their financial support of more than 250 organizations, as well 
as its work providing pro-bono legal services throughout local 
communities.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize and 
honor the Hodgson Russ Law Firm. I would also ask that my colleagues 
join me in congratulating Hodgson Russ, as they celebrate their 
Bicentennial with an event planned for Thursday, January 25, 2017 at 
their offices at the historic Guaranty Building, a National Historic 
Landmark designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan. Hodgson Russ 
has produced leaders in Congress and the Court System, in the NYS 
Senate and Supreme Court. This local Buffalo firm produced a president 
of the World Bank and not one, but two Presidents of the United States. 
It is my distinct honor to join current president Rick Kennedy and the 
many partners, associates, clerks, and other members of the Hodgson 
Russ legal family as they celebrate this momentous occasion.

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