March 28, 2007

Bullard is only black partner in nonminority firm here

Gary McLendon
Staff writer

Twenty years ago, when he was fresh out of law school, H. Todd Bullard sat at his desk at Harris Beach and didn't give much thought to becoming an equity partner.

After all, he was a young African American working in Rochester, and based on history, he thought his prospects were dim, no matter how talented he might be.

That changed last Wednesday, when more than 80 percent of Harris Beach's partners voted to make Bullard the first African-American equity partner in a majority-owned Rochester law firm in 22 years.

Carol Elizabeth Owens, an associate at The Bullard Law Group, also has joined Harris Beach.

Harris Beach announced the moves Tuesday.

"We had always recognized Todd's top-notch legal skills when he was with the firm 20 years ago. He built a successful career over the years in his own practice, and it is a pleasure to welcome him back as an equity member," said Harris Beach Chairman Gunther K. Buerman.

Harris Beach CEO James A. Spitz Jr. said: "Our firm is dedicated to promoting a culture where diversity is respected and welcomed. Todd's election to membership represents that dedication, and is reflective of our commitment to diversity and to the Rochester community. We are proud to welcome this talented lawyer back."

Bullard is just the second African-American lawyer ever to reach an equity partnership level in a local law firm that was not minority-owned.

"I am honored by the firm's vision and commitment to elect me as an equity member. At the same time, I am humbled by the historical significance," Bullard said Tuesday from his long-time office overlooking Broad and South Fitzhugh streets.

He said he's also humbled by the tragic experience of Rochester's first African-American equity partner, William E. McKnight, who died in 1985 at age 36. Bullard is aware that he carries both an inspiring and a tragic legacy on his shoulders as McKnight's successor.

According to the American Bar Association, members of racial minorities make up less than 5 percent of partners in the nation's 250 largest law firms.

"I plan to make the most of it and show by example that this firm has made the right decision and other firms should make decisions on diversity that are profitable and also have a societal impact," Bullard said.

Owens, 40, is a native of New York City and received her J.D. degree from Albany Law School of Union University. She has been an associate with the Bullard Law Group since 1998.

"In terms of the shift, I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my legal talent and skills to a larger organization," she said. "I think having a larger legal platform from which to operate will benefit not only myself but certainly the clients, who I will have an opportunity and pleasure to service."

Bullard, 46, a graduate of Rush-Henrietta High School, began his career at Harris Beach in 1987 after graduating from the law school of the State University of New York at Buffalo. He started Bullard Law Group in 1993 and focused his practice on municipal finance, real estate, corporate law and commercial litigation.

"Todd is an excellent attorney, and I'm glad to see his skills are being rewarded at this time. I think he will be an asset for Harris Beach and it will be mutually positive," said Jill Schultz, president of the Monroe County Bar Association.

Bullard, a resident of Penfield, has served on the boards of several community organizations, such as the Urban League of Rochester board of directors, Legal Aid Society board of directors, Rochester Preservation Board and Center for Dispute Settlement board of directors.

He is a former Monroe County legislator and was Democratic minority leader.

Harris Beach, established in 1856, is ranked among the country's top 250 law firms by The National Law Journal. It has nearly 200 lawyers with offices throughout New York state in Albany, Buffalo, Geneseo, Ithaca, New York City, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers, as well as in Newark, N.J.

Bullard will be in two Harris Beach practice groups, for public finance and economic development and for business and commercial litigation. He'll relocate to the firm's Pittsford offices in mid-April.

Harris Beach will take over operation of Bullard Law Group's office next month. A few cases will remain with Bullard Law Group. Harris Beach will take over a large portion of the firm's cases, Bullard said.

In the negotiations with Bullard, Harris Beach agreed to offer a scholarship to a promising African-American law student and hire that person after graduation from law school.

Bullard said the scholarship is part of Harris Beach's commitment to diversity and was a key to his accepting the firm's partnership offer.