Kara M. Eyre, Esq.
President
Kara Eyre is the President of the Board of Lawyers for Learning. Kara joined LFL as a tutor in 2013 and her favorite thing about LFL is getting to know the students and faculty at School 18. Kara is Of Counsel at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP. When she is not working, Kara enjoys spending time at home with her husband and four children.
Andrew J. Olek, Esq.
Vice President
Mr. Olek is an attorney at Lippes Mathias LLP. He assists clients on business formation, including companies, partnerships, and corporations and advises businesses and entrepreneurs on entity and internal organizational structure, financing options, contract negotiation, and general business planning. Mr. Olek also assists clients with protecting and licensing their intellectual property rights. In addition to Lawyers for Learning, Mr. Olek also volunteers for the Ronald McDonald House of Western New York.
Taylor Schubauer-Waters, Esq.
Tutor Coordinator
Taylor Schubauer serves as the Tutor Coordinator on the Board for Lawyers for Learning. Taylor joined LFL as a tutor in 2018 and joined the Board in 2020. She became the Tutor Coordinator in 2021. She is an Associate Attorney at the William C. Bernhardi Law Offices, PLLC in West Seneca, New York where she specializes in disability law. Outside of the office, Taylor enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Richard R. Capote, Esq.
Treasurer
Rich Capote has served as Lawyers for Learning treasurer for many years. He is also an attorney at Lippes Mathias LLP and focuses his practice on the leasing, acquisition, sale, and financing of commercial real estate.
Michelle M. Schwach, Esq.
Deputy Treasurer
Michelle M. Schwach is the Confidential Law Clerk to Hon. Mary G. Carney in Erie County Family Court. Prior to this, she was in private practice, concentrating in matrimonial and family law. Although this is Michelle’s first year serving on the board, she has been an LFL tutor in the past and has a great appreciation for the work in service to support the students of School 18. Outside the office, Michelle enjoys yoga and playing outside with her son and husband.
Helen Graf
Secretary
Helen has a degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Geneseo. She tutored her first student through L4L in 2004, and is thrilled to still have contact with that student who is now studying to be a doctor. Helen joined the L4L board in 2023 and serves as secretary. When she is not at work as office manager at Children's Legal Center, she enjoys bicycling , reading, and traveling the world.
Benjamin Dwyer, Esq.
Director
Ben is General Counsel and Corporate Compliance Officer at OLV Human Services, the Father Baker legacy organizations in Lackawanna, N.Y. He began tutoring students with Rochester’s Lawyers for Learning Program in the late 1990s, and has been tutoring students in Buffalo’s Lawyers for Learning program since 2017. He joined the board in 2022.
Rochelle K Lawless, Esq.
Director
Rochelle Lawless began tutoring with the program in 2007 while still a law student at UB and has remained active in the organization ever since. She is an adjuster for Travelers Insurance where she practices in the areas of personal injury and civil litigation defense.
Sarah Duval, Esq.
Director
Sarah Duval is a Supervising Attorney at the Center for Elder Law and Justice. Sarah began tutoring with Lawyers for Learning as a law student in 2009. She joined the board in 2016 and currently serves as Tutor Coordinator.
Alexandra Jaehn, Esq.
Director
Ms. Jaehn is an attorney for Erie County Medical Center. Outside of work, Ms. Jaehn enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering and giving back to her community. In addition to Lawyers for Learning, Ms. Jaehn also volunteers with the Volunteer Lawyers Project at Attorney of the Morning and the Say Yes! Clinics in the City of Buffalo.
Jeffrey B. Novak, Esq.
Director
Mr. Novak is a member of Hogan Willig's Commercial Litigation practice area representing a large array of clients including large banks, professional sports franchises, and entertainment companies in both State and Federal Court. Mr. Novak has over 10 years of experience as a Business and Corporate Law attorney and also serves clients in the areas of Estates Litigation, as well as corporate transactional work. Super Lawyers® has recognized Jeffrey for three years running as a “Rising Star” for distinguished excellence in Business Litigation. In addition to his involvement with Lawyers for Learning, Mr. Novak serves as President of the ProZoo Board of the Buffalo Zoological Society.
Anaiss Rijo, Esq.
Director
Kaitlin Sines, Esq.
Director
Ms. Sines is an attorney at Hurwitz Fine P.C., focusing her practice on general liability defense with experience in many areas of personal injury, including premises, toxic tort, automobile, municipal and school district liability. In addition to her service with Lawyers for Learning, Ms. Sines is a Foundation Board Member of Community Services For Every1, an organization committed to providing person-centered services and support to those who need it, despite whatever challenges or circumstances they might face.
Nicole Mutignani, Esq.
Director
Nicole Mutignani is an associate attorney at Fenster, Lewis, & Good, LLC, specializing in trusts and estates. She has a background in non-profit work, having resettled refugees and engaged in media and service community projects. Currently, Nicole provides pro bono work for the Center for Elder Law & Justice, Surrogate Court Help Desk and is a current tutor for LFL
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