A Message to Our Members 

Dear Members of the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, 

As the President of this esteemed Association, it is with great honor and immense pride that I address all of you. I would like to personally thank each of you for entrusting me with this prestigious position—I am sincerely grateful and appreciative for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing the amazing legacy my predecessor, Ifeoluwa Popoola, has left behind. 

About Me 

My name is James Linnier Harrington, Esq., and I was born and raised, right here, in Buffalo, New York. I attended and graduated from both Public School #53 and Hutchinson Central Technical High School. I also attended the State University of New York at Fredonia before enlisting in the greatest branch of our military—the United States Navy—as an electronics Technician. 

After the service, I spent several years in the Customer Service / Sales industry, most notably, as a Licensed Insurance Sales Agent for the Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO). It was there that I realized I wanted more out of life, specifically, I wanted to do more for myself, my family, and my community. That led me to the State University of New York, University at Buffalo’s School of Law where I received my Juris Doctor in 2019. I, subsequently, received my Master of Business Administration, from D’youville University, in 2022. Today, I am an Assistant District Attorney for our great county of Erie, and it has been my pleasure to serve this community for the past 3 years. 

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, our vision for the future is one of bold ambition and unwavering commitment to excellence. We will continue to “facilitate and advance equality and excellence in the legal profession; aid in the progress of minorities in the legal profession, address legal issues affecting minorities, encourage the personal and professional development of lawyers and students, advocate for the civil rights of all people and to enhance the legal services available to minority communities.” (https://www.mbawny.com/history). 

Our focus, this year, will be on being (physically) present and (consciously) aware of all the issues that have been, and continue to be, top priority for this great association—especially this year! 

Furthermore, we will strengthen our ties with the local community. By engaging in meaningful partnerships and outreach programs, we will continue to aim to contribute to the social and economic development of our local, legal, community and beyond. Our commitment to Black, Latino, Jewish, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern excellence, in the Western New York legal community, will remain at the core of our mission. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, I am filled with optimism for the future of our association. The journey ahead will undoubtedly present challenges, but I am confident that, together, we will overcome them and achieve greatness. I am grateful for the dedication and hard work of our judges, attorneys, students, and other members whose contributions make our legal community vibrant, diverse, inclusive, and dynamic.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shared vision. Let us move forward with courage, determination, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of an inclusive and diverse legal community.

Sincerely,

James Linnier Harrington Esq.
President, 2025