Lucinda M. Finley

Lucinda M. Finley is the Frank G. Raichle Professor of Trial and Appellate Advocacy and Director of Appellate Advocacy at the UB School of Law, University at Buffalo. She specializes in tort law, gender issues in law, feminist legal theory, reproductive rights, equal protection law, and first amendment rights. Her research addresses topics such as tort reform caps on non-economic damages and their disparate impacts on marginalized groups.

Education:

• Barnard College, Phi Beta Kappa graduate
• Columbia University Law School, Honors graduate

Professional Background:

• Clerkship: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit under Judge Arlin Adams
• Former litigation practice with Shea and Gardner in Washington, D.C.
• Prior faculty position at Yale Law School

Her scholarly contributions include the leading casebook Tort Law & Practice (3rd ed., 2006) and multiple law review articles. She actively engages in appellate advocacy, federal litigation, and legislative testimony, including appearances before the U.S. Congress and state committees. Notably, she was the first female lawyer from Western New York to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Advising & Advocacy: While no formal advisee names are listed, her role as a professor and appellate advocate implies extensive mentorship in legal practice and scholarship. She frequently testifies on legal policy issues, reflecting her engagement with applied legal research.