BUFFALO, N.Y. – On Thursday, November 10, Hon. Carol E. Heckman (Ret.), partner and co-leader of Lippes Mathias’ Indian law practice team, will present as part of a Bar Association of Erie County continuing legal education (CLE) program titled “Introduction to Native American Cultural Competency,” alongside Hon. Mark A. Montour, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, and Stephanie Joy Calhoun, Esq., Bar Association of Erie County Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair, who will serve as the moderator.

This program will provide an overview of traditional Native American cultures, including historical factors that play a part in the health and well-being of many Native communities. These historical factors also play a large role in the development of the applicable law, which has unique and complex features that are foreign to traditional American law principles. Attendees will come away with improved knowledge and skills to respond to cultural differences and a better understanding of the significant Native American community in New York State.

With more than 40 years of experience as a trial lawyer and judge, Judge Heckman has an active practice as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and conducts arbitrations in most major metropolitan areas with a particular concentration in New York City. Judge Heckman was recently selected as a Fellow to the College of Commercial Arbitrators, an exclusive group of commercial arbitrators representing the best in the United States. In addition to arbitrations and mediations, Judge Heckman also engages in litigation counseling and trial work for American Indian tribes and a group of business clients, providing representation in government investigations, complex commercial matters, taxation, and gaming. She has tried numerous cases as a lawyer, a judge, and an arbitrator in a broad range of disputes.

About Lippes Mathias LLP

Lippes Mathias is a full-service law firm with more than 140 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, Long Island, and New York, N.Y.; Greater Toronto Area; Chicago, Ill.; Jacksonville, Fla.; San Antonio, T.X.; and Washington, D.C., the firm represents publicly and privately-owned companies, private equity and venture capital firms, real estate developers, financial institutions, municipalities, governmental entities, and individuals.

Year after year, Lippes Mathias is proud to be recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, U.S. News - Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers and Chambers USA. For more information, visit www.lippes.com.