This summer, we welcomed six summer associates to our Buffalo office: Molly Little, Easton Warner, Bill Minarchi, Dominic Fragale, Michael Calandra, and Elizabeth Little. Throughout the summer, they’ve gained hands-on experience working alongside our attorneys while exploring a variety of practice areas and developing their legal skills.
Check out their summer associate spotlights to learn more about each of them!
Molly Little
Which practice area interests you the most
Right now, I’m interested in all of them. One of the main reasons I wanted to be at Rupp Pfalzgraf is the chance to get exposure to as many practice areas as possible. I’d rather explore everything and figure out what I love along the way.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
The biggest reason I chose to pursue a legal career is my passion for advocacy. After having an incredible opportunity to give a TED Talk, I knew that I wanted to work in a field that would provide me with the ability to give a voice to and help those that might not be able to themselves.
What is your favorite hobby or way to spend your free time outside of law school?
Most of my free time revolves around my two dogs and staying active. I’m happiest when I’m outdoors, whether that means going for a run, taking them on a long walk, or simply relaxing in my backyard. They keep me moving and help me find a good balance alongside law school.
Easton Warner
Which practice area interests you the most?
Commercial litigation and civil rights litigation interest me the most because both areas involve litigating complex legal issues and crafting strategic arguments to address challenging and ever-evolving legal questions.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
My passion for advocacy inspired me to pursue a career in law, as I enjoy zealously representing clients and working to achieve the best possible outcome on their behalf.
What is your favorite hobby or way to spend your free time outside of law school?
Outside of law school, I enjoy hiking and am currently working toward completing the Adirondack 46 High Peaks Challenge.
Bill Minarchi
Which practice area interests you the most?
I am currently interested in business law, with a focus in M&A and PE transactions. I have always had a passion for investments, so I think developing a skillset on the legal side of investments was always top of mind when entering law school.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I knew that having a legal background would benefit me in any career path I choose. I also believed having a skillset in law is integral to my development as a professional, so I always knew law school was in my future.
What is your favorite hobby or way to spend your free time outside of law school?
I play piano and guitar in my free time. Also, I enjoy staying active with team sports, including pickleball and volleyball.
Dominic Fragale
Which practice area interests you the most?
My main interests are business litigation and civil rights law. I really enjoy the problem-solving side of complex disputes, particularly when it comes to diving into the research, anticipating the other side’s positions, and forming strong arguments for a client.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I’ve always just liked a challenge and figuring out the best way to solve a tough problem. Law felt like a natural fit because it’s a field where you’re constantly working through complex situations and finding strategic paths forward.
What is your favorite hobby or way to spend your free time outside of law school?
Outside of school, I like to stay active, collect trading cards, and watch TV. As a Buffalo resident, a significant amount of my free time is also dedicated to thinking about Josh Allen and yelling at Nick Wright through a screen.
Michael Calandra
Which practice area interests you the most?
I am especially interested in civil litigation and insurance defense because I enjoy the investigative and analytical aspects of building a case. I have found it rewarding to work through pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and case strategy, while seeing how each piece fits into the case as a whole.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I was inspired to pursue a career in law because I wanted a profession that would challenge me intellectually while also allowing me to advocate for others in practical, meaningful ways.
What is your favorite hobby or way to spend your free time outside of law school?
Outside of law school, basketball is a big part of my life. I enjoy both playing and coaching, including coaching a Special Olympics basketball team.
Elizabeth Fox
Which practice area interests you the most?
I am most interested in Business Litigation and Estates law. Business Litigation appeals to me because of the problem-solving involved in each case, the opportunity to develop effective strategies and defenses for clients, and the ability to help businesses navigate legal challenges so they can continue operating successfully. I am also drawn to Estates and Surrogate’s Court practice because it provides the opportunity to work with a wide variety of individuals and families, each with unique circumstances and stories. I find the personal interactions and the meaningful nature of this work particularly rewarding.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
My interest in law began through my enjoyment of criminal justice courses in school. As I learned more about the legal system, I became drawn to the challenge and competitiveness of the profession. I also value the fact that law offers so many different practice areas, allowing attorneys to work on a wide range of issues and continually expand their knowledge. These aspects of the field have reinforced my desire to pursue a career in law.
What is your favorite hobby or way to spend your free time outside of law school?
My favorite hobbies are walking and playing with my puppy, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends and family.