Facilities Planning and Design
University at Buffalo The State University of New York
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O'Brian Hall

 Facility: OBRIAN   O'Brian Hall
 Number: A190
 Function: Academic
 Gross Square Feet: 205,534
 Construction Cost: $7,474,000
 Completed: March, 1973
 Architect: Harry Weese & Associates of Chicago
Anthony Carlino & Associates of Buffalo


 
OCCUPANTS
President
Provost
Centrally Scheduled Classrooms  
School of Law
  Dean's Office
Graduate School of Education
  Dean's Office
Charles B. Sears Law Library
Operational Support Services
Facilities Operations
 
FUNCTION
O'Brian Hall is the home of the School of Law, which previously was located in downtown Buffalo. It houses classrooms, faculty offices, law student advocacy groups, and the Charles B. Sears Law Library. A distinctive architectural feature is the open-air central courtyard on the fifth floor, located atop the library. The building also houses the Francis M. Letro courtroom, a fully functional court room where actual civil and criminal trials are conducted. The courtroom also provides a forum for mock trials conducted by students in order to refine their skills in pursuit of their profession.
 
NAMESAKE
John Lord O'Brian (1874-1973), a Buffalo-born 1898, graduate of the law school, served the nation in both World Wars. A Washington, D.C.-based attorney, O'Brian held various government posts and advised six presidents. He served as National Chairman of Endowment of Harvard Divinity School, U.S. Attorney for Western New York, and University Trustee from 1903 to 1929. He received the Chancellor's Award in 1940 and lived to be nearly 100. John O'Brian
 
Modified December 29, 2005 2:04 PM