Colligan Law LLP Founder David J. Colligan has been honored by the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) as the 2025 recipient of its Root Stimson Award. The recognition, given annually to only one attorney in the entire state, celebrates a member’s outstanding commitment to community service and improvement of the justice system.

Mr. Colligan received the award on Oct. 25 during a meeting of the association’s House of Delegates (its governing body), at the Bar Center in Albany. It was presented by NYSBA President Kathleen Sweet.

“David Colligan’s work has touched the lives of nearly every resident in the Buffalo/Niagara region, whether they realize it or not,” said Sweet, a fellow Western New York resident and attorney. “He has been a driving force for the success of our entrepreneurial economy and the revitalization of our natural environment.”

Examples include Colligan’s service as a trustee for The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, through which he has helped guide the investment of more than $1 billion into the Greater Buffalo and Detroit regions. He is also past a board chair of Launch NY, a venture development organization that assists startups in preparing for rapid growth and capitalization. He was a founding trustee of the Buffalo City Honors Foundation, a past chair of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, and a co-chair of Re-Tree WNY, which planted 30,000 trees as part of Western New York’s recovery efforts following a devastating snowstorm in October 2006. He has also served on the boards of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Buffalo Green Fund.

“Under David’s leadership, community service has become a cornerstone of our firm,” added Colligan Law Managing Partner Matthew K. Pelkey. “He has consistently led by example and encouraged our entire team to make a difference in their communities in ways which are meaningful to them. His generosity and compassion for Western New York is unmatched, and we are all thrilled that he’s been recognized for his efforts in such a significant manner.”

The award is named for Elihu Root and Henry Stimson and honors their commitment to public service. Root served as Secretary of State in President Theodore Roosevelt’s administration, received the Nobel Peace Prize and presided over the New York State Bar Association as its president. Stimson was Secretary of War under Presidents William Howard Taft, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. He also served as Secretary of State under President Herbert Hoover. Recipients must personify the spirit of giving back to their community and demonstrate selfless dedication and donation of time, skills and activities that service community needs.

Photo Credit: Marty Kerins and New York State Bar Association