Bio of John J. Callahan

John J. Callahan is a resident of the City of Buffalo, New York.

During World War II, Justice Callahan served aboard the USS Sterlet
SS-392, a U.S. submarine in the Pacific Theater.

He graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1951 and received a
Juris Doctor degree from the University of Buffalo School of Law in
1954.

For 20 years he worked in the courts as a trial attorney and
maintained an office for the general practice of law in Erie County.

Governor Rockefeller appointed him a member of the Niagara Frontier
Port Authority in 1965.

From January 1, 1972 to December 31, 1974 he served as a legal advisor
to the Honorable Ann T. Mikoll.

He was sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice in the Eighth Judicial
District on January 1, 1975.

Governor Hugh L. Carey appointed him an Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court, Appellate Division, and Fourth Department on January 1,
1979.

He was reelected a Supreme Court Justice on January 1, 1989 and
re-appointed to the Appellate Division, Fourth Department by Governor
Mario M. Cuomo.

Governor George Pataki redesignated him as an Appellate Division
Justice on January 1, 1996 for a two-year period.

Justice Callahan has been awarded the New York State Conspicuous
Service Cross by Governor Pataki in recognition of distinguished
service rendered aboard a U.S. submarine during World War II.

Among many other awards received over the years, he has been honored
to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award for the Judiciary from the
State University at Buffalo; an award of merit from the New York State
Trial Lawyers Association; a citation from the Buffalo Area Chamber of
Commerce for distinguished service to the Niagara Frontier; and Who’s
Who in American Colleges and Universities.