Our teacher and friend: David D. Siegel.

• Author: Borie, Brian C.
• Position: FOREWORD

David D. Siegel is considered by many to be the foremost authority on the topic of New York Civil Practice. He is most well-known as the editor and writer of the New York State Law Digest, Siegel's Practice Review, numerous CPLR Practice Commentaries, and his textbook, New York Practice. Since 1972, he has been a professor at Albany Law School, where he is currently a Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

On November 18, 2008, the Albany Law School held a tribute for Professor David D. Siegel. Professor Siegers family, friends, colleagues, and students all packed into the Law School's moot courtroom with electric enthusiasm to celebrate not only his unparalleled career but also his remarkable character and personality. Among the guests were members of the state and federal judiciary, lawyers, colleagues, and former students from across New York State and beyond. Speakers at the event included Associate Dean Connie Mayer; then-Court of Appeals Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye; Board of Trustees Chair E. Stewart Jones Jr.; United States Attorney Michael Garcia; New York State Bar Association President-Elect Michael E. Getnick; former Court of Appeals Judge Albert M. Rosenblatt; Professor Siegers wife, Rosemarie Siegel; his daughters, Sheela S. Clary and Rachel A. Siegel; and, of course, Professor Siegel himself.

The topics of the speeches varied. Several speakers shared personal anecdotes, while others focused more on Professor Siegel's unmatched achievements in the field of New York Practice. Chief Judge Kaye and Judge Rosenblatt even performed a song, paying homage to Professor Siegel's favorite songwriting duo: Gilbert and Sullivan. The theme of these speeches, however, was the same: Professor Siegel has left, and continues to leave, a lasting impact on all of us.

Associate Dean Patricia Salkin headed the Committee responsible for planning this incredible event. The Committee was...