In Memoriam: William Z. Reich, 1947-2018

Remembrance – Bill Reich

On August 25, 2018, William Z. Reich – “Zeev” to friends and family and “Bill” to his peers in the legal community – succumbed to medical complications with which he valiantly struggled over the past several months.

One of the founding members of AILA’s Upstate [New York] Chapter, along with Howard Kushner, Joe Grasmick, Ken Cohen, Mike Berger, and Arthur Gellman, Bill achieved distinction in all facets of Immigration law. Besides his mastery of the INA and 8 C.F.R., he applied his advocacy skills on behalf of his clients with a remarkable level of dedication, creativity, and tenacity. Although certain INS/DHS enforcement officials at times resented Bill’s aggressiveness, there were also times when those same officials either surreptitiously referred their targets to Bill or sought personal legal advice from him, in recognition of Bill’s brilliant legal talent.

Based in Buffalo New York, on the Canadian border, Bill was recognized nationally and internationally as an expert “border practitioner.” Over the years he facilitated lawful admission to the United States for countless individuals who had initially been denied entry. In many cases, he “came to the rescue” for the individuals’ primary attorneys, based in all parts of the United States.

Bill was especially gracious in welcoming new AILA members and never hesitated to share his knowledge in a mentoring capacity. In addition, he served as a source of inspiration for the many attorneys, including the undersigned, who had the privilege of working with him. Fortunately, one of those so inspired is Bill’s daughter, Zabrina, who has followed in her dad’s footsteps in mastering immigration law, thus assuring the continuation of the Serotte Reich law firm in Buffalo.

Lest one think that Bill was all work and no play, he was well known for his engaging sense of humor and gregarious nature. I recall the many AILA conferences, at which Bill was a frequent speaker, and also served as de facto Social Chairperson, organizing ad hoc dinners and excursions, which enabled our members to get acquainted, network, and have some fun. Bill played an instrumental role in promoting the camaraderie and collegiality, which makes AILA a truly unique and special organization.

While we mourn Bill’s passing, we celebrate his remarkable self-actualization and the generosity he bestowed in his professional and personal endeavors. His many appreciative clients and colleagues will never forget the ways in which Bill enriched our own lives.

Respectfully submitted – Gerry Seipp – Bill’s friend and colleague since 1972, Law Partner in Buffalo from 1989-2003.