LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John A. Cirando upon the occasion of
being named the 2013 Onondaga County Bar Association's Distinguished
Lawyer of the Year

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
esteemed individuals within our midst whose professional lives, personal
endeavors and dedicated community service are an example and inspiration
to their colleagues, friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
A. Cirando upon the occasion of being named the 2013 Onondaga County Bar
Association's Distinguished Lawyer of the Year at its 138th Annual
Dinner held on Thursday, October 17, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Central New York, John A. Cirando gradu-
ated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1959, and enrolled at St. Bona-
venture University; and
WHEREAS, In 1963, upon his graduation from St. Bonaventure University,
John A. Cirando was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States
Army, and then entered SUNY Buffalo Law School; and
WHEREAS, Three years later, John A. Cirando graduated from SUNY
Buffalo Law School and joined the private practice of law with his
father, Daniel J. Cirando, at the firm of D.J. & J.A. Cirando, Esqs.; he
also transferred to the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps and
dutifully served as a judge advocate; and
WHEREAS, After completing his military service, John A. Cirando
embarked on a lengthy and distinguished career with the Onondaga County
District Attorney's Office, during which he earned the position of Chief
Assistant District Attorney; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, after 17 years of outstanding service with the Onon-
daga County District Attorney's Office, under three different district
attorneys, John A. Cirando returned to private law practice; and
WHEREAS, Since then, John A. Cirando has carried an active caseload
that is primarily focused on appellate practice; he has appeared in more
than 1,700 appeals before the Appellate Divisions, New York Court of
Appeals, and in more than 60 appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the Second Circuit; and
WHEREAS, John A. Cirando has also served as an adjunct professor since
1988 at the Syracuse University College of Law where he has been a posi-
tive mentor for students and newly admitted attorneys; in 1996, he
became an instructor for the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, and
Assigned Counsels Appeals Training; and
WHEREAS, John A. Cirando's additional professional achievements
include but are not limited to: author of SURVEY OF NEW YORK CRIMINAL
LAW FOR SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, Commissioner of the New York State Law
Review Commission, Chairperson of the Public Safety Committee for the
Syracuse Mayoral Transition team for The Honorable Stephanie Miner, and
Trustee for the Interest on Lawyer Account Fund for New York; in addi-
tion, he has served on numerous judicial qualification committees; and
WHEREAS, John A. Cirando has committed himself beyond the legal commu-
nity, as well, serving for decades as pro bono counsel for Vera House
and the Asian Apostolate; he has volunteered with various other communi-
ty organizations, such as the Catholic Lawyers' Guild Diocese of Syra-
cuse, the Central New York Alumni Chapter of St. Bonaventure University,
Knights of Columbus, the New York Bar Foundation, and the Onondaga Coun-
ty Bar Association; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout his distinguished career have been his
wife, Carolyn, and his three daughters, Lisa, Julie and Jennifer, all of

whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John A. Cirando upon the occasion of being named the 2013 Onondaga
County Bar Association's Distinguished Lawyer of the Year; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John A. Cirando.