CELEBRATING Anthony (Tony) Gair

DECEMBER 24, 1948

- MARCH 29, 2023

Tony Gair was a man who dedicated his life to helping those who were less fortunate. Born on December 24, 1948, Tony was the son of one of the preeminent trial attorneys in the country Harry A. Gair, and one of the first women to graduate from NYU Law school Harriet E. Gair. Following in his parent's footsteps, Tony obtained his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1980 as a member of the William W. Potter Class and became an associate at the firm then known as Gair, Gair and Conason. Tony immediately developed an insatiable appetite for the law, spending endless hours reviewing trial transcripts and legal briefs in order to become the best possible advocate for his clients. Although already a successful attorney, Tony returned to school and obtained a Master of Laws from New York University School of Law in 1985. Throughout his over 40-year legal career, Tony helped thousands of individuals obtain justice for the serious harm they suffered at the hands of others. In a career filled with noteworthy cases, Tony is most remembered for his zealous advocacy for the family of Amadou Diallo, a young unarmed black man who was shot 41 times by members of the New York City Police Department. Tony was an ardent supporter of Cooley. He served for 12 years, from 1992 to 2004, as a member of the Cooley Law School Board of Directors and was a Founders’ Society member of the Thomas M. Cooley Society of Donors. When Tony wasn't fighting for his clients, he enjoyed spending time gardening at his cottage in Putnam County. He will be missed by all of those whose lives he deeply touched, including his family, friends, loved ones, clients, and colleagues.