When the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court was making rare public remarks last night in Buffalo, it was a CHS alumnus sitting across from him asking the questions. Hon. Lawrence J. Vilardo ’73, a U.S. District Court judge, was the on-stage host for an hourlong “fireside chat” with Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. Wednesday evening. The conversation was the highlight of an event celebrating the 125th anniversary of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York at the Hyatt Regency Hotel which was attended by more than 600 members of the legal community. The interview was aired live on television and made headlines across the country and beyond as Chief Justice Roberts answered questions about the independence of the judiciary branch, among other topics. Judge Vilardo and Chief Justice Roberts both discussed their legal careers and their friendship. The WNY natives have known each other for more than 40 years and were Harvard Law School classmates. ...