February 2025 Member Spotlight: Honorable Gary A. Wilson Jr.

Honorable Gary A. Wilson Jr. is a Buffalo City Court Judge. Born and raised on the East Side of Buffalo, NY, Judge Wilson has dedicated his life to public service and ensuring the fair and equitable administration of the law. The son of hard-working parents who stressed education and service to one’s community, Judge Wilson is devoted to improving the quality of justice to the residents of the City of Buffalo.

Educated at Cornell and UB

Judge Wilson holds a B.S. and M.S. from Cornell University in Urban and Regional Planning as well as a J.D. from the University at Buffalo. Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Wilson had been an attorney in Buffalo for over 12 years. He began his legal career working for the Buffalo Public Schools joining their legal team as Assistant Legal Counsel. Upon leaving the school district, Judge Wilson was employed with the University at Buffalo College of Art and Sciences as a Labor and Human Resources Specialist. Shortly after leaving UB, Judge Wilson joined the Erie County Department of Labor Relations as Deputy Commissioner and then transitioned to Commissioner until 2021. After leaving the County, Judge Wilson served as the Principal Law Clerk to the Hon. John Licata in the 8th Judicial District before being appointed to the Buffalo City Court bench in July 2022 and subsequently elected in November 2022. 

Community Service Is His Mission

Judge Wilson has strong community ties; and community service has been his mission since youth, with a particular focus on improving the quality of justice. In 2019, Judge Wilson became an adjunct lecturer in the Legal Studies Department at Hilbert College and in 2023 he became an adjunct at the University of Buffalo Law School teaching labor law. Judge Wilson served as a Commissioner to Buffalo’s Commission of Citizens Right and Community Relations (2013-2018) implementing its mission to encourage equality of treatment, prevent discrimination and assure respect for the civil liberties of all citizens.

Strong Commitment to Leadership

Leadership positions and memberships have included several board positions with the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, membership in the WNY Woman’s Bar Association, the Bar Association of Erie County, the Niagara Frontier Corporate Counsel Association, New York State Public Employee Labor Relations Association, and the Charles S. Desmond Inn of Court. Judge Wilson currently serves on the Minority Bar Foundation Board, Embrace WNY Board, and the board for Hispanics United of Buffalo. Judge Wilson also enjoyed many years as a lead tenor with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus and Resident Artist/Soloist with the Buffalo Master Chorale. He is an active member the First Shiloh Baptist Church, where he serves on various ministries, including the church choirs, the Willing Workers public service club, the Trustee Board, and the Food Pantry.