Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria mourns the loss of one of its founding Partners, Carl A. Green, who passed away on July 11, 2020 at the age of 92. Over his career that spanned nearly 60 years, Mr. Green was known as a masterful trial lawyer, a crusader for workers exposed to asbestos, an advocate for union officials, and an esteemed mentor to young lawyers who worked under his tutelage.
Mr. Green enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his return from service, Mr. Green earned an undergraduate and law degree from the University at Buffalo. He began his legal career in 1950. Early in his career, Mr. Green represented union officials who were brought before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Un-American Activities Committee.
In 1965, Mr. Green cofounded the law firm of Lipsitz, Green, Fahringer, Roll, Schuller, and James. The firm is today known as Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria. Mr. Green worked with the firm from its founding in 1965 until his retirement in 2009.
One of Mr. Green’s proudest professional accomplishments came from his fight for the rights of workers exposed to asbestos. New York State imposed a three-year statute of limitations on filing a claim against employers for asbestos exposure, which prevented thousands of exposed workers from pursuing compensation. Mr. Green was a leader in the fight to amend the law and in 1986 legislation was passed that changed the statute. Then-Gov. Mario Cuomo presented Mr. Green with a pen used to sign the bill into law in recognition of his role in fighting to have the statute changed. Mr. Green went on to win the first jury verdict in an asbestos case in New York State and filed claims for thousands of workers exposed to asbestos.
Family and friends note that much of Mr. Green’s success was a result of his attention to detail, sharp memory, and drive for perfection. He is also remembered for his wry sense of humor and love of social gatherings. Late in life, Mr. Green became a licensed bartender, but never pursued that career to avoid glass washing. He was also a noted bridge-player, avid bird-watcher, and voracious reader.
Carl Green’s passing is a loss to the firm, the profession, and the community. The Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria community extends its deepest sympathies to Mr. Green’s wife of nearly 70 years, Ruby Green, as well as their four children. For a full obituary on Mr. Green, including background on his career and personal life, please visit the Buffalo News website.
