Martin C. Raikes Fund

To honor the memory of the late Martin C. Raikes, UB School of Law Class of 1998, friends and family have established the Martin C. Raikes Memorial Fund to provide financial assistance to students at the School of Law.

Martin Courtney Raikes was born on August 23, 1963, in Portland Jamaica. In Jamaica, Martin attended Yallahs Primary School, Morant Bay High school, and St George’s College. After excelling in the O’Level exams, he pursued a career in banking at the Bank Of Jamaica while continuing his education at the University of the West Indies. He completed his undergraduate studies at Lehman College after migrating to the U.S. in 1991. He then pursued a law degree at the University of Buffalo, continuing on to obtain his LL.M. (Master of Law certification) from the University of London. Martin culminated his law career at the prestigious law firm, Kasowitz, Benson Torres in New York. Martin enjoyed the practice of law and excelled in immigration and pro bono cases.

Martin never met a stranger. He somehow managed to keep in touch with countless people he encountered through the years. He had a ready smile and laugh, which endeared him to many.

Martin passed away suddenly on October 5, 2021, in Shelton, CT.

Martin’s family has established this memorial fund to benefit UB law students who demonstrate financial need. Preference shall be given to students of Jamaican heritage. It is their wish that the deserving recipients continue a life of service, honoring Martin’s legacy.