Seeking the Extraordinary
This article first appeared in the Spring 1998 edition of The Suffolk University Law School Alumni Magazine.
Thomas E. Dwyer, JR., JD '70
If he wasn't an attorney, Tom Dwyer could have easily been an architect. One look at the offices of Dwyer & Collora and his aesthetic influence is obvious. Purple carpet, yellow hallways and orange walls adorned with multi-colored neon sculptures-this is not your typical law office. Dwyer & Collora is one of the largest white-collar criminal defense firms on the East Coast-the largest in New England. Recognized as one of the premier criminal defense attorneys in Massachusetts, Dwyer is the one the political elite turn to in time of need. However, Dwyer's professional reputation springs not from the notoriety of those he's represented but from his success in handling their cases.
His prominence in the profession is augmented by what he says has been his "hobby" since the age of 14-politics. He was President Clinton's guest at a White House Christmas dinner in 1995, was involved in a Boston luncheon for Mrs. Clinton last year and dined privately with the president last month.
Although widely regarded as having a singular passion for law and politics, Dwyer does have broader interests, architecture among them. The list of his community and civic endeavors is long and varied, but a common thread running throughout is an aversion to mediocrity. Despite a deep respect for history and tradition, Dwyer admits that he likes to see their boundaries stretched. Three large color photographs of the stunning new Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain are displayed prominently above Dwyer's desk. In the minds of many who follow architecture, the museum boldly redefines building design. This is a favorite topic of Dwyer, who espouses the importance of common gathering spaces and the role public buildings play in the community. "In my own view, public buildings define civilization at a certain point in time. If well designed, they capture the spirit that is present in the community and the nation."
Two new building projects are especially close to Dwyer's heart: the new Federal Courthouse in Boston and the new Suffolk University Law School.
For the courthouse, Dwyer is principal Boston Bar Association organizer for the September 1998 opening celebration. Like the new Guggenheim, the courthouse is viewed by many as one of the most architecturally distinctive buildings of its kind. Dwyer has long been supportive of Suffolk Law School, as well. As an alumnus, Dwyer helped establish the Judge Lawrence L. and Barbara G. Cameron and the Garrett H. Byrne scholarships and has raised funds for the University. And perhaps most importantly, his firm employs six Suffolk graduates: David Burgess, JD '89; Maria Durant, BA '88, JD '91; Phyllis Flora, JD '94; Michael Galvin, JD '95; William Kettlewell, JD '76; and Jody Newman, JD '83.
The Law School construction project was a natural draw for Dwyer because it combines exceptional civic architecture, the law and his alma mater. He's been a leading advocate of the building and the capital campaign, to which he's made a pledge to give or raise $250,000. "The Law School not only designed the building for its occupants, but for the community," remarked Dwyer. "From the street it has a welcoming glow." He says that while the building is state-of-the-art, it is not cold and hard; it is warm and inviting. "Suffolk recognized a centuries-old principle-temples of learning should be temples," said Dwyer emphatically. "The new Law School reflects the mesh between architecture and learning found in Renaissance-age buildings. The best ones combine brick and spirit; they motivate and excite intellectual debate; they encourage you to engage."
Dwyer is a classic example of someone who is fully engaged-in his work, profession and community. "I like to shake up existing institutions," said Dwyer with a grin. In everything he pursues, Dwyer is not satisfied with an ordinary outcome. Striving to make his mark, he is always pushing one step further, seeking the extraordinary.