Like any parent of an infant, Seth Whiteman ‘21 is eager to hear the first word that comes out of his six-month-old daughter’s mouth. He just hopes it won’t be a legal concept.

“She has been taking a lot of law classes,” he laughs, noting that he studies in the same room where she sleeps, especially now that he studies and works remotely due to the pandemic. “My room is my office, my bedroom, and my nursery.”

For Fordham Law students who are parents, this balance of the competing priorities of parenting, school, work, and other responsibilities is a daily reality.

Zandra* ‘22, an evening student, school guidance counselor, and mother of a college political science major, says she appreciates the new recognition of the challenges she and other student-parents face.

“It’s just kind of seen as, ‘Oh, my gosh, I don’t know how you do it,’ but that’s where the conversations typically end,” Zandra says. “And I think now…they’re trying to understand me a bit more, and trying to understand all the different challenges that come along with this.”

Time Management

“There’s never nothing going on,” notes Whiteman, who started as an evening student before later joining the day division. Along with his six-month-old daughter, he also has children aged three and five. A typical pre-pandemic day for him begins with dropping his children off at a play group and with the babysitter before heading to work. After work, he swings by his apartment to pick up dinner and heads to class. Arriving back home between 9 and 11 p.m., he would try to study for a couple of hours before going to bed.

Dianna Lam ’22, mother of two boys—seven and nine—had a similar schedule before March 2020, working during the day as a legal assistant and sometimes returning to the office after her evening classes to catch up on reading or assignments for classes. She tried to take advantage of her lunchtime breaks by doing schoolwork or taking a walk.

Dianna Lam ’22 takes a break from her schoolwork for a pottery project with her two boys.

Whiteman, Lam, and Zandra all note that they are not as involved in extracurricular activities as their peers without children. 

In March, Fordham Law and the University of San Diego School of Law co-hosted an event for law students who are parents to highlight these types of challenges. The event featured Lauren Smith Brody, author of The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby.

“This event was just the first of a set of new initiatives we’re launching to better support our Fordham Law student parents,” said Jordana Alter Confino, Director of Professionalism & Special Projects. 

“We recognize that being a law student is itself immensely challenging. As is parenting. But doing both simultaneously? That’s a Herculean feat,” reflected Confino. “But many of our students do it — and do it successfully. We are committed to doing everything we can do to support them along the way.”

Fordham Law has also launched a new student group for student parents and caregivers, which is supervised by Professor Clare Huntington, who is an expert in family law.

Show Your Kids How You Work

“Let your kids in on your work,” Brody also recommended, even showing them how you handle being overwhelmed. “If you’re doing [law school]to invest in your career, you are also demonstrating for your children the type of working life you’d like them to have.”

For example, Zandra’s son, now 20, emigrated to the U.S. as a child. After she had been caring for him for some time, he asked her to adopt him, which she did when he was 17. Zandra had a traditional undergraduate experience, majoring in political science and considering law school. “Then life happened.” 

Zandra eventually earned a masters’ degree and now works as a guidance counselor, but long talked about going to law school. When her son was applying for colleges, he encouraged her to apply to law school.  

“I just looked at him like he was insane,” she says. “That ship has sailed.”

Zandra’s son finally persuaded her to apply to one law school—Fordham because of its location and evening program. Today, she calls him her “study buddy,” and recounts how they would meet in coffee shops to do their homework before the pandemic.

With younger children, Lam says her boys did not always understand her work and school commitments, but they do now that she works remotely. “Sometimes, when they’re playing games with their friends, I hear them saying things that I would say to them, like, ‘In a meeting right now.’”

Effects of the Pandemic

Brody also encouraged students to make a list of the things that have worked for them during the pandemic and what parts of the experience they want to keep in the future.

These parents agreed that their schedules changed for the better when COVID-19 moved their work and school to remote.

“I was living on coffee and takeout,” Zandra says. She didn’t realize how burnt out she was until work and school moved online. Now, she can cook meals and watch the evening news, even if she’s on Zoom calls all day for work and logged into class in the evening. “I never realized just how much I needed to stop.” 

Lam, who is the co-chair of the Evening Division Society, says she has been more effective at finding time for schoolwork during the day since she’s been working and taking classes remotely. Last summer, she had time to volunteer with the Asian American Bar Association of New York, where she participated in community outreach with other law students.

Finding Inspiration

Raising children while in law school requires extra effort and discipline, but these parents are inspired by their kids.

“You’re doing this for us,” Zandra’s son tells her. 

“It’s not easy, but it’s doable, and it’s really rewarding,” she says.

According to Whiteman, “You come home from a long day at school or work and you have the big smile and kids running to you to say ‘Hi, Daddy,’ and there’s nothing like it.”

*The student prefers not to share her last name.

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As the 2020-21 academic year came to a close, Fordham Law School celebrated the Class of 2021 with both a virtual diploma and awards ceremony on May 23 and an in-person celebration the following day. More than 1,600 people tuned in to watch the live videocast of the virtual 114th diploma ceremony (available for viewing here) and nearly 1,000 people were at the Rose Hill campus on the beautiful morning of May 24.

Commencement celebrations kicked off earlier in the week, on May 20, with a virtual toast by Jennifer Jones Austin ’93, CEO of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. It was a fitting moment because Jones Austin welcomed this year’s graduating class when they first arrived at Fordham Law three years ago.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to come together as a community to reflect and to think about the journey ahead,” Jones Austin said at the virtual empowerment brunch.

“It’s all about taking the skills that you’ve been left to acquire and then using them in ways that benefit yourself, but [also]benefit others,” she advised the students. “Show up in this world with your whole self and bring your everything to it.”

Resilience is a Theme in Speeches by Dean Diller and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton

As the 568 graduates gathered virtually on May 23, Dean Matthew Diller delivered a recorded address acknowledging the importance of community and connection during the pandemic and beyond.

“We have a renewed understanding of how we need to affirmatively nurture, build, and treasure our connections and attachments to each other,” Diller said.

Diller told the Class of 2021 that forging relationships—not only with each other, but with clients, co-workers, colleagues, and even adversaries as well—will become the building blocks of their future practices. Those contacts and connections, in turn, will become the “currency of work”—from negotiating with counterparties to making appearances in the courts and tribunals where disputes are adjudicated.

Diller also acknowledged that the current moment urges graduates to reflect upon how they will work to address inequality and the deep fissures in society: “Whether you choose government service, public interest work, a small or big firm, whether you practice criminal law, or corporate law, constitutional law or commercial law, you can and you will make a difference every day with your legal skills and talents and you can work to ensure fair access to our legal system and our democratic processes and institutions.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed the Class of 2021

Professor Catherine Powell introduced this year’s distinguished commencement speaker and recipient of Fordham University’s honorary Doctor of Laws degree, former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Powell worked closely with Secretary Clinton in the Obama Administration as a member of Secretary Clinton’s Policy Planning Staff.

Secretary Clinton spoke to the graduating class’ adaptability, noting that their resilience and the bonds they have built with classmates over the past 14 months will be two of their biggest professional assets moving forward.

“We’ve seen our democratic institutions tested, hugely consequential elections, and a long-overdue reckoning with racism on top of a pandemic,” Secretary Clinton said. “These last few years, therefore, have cast a bright light on pressing legal issues like constitutional law, free speech, digital privacy, human rights, criminal justice, voting rights, and much more.”

“So all of this makes your graduation from law school an extraordinary accomplishment,” she continued. “And in ordinary times that would be true, but given where we are today, it’s even more remarkable.”

Following the speeches, a series of awards were presented to faculty and students.

Diller bestowed the Dean’s Medal of Recognition upon Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Linda Sugin in recognition of her impact at the Law School in this role over the past four years. Some of Dean Sugin’s most notable accomplishments include navigating the pandemic and the move from in-person to virtual learning, launching the Fordham Law’s signature professionalism programs—the peer mentorship program and the 1L house system—and rethinking orientation.

Sugin remarked on how Fordham Law has been her home for more than 25 years, commending her colleagues and the hundreds of students she has worked with. “As you go out into the world, I know you will bring with you the optimism and resilience that has gotten you to this wonderful milestone,” she said. “I know you will bring the dedication to justice that has sustained you while you’ve been here.”

Student Bar Association (SBA) President Megan Negron ’21 presented the Teacher of the Year Award, which is selected based on student nominations. The award was given to Professor Clare Huntington, who received a record number of nominations by students. Negron praised Huntington for her dedication to the students, both inside and outside the classroom, as she worked endless hours to reopen the Law School during the pandemic.

Negron added, “She truly is the kind of role model and supporters students are lucky enough to have helped shape their law school career.”

In her acceptance speech, Huntington echoed Dean Diller’s sentiments on the importance of relationships.

“Invest in your careers, but also be sure to invest in your relationships with your families of origin, with your families of choice, with your friends, with your colleagues, and with people in your community,” Huntington advised the graduates. “This is what will matter.”

SBA Vice President Cristina Lombardi ’21 presented the award for Adjunct Teacher of the Year to Director of Professionalism and Special Projects Jordana Alter Confino. Confino has curated multiple important professionalism, mental health, and wellness programs for Fordham Law students in the last two years and counting.

“It is through empathy and mutual respect and support—not competition—that you will reach the pinnacle of success,” Confino said. “It is your courage to push yourselves outside your comfort zones, trusting that you are defined not by your mistakes, your failures, or even your achievements, but rather by everything that you learn from them along the way.”

“Finally, it is your commitment to run your own race, forging a path that is authentic to you and helping to build a life and a society that reflects your values,” she continued. “It is those attributes, Class of 2021, that make me most proud of you and most honored to be a member of this exceptional Fordham Law community.”

Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Diversity Kimathi Gordon-Somers followed Confino, presenting awards to more than 25 graduates for their academic achievements, public service, and moot court victories.

Dean Gordon-Somers also conferred the Eugene J. Keefe Award for service to Fordham Law School upon Lombardi. In his remarks, Gordon-Somers praised Lombardi as a leader in the Fordham Law community, having shown both dedication and commitment to her classmates and for making the Law School better during her time as a student.

“Through her work, she has certainly moved us in the right direction,” he said, “and it has been my honor to work with her over the past 18 months.”

“I’m grateful to have studied in the atmosphere that Fordham Law creates—not just the substance and procedures that we’ve been taught, but the messages which have been provided to us about becoming a true professional,” Lombardi said upon accepting the award and quoting the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“I believe that Fordham has given us the opportunity to become and be true professionals, to stay curious, to be active, giving engaged members of our community, and to use our education to find meaning in our professional lives by helping others, by helping each other.”

Faculty members recorded a video offering their best wishes and words of wisdom to the graduates, including a heartfelt poetic sendoff from the clinic faculty. A video compilation of graduating students followed with reflections on their memories of their time at Fordham Law. 

Following the montage, the names of all 568 graduates were announced. 

Graduates Gather In-Person at Rose Hill

The virtual ceremony was followed on May 24 with an in-person commencement event at Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. 

Students and loved ones gathered on the lawn at Edward’s Parade for a joyous celebration on the balmy spring day. For many of the students, it was the first time seeing one another in more than a year.

Addressing the graduates, Dean Diller could not suppress his excitement over the in-person gathering. “I have to say on my own behalf, I am so excited to see each and every one of you here today. You look fantastic,” he said. “It’s extra special to be able to gather today under these circumstances, to celebrate your achievements and your accomplishments.”

Dean Matthew Diller speaking at Rose Hill

Diller shared invaluable advice from Dean Emeritus John Feerick, who was celebrating the 60th anniversary of his graduation from Fordham Law this year.

Diller read a passage from Feerick’s memoir That Further Shore, titled “Letter to My Grandchildren,” and noted that Dean Feerick’s wisdom on living an ethical, moral, and positive life is valuable to all those who hear and read it.

“Go about your life honestly, ethically, and morally. It’s wonderful to be a role model of probity, but it’s not always easy to know what to do when you see so much bad behavior around you. Sometimes you may get suffocated by it,” said Diller in reading Feerick’s words. “Find a way to remove yourself from such suffocation, protect who you are, and move on with your life. Making choices is at times very difficult. Draw into such moments your loved ones and friends for their guidance, wisdom, and help.”

Diller was followed by Professor Olivier Sylvain—director of the McGannon Center for Communications Research, academic director of the Center for Law and Information Policy, and a research affiliate at the Center on Race, Law and Justice—who was chosen by the Class of 2021 as the day’s speaker.

“You are the authors of the future. You are the authorities,” Sylvain told the graduates. “The guidebook for making the world a better place is always getting rewritten. And I can’t think of a class that has had more of an impact on this guidebook than yours.”

Professor Olivier Sylvain

Following Professor Sylvain’s speech, Assistant Dean of International and Non-J.D. Programs Toni M. Jaeger-Fine and Dean Sugin called the names of those present to receive their degrees.

The graduates lined up and walked across the stage with beaming smiles showing from mask-free faces. As they were handed their diplomas, students bumped elbows with the Dean, yet another new tradition to emerge from the pandemic.

In-person Diploma Ceremony 2021

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The Program on Church, State & Society at Notre Dame Law School recently awarded Fordham Law second-year student Stephen Rutman ‘22 first prize in its inaugural writing competition.

Rutman’s note, “Civics in Yiddish: State Regulation of Language of Instruction in New York’s Private Schools,” explores the tension between non-English language instruction in New York City private schools and state regulation over educational standards. It will be published in the Fordham Urban Law Journal in fall 2021.

Inspired by Professor Saiger’s Scholarship

Professor Aaron Saiger

In 2020, shortly after Rutman had been selected for the Fordham Urban Law Journal for the upcoming school year, he heard a podcast discussing the book Religious Liberty in Education: A Case Study of Yeshivas vs New York, to which Fordham Law Professor Aaron Saiger contributed.

After hearing the podcast, Rutman reached out to Saiger to discuss the subject. That conversation led to Rutman writing his article during an independent study with Saiger in the fall of 2020. “I reached out to him cold,” says Rutman, who had not previously studied under Saiger or even met him. “He was absolutely essential for this project. I really couldn’t have completed it without his help.”

Constitutionality of English-Language Requirements in Religious Schools

Rutman’s note discusses yeshivas (certain Orthodox Jewish private schools) and other private schools that conduct instruction in languages other than English. New York law requires the quality of private education to be “substantially equivalent” to the quality of public schools. A New York State Education Department regulation proposed to enforce the “substantial equivalence” standard would require that secular subjects, like math and history, be taught in English.

Rutman’s article concludes that requiring such “ordinary school subjects” to be taught in English at private religious institutions oversteps Constitutional bounds and is not an appropriate way to address the state’s concern with educating children to be competent in the English language.

According to Saiger, “It’s not at all clear to what extent the government constitutionally can regulate the language of instruction in private schools. I was so pleased that Stephen undertook to shed light on this important and difficult question, one that I have struggled with in my own work. The prize is richly deserved.”

According to Rutman, “There was sort of a broader tension that I was exploring that comes up in a lot of different ways in American society about creating a unified American polity versus a pluralistic one where lots of communities can operate in distinctive ways and sort of do their own thing.” He says the New York law continues to be a “live controversy,” with New York City mayoral candidates weighing in on the subject. Rutman said the pandemic has also drawn attention to religious liberty issues in education as some religious communities have adopted homeschooling as an alternative to remote public schools.

Donating Portion of Prize to Education Charity

According to the Program on Church, State & Society website, dozens of law students entered the competition, and Rutman was awarded $4,000 for the winning article.

Rutman plans to donate a portion of the prize to charity. “I was very gratified to have been chosen but I felt I was able to be in a position to give some portion of the proceeds away, especially in this past year, which I think has caused a lot of financial hardship for so many in so many different ways,” he notes. Given Saiger’s guidance on the article, Rutman says he would like to donate to an education-related charity that is meaningful to Saiger, who also brought the competition to Rutman’s attention.

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As Fordham Law School celebrates Pride Month, we spoke with OUTLaws‘ chairs Maria Chrysanthem ’22 and Brandon Small ’23 about the organization’s objectives, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in law school and the legal profession, and what’s in store for Pride Month and beyond.

Obviously, campus life was anything but typical this past year. What were some of OUTLaw’s objectives and accomplishments during the 2020-21 academic year despite social distancing?

MC: It was important to us to find ways to build community in such an isolating time because—at its heart—OUTLaws is an organization that provides resources for LGBTQ+ students and is a support system to help them throughout law school. We wanted to make sure that none of that was lost in this virtual setting, and I think we did accomplish that. We held a few socially distant picnics at Central Park [with students from all class years and the evening class present], trivia nights, virtual and in-person informal coffee chats with the OUTlaws board, and so much more throughout the year.

Another major goal was heightening the awareness of issues LGBTQ+ students face and their needs. We participated in discussions with the administration through monthly meetings with Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity Gordon-Somers and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Kamille Dean. Mental health is a huge challenge in both the legal field and LGBTQ+ communities, and it was important for OUTLaws to bring that to the forefront with the administration. So, we co-hosted events that, for example, focused on LGBTQ+ lawyers sharing their stories of overcoming mental health challenges and facing imposter syndrome—as well as helped to be a catalyst in the offering of training for faculty and staff on LGBTQ+ sensitivity issues within law school. We were also part of discussions with administration about having more classes focused specifically on transgender legal issues.

BS: The picnics, in particular, were amazing because I, and other 1Ls, met upperclassmen. I knew going into this year that I probably wouldn’t be able to meet any 2Ls or 3Ls during the course of the year because of the online classes. So, this was a great way to break the ice, hang out, and be together in person.

MC: But, our biggest accomplishment was holding our annual symposium [held March 26]. It was a Herculean effort, but we were able to invite LGBTQ+ legal scholars from across the country to talk about the potential implementation of the passing of the Equality Act and how to navigate conservatative courts with Trump-appointed judges.

OUTLaws also competed in Columbia Law’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Moot Court Competition in the spring semester. What was that experience like?

MC: To my knowledge, it was the first time in OUTLaws history that we participated in a moot court competition. Stephen Self ’22 and I, who are also on moot court, thought this would be a great opportunity for 1Ls. We coached Will Lanier ’23 and Lindsey Neuberger ’23 who had never mooted before—but they were so committed, dedicated, and enthusiastic with such a  thirst for knowledge. Though our team didn’t advance to the finals, the 1Ls learned more about moot court in general and the competition gave them a head-start in what to expect when they try out for moot court in the future.

How do you plan to build on this year’s momentum for the 2021-22 year?

BS: I want to make sure we make the picnic a tradition moving forward as we continue to foster community. We also hope to hold more social events that celebrate the rising 2Ls and 3Ls for their resilience during the pandemic. Another reality that we may face is virtual events will probably not go away. So, we’d like to perfect the art of virtual events and use the platform to our advantage by continuing to “bring in” speakers who we wouldn’t normally have access to or who live on the other side of the country.

Another key objective is implementing more mentorship opportunities within OUTLaws. It’s not only about connecting 1Ls with 2Ls, but expanding that to include more involvement and chances for mentorship between 3Ls and 2Ls and even between 1Ls and 3Ls. We feel it’s important to also give 2L and 3L members equal attention, too, considering the pandemic’s ongoing circumstances.

What are the major LGBTQ+ issues within law schools and the legal profession?

MC: The world has changed in many ways, but there are still struggles LGBTQ+ individuals face in determining whether they’re going to come out in the workplace. Obviously, there are legal ramifications if you’re fired for being LGBTQ+, but people can still treat you differently and cut you out of things informally. Through an academic lens, transgender and gender non-conforming students face issues in the traditional law school setting. For example, it’s very common for professors to call people by their last names, which requires saying “mister,” “missus,” or “miss.” That doesn’t leave space for individuals who don’t identify within the gender binary.

There are also sensitive topics discussed in class, such as constitutional law and legislation and regulation, that—if not handled appropriately by a professor—can be upsetting for students and affect their ability to learn. It’s hard to thread the needle on what is a hearty academic discussion and what is a dehumanizing academic discussion. I think that’s something professors continuously have to confront and think about in their classes.

BS: Events like our annual symposium show the gap in terms of LGBTQ+ representation. Although it appears to be increasing incrementally, it’s still very low, especially in terms of LGBTQ+ judges and the like in the profession. And it’s hard for people to network and find jobs when there’s not really much of a community that’s being represented.

What’s in store for the organization this Pride Month and how do you plan to celebrate it?

BS: We’re thinking of hosting a meet-up in the week leading up to Pride Week [the last week of June]and are planning to share Pride-related posts on Instagram. Interested students should be on the lookout for details in the coming weeks. And we are also planning to submit written commentary in celebration of pride with Professors Landau, Cooper, and Capers about the LGBTQ+ experience at Fordham Law, which will also be shared in the coming weeks.

With that said, are there any other ways students can keep in touch with OUTLaws?

MC: Our Instagram is @fordham.outlaws and our Facebook is @fordhamoutlaws. They can also email us at outlaws@fordham.edu.

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The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) has named recent graduate Rafita Ahlam ’21 as the recipient of the annual Westin Scholar Award.

The IAPP is the world’s largest and most comprehensive global information privacy community and resource. The Westin Scholar Award pays homage to the late Dr. Alan Westin, a foundational voice in the field of privacy and data protection. Throughout his life, Dr. Westin researched and wrote about privacy, data protection, digital identity, and the future of how societies will deal with issues at the intersection of law and technology.

The IAPP announced the launch of the annual Westin Scholar Awards in December as part of its 20th anniversary events and as a way to advance the IAPP’s mission to define, promote, and improve the privacy profession globally. With the growing need for well-qualified privacy and data protection professionals, the annual Westin Scholar Award supports students who are committed to a career in privacy and data protection.

Upon learning she had been named a winner in late June, Ahlam credited Fordham Law’s faculty and the Center on Law and Information Policy (CLIP) for their commitment to building a robust information privacy law program at the Law School.

“Prior to attending law school, I had no idea privacy law—or privacy, in general—was an area to pursue,” Ahlam said, “because, like many others, I thought privacy was a fossil in today’s modern world where widely-available technology automatically collects and shares personal data.”

“But, after taking Professor Ari Waldman’s Information Privacy Law class during the fall of my 2L year, I learned what was just at the tip of the iceberg in this field,” she continued. “I was fascinated by how there was a legal scheme that regulates the access, control, and distribution of personal information, which is such an interesting concept.”

Combining this newfound passion for privacy law with her interest in international law, Ahlam wrote a student note under the guidance of Professor Olivier Sylvain, CLIP’s academic director, during her 2L year.

Rafita Ahlam ’21 at the May 24 in-person commencement event at Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx.

The note—titled “Apple, the Government, and You: Security and Privacy Implications of the Global Encryption Debate” and published in the latest volume of the Fordham International Law Journal—focused on what has become known as the “encryption debate.” It explores the clash between law enforcement, which desires probative evidence from encrypted smartphones, and entities (like technology companies and users) who have a vested interest in the protection of the data. Ahlam analyzed how various countries addressed the privacy and cybersecurity implications raised by this issue, and discussed what the United States could learn from its international peers in crafting its own law.

Ahlam and other award winners will receive a $1,000 cash prize, a copy of Dr. Westin’s Privacy and Freedom, a two-year membership with the IAPP, three complimentary IAPP certification exams, and unlimited access to online training for recipients’ selected IAPP certification exams. Thanks to the award’s generosity, Ahlam plans to get certified by the IAPP in US privacy law, European privacy law, and Asian privacy law.

In pursuit of her goal to become a privacy and data protection professional, Ahlam will be a health privacy and technology attorney at the Legal Action Center (LAC) this fall. There she will interpret emerging privacy laws, analyze the privacy and equity impacts of new health technology (including consumer apps and telehealth), and provide legal counsel and technical assistance regarding health privacy laws to healthcare providers and harm reduction centers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

CLIP Executive Director Tom Norton ’16 explained how excited he and CLIP were to hear of Ahlam’s win and to be recognized by the IAPP for the prestigious honor.

“Rafita is one of the many talented students Fordham is producing who are seeking to commit to careers in the field of privacy law after graduation,” Norton said.

“This recognition by the IAPP reflects that, and it’s a valuable opportunity for Fordham students to chart a path into professional practice in privacy.”

“Rafita is as well deserving of the Westin Scholar Award as anyone,” said Professor Sylvain. “I’m also thrilled that she will continue to work in this important area at the Legal Action Center, where she will work on health privacy matters that affect those with criminal records, substance abuse disorders, and HIV/AIDS.”

“We have been lucky to have her at Fordham,” he added, “and LAC is lucky to have her join them.”

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Fordham Law’s office of professionalism has announced its new cohort of professionalism fellows for the 2021-22 academic year. The fellowship program launched in June 2020. The new group of fellows will build upon the many successes the inaugural set of fellows achieved in the past year, despite operating in a mostly remote environment.

The seven upper-year students—who share an interest in and commitment to promoting professionalism, mentorship, and inclusion within the Law School—will play a key role in Fordham Law’s house system, which aims to enhance the student experience by creating smaller communities of support within the Law School. The house system provides a curated co-curriculum consisting of interactive programs designed to equip students with the tools and information they need as they navigate their first year of law school.

The fellows will work closely with Director of Professionalism Jordana Alter Confino, former Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Linda Sugin (now faculty director of the professionalism office), and faculty house leaders to develop and execute programs that are designed to help students hone the social, emotional, and professional competencies needed to flourish academically and throughout their careers.

“We were blown away by the level of leadership, responsibility, and ownership that the fellows took over their initiatives, and by the extent to which they were able to help us facilitate a robust sense of community within each house—even when some students were completely remote,” said Confino, explaining that the fellows helped organized virtual trivia nights and workshops that focused on growth mindset and critical race theory discussions in the classroom.

“The students formed these incredibly powerful bonds with one another that are even stronger than what we witness sometimes in a normal year,” she added. “There is no question that the fellows’ involvement played a key role in enabling us to facilitate that.”

Six of the fellows will each be assigned to one of Fordham Law’s houses, where they will be responsible for organizing social and community-building initiatives and helping the house leader and liaisons implement substantive house programs. The seventh fellow will serve as the inter-house fellow and will be responsible for overseeing inter-house initiatives, facilitating those collaborations, and working closely with Confino and Sugin on broader wellness professionalism initiatives.

Since Fordham Law students will be returning to the Lincoln Center campus this fall, the office of professionalism cannot wait to get back to work in person. “This year, we will be rolling out a number of new co-curricular and academic offerings within the professionalism curriculum,” Confino said.

“Working with the fellows is a key way to help ensure students’ insights and feedback are being considered every step of the way as we continue to build out the office’s work.”

The 2021-22 Professionalism Fellows

Olivia Cohen ’22

Olivia Cohen ’22

Hometown: Plainview, New York

Education: B.A. in Psychology and Government in Law, Lafayette College ’19

Cohen is active within Fordham Law, participating in moot court, as well as serving as president of the Fashion Law Society and the associate editor of the Fordham Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law Journal.

Cohen firmly believes that mentorship, guidance, and support systems make up some of the most crucial elements found within a traditional law school setting—which is why she wanted to join the professionalism fellowship program. “When those types of systems and networks are lacking, it can be an incredibly vulnerable place for 1Ls,” she said. “I’m someone who has always enjoyed helping people and making new connections to get to know people.”

“I felt the professionalism program brought together every kind of system and community that I really value in a law school,” she continued.

Cohen is eager to help the program grow by bringing new ideas to the table as students adjust back to in-person learning. “Everyone has felt so incredibly isolated over the last year and a half, and I think participation in in-person events will be incredibly strong moving forward,” she explained. “I’m excited to dive right in, get started, and help create a community that wants to be there for each other.”

Zandra Cuevas ’22

Zandra Cuevas ’22

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Education: M.S. Ed. in Higher Education, University of Pennsylvania ’16; M.S. Ed. in School Counseling, St. John’s University ’13; B.A. in Political Science and Theology, St. John’s University ’10

Cuevas, a high school guidance counselor and college counselor, is an evening student at Fordham Law. She previously served on Fordham Law’s admissions and financial aid committee as well as the education law collaborative.

Cuevas said she wanted to become a fellow because the house system did not exist when she entered law school. “I missed the support system during my 1L year, especially as a first-generation evening student,” she explained. “Not only do I believe that this program provides that support system, but it gives me the perfect opportunity to tie in my personal and professional interests—helping students succeed in law school and working with law students in an administrative setting.”

The most exciting aspect of the fellowship program, according to Cuevas, will be helping incoming 1Ls adjust to the world of legal academia. “The law school transition is so difficult to begin with,” she said, “so giving the students an opportunity to be engaged and helping them with their transition will be the most gratifying part for me.”

Victoria Field ’23

Victoria Field ’23

Hometown: Wallington, New Jersey

Education: B.A. in Political Science, Rutgers University ’16

This upcoming year, Field will serve as a staff member on the Fordham Journal of Corporate & Financial Law and as secretary of If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice.

Field’s career in health care workforce research before law school created her interest in health care policy. As a result of this interest, she had the opportunity to collaborate with a team of Rutgers University profession to co-write an article this April. The article, titled “Does Public Reporting of Staffing Ratios and Nursing Home Compare Ratings Matter?,” was published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.

Field was inspired to join the fellowship program after seeing now-returning fellow Kimya Zahedi in action last year. “I think first-year students are fed this myth that the curve is a barrier to collaboration and that your classmates are your competitors,” Field said. “In reality, it doesn’t mess up the curve when people get together, learn intentionally, and teach one another the material.”

“It strengthens your own understanding, which is what Kimya really drove home for us,” she continued. “That is the kind of community I want to build for students next year.”

Johanna Ortega ’24

Johanna Ortega ’24

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Education: M.A. in Forensic Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice ’09; B.A. in in Forensic Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice ’04

Evening student Ortega is working as a research assistant this summer. She will join the Moot Court Board and serve as a staff member on the Fordham Journal of Corporate & Financial Law this upcoming year. Ortega has also been selected as a 1L tutor and is currently working on academic support programming with student affairs.  Ortega applied to the fellowship program because she wants to be a beacon for 1Ls—especially for those “who can see that I look more like them than other people they may encounter on this journey.”

“Being part of a community of students who came together to help a classmate in crisis last semester, and to help each other, has been the highlight of my law school experience so far,” Ortega added. “I would like to continue supporting my fellow students and classmates in a similar manner. “

Ortega hopes to direct more programming on how to be successful in a virtual world. “The post-pandemic legal education and profession are going to be vastly different from any legal landscape our predecessors have navigated,” she said. “We get to blaze a trail on shaping the future of this profession and its practitioners.”

Brian Sarfo ’22

Brian Sarfo ’22

Hometown: Bronx, New York

Education: M.S. in Education at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania ’19; B.A. in Urban Studies, Columbia University ’17

Sarfo is returning as a professionalism fellow and currently serves as the northeast director of advocacy and external initiatives for the National Black Law Students Association. He believes there is value in structured fun on a law school campus where a lot of students tend to be really overwhelmed, stressed, and busy.

Sarfo suggested: “If there are designated events with house members, like Trivia Night or going to a sports event, students can be more aware of and participate in these moments that I think, collectively, a lot of students didn’t realize were necessarily there.”

“I am very excited to have the chance to serve as a professionalism fellow again and to work with Jordana Confino and the office of professionalism on serving the incoming Class of 2023 after a year of virtual and remote programming to finally see my peers and faculty in person,” he continued. “We have many amazing ideas in the pipeline and I am excited for the year to come.”

Brandon Small ’23

Brandon Small  ’23

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Education: B.A. in Political Science and Hispanic Studies, Vassar College ’19

Small served as the 1L section representative for his section this past year. He will continue to be a member of the Black Law Students Association and will chair OUTLaws, where he hopes to shine as a mentor and leader in diversity for the incoming 1Ls.

“I hope to carry on the tradition of the Fordham connection that’s so special,” said Small, noting how students and alumni are willing to help each other out. “The strong alumni network and ties Fordham people have to each other is the reason why I decided to attend Fordham Law.”

With the tight-knit community in mind, Small plans to pay it forward as a professionalism fellow. “As a 1L rep this year, it was very difficult to plan community-building events due to the circumstances of the pandemic,” he said. “Now, I want to pay it forward to the 1Ls coming in because I want them to have a much better experience through more in-person events.”

Kimya Zahedi ’22

Kimya Zahedi ’22

Hometown: Bergen County, New Jersey

Education: M.A. in International Relations and International Economics, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies ’16; B.A. in International Development Studies, Sarah Lawrence College ’13

Last year, Zahedi was a notes and articles editor of the Fordham International Law Journal, a Crowley Scholar, and the chapter director of the International Refugee Assistance Project at Fordham. She is a returning professionalism fellow and also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Zahedi entered law school knowing that she wanted to practice international law and human rights law. Since attending Fordham Law, she has focused on public interest law with an emphasis on human rights. She interned at the Federal Defender’s Office during her 1L summer and at the global immigration law firm Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernson, and Loewy LLP over her 2L summer. 

Zahedi feels a real responsibility to try to actively combat the toxic culture that’s often associated with the law school environment. She is committed to transforming the law school to more holistically and systemically promote mental health and wellness and hopes that, as a professionalism fellow, she serves as a sounding board for 1Ls—providing them with an outlet to share concerns and issues and guiding them to the offices, tools, and resources that can make their lives easier and reduce stress.

The post Fordham Law Names 2021-22 Professionalism Fellows appeared first on Fordham Law.

From research into migrant employment in Saudia Arabia to analysis of solitary confinement reform, students in Fordham Law’s Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) program are pursuing a wide range of innovative legal scholarship. Four students—Yusra Alshanqiti ’21, Alison Gordon ’21, Irina Ilyuk ’21, and Mohammed Sweify ’21—recently completed their dissertation work after conducting extensive legal research under the supervision of Fordham faculty.

Assistant Dean Toni Jaeger-Fine, who oversees the S.J.D. program, said the following about the candidates who have recently completed their doctoral work: “They have produced a body of work that is scholarly but also deeply impactful, and they have been extraordinary members of the academic community at Fordham Law.”

The Class of 2021 S.J.D. Candidates

Yusra Alshanqiti ’21

Yusra Alshanqiti ’21

S.J.D. Fieldwork Focus: Four cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Dissertation Title: High-Skilled Migrants in the Healthcare Sector in Saudi Arabia: A Critique and a Proposal

Supervisor: Professor Jennifer Gordon

Alshanqiti’s dissertation describes and documents the legal implications of highly-skilled migrants’ (HSM) employment in Saudi Arabia. It particularly investigates discrimination based on nationality and gender toward HSM, as well as other areas of employment and working conditions.

Looking ahead, Alshanqiti intends to continue her research. “I am planning to continue answering—in more detail—some of the questions my dissertation discussed,” Alshanqiti explained, “including, the question of Sharia law and migrant workers, the question of women migrant workers, and the broader questions of socio-legal aspects of migrant workers’ presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.”

Alison Gordon ’21

Alison Gordon ’21

Dissertation Title: Analysis and Investigation of Solitary Confinement Reforms

Supervisor: Professor Youngjae Lee

Plans for the Future: Continue to pursue research and scholarship on prison conditions and reform while working at the United Nations

In her dissertation, Gordon learned that solitary confinement reforms in U.S. prisons have been limited by a number of factors—including federal jurisprudence and legislation. However, through her research, she has also discovered underexplored avenues for pursuing challenges to solitary confinement in state courts under state constitutions.

“With only a few exceptions, most recent solitary confinement reforms—whether legislative, litigation-based, or policy-based—have not resulted in significant improvements,” Gordon explained. “Of particular concern is the failure of most recent reform measures to take account of the systemic racism that is so prevalent in the use of solitary confinement, or to meaningfully address the risks of physical and emotional harm that result from the practice.”

“Many of the issues that arose during the historical experiments with solitary confinement in 19th and early 20th century penitentiaries remain relevant today,” she added.

Gordon says she is very grateful to Fordham for the opportunity to carry out her research and that she learned a great deal from the faculty, staff, and students at the Law School.

Irina Ilyuk ’21

Irina Ilyuk ’21

S.J.D. Fieldwork Focus: Comparative finance law and further examining the roles of corporations in the development of a particular market or a financial instrument

Dissertation Titles: Agency Risks and their Mitigation in Syndicated Lending; Legal Borrowing through Private Contracting; and Developing Syndicated Lending in Russia: The Paradigm Shift from a Demand for Exhaustive Laws to Corporate Initiative

Supervisor: Professor Nestor Davidson, Albert A. Walsh Chair in Real Estate, Land Use, and Property Law

In her dissertation, Ilyuk analyzes agency risks arising in syndicated lending, which is not well understood or regulated—despite being one of the major sources of financing worldwide. She also explores the role of corporations in legal development and argues the effectiveness of legal borrowing through private ordering.

“I examine whether the existing market practice to opt out of fiduciary duties that are traditionally invoked to protect principals from the agent’s wrongdoing is optimal in the syndicated lending context and detect the scenarios that may represent regulatory arbitrage,” Ilyuk said.

Mohammed Sweify ’21

Mohammed Sweify ’21

Dissertation Title: “Third Party Funding in International Arbitration: A Critical Appraisal & Pragmatic Proposal”

Supervisor: Professor Jacqueline Nolan-Haley

Plans for the Future: Practicing in the field of arbitration funding and joining academia to teach third-party funding and international arbitration

From his dissertation, Sweify concludes that current funding practices originate in two common fallacies—the exaggeration of the funder’s role at the expense of the funded party, as well as the erosion of arbitral justice to favor economic values.

“The funding practice is both theoretically wrong and practically harmful,” Sweify said. “By excluding the possibility of the funders’ control, the dissertation advocates for an institutional-based approach that is the optimal choice to consider in aligning the interests and visions of the funding arrangements.”

Sweify says he is beholden to Fordham Law School for its high standards, competitive environment, superb faculty, resourceful database, and the incredible facilities it provides, which collectively made his mission accomplishable.

The post Fordham Law Doctoral Candidates Pursue Innovative Legal Scholarship appeared first on Fordham Law.

As Fordham Law School students returned to Lincoln Center for the first day of in-person classes on August 25, 455 first-year J.D. students began their law school journey.

More than 7,900 applicants from throughout the U.S. and around the globe competed for the 455 slots in the J.D. program. Women make up 55 percent of the new class, and 32 percent of incoming students self-identify as a minority—including 33 Black students, 42 Latinx students, 55 Asian students, and 14 students who identify as multiracial. The class also includes 16 international students from 8 countries. More than 160 colleges and universities are represented in Fordham Law’s entering class.

“I’m overwhelmed by the intelligence, dedication, and public-spiritedness of this incoming class,” Dean Matthew Diller said. “I am looking forward to getting to know each of them, but am especially looking forward to all of the students getting to know each other as well during their journeys here.”

Ghassan Abou-Alfa

Ghassan Abou-Alfa (Evening)

Hometown: Sidon, Lebanon

Education: M.B.A., Columbia University ’16; M.D., American University of Beirut ’92; B.S. in Biology, American University of Beirut ’88

Abou-Alfa is currently a medical oncologist attending Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), where he specializes in the care of liver cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder, and fibrolamellar carcinoma. He moved to the United States in the 1990s and completed his postgraduate medical training in internal medicine, medical oncology (cancer), and hematology (blood diseases) at Yale University. Abou-Alfa is also a professor at Weill Cornell College at Cornell University and a trustee of the American University of Beirut.

Abou-Alfa helped bring four cancer drugs to FDA approval over the past 20 years while working at MSK. He continues to develop novel therapeutic approaches for his subspeciality in gastrointestinal and liver cancers. Abou-Alfa has also had opportunities to aid with the development of several global programs in cancer—including work in a global tele-education program that he has been running for more than 16 years—and has helped establish the first joint tissue bank with MSK in the Middle East at the American University of Beirut.

Abou-Alfa says that he chose Fordham Law not only because of its reputation, but also because education here would allow him to continue working his clinical and research work in medicine. “At this stage in life, I do not intend to change careers,” says Abou-Alfa, explaining that he will continue at MSK full time. “However, it took me no time to realize how critical it is to gather and learn about the legal thinking process and international law as part of the endeavors of medical diplomacy we are leading at MSK.”

​​Abou-Alfa’s current effort include developing a framework for collaborative research which will lead to improved screening and care for patients with family-inherited cancers.

While at Fordham Law, Abou-Alfa intends to pursue international, comparative, and foreign law that will coincide with his ongoing efforts to help develop MSKCC’s institutional global effort for better cancer care for humanity everywhere. “I look forward to grasping every opportunity to learn and gather knowledge of all different aspects of law,” he says.

Angela Chow

Angela Chow (Day)

Hometown: Skillman, New Jersey

Education: B.A. in Political Science and Journalism, Northeastern University ’19

Before Chow worked as a paralegal for Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz after college, she was showcasing her talents on the ice as a competitive figure skater.

Chow laced up her first pair of skates at the age of five and skated for the Princeton Skating Club in her home state, competing in numerous programs and competitions until college. She even represented Taiwan at the 2010 Asian Figure Skating Trophy competition where she was within reach of medal contention. 

Having had opportunities to perform in front of an international audience, Chow said she is now looking forward to being part of Fordham Law’s global alumni community. “I chose Fordham Law because I was drawn to its alumni network,” she explains. “It’s just so extensive and people have done so many great things both at and after Fordham.”

“I definitely want to be part of that network and to contribute to that community,” Chow adds.

Chow recalled that the idea of working in the legal field was in the back of her mind growing up as she also contemplated a career in journalism. “Figure skating really did contribute to my passion for what I wanted to do with my career,” Chow says, explaining that she was ultimately interested in helping to provide people with access to justice and equality. “With the same devotion I have for figure skating, I am now ready to embark on my law school journey at Fordham. To me, Fordham is the place where my goals can be best accomplished.”

Andrew King

Andrew King (Day)

Hometown: Queens, New York

Education: B.S. in Law and Legal Studies, The United States Military Academy  ’17

King is currently an Active-Duty Captain in the United States (U.S.) Army. He was selected for the U.S. Army’s highly competitive Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP) in December 2020. FLEP selectees receive tuition funding for law school and, upon graduation, are tendered assignment in the Army’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps.

Prior to his selection for FLEP and attending Fordham Law, King served four years as a Ranger qualified infantry officer. He held positions as a light infantry mortar platoon leader, rifle platoon leader, and served as a commander’s executive assistant during a training deployment to Thailand. As a platoon leader, he was charged with the training, health, morale, welfare, and discipline of over 30 soldiers.

King first became interested in law at an early age through his father’s nearly 25-year-long career with the New York City Police Department. “By being exposed to that kind of work through him, I wanted to learn more about the law,” King says. “But, the law also fascinates me in general because it’s ever-changing.”

“I believe legal professionals are at the forefront of our society,” he adds, “in how we guide and act on a day-to-day basis among other professions.”

King said he is most excited to be among other Fordham Law students who aspire to excel in both their studies and careers as they navigate law school together. “Just like in the Army, I think I’ll be more successful being around other students who are like-minded and have the same goals,” he adds. “Whether we’re in study groups or at social events, I know our successes will help all of us become greater legal professionals in the petri dishes of the law. I believe that my experiences and skills acquired here at Fordham Law will add value to the Army’s JAG Corps.” 

Katherine Martinez-Fuentes

Katherine Martinez-Fuentes (Evening)

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Educational Background: B.S./B.A. in Accounting and Spanish, Loyola Marymount University ’18

Martinez-Fuentes is currently an Assistant Vice President at Morgan Stanley working on the client coverage team for the International Wealth Management division. As an evening student at Fordham Law, she will be able to keep her job while studying law. “I chose Fordham for its incredible evening program,” Martinez-Fuentes says. “I knew Fordham was very well known for it and that it would allow me to continue my career growth and use the skills I’m learning in class at my job.”

With a background in accounting, Martinez-Fuentes found her way to law through her undergraduate coursework. “At first, I thought I wanted to be a CPA, and realized that probably wasn’t it for me,” she explains. “However, I was really interested in a lot of business law courses that I took during my undergrad.”

Martinez-Fuentes says she plans to specialize in corporate law with the hope of staying on at Morgan Stanley where the current Chief Legal Officer is also a Fordham alumnus. She is interested in taking classes on international banking and commercial law and says she is excited to meet like-minded students working towards similar goals.

“I have friends who are current students from Fordham and they’ve said that it’s a very welcoming and kind student body and staff,” Martinez-Fuentes says. “That was very important for me for my law school experience.”

Martinez-Fuentes says she was very active in her school’s Latino Student Organizations during her undergrad and is looking forward to joining LALSA at Fordham to help promote Latino culture and network with other Latino attorneys.

Afrika Owes

Afrika Owes (Day)

Hometown: Harlem, New York

Education: B.A. in Sociology and Africana Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges ’16

Owes says her inspiration to pursue law comes from her mother who, though she was not a lawyer, used her knowledge and research skills to advocate for her community. “I loved how she always had the answers, but, more importantly, was willing to do the research and wanted to help people. That’s what being a lawyer means to me.”

In her undergraduate and postgraduate life, Owes participated in advocacy work of her own. She spent time in South Africa as a Fulbright Scholar and, more recently, worked at the Center for Constitutional Rights as a legal assistant and program coordinator. She is also a community leader in Harlem where she serves on Harlem’s Community Board 10 as an appointed member. 

Owes says she doesn’t want to settle on a specialty just yet, but knows that it will incorporate her community work. “My North Star and my guiding principle is always going to be serving the Black community and uplifting people of color,” Owes explained. “So whether that’s through IP law, criminal justice reform, housing, or access to legal services, I know that my mission and my purpose is going to be to help the most marginalized people in society.” 

Owes chose Fordham Law because, as a single mother, community was important to her and she wanted to attend a school that supported her professional goals and welcomed her son. “It takes a village to raise a child, and I wanted Fordham to be part of my village-not only in my life but my son’s life also.” 

Owes participated in the Fordham REAL Program, which offers guidance and support to first-year students from historically underrepresented backgrounds—a program that she says made her feel supported as a new student and single mother. “They want us to do well [and]they invested a lot of time and programming into making sure that the participants are equipped with tools for success when they come into law school,” she says. “In addition to me going to school, this is going to be the world that my son is in for the next three years. This is going to shape him, too. I am excited for the both of us to join the Fordham community”

Shivani Parikh

Shivani Parikh (Day)

Hometown: New City, New York 

Education: B.S. in Development Sociology, Cornell University ’19

Parikh knew she was interested in law since she was in the eighth grade. In high school, she even interned for the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, where she is from. Since then, Parikh also developed an interest in issues affecting South Asian communities, becoming the president of the South Asian Council at Cornell University and later working as the outreach coordinator for Asian communities at Rockland County’s domestic violence center. She served for two years as the Vice President of University Chapters of MannMukti, a mental health nonprofit for South Asians, and continues to volunteer as the News & Politics Editor of Hyphen Magazine.

Parikh wants to use her knowledge of the law to serve undocumented families, asylum seekers, and refugees—with a special interest in community lawyering and supporting South Asian civil rights.

Parikh says she chose Fordham Law, at least in part, for its location in the heart of New York City. “I don’t think enough can be said about how critical it is to be in New York City, especially given my career interests and the communities that I want to serve,” she says.

Another draw, Parikh explains, was the support that Fordham Law offers to those with an interest in public interest law. As a Stein Scholar, Parikh will benefit from the guidance and support of past graduates working in pro-bono, non-profit, and government law through the program’s alumni network.

The post Meet Six Members of Fordham Law’s Newest J.D. Class appeared first on Fordham Law.

On August 26, the Legal English Institute (LEI) at Fordham Law School welcomed 14 new participants—including both practicing lawyers and law students—from seven countries around the world: Brazil, China, Colombia, Italy, Singapore, Switzerland, and Turkey. This semester-long program was created by Fordham Law Assistant Dean Toni Jaeger-Fine in 2017 to introduce participants to the U.S. legal system, the fundamentals of U.S. law, and practical lawyering skills, while also helping to enhance their legal English proficiency.

“We found that many international students and lawyers who wanted to take a U.S.  LL.M. program needed a course like this to bridge the gap in their knowledge and English language skills. We have also found that international lawyers seek out this program to gain very practical lawyering skills applicable to practice not just in the U.S. but everywhere,” said Dean Jaeger-Fine. “We are proud of the many lawyers and students who have come through the program and who have gone on to take the LL.M. program at Fordham Law or another school,” she added, “and we are happy to be able to provide this platform to support both educational and professional goals.”

The LEI curriculum is comprised of the following courses:

• Introduction to the U.S. Legal System and Law Study
• Foundations of Private Law
• Contract Drafting and Negotiation
• Fundamental Lawyering Skills
• Becoming a Lawyer: Discovering and Defining Your Professional Persona
• Communication Pragmatics for Lawyers
• Legal English Tutorial

The program is offered twice per year, running for a full semester (August to December and January to May). Participants leave with a foundation in the U.S. legal system and practical lawyering skills, including ample opportunity to work on both their written and spoken English. 

LEI is offered online this semester for the third time, demonstrating Fordham Law School’s commitment to providing robust international education, even during a pandemic. “The online platform has worked well for this program, offering international students and lawyers the chance to participate and build their networks without leaving their home countries,” said Dean Jaeger-Fine. 

One of the participants from the Spring 2021 semester stated: “Overall, the program covered important topics down to the finest details, such as what kind of difficulties foreign lawyers might face in the U.S. But I think the best part of this journey was that in such a short time, it gave me an idea of the legal and education system in the U.S. and taught me how I should prepare myself for my next academic step while also improving my professional persona. I had classmates who came from all over the world and they enriched my worldview with their diversity which was an amazing experience that I could never have gained anywhere else.”

For additional information or to register, please click here.

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A sense of excitement was in the air as Fordham Law faculty, staff, and students arrived at Lincoln Center for the first day of classes on August 25.

The Law School’s student body, including more than 455 first-year J.D. students and 177 new LL.M., M.S.L., and S.J.D. students, became acclimated to the health and safety protocols for the return to fully in-person learning, including requirements for vaccinations against COVID-19, wearing masks indoors, and answering daily health questionnaires.

“Attending class in person allows us the opportunity to not feel as anxious since everyone is masked and vaccinated,” said evening student Audrey Wainwright ’25. “And it’s been nice to be around like-minded people and get away from the computer while we’re still working from home.”

Dean Matthew Diller and Assistant Dean of Career Planning Jayne Schreiber welcomed students back to campus with complimentary cookies.

Students also picked up their casebooks and had the chance to tour the Maloney Library through an interactive program with library staff members.

“The halls have been empty for so long,” said Kimathi Gordon-Somers, assistant dean of student affairs and diversity. “This has been a long-awaited day and we are ready to go.”

“I have the sense that we will have a healthy, invigorating, fun semester ahead of us as we already have student leaders and student organizations contacting us to plan events,” Dean Gordon-Somers added. “Community building is an important aspect of law school and our hope and expectation is that we will eventually return to hosting events, as we did prior to the pandemic, that achieve this goal.”

Optimism for In-Person Learning

Stein Scholar Susu Zhao ’22 echoed Dean Gordon-Somers’ sentiments, saying, “We weren’t really able to do much community-building last semester, so one advantage to being back is that we now get to know people more.”

Deborah Denno, Arthur A. McGivney Professor of Law, was also glad to see the campus bustling compared to this time last year. “It was an entirely different experience because of the greater numbers of students,” she said. “Also, now we’re mask-wearing veterans; we’ve got this part down.”

Alex Israel ’24

After attending her first property class, first-generation law student Alex Israel ’24 expressed how comfortable she felt at Fordham Law, especially after seeing more faculty and students in the building.

“Going to a law school in my neighborhood was really important to me, and I felt that decision justified over orientation,” Israel said. “Today, it especially feels like I made the right choice; I feel at home here.”

Gabriel de Courcy LL.M. ’22 and Maximilian Pailhes LL.M. ’22, students in the banking, corporate, and finance law and international business and trade law LL.M. programs respectively, were impressed by Fordham Law’s campus—which they will be calling “home” for the fall semester.

“The architectural design is very modern and nothing like what we’re used to in France,” Pailhes said.

“It’s amazing to have in-person classes in the heart of New York City, especially after spending a year learning remotely in France,” de Courcy added. “Fordham Law has been so welcoming, which is important to me.”

After finally returning to campus in nearly 17 months, Julia Gordon ’22 said her last first day felt surreal and a bit bittersweet.

“I’m going to try and enjoy every minute of my last year of law school and really soak up being a student here,” she explained, “including taking classes in areas that I’m passionate about like labor and employment law.”

Director of Professionalism Jordana Alter Confino and Bernice Grant, founding director of the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic and senior director of the Entrepreneurial Law Program, speaking with first-year students about mental health and wellness.

The post Fordham Law Community Returns to Campus for First Day of Fall Classes appeared first on Fordham Law.

A key component of Fordham Law’s online Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.) in Corporate Compliance is the in-person Compliance Colloquium, which brings students together for an intensive three-day program that mixes practical group exercises with networking sessions and presentations from compliance thought leaders. It is the only in-person component of the otherwise fully online curriculum that trains students in key legal and regulatory frameworks and equips them with tools and skills that are essential for compliance professionals.

Due to the pandemic, the inaugural Colloquium, held in August 2020, was conducted entirely remotely, so students appreciated the opportunity this year to come together at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. For the first two days of the Colloquium, students worked in groups on case study exercises on risk assessment and culture, and made presentations to mock boards of directors and executive leadership teams played by 20 volunteer compliance professionals, who also offered students feedback and tips on their work. 

“It’s nice seeing everyone in person,” said Alba Fortuna, a full-time student who previously worked in finance. “The case study exercise was great, and it was actually one of the things that I was looking forward to—hands-on practice,” she said.

Daniel Cannon, an M.S.L. student and chief compliance officer at Schindler Elevator Corp., agreed. “We had some elements in the case studies that relate to the current social landscape that we’re going through as a country. We also had IT-related risk, FCPA, and some traditional compliance risks,” he said. “I think the case studies are a fantastic aid to help compliance officers evaluate the entire risk landscape and really decide what’s most important for their company.“

Program Builds Compliance Skillset

The makeup of the compliance world has shifted somewhat in recent years, said Bob Mascola, senior director of the Program on Corporate Ethics and Compliance at Fordham. What was once a profession dominated by lawyers is now staffed by people with more diverse career backgrounds and specialities, with students coming to the program from a variety of fields outside of law. 

This is because the skills needed to succeed in compliance go beyond those taught in a traditional law school curriculum, Mascola explained: “It is not enough to know what the laws and regulations say, although our students do.  You need to know how to assess and manage risks, as well as how to sell your product—compliance—which requires an understanding of organizational psychology and skill in the art of persuasion. That’s what students learn in this program.”

The colloquium offered students a chance to try out the ideas they had been learning in the classroom and an opportunity to practice their presentation skills. “It’s a fascinating field, because it’s a little bit of understanding law, a bit of understanding how to use data and technology tools to assess and mitigate risks and a bit about knowing how to communicate effectively with people,” said Mascola. Students left the event energized from meeting their peers and motivated to tackle the world of corporate compliance.

The post Three-Day Colloquium is an Opportunity for M.S.L. Corporate Compliance Students to Interact In-Person appeared first on Fordham Law.

The Center for Judicial Events and Clerkships (CJEC) has named its 2021-22 Peer Clerkship Council (PCC), composed of seven members of the J.D. Class of 2022 who worked closely with the Center in securing their post-graduate judicial clerkships.

The Peer Clerkship Council initiative was launched by the CJEC last year to further the clerkship side of the Center’s mandate and to help foster a clerkships-oriented culture at the Law School. The inaugural PCC laid the foundation for an enduring peer support initiative, which had an immediate clear impact through a vast array of initiatives.

This year’s PCC is eager to build upon the work of their predecessors, while making their own mark in helping the CJEC foster a broad and inclusive clerkship-oriented culture.

“We were incredibly fortunate to have such a dynamic cohort of students form our inaugural PCC,” said Assistant Dean Suzanne M. Endrizzi ’96. “What they accomplished was beyond what we hoped for in an incredibly challenging year with the pandemic.”

“The energy and enthusiasm that this year’s PCC brings to further develop the peer support structure is a testament to the work of our inaugural Council,” Dean Endrizzi continued. “I am excited to work with them and see all the amazing things they do in support of their colleagues!”

At the initial meeting the PCC identified key areas of focus, including:

• Engaging and supporting first-year J.D. students and serving as a peer resource to upper-division J.D. students
• Developing initiatives to promote and assist students with building faculty relationships
• Creating DEI initiatives in collaboration with student organizations
• Building bridges with/to our alumni clerk community through participation in events

The PCC will regularly host themed coffee chats and alumni clerk chats, which will be posted on the CJEC’s LawNET page.

“We are lucky to have another truly dynamic group of students leading our peer engagement initiative,” said Daniel J. Capra, Reed Professor of Law and faculty director of CJEC, “ensuring that the clerkship side of the CJEC is ever adapting to student needs and interests.” 

Meet the 2021-22 Members of the Peer Clerkship Council

Alexandria Bell ’22

Alexandria Bell ’22

Hometown: West Orange, NJ

Education: B.A. in Creative Writing, Media, and Politics, minor in Studio Art, New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study ’17

Clerkship: Judge Patrick DeAlmeida, New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division, 2022-2023 Term

“I am a staff member of the Urban Law Journal, team member of the Brendan Moore Trial Advocacy Team, co-president of Mentoring Youth Through Legal Education (MYLE), and community service chair and diversity and inclusion liaison for the Jewish Law Students Association.” 

“I decided to pursue a clerkship because I think it will be a great place to begin my career in public service. I also wanted the experience of assisting a judge in their chambers and obtaining an insider’s look into how judges weigh different legal issues.” 

“I was nervous about starting the clerkship application process because clerking is known to be competitive. However, once I began to obtain more information through Dean Endrizzi and my independent research, I quickly felt comfortable and capable. I decided to become involved with the PCC, so that I can show fellow students that they, too, are capable of obtaining a clerkship—even if the process seems daunting.”

Jordan Davis ’22

Jordan Davis ’22

Hometown: Hewlett, NY

Education: B.S. in Applied Economics & Management, Cornell University ’17

Clerkship: Judge Claire C. Cecchi, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, 2022-2023 Term

“I’m an articles and notes editor for the Fordham Law Review, associate editor and former competitor of the Fordham Moot Court Board, and teaching assistant for the first-year legal writing program.”

“To me, there is no better opportunity for professional development for an aspiring litigator than to intimately observe the judicial system from chambers. Clerking provides a unique opportunity, under the close guidance of an experienced federal judge, to spend each day researching and writing, observing lawyering (both good and bad), and learning about various areas of the law. I am confident that the experience and mentorship will benefit my career as a young lawyer and beyond.” 

“I decided to become involved with the PCC to pay it forward. Dean Endrizzi, the CJEC, and the inaugural PCC members were instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of getting a judicial clerkship and I hope to play a small role in helping other students achieve their clerkship goals.”

Tatiana Hyman ’22

Tatiana Hyman ’22

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Education: B.A. in Criminology and Minors in African Studies and Africana Studies, University of Pennsylvania ’17

Clerkship: Judge Denny Chin, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; Judge Cathy Seibel, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, 2022-2023 Term (Judge Chin), 2023-2025 Term (Judge Seibel)

“I am the editor-in-chief of the Fordham Law Review and a member of the Moot Court Board. During my 2L year, I served as the vice president of the Black Law Students Association and was a legal writing teaching assistant and tutor.”

“I pursued clerking because I want to become a more effective legal writer and advocate. I am passionate about using my legal education to improve educational equity, and clerking seemed like a great way to diversify my legal experience while developing stronger advocacy skills under the mentorship of a judge. I am also interested in pursuing government work, and clerking will allow me to gain exposure to public service.”

“The CJEC’s resources and the events facilitated by last year’s PCC were instrumental in helping me learn about what clerkships are and helping me to decide whether clerkships would be a good fit for my career goals. I want to be a part of making sure that students have adequate opportunities to learn about clerkships and that they have the information and guidance they need to be prepared for the application process. I also benefited from talking with members of the PCC about whether clerking would be the right fit for me and want to provide this support for students who are deciding.”

Ed McLaughlin ’22

Ed McLaughlin ’22

Hometown: Sayville, NY

Education: M.S. in New Media Management, Syracuse University ’12; B.S. in Television, Radio, & Film, Syracuse University ’11

Clerkship: Judge Claire Eagan, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma; and Judge Kent A. Jordan, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, 2022-2023 (Judge Eagan), 2023-2024 (Judge Jordan)

“I’m the executive online editor of the Fordham Law Review. I am also a member of the Moot Court Board and competed in the Prince Evidence Competition during the spring of my 2L year. Last year, I was also a teaching assistant for legal writing and torts.”

“I wanted to clerk because I think it’s a dream job. I’ll get to work closely with a judge and other people who are smarter than me to solve real problems and make meaningful contributions to the judiciary right at the start of my career. Then, from a practical perspective, it’s the best way to develop your research and writing skills at the start of your legal career. In the long-term, having that experience on your resume keeps other doors open.”

“The inaugural PCC, and the CJEC as a whole, was a tremendous resource to me as I went through this sometimes daunting process. The relationships I made with some of last year’s PCC members helped make this whole process seem more accessible and manageable. Hopefully I can do the same as a PCC member this year and I look forward to meeting and working with 1Ls and 2Ls who have the same questions I had last year about clerking and how to navigate this process.”

Eliora Mintz ’22

Eliora Mintz ’22

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

Education: B.A. in History and Latin American Studies, minor in Hispanic Studies, Brandeis University ’18

Clerkship: Judge Thomas K. Isenhour, New Jersey Superior Court, Criminal Division, Union County, 2022-2023 Term

“I am a member of the Brendan Moore Trial Advocacy Team, board member of the Suspension Representation Project, 1L contracts tutor, and a research assistant.”

“Although going into law school and a clerkship during my 1L year were never on my radar, after speaking with professors and alumni about their clerkship experience, I came to realize that it would be an incredible way to challenge myself and hone my research, writing, and editing skills. Clerking will expose me to the “behind the scenes” of how a judge decides complex and novel issues—knowledge of which I hope to take into my future career.”

“I am grateful to the CJEC for all the help it has given me during my entire clerkship application process. As a public interest student not on a journal or moot court, I didn’t think I would have strong enough credentials to secure a clerkship. However, from my first initial contact with the Center early in my 2L year to the day I sent out my application, Dean Endrizzi was an incredible resource and mentor that championed my candidacy. I hope to pay it forward and be a resource for other students who may find themselves in a similar situation as I was.”

Julio Ruiz-Gomez ’22

Julio Ruiz-Gomez ’22

Hometown: Staten Island, NY

Education: B.A. in Political Science, minor in Business Economics, University of Notre Dame ’19

Clerkship: Judge Thomas W. Sumners Jr., New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division, 2022-2023 Term

“I am a member of the Urban Law Journal and associate competition editor of the moot court team.”

“I decided to pursue a clerkship because of my experience externing for Judge Gary S. Katzmann on the U.S. Court of International Trade during my 2L spring semester. He treats his interns as “mini-clerks,” allowing them to handle all aspects of one case throughout the semester. I really enjoyed the work and began thinking about clerkships. As I began discussing clerkships with lawyers in various practice areas, they all mentioned how clerking was one of the highlights of their careers and an invaluable experience. Their affirmation, along with my experience with Judge Katzmann, made me decide to seriously pursue a clerkship.”

“I decided to pursue a clerkship late into my 2L year and, frankly, I had no idea what I was doing. I did not know which application materials I would need, what those materials should look like, and how competitive my application would be for certain courts. Dean Endrizzi was an incredible resource and oriented me in the right direction. In our first meeting, she read over my resume, told me which courts I was competitive for, what application materials I should start preparing, and when the application deadlines were for the courts she suggested. Without that initial push, I am certain I would not be clerking.”

Rebecca Spendley ’22

Becca Spendley ’22

Hometown: LaGrangeville, NY 

Education: B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice, George Washington University ’16

Clerkship: Judge Claire Cecchi, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Late 2022 or early 2023

“I am an articles and notes editor for the Fordham Law Review. I am a member of the Moot Court Board and the Dispute Resolution Society, and competed in the Vis International Arbitration Competition last year.” 

“My initial interest began when I interned for Judge Susan D. Wigenton and experienced how amazing and helpful her clerks were. As I was interviewing with different firms and networking with attorneys, I realized that many of them had completed clerkships and spoke incredibly highly of their experience in chambers and how it shaped their future careers. I wanted to have the opportunity to establish those foundational skills that a clerkship uniquely provides.” 

“I want to give back to a community that has given me so much support during my first two years in law school. I think it is important to pay that forward and help those going through this process. The clerkship application process is difficult and confusing, and I could not have done it without the support of the Fordham community. I want to be able to help those who are anxious and nervous about applying, as I was last year.”

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On August 23, 434 first-year J.D. students joined together to take their oath of professionalism as a part of their orientation programming. 

The oath of professionalism is a pledge taken by students to act ethically and with integrity in law school and in their legal careers. Every year, as part of their orientation to Fordham Law School, new students come together to formally take their oath at a ceremony joined by faculty and alumni. It’s an important opportunity for new students to hear from a panel of experienced alumni about the importance of ethics, what kinds of professional challenges they can expect to encounter in their careers, and how they can overcome those challenges.

Last year’s event was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, but this year students were able to join in person—albeit masked—gathering together at the Gerald W. Lynch Theatre at John Jay College. 

Alumni Share Insights

The recitation of the oath was preceded by a panel discussion moderated by Fordham Law Alumni Association (FLAA) President Palmina M. Fava, who introduced four alumni who offered advice to new students as they begin their legal education. 

Judge Joanne Quiñones ’97 offered her thoughts on why, in the aftermath of the protests for racial justice, safeguarding civil rights and ensuring equal access to the law was more important than ever. Deneen Donnley ‘92, echoed a similar sentiment, adding that lawyers can often play the role of “strategists” and “agitators” when it comes to advancing important issues. 

The landmark social events of the past year were top of mind for many of the panelists, and they discussed the crucial role that lawyers can play in upholding the rule of law. Rep. Tom Suozzi ‘89, who was present on January 6 when the Capitol was breached, quoted former U.S. Congressman and Holocaust survivor Tom Lantos, who said “The veneer of civilization is paper thin. We are its guardians, and we can never rest.”

As future lawyers, the panel argued, the students would need to behave with integrity and abide by the codes of conduct of their profession, even when they might be tempted not to. Jessica Carey ‘03 told the story of an opposing counsel who consistently showed up late to meetings, sent late night emails, and otherwise behaved in an unprofessional manner. Nevertheless, rather than responding in kind, Carey’s team made the decision to uphold their own standards and continue being courteous. 

Panelists at the oath of professionalism event included Jessica Carey ’03, a partner at Paul Weiss; Deneen Donnley ’92, SVP & general counsel at Con Edison; the Hon. Joanne D. Quiñones ’97, Kings County Supreme Court judge; and Congressman Tom Suozzi ’89, U.S. Representative for New York’s Third District

An Obligation to Ethics

Personal conduct and safeguarding one’s reputation were also important topics. Donnley offered advice that her own mentor had once shared with her: “​​You should help someone else even when you don’t need anything in return. And when you live that way, good things will come to you.”

In her closing remarks Judge Quiñones urged students to see themselves as ambassadors of the legal world and to take that responsibility seriously. “Be mindful of how you comport yourself inside and outside the halls of Fordham and know the value and the power that you have not only as an individual, but as a member of the legal profession,” Quiñones said. 

Afterwards, students rose from their seats and recited the Fordham Law School Professional Oath.

Fordham Law School Professional Oath

As I enter into the legal profession and begin my legal studies at Fordham Law School, I pledge to act with the utmost good faith and integrity.

I will study diligently, commit myself to honest performance on every assignment and examination, and uphold, at all times, Fordham Law School’s Code of Academic Conduct.

I will interact with colleagues and adversaries alike with honesty, professionalism, and civility.

I will seek opportunities to provide leadership and to serve my community and will behave in ways that reflect positively on me, Fordham Law School, and the legal profession.

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Fordham Law’s annual Public Service Day, hosted by Fordham Law’s Public Interest Resource Center (PIRC), is a testament to the Law School’s motto, “In the service of others.” Every year, first-year Fordham Law students gather at the start of the fall semester to spend a day volunteering their time for community service projects. They are typically joined by returning students who lead student groups, organize the individual projects, and support and welcome the new 1Ls.

After adapting in 2020 as a virtual event, Public Service Day returned this year as an in-person event (with the exception of four remote projects). Nearly 205 incoming students contributed their free time to work on 10 different projects with 11 Fordham Law student groups.

This was the largest number of incoming students to engage in the annual day of service, surpassing last year’s record of 167 1Ls, according to Assistant Dean for Public Interest and Social Justice Initiatives Leah Horowitz.

“It is inspiring to see that 204 incoming students chose to spend their Saturday doing important work that serves people in need and is part of our efforts to address racial and social injustice,” Horowitz said. “And we greatly appreciate the student leaders of 11 student groups who thoughtfully organized the individual projects.”

“We are always grateful for the innovation, energy, and leadership that our students bring to the work,” she added.

This year’s projects ranged from delivering meals to the elderly and cleaning up local parks to preparing backpacks full of supplies for children living in homeless and/or domestic violence shelters.

Fordham Law’s Environmental Law Advocates participated in a park cleanup.

Fostering Connection Among Seniors

Fordham Law’s Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) organized the “Sliced Fruit and Other Love Languages” project, which was co-sponsored by the Asian American Bar Association of New York and the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY).

About two dozen students met remotely wanting to connect with local senior citizens who have been isolated from loved ones during the pandemic. They learned how to say and write “hello” and “I love you” in at least five Asian languages, which served as a springboard to fight hate with love through handwritten letters. Those notes will be delivered with meals through Heart of Dinner.

Participants also heard from Congresswoman Grace Meng, Honorable E. Grace Park of the Manhattan Fourth Municipal Court District of the New York City Civil Court, and KALAGNY Vice President Christopher Bae. They each shared law school-related advice to the incoming 1Ls as well as stressed the importance of community. 

Fordham Law’s Asian Pacific American Law Students Association connected remotely with local senior citizens who have been isolated from loved ones during the pandemic.

The inspiration for this project, according to APALSA Co-Vice President Lauren Kim ’23, stemmed back to the mentorship she has received from the Asian/Pacific Islander community in the past year. 

“I couldn’t have come this far without the help of my community, and I believe it’s important to pay it forward,” Kim said. “Being in law school and studying to become a lawyer has all of us thinking, from day one, about the impact we can make in our own communities when helping out.”

APALSA Co-Vice President Sharon Yang ’23 said she felt emotionally invested in the project because she could relate to its purpose. “I can’t visit my grandparents very often,” Yang explained. “So, not only was this a way to show love and compassion, but we got to engage with the new students and have everyone meet one another virtually.”

“The project was very meaningful to me,” she added, “and it was all thanks to the Law School for giving us those 24 hours to do such meaningful things with other students and for our communities.”

Helping Unemployed Workers Apply for Relief

Fernando Ramos ’23 led the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA)’s Bushwick community support event, partnering with Bushwick Ayuda Mutua (a community organization Ramos helped found at the height of the pandemic) and Mayday Space in Brooklyn.

Ramos and 15 students provided technical support for online governmental and nonprofit assistance applications—including helping to register about 50 applicants who qualify for the Excluded Workers Fund. The Excluded Workers Fund provides funds to New Yorkers who were ineligible for unemployment benefits or COVID-19 relief in the past year and who lost at least 50 percent of their income because of the pandemic.

“I feel like the human interactions we had that day, while engaging with community members through conversations and hearing their stories for why this funding is so important to them, are really important,” Ramos said. “For the 1Ls, I think it also helped them identify what is important to them as they go through law school.”

Joe Gomez ’24 and Joan Rosello ’24 were two of the participating first-year students who volunteered alongside Ramos and other LALSA members. Both agreed that speaking with local residents in Spanish built a more intimate sense of community for them throughout the day, further confirming that the work they were doing was making an impact in people’s lives.

“I learned that Public Service Day is not just an event for students who are interested in becoming public defenders,” Gomez said. “I’m really thinking about getting involved with the Public Interest Resource Center, and I hope every student is open to it because it’s a great opportunity.”

Rosello added that seeing Fordham Law’s motto in action with like-minded students helped kick off her law school journey on the right foot.

“It was great to see so many Fordham Law students from different backgrounds—not just 1Ls, but 2Ls and 3Ls as well—volunteering their Saturday to help others right before classes started,” Rosello said. “I think that speaks to Fordham Law’s ‘In the service of others,’ which was something that really drew me to this school.”

Fordham Law students helped deliver meals with Citymeals on Wheels.

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On September 14, 2001, just three days after the most deadly terrorist attack on American soil, the leaders of the three largest bar associations in New York state came together to discuss how New York’s legal community could be of service in a time of critical need for the city and its residents.

They agreed to divide up the substantial work required to address the aftermath: the New York County Lawyers Association would handle death certificates and estate issues, the State Bar would coordinate finding space and resources for the lawyers who had had their offices shut down or destroyed, and the City Bar would help to organize volunteers to assist victim’s families.

A Mammoth Undertaking

This story is just one of many included in a comprehensive report, “Public Service in a Time of Crisis: A Report and Retrospective on the Legal Community’s Response to the Events of September 11, 2001,” developed in part by Fordham Law’s Louis Stein Center for Law and Ethics and published in the Fordham Urban Law Journal in 2004. It documents how the legal community organized itself and came together to serve the victims and survivors of the 9/11 attacks. 

Dean Matthew Diller

The Stein Center’s involvement originated as a project undertaken by Fordham Law students in a public-interest lawyering seminar—co-taught by Dean Matthew Diller, then associate dean for academic affairs at Fordham, and Professor Bruce Green, Louis Stein Chair and director of the Stein Center—in connection with Fordham’s Stein Scholars Program. It later evolved into a combined effort including the Stein Center, the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, and the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) Foundation for Law Career Research and Education—which began compiling information about how the legal community responded to the attacks beginning in 2002. “Ultimately, 12 Fordham students were among the many lawyers, students, and paralegals who contributed to the report by gathering information and/or drafting portions of it,” recalls Green.

The report is a highly-detailed account of the public service work done by lawyers in the aftermath of 9/11. New York Court of Appeals Chief Judge Judith Kaye, a guiding force behind the New York bar’s post-9/11 efforts, contributed the introduction to the report, describing it as “​​a comprehensive textbook on how best to deliver pro bono services” as well as a lasting “chronicle” of the thousands of legal professionals who worked towards the public good under extraordinary circumstances.

Lessons Learned

After enduring an unimaginable tragedy, those affected by the attacks had to deal with a range of legal issues, including administering trusts and estates, applying for aid, and applying for death certificates, while others were dealing with immigration issues or faced discrimination in the aftermath of the attacks.

Among its findings, the report noted that approximately 3,000 lawyers received training through various 9/11-centered programs and more than 4,000 individuals and families affected by 9/11 were represented on a pro bono basis by volunteer lawyers.

“The legal community totally stepped up and provided services and representation to people in crisis in new and unprecedented ways. And that formed the model that has been built on new and, unfortunately, subsequent disasters,” says Fordham Law School Dean Matthew Diller— one of nine members, along with Green, in the working group that oversaw the report. “It is amazing how quickly networks can be put together and bridges built.”

In the aftermath of 9/11, lawyers from diverse practise areas gathered together to assist those in need in an organized and collaborative manner. Among their innovations was the idea to have individual lawyers serve as “navigators” that would allow clients to access all the different services they needed through one contact person, streamlining the process considerably. 

Bruce Green, director of the Louis Stein Center for Law and Ethics

“The report illustrates something that public interest lawyers already understood but that much of the bar may not have fully appreciated, which is how many different but interconnected legal and nonlegal needs people in crisis may have,” says Green.

As New York, the nation, and the world commemorate the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, the report provides a look back at some of the best aspects of New York’s legal community and the deep impact of their work in a moment of historic crisis.

“The legal community organized its relief effort for the benefit of those affected by 9/11, but in the end there were many beneficiaries, including those directly affected, the lawyers and other volunteers who helped, and the legal community as a community, not to mention New York City itself,” the report noted. “There can be little doubt that 9/11 was the catalyst for what can aptly be characterized as a ‘defining moment’ for the legal profession.”

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Fordham Law’s Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) hit the pavement over Labor Day weekend, providing low-income Asian American residents and small business owners with information on how to access Asian American Bar Association (AABANY)’s pro-bono legal clinic and other resources to address housing issues, anti-Asian violence, and the impact of COVID-19. The poster campaign event was co-sponsored by AABANY’s Pro Bono Community Services Committee, its Young Lawyers Committee, Asian Americans for Equality, and law firm Mayer Brown.

More than 40 volunteers—made up of Fordham Law students, Asian American Bar Association (AABANY), and APALSA law students from the New York-New Jersey area—split up to walk around Manhattan’s Chinatown and Koreatown as well as Brooklyn’s Chinatown in Sunset Park and Bensonhurst. Students translated and distributed more than 1,000 flyers from English to Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

“We realized just how much of an unmet need this is.  So many people in these communities want legal services and simply don’t know where to turn, or are worried about incurring costs when they reach out for help. It’s a small lift to help direct them and provide information about COVID-19, employment liability, and rent and housing relief,” said Melissa Dzenis-Garcia ’23, president of Fordham Law’s APALSA. “Asian business owners felt comfortable speaking with us and we, in turn, were able to make those personal connections.”

Working Towards a Better Future

Fordham Law APALSA members handed out flyers in Brooklyn’s Chinatown/Sunset Park.

APALSA was inspired to engage in the event at the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester after 11 law students and volunteer attorneys had launched a poster campaign over the July 4 holiday weekend last year.

“One major difference we noticed this year was the willingness of business owners who were willing to receive our flyers and allowed for it to be posted on their storefront,” said Dianna Lam ’22, co-chair of the AABANY Student Outreach Committee and co-president of the Fordham Evening Division Society. “It was a complete change from the year prior when local business owners were quick to turn us away.”

Students who walked around Koreatown specifically noted that many non-Asian businesses were receptive to displaying their flyers inside their establishments, where all community members visit frequently.

“Our experience showed us that the whole community is eager to support each other, regardless of whether the business is Asian-owned or not,” explained Lauren Kim ’23, co-vice president of Fordham Law’s APALSA. “After we explained the flyers to non-Asian business managers, they were very happy to help disseminate the information.”

“This opportunity allowed both [types of]businesses in the Asian community to see that we are all in this together,” Lam added. “It also allowed the students to experience and see the impact they have on the community—where one simple idea can really turn into something so meaningful.” 

Community Building while Building Community

After handing out 1,400 flyers, Fordham Law students said the event helped bring the Law School community closer to the Asian community citywide.

“It was meaningful to provide ‘know your rights’ resources in writing to small business owners, who have faced a wave of anti-Asian violence after barely surviving the impacts of COVID-19 and the specific loss of business faced by Asian businesses stemming from bias and hate,” added Nick Loh ’22, Fordham Law APALSA member, project coordinator, and pro-bono chair of AABANY Student Outreach Committee.

The group who volunteered in Manhattan’s Chinatown passed through Sara D. Roosevelt Park in the Lower East Side.

Upcoming APALSA Events for the Fall ’21 Semester

APALSA will be hosting a fireside chat with Visiting Professor of Law Sanjukta Paul on September 24, during which time she will discuss her recent work on antitrust and workers rights in the platform economy. The event will kick off a new APALSA speaker series that seeks to elevate diverse voices in the law, expose students to new and cutting-edge scholarship in areas that directly impact communities of color, and help Asian American and Pacific Islander students see themselves in academia.

APALSA is also preparing for a trial re-enactment of the Vincent Chin case with Judge Denny Chin ’78, Fordham Law’s Lawrence W. Pierce ’51 Distinguished Jurist in Residence, presiding this November. The murder of 27-year-old Chin—a Chinese man who was beaten to death by two white auto workers during the height of anti-Japanese sentiment in Detroit in 1982—was the first federal civil rights trial for an Asian American where Asian Americans’ civil rights were protected.

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President Borut Pahor of Slovenia made a special visit to Fordham Law School on September 22 during his brief stay in New York City for the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

Dean Matthew Diller and Joseph Landau, associate dean for academic affairs, greeted President Pahor at the Lincoln Center campus.

“It was an honor to have President Pahor with us,” Dean Diller said. “His career is so remarkable and President Pahor has played such a pivotal role in bringing a full-fledged flowering of democracy to Slovenia.”

At 26, President Pahor was elected a member of the European Parliament and was a parliamentarian during Slovenia’s independence and constitution-making processes. He also served as President of the National Assembly and Prime Minister of Slovenia. He was elected the fourth president of Slovenia in 2012 and was re-elected for a second term five years later. President Pahor was successful in all nine elections that he ran in over the course of 32 years.

“It was wonderful to meet President Pahor and his advisors, and to host them here at Fordham Law,” said Dean Landau, echoing Dean Diller’s sentiments. “We were honored that President Pahor took time out of his busy schedule to join us, and we were captivated by his remarks.”

Joseph Landau, associate dean for academic affairs, and Visiting Professor Jurij Toplak greet President Borut Pahor of Slovenia outside Fordham Law School on September 22.

President Pahor Speaks with Students about Elections and Democracy

Visiting Professor Jurij Toplak, who is from Slovenia and is a law professor at the University of Maribor and Alma Mater Europaea, invited President Pahor to the Law School as a guest speaker. Given Pahor’s extensive experience in Slovenian government over the last three decades, Professor Toplak thought he was the perfect person to discuss election law.

“This was the first time we invited and had a country’s leader come and speak,” Professor Toplak said, explaining that guest speakers who normally visit his class hail from academia. “It is not only important to hear what lawyers think about electoral reforms and their roles in elections, but also what politicians think about it and what their experiences are.”

“I was amazed at the level of engagement by our students,” Professor Toplak added. “We had a wonderful exchange of ideas as we covered several highly relevant election law topics.”

Students from Professor Toplak’s comparative election law class, as well as students enrolled in the Law School’s LL.M. program, had the opportunity to engage with and ask President Pahor questions related to electoral law, the role of elections in democracy, freedom of speech, the rise of populism, and regulation with new technologies (including social media platforms and the shifts to mail-in and electronic voting, thanks in part to the coronavirus pandemic).

“President Pahor was incredibly generous in conversing with our students about elections, the press and media, and the need for politicians to be innovative,” said Assistant Dean Toni-Jaeger-Fine, who leads the Law School’s graduate programs.

“I was particularly impressed by his focus on the need for leaders to engage in thoughtful and meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, regardless of their views.”

Towards the end of the lively discussion, President Pahor emphasized to the room of about 70 people that a person not only needs passion and determination to follow their vision, but courage as well to persevere. “You have talent … and a lot of knowledge,” President Pahor  said, “but what you have that maybe others will not is the determination to go on and stand up when beaten down.”

“Go on with your heart and your dream,” he continued, “and be open to criticism, to different ideas [because]they may be very helpful.”

“People will slowly, step by step, recognize you as a leader,” President Pahor added.

Participating Students Call President’s Visit an “Honor”

Students in attendance said that they felt grateful to Fordham Law for being able to hold the visit, calling the informal conversation with President Pahor a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” “As a legal officer of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, I was very excited to meet him in person and hear his insights on election and democracy,” said LL.M. student Frangelin Sarabia ’22.

J.D. student Matthew Vaughan ’23 thought the experience was “enlightening” as he and his fellow classmates learned the President’s views on social media and other issues democracy faces around the world today. “When President Pahor asked me why I asked him my question [about national referendums and direct democracy in light of the events surrounding Brexit], it was apparent that he was not only answering questions,” Vaughan said. “He was also interested in our perspectives as law students.”

Fordham University student John Cugel ’24, whose family lives and works in Slovenia, was able to ask President Pahor what his definition of success is given his long standing career in politics. “Attending the lecture was one thing, but conversing with the president of Slovenia was a great honor,” Cugel said. “Talking with the president of the country that means so much to my family was one of the most profound experiences of my life that I will never forget.”

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One hundred seventy-five new graduate students in Fordham Law School’s LL.M. and M.S.L. programs have hit the books and are beginning to sharpen their critical thinking skills since joining the Fordham Law student body last month.

These graduate students come from more than 40 countries and bring significant professional experience in their respective areas of expertise, which will complement their studies at Fordham Law.

“We welcomed an outstanding cohort of LL.M. and M.S.L. students this semester,” said Assistant Dean Toni-Jaeger-Fine, who leads the Law School’s graduate programs. “These students who are profiled are emblematic of the diversity, talent, and experience of our incoming class.”

We spoke with six graduate students, who are enrolled in the online and in-person LL.M. and M.S.L. programs, about their passions for the law and what they’re most looking forward to at Fordham Law.

Mona Brunache (LL.M. ’22)

Mona Brunache (LL.M. ’22)

Hometown: Paris, France

Education: LL.B., Université d’Evry-Val d’Essonne ‘14; M.B.L., Université Paris Nanterre/Hautes Études Appliquées du Droit ‘16

Growing up in Saint-Martin, Brunache’s favorite show was “Judge Judy,” and she dreamed of one day being a lawyer. When she finally began law school, it quickly became clear that the law was a natural fit for her. “I like analyzing, I like reading, I like defending, I like meeting new people. And I realized that the law really corresponds to my personality,” she says.

Brunache began her legal career working in corporate law and business law. From there she worked at Orange company, an international telecommunication company, before landing her most recent role at Volkswagen, where she worked in data protection and compliance. In the course of her work, she often found herself dealing with American companies. “I realized I needed to understand the American legal system in order to be more proficient in what I’m doing,” she says.

Brunache believes the LL.M. program at Fordham provides her with the opportunity to expand her knowledge of international law and gain experience with the American legal system. “I felt like I was missing an international background and nowadays that’s very important. So that’s why I came to Fordham,” she says. 

Brunache was recently enrolled in a course focusing on commercial drafting, as well as a class that provided an introduction to the U.S. legal system. “I really adore this course, it’s amazing, and I’ve learned so much,” she says.

After earning her LL.M., Brunache hopes to pursue work in the United States and expand her knowledge even further.

Imani Yasimeen Midgette (M.S.L. ’22)

Imani Yasimeen Midgette (M.S.L. in Fashion Law ’22)

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

Education: B.S. in Marketing, St. John’s University ’16

Growing up in Washington, D.C., Midgette felt that it was only inevitable she would spend a portion of her career in government. Not only does her family have a history of military and government service, but there was always something special about having the President, Congress, and Supreme Court in her backyard.

Midgette has worked at U.S. Customs and Border Protection since 2010, specializing in international trade, textiles, intellectual property and e-commerce, and border security. While learning about the intricacies of the global supply chain, she wondered if she could marry her love of fashion with her background in trade policy and enforcement.

Her mother—who had a fondness for reading makeup artistry books by Kevin Aucoin and Vogue magazine—encouraged Midgette’s interest in fashion. “I always kind of had this left brain, right brain pull. So I struggled with that for a while. It is difficult being a woman of color that loves an industry that doesn’t love you back,” she says.

“I started Googling programs that were aligned with my interests, and Fordham just seemed to be a perfect fit. I couldn’t believe I found a program that truly spoke to who I was and who I wanted to become,”  Midgette adds. “Real change begins and ends with law.”

Midgette attended symposiums at The Fashion Law Institute, where she heard speakers present on issues like intellectual property and counterfeiting, before finally taking the plunge and applying to the M.S.L. program. “There was no other program like what Fordham had; it’s very unique. Fashion law was born at Fordham, so why not get it from the source?” she says.

In the future, Midgette is interested in combining all that she will learn from Fordham Law and her government service to assist private industry in supply chain policy and procedures, intellectual property, and encourage companies to become more environmentally-conscious and inclusive.

Koko (Kanako) Murata (M.S.L. Corporate Compliance ’22)

Koko (Kanako) Murata (M.S.L. in Corporate Compliance ’22)

Hometown: Tokyo, Japan and London, UK

Education: B.A. in Policy Management with a focus in International Relations and Peace Studies, Keio University ’07

Murata has worked at MUFG Ltd.—Japan’s largest corporate bank—for the past 13 years and serves as an economic sanctions compliance officer. Murata’s role is extremely critical as she and her team collaborate to create bank policies and procedures involving global economic sanctions.

“Working as a sanctions compliance officer is about following all the diplomatic political activities and negotiations in the world, but from a corporate standpoint,” Murata explains. “I have always been interested in international relations and diplomacy, but I didn’t see myself becoming a diplomat.”

“This [type of job]is the perfect balance for me,” she adds.

Murata said she wanted to pursue a degree that specialized in corporate compliance at Fordham Law for a myriad of reasons, including the program’s uniqueness, the Law School’s famous alumni network, and its “top notch” professors. “Especially for my field, compliance of various regulations for financial institutions are the most complex and advanced in New York,” she says. “This is where the expertise is, and Fordham has the network to those professionals.”

As much as she is excited to be soaking in as much information as she can from her classes, Murata believes meeting new people is just as important. “In five years, I may not remember each case law I studied,” she says, “but I will remember the professors and the friends I met at Fordham Law, who I hope to keep in touch with after I graduate.”

Dat Tien Nguyen (Dustin) (LL.M. ’22)

Dat Tien Nguyen (Dustin) (LL.M. ’22)

Hometown: Son La, Vietnam

Education: LL.B in International Trade & Business Law, Hanoi Law University ‘17

Nguyen previously worked as an associate attorney for more than five years at BMVN International LLC—a premier intellectual property (IP) law firm based in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi—and a member of Baker McKenzie global law firm. Nguyen advised various local and foreign businesses on IP-related matters surrounding trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Besides his day-to-day duties, Nguyen assisted a number of Vietnamese startups by providing pro-bono legal guidance on how to protect their IP rights nationally and globally.

“Intellectual property is all around us, from the smartphones we use to communicate to the consumer goods brands we rely on every day,” says Nguyen, explaining why he is so passionate about IP. “Protecting IP—an incentive for innovations—literally improves our daily lives.”

Nguyen’s decision to pursue a Master of Laws degree at Fordham Law demonstrates his unwavering determination through his rise from an underprivileged pupil from a mountainous area of Vietnam to a graduate student pursuing his dreams in one of the world’s most dynamic cities—New York.

As one of Fordham Law’s seven Fulbright scholars this year, Nguyen will focus on IP and information technology law, with the ultimate goal of delving into the U.S. common law system and its IP regulations to solve current loopholes in Vietnam’s IP framework and enforcement mechanism. Furthermore, he wishes to develop a network of alumni at Fordham Law and practitioners across New York City to share cross-jurisdictional experiences and insights.

“Apart from wanting to expand my knowledge and learning from experts like Professor Hugh Hansen—one of the most influential people in the IP world—I think it’s really important for me to engage in more activities at the Law School,” Nguyen says, explaining that he is also interested in participating in Fordham Law-led pro-bono projects and public service activities with the New York City Bar Association, where he is a member.

Nguyen can be found working as a staff member on Fordham Law’s Intellectual Property, Media, and Entertainment Law Journal when he is not analyzing his case law assignments.

Francesco Planchenstainer (Part-time LL.M. ’23)

Francesco Planchenstainer (Part-time LL.M. ’23)

Hometown: Republic of San Marino

Education: J.D. in Comparative and European Law, Università di Trento ‘10; Ph.D. in Food Law, Agrisystem – Doctoral School on the Agro-Food System ’14 

Planchenstainer has literally had a “thirst for knowledge,” especially when it comes to food law.

Following his legal education in Trento, Planchenstainer completed his doctoral dissertation in comparative food law discussing how the U.S. and the European Union handle food safety crises of massive proportions. He has since written papers that have examined water regulations, food donations, and the labelling of nanomaterials under EU law. He has also been invited as a guest speaker at food law conferences thanks to his extensive knowledge of food science, human nutrition, and international trade rules. “I’ve been moving around nonstop like a ping pong ball,” Planchenstainer says with a laugh.

After earning his law degree in Italy, Planchenstainer interned for both DG SANCO in Brussels (the European Union equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration in the United States) and Mead Johnson Nutrition in Indiana, where he was a senior regulatory and food law specialist. In 2016, Planchenstainer was hired as regulatory counsel by the Ferrero Group (the maker of Nutella and Kinder Bueno) and asked to join its headquarters in Luxembourg. There, he supported the creation of a regulatory team within the legal department, focusing on the compliance of innovative ingredients and technologies to reduce sugar in confectionery products.

Planchenstainer recently moved back to the United States after working in-house in Luxembourg for the past three years. He is currently enrolled in the part-time LL.M. program that focuses on U.S. law and continues to serve as regulatory affairs director for Ferrero’s U.S. market.

“Curiosity is one of my greatest assets and has helped me to get out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself,” Planchenstainer says. “If there is a place where curiosity can be nurtured, it’s academia and at this Law School.”

“One of the things that struck me at Fordham Law is the very strong sense of community, which I’ve felt since the first day,” he added. “Finally finding that community—especially over the last two years of the pandemic when we’ve been distancing ourselves and lacking that people component—has, I think, been absolutely rewarding.”

Frangelin Sarabia (LL.M. ’22)

Frangelin Sarabia (LL.M. ’22)

Hometown: Manila, Philippines

Education: LL.B., San Beda University ’15; B.S. in Business, Miriam College ’09

After completing her law degree, Sarabia worked in national government agencies in the Philippines. First in the Department of Public Works and Highways, where she worked in international procurement contracts for big-ticket infrastructure projects, then moving to the Department of Foreign Affairs, where she currently works as a legal officer to the department’s Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs – Political Treaties Division.

She’s coming to Fordham Law, she says, to expand her knowledge of international law in a new environment. “New York is known for being where the best and the brightest lawyers work and compete,” Sarabia says. “And, of course, Fordham Law offers international law and justice, which I think is perfect for what I was looking for. So it was a no-brainer for me when I got my acceptance letter.”

Sarabia is especially interested in learning more about national security and is looking forward to learning from experts in the field like Professor Karen Greenberg. “I really want to understand the approach of U.S. lawyers in terms of national security and international law, especially in how they think and adapt to problems and their perspectives on particular legal issues,” she says.

After completing her L.L.M., Sarabia hopes to take her expertise to the United Nations and work in the field of public international law. “I’m planning to work for the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations, and eventually, who knows, maybe get a position as a legal officer at the United Nations,” she says.

The post Meet Six New Graduate Students in Fordham Law’s LL.M. and M.S.L. Programs appeared first on Fordham Law.

As Fordham Law School celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, we spoke with Dayana Ledezma ’22 and Zane Mitchell ’22—president and vice president, respectively, of Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA)—about the group’s goals for the 2021-22 academic year and the fun events that will be held in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

This past year and a half has been filled with classes, events, and student organizations meeting remotely. What was LALSA able to accomplish during the 2020-21 academic year, and how do you plan to build on that momentum for this academic year?

DL: We were actually able to do a lot last year considering the circumstances. Most of our events (including Game Night for the 1Ls, firm outreach programs, and professional and networking panels) were held virtually, but we were able to hold a socially distanced event in Central Park where members could come, relax, and eat empanadas while meeting the 1L representatives in person. We also started a new initiative in the fall semester, offering weekly office hours for the 1Ls. We’ve since tweaked that model and will be holding biweekly office hours on Thursdays during the 12 to 2 p.m. window. 

Another major highlight that came out of last year—and one that we’re hoping to bring back this year—is focusing on wellness and mental health in the spring. We held a wellness weekend series that featured dance cardio and kickboxing lessons as well as an imposter syndrome panel that was co-sponsored by the other law student associations (ALSAs) on campus [Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, Irish Law Students Association, Jewish Law Students Association, Muslim Law Students Association, and South Asian Law Students Association].

And honestly, I think, the momentum has built us in that we’ve seen such a need and interest, from both the current 1L and 2L classes, to meet and get to know each other in person. Even before the new school year started, we saw a lot of interest and excitement at our socially distanced park event welcoming the incoming 1Ls. Then, we also came together on Public Service Day to provide technical support for online governmental and nonprofit assistance applications. It’s been really wonderful to see the same faces over and over again at our general body meetings and to be seeing people RSVPing to events.

ZM: The previous boards have built the foundation for us and we also have an excellent board this year. Our board members are so smart and responsible and have been especially working hard the past couple of weeks ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Speaking of Hispanic Heritage Month, why is it so important and how does LALSA plan to celebrate it?

DL: For me, it’s just really a time to pause from our busy and hectic lives and to acknowledge and be inspired by the many Hispanic and Latinx champions and icons who have contributed such tremendous achievements—not just in the legal field, but also in entertainment, art, science, and business. Even though there are a lot of narratives about the struggles of Hispanics and Latinx people in the United States, I think it’s also equally important and valuable to acknowledge the triumphs and achievements, which show how resilient and powerful our community can be.

ZM: To build off of Dayana’s point, I think there’s so much diversity within Latinx culture. It’s not only a moment to pause and reflect, but a moment to celebrate the things that make us unique and bring us together.

DL: In terms of event planning, we have a number of events coming up. Personally, I love food, and I think one of the best contributions that Latin American culture has given to the world is our food and how diverse it is from country to country. So we’re happy to be holding our third annual “Passport to Latin America” on Thursday, September 30 (Costantino Room and Murphy Veranda, 6-8 p.m.) which will feature stations with well-known dishes from seven different Latin American countries, music, and an opportunity to enter a raffle for two tickets to the Yankees-Rays game on October 2. Rafael Zapata, associate vice president for academic affairs and chief diversity officer, will also offer some remarks on the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month.

ZM: We’re sharing this event with the entire Law School community, including faculty and staff, and it will be free for all attendees (RSVP here). I remember going to that event as a 1L and feeling kind of nervous, but interested in meeting people because you’re all just starting out at the Law School. With that said, I can’t even imagine what the 2Ls, who have spent a year online, and the new 1Ls are going through in that regard. But, I think it’s really going to be fun to see everybody and have people come in without worrying about paying for admission.

DL: We’re also planning to hold a virtual diversity panel towards the latter half of Hispanic Heritage Month (October 11 or 12, 7 p.m.), which will discuss the different influences and cultures mixed within our Latinx culture. And then we also have a fun social event called “Salsa with LALSA” on October 14 in the evening, which we’ve had every single year because it’s so popular. All of these events are geared towards showing and sharing just how rich and vibrant our community and culture are.

Looking ahead, what are LALSA’s goals for the 2021-22 academic year?

ZM: Our goals are twofold. We want to continue offering strong professional development—to give our student members the professional career options that many minority students have been overlooked for in the past—and to continue growing LALSA’s endowment fund through the donations of our generous sponsors. From a personal standpoint, we’re also trying to cultivate a deeper sense of community, so that Latinx students have a support system and network on campus as well.

If students are interested in attending these events or learning more about LALSA, how can they connect with you?

DL: We’re most active on Instagram (@fordhamlalsa) and on Facebook and LinkedIn too. To connect with us directly, students can email lalsa@fordham.edu. Also, Fordham Law has a shared space for all the ALSA groups (Room LL-130). We encourage all ALSA students to come by and chat if they have any questions and use the supplements and books that are available there. Plus, a few LALSA members regularly meet and study there, which is great.

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On September 19, Fordham Law students along with their parents, spouses, grandparents and other family members, attended a virtual Family Day. 

The annual event is an opportunity for “first-year students to share their law school experiences with friends and family,” says Susan Kalicharan-Garcia, associate director of Student Affairs. “Through various presentations given by the Dean, faculty, administrators, and students, families learned about the outstanding people and programs that make Fordham one of the best places to study law in the country.”     

This year’s event, held over Zoom, had approximately 125 participants and included a Q&A portion, information about Fordham Law’s public interest and social justice focus, law school clinics, and a mock law school class that gave family members a taste of what the law school experience is really like. 

“Every year, guests find it exciting to participate in a mock law class, where they volunteer to sit in the ‘hot-seat’ and answer Socratic questions posed by one of our first-year professors,” says Kalicharan-Garcia. “This year they were just as excited to hear students speak so passionately about their involvement with some of the social justice lawyering initiatives offered through our Public Interest Resource Center and their involvement with our nationally recognized clinics.”

Family Members Share Their Experiences 

Dale Cendali, mother of Fordham Law student John Fitzpatrick ’24, attended the event and noted that she appreciated Fordham Law’s holistic approach to student success. “It really struck me how much the school was concerned about more than simply teaching the students the law,” says Cendali. “The school seems concerned about students’ overall experience at the law school including mental health, engagement, and career planning. It was very comforting.” 

Cendali and her husband are both lawyers, but much has changed since their time at law school, she says. “I was struck by how much family engagement and overall student focus there was. When I was in law school, there was no Family Day,” Cendali explains. “I don’t think there was really much in the way of orientation, and the focus was definitely exclusively on academics. But times have changed.”

For George Elwood, grandfather of Fordham Law student Blake Elwood ’24 and a Fordham Law alumnus himself, even more had changed since his time in law school. Elwood, 94, attended classes at the now-shuttered 302 Broadway location, where elevator operators took him up to class on the 11th floor and women made up only a tiny percentage of students—only five in his graduating class of 1952. 

The Elwoods have something of a Fordham family tradition, with Blake’s father and sister, also graduating from Fordham as undergraduates. “It’s nice having it in the family,” says George. “I’m very pleased that she’s gone to my alma mater.” 

Though technologies and physical buildings have changed, much has stayed the same. “I had [Blake] tell me what all her courses were the first year. Not too different from what mine were,” he says.

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