The Fordham Law Real Estate Society launched Oct. 17 with an event featuring three industry leaders discussing the varied career opportunities available for students entering the field.
The Real Estate Society, founded by 2L Michael Pickett, seeks to “unlock the power of real estate” for students through an array of opportunities, including panel discussions, networking events with alumni, and externship projects in the field. These opportunities will help students better understand the real estate law basics they learned their 1L year, Pickett said.
“There are so many paths you can take in real estate law; you’re not beholden to the Big Law stereotypical path prescribed in law school,” said Pickett, a dual J.D./M.B.A. student who owned and operated a real estate company in Phoenix, Arizona, before entering Fordham Law. “It’s exciting to see how a project goes from conception, through red tape, to an actual building you can walk through. It’s a satisfying feeling.”
The Real Estate Society’s first event featured Fordham alumnus Stacie Trott ’06, a partner with Duval & Stachenfeld, and Christopher Jaskiewicz, COO of Gotham Development, the company responsible for constructing Fordham Law’s new building.
Pickett praised the Fordham Law community for its support of the Real Estate Society from its earliest stages. Through the process, he has learned that the Fordham Law Network Effect is more than just a slogan.
“When I started reaching out to and speaking with alumni, I was shocked at how much they cared,” Pickett said. “They looked at this as an opportunity to help the next generation of attorneys working in this city. They firmly believe in lending a hand.”
2Ls Adam Weinberg and Stephen Cugliari serve as the Real Estate Society’s vice presidents. Fellow 2L Alex Lipton serves as treasurer.
Registration for the Real Estate Society is ongoing. Any interested students are encouraged to contact Pickett.