Hofstra Law Report, Spring 2013

Page 1

SPRING

2013

T H E M A G A Z I N E O F M a u r i c e A . D eane S c hoo l of Law at H ofst r a u ni v e r sit y

Eric Lane Appointed Dean The Eric J. Schmertz Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Public Service becomes the Ninth Dean of Hofstra Law p.1

SUCCESSFUL THINKING Larren M. Nashelsky ’91 recounts his path to chair of Morrison & Foerster LLP p.16


Network with your fellow alumni online through LinkedIn!

law.hofstra.edu/LinkedIn Join your fellow alumni in our LinkedIn group, Alumni of Hofstra Law. This online community is a private group open only to your peers from Hofstra Law. By joining the group you will be able to: •S earch for other Hofstra Law alumni by geographic region or practice area

• View jobs posted by Hofstra Law’s Career Services office and by alumni • Build your network by connecting with 2,500 (and growing!) Hofstra Law alumni

•P articipate in timely and relevant discussions of interest to you The group is growing fast and can serve as your go-to source for getting in touch with other graduates.

Join today at law.hofstra.edu/LinkedIn to begin taking advantage of this resource!


Message From the Dean

I

am honored to be writing my first introduction to our alumni magazine, HOFSTRA LAW REPORT, as dean of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. The Law School was founded — now more than 40 years ago — with the goal of being an innovative institution made up of risk-takers wanting to make an impact in their fields and in society. These principles attracted me to Hofstra Law 36 years ago, when thenDean Monroe Freedman, asked me to join the faculty. Now as dean of the Law School, I hope to continue the pioneering spirit with which Hofstra Law was founded. To that end, we have vastly expanded our experiential learning opportunities, nationally and internationally, to better prepare and position students for the job market. This issue highlights some of our new offerings, including our unique Cuba field study, a semester-long externship program in Washington, D.C., and a Disaster Recovery Clinic, which helps small-business owners affected by Superstorm Sandy. We have also made helping students find jobs a top priority. While these are challenging times for American law schools and the legal market, it is important to remember that a law degree lasts a lifetime and is a valuable resource no matter the economic environment or a person’s career path. The alumni in this issue’s “Spotlight” feature can attest to this — they all agree that their law school education was pivotal in reaching their professional goals. Their success in a variety of fields also exemplifies Hofstra Law’s founding principle of making an impact. Another example of someone who has made a profound contribution in his field, as well as to the Law School, is John DeWitt Gregory, the Sidney and Walter Siben Distinguished Professor of Family Law and a member of the Hofstra Law faculty since its beginnings. In another of this issue’s feature stories, Professor Gregory, who is retiring at the end of this school year, reflects on his more than four decades at the Law School and his involvement in starting the Clinical Program. As you will read, this is an exciting time at Hofstra Law, and I thank all who have contributed to our efforts. I look forward to seeing more of you at our upcoming events at the Law School and around the country.

Now as dean of the Law

School, I hope to continue the pioneering spirit with which Hofstra Law was founded.

My best,

Photo by Tony Lopez

Eric Lane Dean and Eric J. Schmertz Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Public Service

1

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Dean’s Advisory Board

Alumni Association

Chair Brad Eric Scheler ’77 Senior Partner and Chairman, Bankruptcy and Restructuring Department Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

Executive Board

Christopher J. Caruso ’00, Ex Officio Partner Moses & Singer, LLP Gordon Crane ’78 President and CEO Apple & Eve LLC Lorna B. Goodman ’75 Former Executive Director New York City Charter Revision Commission Marc L. Hamroff ’83 Managing Partner Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP Michael D. Jaffe ’80 Chairman, President and CEO Country-Wide Insurance Company Spencer D. Klein ’89 Partner and Co-Head of Mergers & Acquisitions Morrison & Foerster LLP Randy L. Levine ’80 President New York Yankees Senior Counsel Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Judith A. Livingston ’79 Senior Partner Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore Michael D. Patrick ’78 Partner Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP Michael D. Penner ’94 President and CEO Richelieu Legwear Samuel Ramos ’91 Managing Director and Associate General Counsel Goldman, Sachs & Co. Mark P. Schnapp ’76 Co-Chair, White Collar Criminal Practice Greenberg Traurig, LLP Philip J. Shapiro ’78 President and CEO Liberty Maritime Corporation

Connect with 2,500+ members of the Hofstra Law alumni network:

President You Christopher J. Caruso ’00 Tube Partner, Moses & Singer, LLP

in

Vice President Mark J. Caruso ’77 Partner, Caruso, Caruso & Branda, PC Vice President You Barbara A. Lukeman ’00 Tube Partner, Nixon Peabody, LLP

law.hofstra.edu/LinkedIn

®

Learn more about Hofstra Law and the work of our graduates, students and faculty members:

in

Vice President Richard Schoenstein ’90 Partner, Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP

facebook.com/HofLaw

®

You youtube.com/HofstraLawSchool in

Tube

®

Secretary Terrence L. Tarver ’07 Associate, Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C.

Departments

Committee Co-Chairs

4 News

Career Services Peter Morgan ’97 Partner, Dentons LLP

44 Faculty News

Michael Schnipper ’04 Associate, Nixon Peabody, LLP

47 Recognition & Stewardship

Richard Schoenstein ’90 Partner, Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP

53 Class Notes

Development Merrie S. Frankel ’80 Vice President Moody’s Investors Service

AT ISSUE

Richard Fuhrman ’77 Financial Services Representative, North Shore Financial Group, an Office of MetLife

28 Keeping Youth in School: ‘A Major Civil Rights Issue’

Diversity Michelle Marquez ’90 Director of Development Susan G. Komen for the Cure Maria Matos ’93 Executive Secretary, Committee on Character & Fitness Supreme Court, Appellate Division, 1st Judicial Department Enrollment Management Ralph H. Cathcart ’90 Partner, Ladas & Parry, LLP Laura Daly ’08 Attorney, Lawyers for Children

2

By Gabrielle Bronstein


Contents SP OTLIGHT 15 Leaders and the Law Photo by Howard Wechsler

By Jean Cohen Hofstra Law alumni Larren M. Nashelsky ’91, Kimberly R. Cline ’87, Ivan Kaufman ’85, Patrick Kelly ’82 and Gordon Crane ’78 have risen to the top positions in their organizations. Although they’ve achieved their success in diverse fields, ranging from management, finance and real estate to manufacturing and academia, they all concur that their law school education has been a key asset in building their careers.

Features 12 News The End of an Era: John DeWitt Gregory to Retire Photo by Ricardo Horatio Nelson

By Gabrielle Bronstein In this brief review of his distinguished career, Professor Gregory and his colleagues share some reflections on his more than four decades at Hofstra Law.

32 Perspectives Global Student Experiences By Andrew Damron 3L, Sumaiya Khalique 3L, Gary Badrajan 3L and Lisha Yakub ’12 To better prepare students for the global practice of law, Hofstra Law offers programs in which students can study or work in an international setting. Some recent participants in programs in China, Australia, Cuba and Ecuador give first-person accounts of their experiences.

40 Perspectives News From the Clinics By Jean Cohen Student interest in helping Occupy Wall Street protesters and Superstorm Sandy victims in need of pro bono legal services gave rise to two new clinical programs at Hofstra Law.

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Volume 20 | Number 1 | Spring 2013 Dean Eric Lane Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Experiential Education and Clinical Professor of Law Jennifer A. Gundlach Director of Communications Andrew E. Berman Managing Editor Kenneth J. Selvester Contributors Gary Badrajan, Andrew E. Berman, Lisa Berman, Gabrielle Bronstein, Jean Cohen, Andrew Damron, James Koffler, Sumaiya Khalique, Christine M. Lunsford, Jodie Sperico, Lisha Yakub Photography Aakaash Bali, Tony Lopez, Ricardo Horatio Nelson, Howard Wechsler Design Tobie-Lynn Accardi Assistant Dean for External Relations Lisa Berman Director of Development Christine M. Lunsford Director of Alumni Relations Jodie Sperico

Editorial Office MAURICE A. DEANE SCHOOL OF LAW AT HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY 121 Hofstra University, Suite 29J Hempstead, New York 11549 Phone: 516-463-4142 | Fax: 516-463-5047 hofstralaw@hofstra.edu Address changes can be submitted on the Hofstra Law website at law.hofstra.edu/StayConnected or directed to the Office of Alumni Relations at lawalum@hofstra.edu or 516-463-2586. HOFSTRA LAW REPORT welcomes letters to the editor and Class Notes submitted on the Hofstra Law website at law.hofstra.edu/StayConnected or sent by mail or e-mail to the addresses above. HOFSTRA LAW REPORT, Hofstra Law’s magazine, is published once a year by the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and editors and do not reflect official positions of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law or Hofstra University. © 2013 by the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University

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News Hofstra Law Review Celebrates 40 Years of Impact MORE

THAN

100

LAW

REVIEW

AND

we are today, citing events such as the second impeach-

current staff members gathered on October 15 in

ALUMNI

ment of a U.S. president, the landmark legislation of the

New York City to celebrate 40 years of the Hofstra Law

Clean Air and Clean Water acts, the Patriot Act, the many

Review. The evening recognized the impact of the jour-

controversial decisions on the Supreme Court, the worst

nal and the work of its contributors and staff in creating

terrorist attack in U.S. history, several wars, and interna-

a publication that has made

tional developments as impact-

its mark on the legal commu-

ing the laws of our land. In a time

nity. In her opening remarks

when law reviews have become

volume

editor-in-chief

less relevant and the public thinks

Grinshteyn ’12

less about what lawyers do, he

Allana quoted

40

editor-in-

encouraged the students to con-

chief, the Honorable John J.

the

first

tinue to grapple with the issues of

Farley III ’73, who in the

the day and publish meaningful

40th anniversary issue wrote,

pieces that stand the test of time.

“Forty boards of editors, forty

With the presidential debate

sets of managing editors, and

scheduled

forty staffs have all labored

Hofstra’s campus the next day,

toward the common goal of

Ashcroft emphasized the impor-

serving the law by making the

tance of debates, going back to

Hofstra Law Review a publica-

the Lincoln-Douglas debates of

tion recognized for its accuracy, authority, and originality.”

Inaugural issue of the Hofstra Law Review

The evening’s guest speak-

to

take

place

on

1858, as a chance for a “collision of ideas that give us the opportunity to move forward.” He spoke elo-

ers, Michael Gerhardt, the Samuel Ashe Distinguished

quently of America’s place in the forefront of freedom,

Professor in Constitutional Law and director of the

reciting Emma Lazarus’ words inscribed on the Statue of

Center on Law and Government at the University of North

Liberty, and remarked that our government is a “growth

Carolina School of Law, and former U.S. Attorney General

industry for the growth of the people, not the growth of

John D. Ashcroft, chairman of The Ashcroft Group,

government.” He noted that the Hofstra Law Review is

LLC — both contributors to the anniversary issues of the

part of the discussion that makes freedom possible and

journal — further endorsed the value of publications like

that the quality of the conversation inspired by such pub-

the Hofstra Law Review in providing an important forum

lications is important. He closed by praising the noble

for examining the legal issues of the day.

work of the Hofstra Law Review in creating a culture of

Gerhardt spoke about the extraordinary changes in

long-term intergenerational support through its current members and alumni. H

the law over the past 40 years that have shaped who

5

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News

Selected Recent Guest Speakers, 2012-2013 DISTINGUISHED LECTURES

Hofstra Labor & Employment Law Journal Marks 30th Anniversary

Howard and Iris Kaplan Memorial Lecture Hon. Denny Chin, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit Philip J. Shapiro Endowed International Visiting Scholar Lecture Thomas R. Graham, Member, World Trade Organization Appellate Body European-American Consortium for Legal Education Visiting Scholar Lecture Hon. Luc Lavrysen, Professor of Law, Ghent University, and Judge, Constitutional Court of Belgium Distinguished Visiting Scholar-in-Residence Lecture Roberta Romano, Sterling Professor of Law and Director, Yale Law School Center for the Study of Corporate Law, Yale Law School Sidney and Walter Siben Distinguished Professorship Lecture in Family Law Carol Sanger, Barbara Aronstein Black Professor of Law, Columbia Law School

CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS

Relations

of the Hofstra Labor & Employment

work that he and his colleagues on

Law Journal celebrated the 30th anni-

the NLRB have been engaged in since

versary of the journal’s founding on

he joined the board in 2010, includ-

February 7. The event, held at Dechert

ing recent cases involving employers’

LLP, was hosted by Andrew L.

social media policies and whether they

Oringer ’84, partner and co-chair

tend to chill employees’ rights under

of Dechert’s ERISA and Executive

the National Labor Relations Act.

Compensation

Board,

addressed

the

so

David B. Feldman ’82, partner at

many people who are interested in

Moses & Singer LLP and the journal’s

Risco Mention-Lewis ’93, Deputy Police Commissioner, Suffolk County

labor and employment law — former

founding editor-in-chief, spoke about

editors-in-chief and current journal

the late Dean Eric J. Schmertz, prais-

members — together in one place

ing his tireless work to turn the Hofstra

Richard A. Small ’80, Vice President, Enterprise-wide Anti-Money Laundering, AntiCorruption and Sanctions Risk Management, American Express

really shows how much the journal has

Labor & Employment Law Journal into

accomplished over the last 30 years,”

a reality. (On March 24, 2011, Schmertz

said Joshua Seidman, the journal’s vol-

was presented post­humously with the

ume 30 symposium editor.

journal’s Samuel M. Kaynard Award for

BREAKFASTS WITH THE DEAN

Steven C. Witkoff ’83, Chairman and CEO, The Witkoff Group

Group.

“Seeing

Honored guest Mark Gaston Pearce, chairman

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

of

the

6

National

Labor

Excellence by Feldman.) H


News

A New Deanship for Experiential Education

Externship Program in DC Launches

JENNIFER A. GUNDLACH was named

Hofstra Law currently offers a

THE HOFSTRA LAW IN D.C. Extern-

senior associate dean for experiential

substantial number of opportunities

ship Program (HLDC) was announced

education in November. Gundlach, who

for students to engage in experi-

this past fall, offering students a total

is also the senior associate dean for

ential learning and pro bono work

immersion and hands-on experi-

academic affairs, has served as both an

through nine clinics and clinical practi-

ence working in a legal setting for

administrator and a faculty member in

cums and many externship programs.

a semester in the nation’s capital.

various roles at the Maurice A. Deane

Under Gundlach’s leadership, the Law

HLDC’s goal is to enable students

School of Law since 2007.

School has already begun to expand

to blend their doctrinal training with

“With more than 10 years of experi-

its offerings through a newly launched

the development of practical skills

ence in clinical legal education, Jennifer

semester-long externship program in

and professional identity to be better

brings great insight and leadership to

Washington, D.C.

prepared to begin practicing law.

an area that is essen-

who

Students will work full time as an

preparing

received her A.B. in

unpaid legal extern at an approved

practice-ready law-

history from Kenyon

congressional

yers,” said Dean Eric

College and her J.D.

government agency, nonprofit orga-

Lane. “In this new

from American Uni-

nization or public interest group.

position,

versity

Washington

They will conduct research and pro-

tial

for

strengthen

she

Gundlach,

will

committee,

federal

Hofstra

College of Law, began

vide advice and assistance on leg-

Law’s commitment

her teaching career at

islative, legal, policy and regulatory

to developing expe-

the Washington Col-

matters under the direct supervision

riential

lege of Law in 2000,

of an experienced attorney. They will

first as an adjunct pro-

also attend a weekly evening semi-

fessor

the

nar, Law and Policymaking in Wash-

first-year course Legal

ington, D.C., taught by HLDC Director

Methods

then

Scott J. Glick ’81, senior counsel

as a practitioner-in-

in the Justice Department’s National

learning

oppor­tunities

for

our students.” The new position

was

created

to expand Hofstra

teaching and

Law’s experiential learning offerings

residence in the Civil Practice Clinic.

and to support students in meet-

From 2002-2007 she was an associ-

The field placements will also

ing the new New York state 50-hour

ate clinical professor of law at Suffolk

allow students to practice many prac-

pro bono requirement. Gundlach is

University Law School in Boston. In

tical advocacy skills, such as drafting

responsible for developing clear stan-

addition

predictive, persuasive or disposi-

dards for assessing the educational

Responsibility,

and

tional legal memoranda; conducting

and professional quality of the Law

developed the Disability Advocacy

factual investigations; participating

School’s pro bono offerings. In addi-

Clinic, a program in which she super-

in client interviewing, counseling and

tion to overseeing pro bono initiatives,

vised

representation

negotiations; and recognizing and

she will further develop the quality and

of indigent clients with disabilities in

resolving ethical dilemmas. They will

quantity of externship courses and the

administrative, state and federal court

also gain valuable experience and

integration of practical skills training

proceedings. H

contacts, enhancing their qualifica-

to

law

teaching she

students’

throughout the curriculum.

Professional created

Security Division.

tions for career opportunities in public interest. H

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News

Alumni Group Admission to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar

Twenty-one Maurice A. Deane School of Law

Glick ’76, Miriam Breier ’82, Denise Cossu ’82,

alumni — along with Dean Eric Lane — traveled to our

Hon. Linda Tally ’82, Scott Robins ’85, Cheryl Rice

nation’s capital on Monday, March 4, to be admitted as

’86, Paul Clark ’88, Christopher Schoen ’92, Velly

a group to the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. After the

Polycarpe ’93, Eric Horn ’95, Deborah Chadow

announcement of a decision for the case Levin v. United

’96, Rhonda Tomlinson ’96, David Jeffries ’02,

States, Professor Leon Friedman made the official motion

Dawn Walsh ’03, Amber McDonald ’05, Sharon

for admission of the candidates before Chief Justice

Clarke ’06, Christina Singh ’08, Joshua Wolf ’08,

John Roberts and five of the justices. Assistant Dean Lisa

Brian Farrar ’09, Robert Szyba ’09 and Dean Lane.

Berman and Director of Alumni Relations Jodie Sperico

The Office of Alumni Relations organizes an alumni

were on hand to view the swearing-in ceremony with the

group admission, which attracts participants from across

guests of the alumni.

the country, every two years. It is open to graduates who

After the ceremony Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

have been members in good standing of the highest court

joined the group, the largest in recent years, to offer

in their jurisdiction for the preceding three years. The next

congratulations on behalf of the Court to the newly

alumni swearing-in ceremony will take place on Monday,

admitted members of the of the bar: Lawrence

May 4, 2015. H

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

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News

Presidential Debate Lecture Series Explores Major Campaign Issues

ONLINE CONTENT

Recordings of the lectures can be found by visiting law.hofstra.edu/Debate.

October 10 Marriage: For Gays, For Straights, or For No One? With Professors Robin Charlow, J. Herbie DiFonzo and Aníbal Rosario Lebrón, and Sherif Girgis, Rhodes Scholar, Ph.D. and J.D. Student

ON OCTOBER 16 HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY HOSTED the second presidential debate, which used a townhall format. Leading up to the debate the Maurice A. Deane School of Law developed a series of lectures in which professors and legal scholars discussed the

How Do We Fix the Economy? Deregulation vs. Reregulation With Professors Robin Charlow, J. Scott Colesanti, Ronald J. Colombo and Daniel J.H. Greenwood The program was hosted by the Hofstra University Center for Civic Engagement.

major issues during the presidential race. These issues included Citizens United, marriage equality, deregulation vs. reregulation, the balance between civil liberties and national security, student debt, and health care. September 19 Constitution Day: Constitutional Precedent in the Aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Decision in Nat’l Federation of Independent Business et al. v. Sebelius (2012) With Professors Robin Charlow, Eric M. Freedman, Leon Friedman and Julian Ku, and Deborah N. Misir, Founding Partner, Lally & Misir, LLP

October 16 Teach-in 1: The Balance and Tension Between Civil Liberties, Human Rights and National Security With Professors Robin Charlow, Eric M. Freedman, Leon Friedman and Julian Ku, and Dean Eric Lane Teach-in 2: What Should the Next President Do to Defuse the Student Loan and Credit Card Debt Bomb? With Professor Norman I. Silber and Panelists Tamara Draut, Vice President, Policy & Research, Demos; Ed Mierzwinksi, Consumer Program Director, United States Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG); Elie Mystal, Correspondent, Above the Law. com; and Neal McCluskey, Associate Director, CATO Institute Center for Educational Freedom

October 3 Citizens United: Should Corporations Have Speech Rights? A Discussion of Contrasting Views With Professors Robin Charlow, Ronald Colombo and Daniel J.H. Greenwood, and Liz Kennedy, Esq., Counsel, Demos

Citizens United: Are Corporations People? Citizens United and the Threat of Corporate Constitutional Rights With John Bonifaz, Esq., Executive Director, Free Speech for People; Lisa J. Danetz, Esq., Senior Counsel, Demos; Professor Thomas Joo, UC Davis School of Law; and Professor Tamara Piety, University of Tulsa School of Law; hosted by Professor Daniel J.H. Greenwood

Teach-in 3: Where Should the Next President Take Our Health Care System? With Professors Janet L. Dolgin, Tracy Dunbrook and Joel Weintraub, and George Choriatis ’01, Partner, Rivkin Radler LLP

9

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News

A Celebration of Diversity

138 Alumni Named 2012 NY Super Lawyers

THE MAURICE A. DEANE School of Law, the Alumni Diversity Committee and student diversity organizations APALSA, BLSA, LALSA, OUTLaw and SALSA hosted the

IN JANUARY, 138 ALUMNI of the Maurice A. Deane

second annual Celebration of Diversity Dinner at the

School of Law were named New York Super Lawyers for

Hofstra University Club on August 12. The event, which

2012 by Thomson Reuters. For three consecutive years,

takes place the night before Orientation, welcomes

Hofstra Law has ranked ninth in the top 10 law schools

incoming diversity students to the Hofstra Law commu-

nationwide whose graduates were named New York

nity. Invited guests also included members of the local

Super Lawyers.

bar associations. The featured speaker at this year’s din-

Additional Super Lawyer honors were given to sev-

ner was the Honorable David A. Paterson ’83, who

eral Hofstra Law alumni. ANDREW L. ORINGER ’84 of

recounted his Hofstra Law experience and offered stu-

Dechert LLP and BEN B. RUBINOWITZ ’81 of Gair, Gair,

dents advice on how to succeed in law school. H

Conason, Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz were named to the Top 100 New York Super Lawyers list. Three Hofstra Law alumnae were named to the Top 50 Women New York Super Lawyers list: JACQUELINE HAROUNIAN ’94 of Wisselman, Harounian & Associates P.C., HEIDI HARRIS ’91 of Aronson, Mayefsky & Sloan, LLP, and JUDITH A. LIVINGSTON ’79 of Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore. Also, ROBIN D. CARTON ’81 of Carton & Rosoff P.C. was named to the Top 25 Westchester County Super Lawyers list. H

‘‘

We are thrilled that the high caliber of our graduates is being recognized, and believe it is a testament to Hofstra Law’s focus on providing our students with the experiential education required to succeed. — Dean Eric Lane

‘‘

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

10


News

New Faculty Appointments IN SEPTEMBER IRINA D. MANTA

of the Yale Law & Policy Review

joined the Maurice A. Deane School

and editor of the Yale Journal on

of Law from Case Western Reserve

Regulation.

University School of Law, where she

THIS PAST FALL KEVIN McELROY

most recently served as an assistant

was named associate professor of

professor of law. She is

legal

a rising star in the area

joining the Hofstra Law

of intellectual property,

faculty in 2006 as a visit-

with a focus on trade-

ing assistant professor of

marks,

and

legal research and writ-

in

ing, he had represented

copyright

criminal

sanctions

intellectual property.

clients

Manta was a Bigelow Teaching

Fellow

writing.

in

Symposium Examines Interplay of Immigration and Family Court

Before

civil

litiga-

tion before federal and

and

state courts across the

Lecturer in Law at the

country since he began

ON NOVEMBER 9 the Maurice A.

University

practicing law in 1987.

Deane School of Law hosted the

of

Chicago

Law School from 2007-

time

symposium “Immigrants and the

2009. She clerked for

McElroy was affiliated

Family Court: Policies, Practice and

Judge Morris S. Arnold

with

Long

Systemic Change.” The conference

on the U.S. Court of

Island’s largest and most

examined the vital and frequently

Appeals for the Eighth

prestigious

firms,

complex interplay of immigration

Circuit for the 2006-

including Rivkin Radler

issues and family court matters,

2007 term. Her articles

LLP, Nixon Peabody LLP

and featured prominent practitio-

have most recently been

and Farrell Fritz, P.C. In

ners, agency officials, reporters

published in the Boston

addition

engaging

and academics. The full-day event

College

Review,

in litigation, trials and

included workshops and panels

Harvard Journal of Law &

appellate practice ven-

that discussed ways to improve

Technology and Arizona

ued in the courts, he

how family courts serve immi-

Law Review.

has represented clients

grant youths and families, and the

before arbitration pan-

statutory and ethical obligations

els

for judges, practitioners and agen-

Law

While earning her J.D. at Yale Law School, Manta was the grand-prize winner

During some

and

to

that of law

governmental

agency hearing boards.

cies. The symposium was held in

of the Foley & Lardner LLP Intellec-

McElroy teaches Legal Analysis,

conjunction with a special issue

tual Property Writing Competition.

Writing and Research; Pretrial Skills;

of the Family Court Review on

She also served as tributes editor of

and Selected Problems in New York

“Immigration and the Family Court”

the Yale Law Journal, articles editor

Civil Practice. H

that was published in October. H

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News

The End of an Era: John DeWitt Gregory to Retire

‘‘

I was new to academia when I first met John, and what a pleasure — and inspiration — it has been ever since that first meeting. I shall miss John’s uncanny wit, unwavering honesty and courage to give voice to injustices ill reflected or addressed. As a teacher, I aim to continue with John’s legacy in the classroom and beyond. — Professor Akilah N. Folami

ulty, John DeWitt Gregory, the Sidney and Walter Siben

‘‘ ‘‘

‘‘

After more than 40 years as a member of the fac-

John is a lawyer’s lawyer and a scholar’s scholar. That makes him a rare breed and an invaluable colleague. — Professor Grant Hayden

Distinguished Professor of Family Law, is retiring with emeritus status following the 2012-2013 school year. His years of dedication and service have helped build and maintain the Maurice A. Deane School of Law’s tradition of excellence and bolster its reputation within the legal community. A graduate of Howard University and Harvard Law School and a Korean War veteran, Gregory was invited by Founding Dean Malachy T. Mahon to join the faculty at Hofstra Law as an associate professor in 1971, just one year after the Law School’s founding. He previously had practiced law in Harlem and had served as an assistant New York state attorney general. At the time of his appointment, he was general counsel and executive director of Community Action for Legal Services, Inc., in New York City, the largest government-financed network of neighborhood law offices in the nation. Accepting the appointment at Hofstra Law, Gregory says, was “not a hard decision,” because of the “impressive” group of founding faculty and its consistent commitment to teaching. “I was very aware,” he says, “that it was a new school and that there would be an opportunity to do some things that were certainly personally and intellectually rewarding.” Gregory, who was promoted to professor in 1974, was the driving force in the development and growth of Hofstra

‘‘

Photo by Ricardo Horatio Nelson

John demonstrated that one could be highly successful as a law professor spending more than 40 years teaching only two issues: what is in the best interest of the child (family law), and then branching out to what is in the best interest of the child’s dog (animal law). — Professor Alan N. Resnick

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

12


News

Law’s family law program. Originally the sole professor in the area, his expertise in the field has become

Assuming the Mantle of Siben Distinguished Professor of Family Law

renowned at Hofstra Law and in the larger family

law

commu-

nity. In 1986 Gregory was appointed to the Sidney Siben

and

Walter

Distinguished

Professorship in Family Law, which promotes scholarly research, conferences and publications

JOANNA

L.

GROSSMAN

was

installed as the Sidney and Walter Siben Distinguished Professor of Family Law at a convocation on April 24. Grossman joined the Hofstra Law faculty in 1999. She served as the associate dean for faculty development from 20042008 and was named the John DeWitt Gregory Research Scholar for 2010-2011.

in the field of family law. Through his efforts, the Sidney

Grossman writes extensively about family law, espe-

and Walter Siben Distinguished Professorship Lecture in

cially state regulation of marriage and nontraditional

Family Law is regarded as one of the most prestigious of

families. She is the co-author of Inside the Castle: Law

its kind and fosters important scholarship published in the

and the Family in 20th Century America, a comprehensive

Hofstra Law Review.

social history of family law in the U.S. She also writes about sex discrimination and workplace equality, with a special

In addition to teaching, Gregory

focus on issues such as sexual harassment and pregnancy

was involved in the founding of

discrimination. She is also the co-author of Gender and

the Clinical Program and served

Law: Theory, Doctrine, Commentary (6th ed.) and the co-

as its co-director from 1971ics in the country, it began with the idea of serving the surrounding underprivileged community and law

teaching students

editor of Gender Equality: Dimensions of Women’s Equal Photo by Ricardo Horatio Nelson

1972. One of the first law clin-

Citizenship, an interdisciplinary anthology that explores persistent gaps between formal commitments to gender equality and the reality of women’s lives. Grossman is a regular columnist for Justia’s Verdict, an online source for legal commentary, and has served on the editorial board of Perspectives, the magazine of the ABA’s Commission on Women in the Profession.

to take what

She was selected to deliver Hofstra University’s

they learned

Distinguished Faculty Lecture in 2004 and Annual Diversity Lecture in 2010. She was inducted into Long Island’s “40 Under 40” in 2005 and was elected to the American Law Institute in 2009. A graduate with distinction from Stanford Law School, Grossman clerked for Judge William A. Norris of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit before spending a year as staff counsel at the National Women’s Law Center in Washington, D.C., as recipient of the Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship. She practiced law from 19961998 at the D.C. law firm of Williams & Connolly. H

law.hofstra.edu


News

‘‘

‘‘

Photo by Ricardo Horatio Nelson

When I think of a model of a colleague who has had real impact in his career, it’s John. He’s not only been a prolific scholar and master teacher, but he hasn’t abandoned the world around us nor has he set aside struggles for justice — both in the community at large and at the Law School. I have been so fortunate to have John as a close friend these past 20 years and to learn from him — day in and day out — that ‘law teaching without justicing is an abomination.’ — Professor Stefan H. Krieger

in school and apply it to the real world. “We used our

Of his many experiences at Hofstra Law, Gregory

experience as lawyers,” he says, “to give them supervised

says he has most enjoyed teaching in the classroom. “The

experience in representing individuals in a wide variety

greatest reward is to meet students from 20 or 30 years

of areas.”

ago and they tell me things they remember about particu-

Gregory also contributed to Hofstra Law as adminis-

lar classes,” he says. “I learned something about grace and

trator, serving as vice dean from 1986-1989 under the late

consideration” from them.

Dean Eric J. Schmertz. Gregory recalls, “I was flattered

Gregory, who considers teaching a “lifetime task,”

and astonished at the confidence he had in me.”

plans to maintain his relationships with faculty mem-

Gregory has received many honors and awards

bers and an involvement in the Law School in his

throughout his distinguished academic career, nota-

retirement. Hofstra Law will undoubtedly continue to

bly the Law Faculty Distinguished Service Award, the

benefit from his decades of hard work and dedication

Hofstra University Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, and the

for years to come. H

Outstanding Faculty Award, presented by the Hofstra Law

John Gregory has made profound contributions to this law school. His commitment, intellectual engagement and a refusal to let us dodge the hard issues have made us all better at what we do. One couldn’t ask for a better colleague, mentor and friend. — Professor Joanna L. Grossman

John Gregory added dignity to everything he undertook, but kept ready always his deep and warm sense of humor. — Dean Eric Lane

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

— Gabrielle Bronstein

14

‘‘

‘‘

‘‘

‘‘

Alumni Association, among others.


Spotlight

Leaders and the Law By Jean Cohen

A law degree is a valuable resource no matter the career path. Across an array of fields, from management, finance and real estate to manufacturing and academia, the five alumni in this issue’s “Spotlight” agree that their law school education was pivotal in reaching their professional goals. Regardless of which path they’ve chosen, these Hofstra Law alumni emphasize that the way they were taught to think, as well as their knowledge of the law, has been a key asset in building their careers.

15

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16

Photo by Howard Wechsler


Spotlight

Larren M. Nashelsky ’91

{ Successful Thinking L

arren Nashelsky ’91, the recently elected chair of the billion-dollar law firm Morrison & Foerster LLP, adamantly believes that in the legal

world there are very few “right answers.” Accordingly, he

‘‘

Nobody pays lawyers to answer

has found great success in achieving what’s best for clients in the gray areas.

questions that are black and

clear-cut equations, where the numbers always added up.

‘‘

As an undergraduate in finance, Nashelsky reveled in

white. Certain situations are very

However, when he got to Hofstra Law, he took a 180 degree

gray, and clients are looking for

turn. “Law school highlighted the reality of the world rarely being black and white. Law school says, ‘Think about it

advice, experience and counsel

this way; argue it that way,’ ” Nashelsky explains. “What I took out of law school was a different way to think and

when answers aren’t clear.

analyze issues.” Nashelsky credits his professors at Hofstra Law with teaching him how to look in the shadows for a clear path to the answers to complex legal questions. “Nobody pays

17

law.hofstra.edu


Spotlight lawyers to answer questions that are black and white,” he

opportunity, as he puts it, “to do something entirely different in

notes. “Certain situations are very gray, and clients are

the same place you’ve been with the same colleagues.”

looking for advice, experience and counsel when answers

To start somewhere new it’s important to build political

aren’t clear.”

capital in relationships, but after 13 years at MoFo, Nashelsky

Interestingly, when Nashelsky began law school he didn’t

took on a new role with all the pieces in place. “Running a

intend to practice law, but he expected the degree to open up a

billion-dollar business wasn’t something I aspired to do, but it

range of options. Both of his parents are teachers, and after

fits well with many of my skill sets: finance major and gaining

four years of college it was clear to him that he needed more

early experience at a couple of different law firms,” he says.

options for his future. After Nashelsky graduated from the

“Plus, being a restructuring lawyer makes us much more criti-

State University of New York at Albany in 1988 and returned

cal of businesses, because we live in a world where there’s

home to New York, he decided an undergraduate degree wasn’t

always something wrong, with issues lurking behind the num-

enough. He didn’t see an “amazing career” in front of him and

bers.” Having built a successful practice and actively engaging

was concerned that if he started a career in finance he would

with clients every day gives Nashelsky a better sense of how

never return to school. He calculated, “Let me go to law school;

his partners practice their specialties, especially in terms of

it’s just three years.” And his next thoughts were, “Where do I

pitching, price and client management. He also spent time in

go? Where will I get in? Can I save money by living at home

both courtrooms and boardrooms, and he brings both of those

and stay connected to my roots and New York City’s career

insights and experiences to bear when dealing with his part-

options?” The answer was Hofstra Law.

ners, who practice across a wide range of legal areas.

However, the benefits of Hofstra and law school went fur-

Nashelsky believes one of the most important facets of the

ther than finding a career and beyond geography. “The

business of legal practice centers on how to provide value,

‘‘

‘‘

You need to develop a style that is your own. You can have almost any style and be successful, as long as it is who you are.

professors at Hofstra Law were great,” Nashelsky recalls.

because today clients have become incredibly astute custom-

“They were able to present that approach to thinking in a way

ers and they understand how law firms operate. “The days of

that was not direct — for example, teaching not only how you

just presenting a client your bill are over,” he says. “They want

need to think as a lawyer, but ways to think.” The rigor of the

to understand value — how and why you’ve done what you’ve

coursework was essential in positioning him for his current

billed them for.” This is an evolving area for law firms because many,

professional role. Nashelsky is enjoying his transition from practicing bank-

including MoFo, have a professional management team —

ruptcy law to running Morrison & Foerster. Having started the

CFO, CMO, COO — from nonlegal backgrounds, which

MoFo Business Restructuring & Insolvency Group from scratch

Nashelsky insists must be married to the actual business of

and built it into a world-class practice, he now sits in the same

law and those who practice it. “As chair of this firm,” he notes,

office around the same people but runs a company with $1 bil-

“the underlying value of our business goes home in the eleva-

lion in annual revenue. Nashelsky is thrilled to have the unique

tor every evening and comes back every morning.”

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

18


Spotlight In his busy restructuring practice and now as chair of the

— including procedure, research, persuasive writing and cor-

firm, Nashelsky finds that balance is critical for happiness. He

porate governance — in bankruptcy than in any other practice

acknowledges that everyone’s balance is different and that some

area. “Every issue a company has,” he says, “has you in the

people are happier being in the office on weekends. The father

middle of it.”

of four boys ranging in age from 7 to 15, his first priority is his

Nashelsky has found that the strongest, most successful

family. He coaches youth football

lawyers are the ones who can

and baseball, travels with his

soak up all the experiences

family and sees friends regularly.

available in a large firm and

“I love what I do,” he says, “but I

choose which colleagues and

don’t let it define me.”

qualities they like to learn

Although Nashelsky took a

from and emulate and which

winding path to law school, he

they prefer to avoid. For him-

found a reasonably straight road

self, summer jobs stocking

to bankruptcy practice out of law

shelves at supermarkets, pick-

school. Studying under profes-

ing up garbage in parks,

sors

practiced

cutting lawns, and sweeping

bankruptcy law at large firms

and lining tennis courts taught

was integral to his eventual

him how to interact with peo-

choice, solidified by a summer at

ple at every level. He advises

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in

young attorneys, “You need to

this practice area. He credits his

develop a style that is your

who

had

bankruptcy interest to Alan N. Resnick, the Benjamin

own. You can have almost any style and be successful, as long

Weintraub Distinguished Professor of Bankruptcy Law, who

as it is who you are.” For Nashelsky that means never scream-

was at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP.

ing or pounding the table, which, he says, “would be me trying

Nashelsky remembers that being able to talk to Hofstra Law

to be someone else.”

professors about their personal experiences, plus access to

Nashelsky believes that his success as an attorney and as

Hofstra Law’s career development staff, gave him insights and

chair of Morrison & Foerster revolves around being very flex-

helped him read between the lines of firms who all seemed to

ible and getting along with his colleagues even where they may

offer the same thing.

seem very different. “I’ve always had the kind of personality

Bankruptcy law may appear to be a highly specialized

where I made friends easily, and I am comfortable dealing

area, but it encompasses multiple aspects of law: in-court

with different people and different styles,” he says. “Although

work, litigation, boardroom advice, M&A transactions, finance

you have to be very smart to do what we do, it is equally impor-

transactions, tax issues, labor, ERISA and more. “Bankruptcy

tant to understand that there rarely is a right answer but rather

lawyers are the last bastion of generalists,” Nashelsky says.

you are giving the client the best possible advice based on

“In a distressed situation, everything has a bankruptcy over-

experience and expertise.” In his characteristic straight-

lay, and because much of what you do isn’t something that

shooting manner, he advises, “If you need a single right

clients deal with regularly, you’re the consigliore.” Nashelsky

answer, be an accountant.” H

found that he utilized more of what he learned in law school

19

law.hofstra.edu


Spotlight

Kimberly R. Cline ’87

{

A Lawyer’s Perspective in the Business of Education

K

imberly Cline ’87, president of Mercy College,

Law, Hofstra University Vice President and Treasurer

always wanted to go to law school, but took a wind-

Anthony Procelli hired her to serve as University attorney

ing path to get there. She also holds a master’s

and assistant vice president for business affairs, a position she held from 1988-1996.

degree in business, and she credits her training at Hofstra Law as pivotal for her successful career as a senior adminis-

Cline found that the most rewarding experiences at

trator at five universities and colleges in New York and

Hofstra Law were its intellectual challenges in rigorous legal

New Jersey.

training. “Having the classes intersect — for example, civil

While pursuing her M.B.A. at Hofstra University, Cline

procedure and criminal law — taught me the actual process

was inspired by Professor Eugene Maccarone, who taught a

of legal thinking,” she says. She applies this thought process

business law course, to interrupt her M.B.A. studies and

in executing varied legal and business responsibilities in the

enroll in and graduate from law school, only to complete her

education sector. As vice chancellor and chief financial officer of the State

business degree later. After Cline graduated from Hofstra

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

20


Spotlight

University of New York, Cline managed a $10 billion budget

Clearly, Cline has always enjoyed the higher education

and 64 campuses. Her law degree was invaluable whenever

environment, where she could combine her passions for law

she had to wade through volumes of information and decide

and business. “I’ve been very lucky. New opportunities

what was needed to take action. “Legal education teaches

opened up for me,” she says. “I’ve had experience across all

you to look for the right answer and see what is the relevant

areas of higher education, both as a student and as an edu-

information,” she says.

cational leader.

Cline was greatly influenced by several Hofstra Law classes. In her Real Property class, Professor Ronald Silverman taught her how to be very exact and to look for meaning in every word. Civil Procedure with then-Professor Stuart Rabinowitz also had an enormous impact. “There can be a criminal who is guilty, but you must follow the proper procedure to convict,” Cline explains. “There is always procedure in any setting — court, business, college.”

‘‘

‘‘

Law school provides a great and

complete education. It teaches one

how to think, assimilate information and eliminate the red herrings.

As vice chancellor and CFO of SUNY, Cline was responsible for or aware of all areas of operations, including relationships with the Legislature. This multidisciplinary role prepared Cline for her current position as president of a college with four campuses and nearly 11,000 students. “Here at Mercy College, I’m excited that we have our first A rating, enrollment is up, the quality of our students is strong,” she says. “We have a strong group of alumni and are one of the top colleges in the geographic area.”

According to Cline, over the years there has been an

Reflecting on the impact her law school education has

evolution of the college as a business enterprise prompted by

exerted on her career, Cline says, “People ask me all the

compliance, regulation and economic challenges. She recog-

time if I were to start over would I go to law school, and I

nizes the importance of having an appropriate structure to

always say, ‘Yes! I would absolutely go to law school today.’ ”

address these developments, which is where legal training

She adds, “We are now seeing a number of attorneys as col-

becomes vital. “When there is a new regulation,” she says,

lege presidents. Law school provides a great and complete

“there is a need for a clear policy to be implemented and

education. It teaches one how to think, assimilate informa-

then comply.”

tion and eliminate the red herrings. And, especially, not to overcomplicate things.” H

After her time at Hofstra, Cline served as vice president for finance and administration at Seton Hall University, in New Jersey. Then she served as vice president, chief operat-

On March 7 Long Island University announced that

ing officer and chief of staff at SUNY Maritime College,

Kimberly R. Cline will be the institution’s 10th president.

where she was instrumental in doubling enrollment and bal-

When she assumes the presidency in July, she will be the

ancing a 20 percent deficit spending budget.

first woman to hold the office in LIU’s 87-year history.

21

law.hofstra.edu


Spotlight

{

Business and Law — A Winning Combination

I

van Kaufman ’85 continues to wear many hats in a career

owned properties, as well as investment in residential

that has spanned four decades operating an array of real

mortgage-backed securities.

estate finance companies through numerous real estate

Kaufman entered Hofstra Law with a single purpose. “My

cycles. Currently, he is chairman and CEO of Arbor

circumstances weren’t typical,” he explains. “I went to law

Commercial Mortgage, LLC, a national direct lender for the

school, not with the intention to practice law, but to utilize the

multifamily and commercial real estate industries; chairman,

education and skills I would acquire to become a successful

president and CEO of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., a publicly

business person.” Kaufman believes a legal education is a tre-

traded

mendous strategic advantage regardless of how long one

commercial

real

estate

investment

company

(NYSE:ABR); and chairman and CEO of Arbor Residential

practices law.

Mortgage, LLC, which specializes in the acquisition, servicing

After studying business administration at Boston

and disposition of residential whole loans and real estate-

University, Kaufman worked in the mortgage and real estate

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

22

Photo by Howard Wechsler

Ivan Kaufman ’85


Spotlight

industry for three years before going

others, so there may never be one

to Hofstra Law. At age 23, he laid the

perfect solution,” he says. Today,

foundation for the present-day Arbor

Kaufman employs those consensus-

when he founded Arbor National

building skills in discussions at the

Holdings, initially focusing on resi-

Arbor conference table. “With my

dential mortgage loans.

executives, we work parallel,” he

Arbor National Holdings became

says. “We gather everybody’s point of

one of the leading providers of resi-

view and figure out which ones help

dential home mortgages in the

us arrive at the best solution.” Kaufman’s study of contracts at

Northeast, growing to 25 branches across 11 states. In 1992, the company went public. Three

Hofstra Law has also been integral to his success. When people

years later, with its stock price having nearly doubled, the

were threatening to sue his business on liabilities stemming

company was sold to BankAmerica. However, Kaufman

from an old matter, for example, his knowledge of the language

retained the commercial side of the business, creating the

of contracts proved invaluable. “The documents were very

platform for Arbor Commercial Mortgage and, eventually,

poorly drafted contracts from seven years ago at the height of the

Arbor Realty Trust. The firms primarily provide multifamily

recession, when tight work was not being produced,” he says.

products through Fannie Mae DUS and FHA product lines, as

Kaufman’s legal expertise has enabled him to recognize

well as mezzanine loans, bridge loans and other customized

that, despite his law degree, he needs to rely on outside counsel

financing structures.

in some instances. “I prevailed precisely because I knew enough

‘‘

‘‘

For business, there is a tremendous upside to going to law school. You will walk away fundamentally better with sound skills.

to engage counsel and follow their recommendations,” he says.

While leading his companies, Kaufman has relied on his

grasp of the principles of law, civil procedure and litigation.

Nonetheless, when it comes to contractual analysis, there

“The fundamental thinking and foundation of law school —

is no substitute for rereading the documents yourself, Kaufman

courts, contracts, tort classes — is so vast that you get

says. In another matter, he spent hundreds of hours reading

to understand what a contract is all about and how to negoti-

thousands of pages until, in the middle of a long night of

ate,” he says. “Every day, concepts of law are part of your

reviewing documents, he found the solution to the problem.

business thinking. When you are buying or selling assets,

“I would never have identified that solution had I not gone to

it is critical to be able to interpret and understand terms in

law school,” he says. Kaufman heartily recommends law school to anyone con-

legal analysis.” From the discussion-focused classes and study groups at

sidering a career in the business world. “For business, there is

Hofstra Law, Kaufman learned how critical it is to work as a

a tremendous upside to going to law school,” he says. “You will

team, drawing upon different points of view to build consen-

walk away fundamentally better with sound skills, whether you

sus. “You could have a correct point of view and so could

decide to go into business or simply purchase a home.” H 23

law.hofstra.edu


Spotlight

{ The Road to Success G

rowing up the son of a prominent Long Island

I went to Boston College, I thought I might end up going to

judge, Patrick Kelly ’82, the president and CEO

law school after graduation.”

of Brigade Capital Management, LLC, was liter-

The youngest of seven children, Kelly also watched his

ally on the road to law school at an early age. Traveling from

brother Paul Jr. become an accomplished attorney, member

St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset to his home in Freeport,

of the New Mexico House of Representatives and ultimately

he routinely stopped by the courthouse in Mineola to watch

appointee to the Tenth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by

his father, Judge Paul J. Kelly, a Nassau County Court judge

President George H.W. Bush.

who later became a state Supreme Court judge, try cases.

When it came time to apply to law schools, Kelly was

“My father loved being a judge and felt the law was fabu-

already quite familiar with Hofstra. While in high school he

lous training for anybody no matter what field they worked

accompanied his father to moot court competitions at the

in,” says Kelly. “I grew up wanting to be a lawyer, and when

Law School. In addition, he credits Rivkin Radler LLP

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

24

Photo by Howard Wechsler

Patrick Kelly ’82


Spotlight

founding partner Leonard L. “Lenny” Rivkin, a Hofstra

and Zurich, having a background in the law has proven

Law benefactor and a dear friend of his father’s, as someone

essential. Kelly believes that his law degree has always

whose advice led him to make Hofstra Law his first choice.

been an asset in business, helping him understand contrac-

“I thought the world of Hofstra from my experiences there

tual issues and how everything fits together. “I have to drive

and felt comfortable making it my choice for law school,”

process, which is hard to do, whether it is due process or

says Kelly.

any other type of process,” he says. “My law background

‘‘

gives me great problem-solving skills.”

To me, going to law school is like

‘‘

Regarding the benefits of a law degree from a student perspective, Kelly uses this analogy: “To me, going to

going to the gym — you may not

law school is like going to the gym — you may not plan

plan to play in the NFL, but it

to play in the NFL, but it keeps you in shape for whatever you want to do.”

keeps you in shape for

Looking at the job landscape for law students, Kelly

whatever you want to do.

suggests, “Law firms will reboot. There is a paradigm shift going on right now. In this new world order, the good news

Kelly’s path to being a lawyer offered him many oppor-

is that you have a chance to be part of it. You need to work

tunities to see lawyers in action. He worked summers during

really hard, be honest and be lucky. There are always

law school at Farrell Fritz, P.C. and would often meet his

opportunities for educated people, and your law degree will

father at the Nassau County Bar Association for lunch.

serve you no matter what you do.”

With all the time he’d spent around the courthouse, especially watching his father try criminal cases, Kelly was looking forward to becoming a district attorney and ultimately a defense lawyer. But by the time he graduated from Hofstra Law in 1982, the world of Wall Street had beckoned. He jokingly recalls, “Wall Street looked like an interesting place because people got to travel and didn’t seem to work

Patrick Kelly ’82 with Hofstra Law students at a Brigade Capital Management, LLC event this spring

as hard as lawyers.” He joined Salomon Brothers in 1982 (after taking the bar exam), entering the training program made famous in Michael Lewis’ book Liar’s Poker.

Kelly’s road in life led him directly to law school, but

After spending 23 years at Salomon Brothers, Kelly co-

his successful Wall Street career wasn’t always on the map.

founded Brigade Capital Management, LLC in 2006, and it

He tells law students, “Don’t try to decide what you want to

has become a leader among fixed-income money managers.

ultimately do before you get engaged in a career. It’s like

Brigade Capital’s business focuses on investment prod-

when you get on the Long Island Expressway, you plan to

ucts that include long/short credit, distressed debt and

drive to the Hamptons. Do you know or care what lane you

traditional high-yield funds. With $13 billion in assets

are in at Exit 62? Of course not. Work hard, do your best —

under management, 80 employees and offices in New York

you’ll be shocked how things can turn out!” H

25

law.hofstra.edu


Photo by Howard Wechsler

Spotlight

Gordon Crane ’78

{ ‘Law School Is Boot Camp for the Mind’

‘‘

‘‘

The law degree imbued me with an air of trustworthiness and knowledge that helped me in all the

business relationships I was establishing.

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

26


Spotlight

S

eeing Gordon Crane ’78, CEO of Apple & Eve natu-

When Crane graduated from Hofstra Law in 1978, he

ral juices, sitting in his boardroom with Tango, a

took the New York bar exam and started interviewing with

friendly retriever, at his side, it’s easy to envision

law firms. “My mother and two brothers were involved with

him as the “long-haired hippie” he says he was before he

Apple & Eve,” he says, “so I was going to leave them the

started law school. “Growing up, I had always thought about

business and go into private practice.” Crane remembers

going to law school, but I wasn’t ready to go when I gradu-

that by the end of every interview the attorneys would ask

ated from college,” he says. Instead, Crane started a natural

him, “How about I walk out this door and be [the] owner of

foods distribution company, an early entry into the now-

a $1 million natural juice company, and you sit behind the

booming industry. “After a few years,” he continues, “I

desk at this … law firm?” He adds, “I realized that I really

realized that overseeing trucking, warehouse and distribu-

didn’t want to trade places with any of them, so I stayed with Apple & Eve and never looked back.”

tion was not what I wanted to do. I wanted to

Crane’s road from trucking fruit to the Apple

become a ‘professional,’ so to speak.” When Crane decided to go to law school, he

& Eve boardroom has been paved with lessons

didn’t have much money. He managed to

learned at Hofstra Law. “Law school is boot

“squeeze” tuition from his business by creating a

camp for the mind,” he explains. “The time I

natural-style apple juice, the top-selling product,

spent on rigorous mental training and learning

which he named Apple & Eve. A few months

to think in an organized fashion has been a great

after the first cases rolled off the truck in April

asset to my business.” Crane also found that the Juris Doctor

of 1975, Crane started law school. At first Apple & Eve was an avocation, but it

helped him in intangible ways. “The law degree,”

became quite successful and demanded more of

he says, “imbued me with an air of trustworthi-

his time. Crane remembers his three years at Hofstra Law

ness and knowledge that helped me in all the business

as enlightening and stressful: “I worked all afternoon, then

relationships I was establishing, from meeting a bank to

at night it was a combination of sleeping and studying.” A

help provide a line of credit, to vendors selling raw materi-

sociology graduate of the University of Rhode Island and

als and packaging material.” He also notes, “As the adage goes, ‘He who has himself as

fluent in Spanish, he planned to practice international law

an attorney has a fool for a client,’ so I always have had a law

and founded the Law School’s International Law Society. Hofstra Law turned out to be an excellent fit for both

firm with me on all legal matters, but … I was able to take

Crane and his fledgling business. He lived in the oceanfront

their advice in context because of my background in law, and

community of Point Lookout and enjoyed a great lifestyle. He

better blend business and legal advice to my best advantage.”

also benefited from the expertise of his professors. “Issues

Crane believes that a law school education, especially

came up at Apple & Eve — contract issues, torts, et cetera

the skill of logical thinking, provides great preparation for

— and I went to my torts professors, [Alan] Resnick and

any career. He advises, “One’s career path is not a straight

[Aaron] Twersky, for advice,” he explains. “It was like hav-

line. If you follow your passions [and] do the right thing, the

ing a great in-house law firm advising me and rooting me on.”

money will flow.” H

27

law.hofstra.edu


At Issue

Keeping Youth in School

{ ‘A Major Civil Rights Issue’ By Gabrielle Bronstein

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

28


At Issue

he juvenile justice system is a long-standing insti-

T

A study by the nonpartisan Council on State Government

tution in the United States. First established in

researched this problem within Texas schools by looking

the 19th century, juvenile courts were originally

closely at discipline practices. “Data indicates that schools

intended to rehabilitate troubled youth rather than punish

with similar socio-economic backgrounds have dissimilar

them as criminals. However, today this is not always the

suspension rates, depending on how teachers and principals

case, and many students who enter the system often con-

deal with discipline problems,” Schepard says.

tinue on a troubled path well into adulthood.

The study also revealed that minority youth and those

Suspension and expulsion from school have landed many youths across the country in what is known as the school-to-prison pipeline. This has become a widespread pattern that pushes disadvantaged youths out of school and eventually into the criminal justice system. Professor Andrew Schepard has pushed this issue to

with educational disabilities had the highest suspension and

the forefront of concern. As a member of the New York State

expulsion rates. These students had a decreased chance for

Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children,

academic achievement and graduation from high school.

Schepard understands well the inner workings of the juve-

Black students especially had higher high school dropout

nile justice system and why it is so important to keep youth

rates. “This is a major civil rights issue,” Schepard says. In

in school.

his opinion, keeping these youths in school is just as impor-

Suspension and expulsion from school have landed

tant as their reading and math scores.

many youths across the country in what is known as the

Schepard attributes a good part of the school-to-prison

school-to-prison pipeline. This has become a widespread

pipeline to a failure of misguided policies that push youths

pattern that pushes disadvantaged youths out of school and

out of school. He says that no teacher, principal or school

eventually into the criminal justice system. Students often

should have a zero-tolerance policy when kicking youths out

drop out of school following one of these punishments, and

of school. Schepard also believes that a lack of communica-

public institutions fail to encourage them to remain edu-

tion between the juvenile courts and the educational system

cationally focused. If this happens, “the chances of them

exacerbates the problem. “The two systems don’t talk to

winding up in prison with no significant job skills is sub-

each other,” he says. They need to collaborate, he says, to

stantial,” Schepard says. “I do not believe suspensions and

create safe and educational environments for students.

expulsions should never occur, but should be reserved for

“We have a particular focus at Hofstra about youth

the most serious violence.”

at risk,” Schepard says. Tackling the problem of keeping

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Photo by Tony Lopez

At Issue

Professor Andrew Schepard with Child and Family Advocacy Fellows

youth in school and out of juvenile courts has been an inter-

and how many of these youths end up in New York state

disciplinary project and a coordinated effort by multiple

juvenile court.

departments within the University.

Also at the forefront of addressing the problems with

While much of the data on school suspensions and

the juvenile justice system is the Permanent Judicial Com-

expulsions comes from the Texas study, Dr. Paul J. Meller

mission on Justice for Children. The commission is a

and his School-Community Psychology Program students

court-based agency that has long worked to improve the

from the University’s Department of Psychology are work-

lives of children who have spent time within the juve-

ing to determine how to gather the same kind of data

nile court system. “This has been one of [the] signature

within New York. The department is researching the

issues that they have been dealing with for a long time,”

number of youths suspended due to disciplinary problems,

Schepard says.

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

30


At Issue

In an attempt to address

this

largely

ignored problem, 350 education, judicial and other community leaders

Schepard urges discussing and

from entering the juvenile

implementing techniques ... to “work

ence also addressed the

with the kids rather than throw them

students and special educa-

from 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto

out of school.”

Rico and the Virgin

justice system. The conferover-representation of Black tion students in the juvenile justice

system.

“Schools

need to come up with ways

Islands came together in March 2012 for the first National

not to suspend or expel them, but to keep them and educate

Leadership Summit on School Justice Partnerships. Over

them,” Schepard says. The majority of students, he says,

the course of two days, the summit aimed at keeping youth

are suspended not for violence issues but disruption issues,

in school and devising better ways to discipline students

which severely restricts their life chances.

before resorting to methods that could land them in court.

Schepard and Hofstra Law are also working tire­lessly

Peer mediation, school discipline and restorative justice were

to ensure that positive changes come from the April summit.

among the techniques discussed. Schepard urges discussing

“The students and faculty and our partners are thinking

and implementing techniques like these that make it possible

about legislation and school board policies to restrict the

to “work with the kids rather than throw them out of school.”

number of referrals to court and the number of out-of-

As a follow-up to last year’s national summit, Hofstra

school suspensions and expulsions in New York state,”

Law partnered with the Permanent Judicial Commission on

he says. Additionally, the Psychology Department presented

Justice for Children to host a New York State Leadership

its findings at the conference to shed light on the New York

Summit on Keeping Kids in School and Out of Court on

state system.

The majority of students are suspended not for violence issues but disruption issues, which severely restricts their life chances. April 11-12. Schepard describes this summit as a collab-

Schepard is optimistic that Hofstra Law’s work will be

orative endeavor among multiple cohorts. “We are working

able to foster more conversation about the issue and begin to

with important partners in the New York state government

generate policy changes in New York. He hopes to encour-

and building on a national movement,” he says.

age school boards and policymakers to begin discussing

The summit covered the problem of suspension and

legislation that will reduce the number of children sent

expulsion within New York and, similar to the national

to juvenile courts. “We have an impetus” he says, “to col-

summit, strove to generate policies that keep youth safely

lect data and to find out how many kids are suspended and

in school while enforcing punishments that prevent them

expelled, and how we can do better.” H

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Perspectives

Global Student Experiences

BOOT

‘‘

‘‘

I’m thrilled to have had this experience,

Photo by Tony Lopez

and look forward to applying lifelong

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

32

lessons throughout my career.


Perspectives

Semester Exchange Program in Shanghai A Bold Decision Yields Lifelong Lessons By Andrew Damron 3L

BOOT

As a law student concentrating in international law,

While ECUPL courses met the same number of

I knew that I wanted to study abroad, but where? While

hours as classes at Hofstra Law, the professors put less

weighing my options, I met with my mentor, Professor

emphasis on reviewing materials, giving me more time

Juli Campagna. She has always encouraged me to

to focus on an internship and enjoy the cultural experi-

expand my horizons for becoming a global lawyer by

ences in my new surroundings.

attending ABA Section of International Law work-

In addition to my Chinese academic experience,

shops, writing for international journal publications and

I interned with MWE China Law Offices, a domes-

making bold decisions.

tic Chinese law firm that is strategically aligned with

In fall 2012 the Maurice A. Deane School of Law

McDermott Will & Emery. At MWE China, I worked two

at Hofstra University announced a new semester

days a week in the immense Jin Mao Tower. There I

exchange program in Shanghai. I recognized that stud y-

collaborated with foreign counsel on issues relating to

ing in China would present an excellent opportunity to

outbound foreign direct investment and the Foreign

gain some greater insight about the U.S. legal system

Corrupt Practices Act.

through the lens of another. I decided to make study-

Life in Shanghai is fantastic. The city hosts a conver-

ing in Shanghai my next bold decision. I submitted my

gence of diverse cultures — Eastern and Western, rich

application, and I soon found myself living, studying

and poor, old and new. The landscape is always chang-

and working in the People’s Republic of China.

ing; new skyscrapers are under construction in every

From September to December 2012, I studied at

direction you look. The food is delicious (yes, even the

East China University of Political Science and Law.

lip-numbing Sichuan cuisine), the art scene is booming

ECUPL presented courses (in English) in Chinese

(I recommend strolling through the alleyways of Tian Zi

domestic law and in international law. I studied the

Fang) and the nightlife resembles that of New York City.

Chinese legal system, the Chinese legal culture, Chi-

Both inside and out of the classroom, Shanghai’s

nese contracts law, and the World Trade Organization.

boldness profoundly shaped my future as an interna-

Other students who participated in the exchange pro-

tional lawyer. I’m thrilled to have had this experience,

gram came from France, Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan,

and look forward to applying lifelong lessons through-

Russia, Spain, Switzerland and the United States.

out my career.

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Perspectives

Public Justice Foundation Fellowship in Sydney Cementing a Love of Criminal Law

By Sumaiya Khalique 3L This past summer I interned at Sydney’s Shopfront

The sense of community within the criminal law field,

Youth Legal Centre, which provides free legal ser-

the eloquence of the solicitors, barristers and judges,

vices to homeless and disadvantaged youth charged

and the integration of old English protocol — with its

with criminal offenses, and pursues victims’ compen-

demand for precision and passionate advocacy —

sation claims for domestic violence and sexual abuse.

greatly appealed to me.

Shopfront works with other organizations, such as the

Interning in Sydney a second time was no less of

Salvation Army, Legal Aid and Mission Australia, to pre-

an exciting adventure in becoming familiar with the

vent recidivism through a holistic approach.

Australian legal system, exploring issues of homeless-

I had also been in Sydney the previous summer,

ness, avoiding awkward situations in and out of court

working for a criminal defense barrister through the

due to cultural differences, and immersing myself

Hofstra Global Legal Practice Externship Program.

in some great examples of advocacy and judicial

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

34


Perspectives eloquence. Most importantly, I had a phenomenal

Bill that the Australian government is in the process

supervisor, Jane Sanders, the principal solicitor at

of passing and for which it had invited people to

Shopfront and a specialist in criminal and children’s

make recommendations. It was my first time engag-

law who has been nationally recognized for her pas-

ing in policy, and it was exciting to be able to

sionate lobbying for law reform on

respond to the govern-

issues that affect youth.

ment and know that the

One of my most memorable

government might actu-

moments was when I first went

ally take into account our

to court with Ms. Sanders. She

suggestions.

was representing a young man

Working

who

had

schizophrenia.

on

policy

When

projects gave me greater

the magistrate was delivering her

familiarity with the Aus-

judgment and it seemed like it

tralian legal system. The

would not go in the young man’s

Shopfront Youth Legal Centre

favor, Ms. Sanders turned around

differences between the Australian and American

to look at him and I caught the look on her face. It

legal systems are varied and many, but there are

was like she was in pain — like whatever the young

also similarities in the criminal law because of com-

man was feeling, she was feeling. I envied her emo-

mon law. Understanding the subtle and obvious dif-

tion, not because she was in pain, but because it was

ferences and similarities in law was in many ways a

so obvious how passionately she cared about this

similar journey to understanding the differences and

young man and how important it was to her that she

similarities between Australian and American culture,

not fail him. When Ms. Sanders turned back around,

including Australian English versus American English.

she was once again the confident, collected and

Interning at the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre was

well-prepared solicitor. That moment was very pow-

a learning experience beyond anything I expected.

‘‘

‘‘

I learned to adapt quickly, think on my feet and embrace a different culture and legal system. I also discovered the power of compassion and the importance of finding a

balance among passion, compassion and professionalism.

erful for me because I almost wanted to cry myself

I learned to adapt quickly, think on my feet and

when I thought the magistrate was going to convict

embrace a different culture and legal system. I also

the young man. Ms. Sanders’ passion, compassion

discovered the power of compassion and the impor-

and professionalism inspired me to tap into my com-

tance of finding a balance among passion, compassion

passion and seek a similar balance in being a strong

and professionalism. Most importantly, it cemented

advocate for my client.

my love of criminal law. The experiences I had and the

Interning at Shopfront also provided me the

mentoring I received have given me the courage to

opportunity to help my supervisor draft policy sub-

dream big, commit to making myself the best advo-

missions. I conducted research on the Homelessness

cate I can be, and take charge of my career.

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Perspectives

Field Study in Cuba Discovering a New Field of Law in a Memorable Setting By Gary Badrajan 3L Cuba. The country evokes a myriad of questions

no small part in my choosing to attend the program.

and responses. Not more than 90 miles off the coast

Professor Campagna has always been one of my favor-

of the United States, it remains a country shrouded in

ite professors, not only for her method of teaching,

mystery for most Americans. Not surprisingly, when

which stresses the practical aspects of practicing the

I heard that the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at

law, but also for being one of the most warmhearted

Hofstra University was offering a weeklong field study

people that I know. She has never hesitated to show an

in Havana in spring 2012, I could barely contain my

interest in her students’ success, both inside and out-

excitement.

side the classroom.

I have always been interested in studying law

The setting of Havana, juxtaposed with the mate-

abroad. The law is today an ever changing field, evolving

rial learned in class, helped highlight the impact and

along with the globalized world in which it is practiced.

importance of export law. The class was taught at the

I’ve always found studying abroad to be a great way

beautiful Hotel Florida in Old Havana. From morning

pic, and there is nothing more broadening than taking a course offered in such a unique country as Cuba. The exotic location wasn’t

the

only

fac-

tor that attracted me to the Cuba program. The

‘‘

‘‘

to avoid becoming myo-

to afternoon we’d learn

The setting of Havana, juxtaposed

about BIS (the Bureau of

with the material learned in class,

OFAC (the Office of For-

helped highlight the impact and

IEEPA (the International

importance of export law.

Powers Act), while after-

Industry

and

Security),

eign Assets Control) and Emergency

Economic

noons and evenings were spent traveling to such

course itself, dealing with export law, drew my inter-

touristic spots as the Havana Fortress and the Museum

est from the beginning. Courses like international trade

of the Revolution, visiting Ernest Hemingway’s resi-

law or international business transactions are staples

dence in Cuba, attending a baseball game, sightseeing

in the curriculums of most law schools, but few, if any,

in Old Havana, visiting the National Union of Cuban

offer courses on export law. It wasn’t until completion

Jurists, having drinks with friends in a brewery, or sim-

of the program that I realized how many opportunities

ply taking a stroll down the Malecón.

for employment there are in this field. Every business

Cuba not only helped open my eyes to a new field

within the United States that exports goods has to be

of law, but the memories of my time spent in Cuba will

in compliance with export regulations, and there is a

stay with me for a lifetime. I am delighted to have had

plethora of legal jobs tied to this compliance work.

the opportunity to partake in such a wonderful pro-

The course was taught by Professor Juli Campagna.

gram and am grateful for having experienced it.

Knowing that she was going to teach the course played

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

36

H


Perspectives

Professor Juli Campagna at the National Union of Cuban Jurists

Gary Badrajan 3L ALUMNI TRIP TO CUBA Hofstra Law is exploring organizing a trip to Cuba for its alumni during the week of April 13, 2014. If you are interested in receiving more information, please email the Office of Alumni Relations at lawalum@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-2586.

Havana Fortress overlooking the city

Museum of the Revolution

Pilar, Ernest Hemingway’s boat

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Perspectives

Field Study in Ecuador Riding Pasos Through the Andes: An Environmental Awakening By Lisha Yakub ’12

Arriving at the ecolodge Casa Mojanda on a late

something to fight against and that we must prepare

March evening was the start to a revolutionizing

ourselves for it. However, the Ecuadorians view nature

experience. My anticipated gain from Hofstra Law’s

as something that must be respected and worked with.

spring-break field study program in Otavalo, Ecuador,

Learning this philosophy in Ecuador really drove the

was to get a peek into some environmental law issues

point home. I could see firsthand how the people of

and enjoy a break from the cold New York weather.

Ecuador truly embrace the good and bad of nature and

However, what I left with was an overwhelming connec-

make it part of their everyday lives.

tion to our environment and a full understanding of the

In addition to time in the classroom, each day we had

importance of making the most of nature around us.

access to many ancillary activities which gave meaning to

The full immersion into the Ecuadorian lifestyle high-

everything we had been learning. Exploring the ecolodge,

lighted some major differences between how Americans

created by Betti Sachs ’78, was one of the most valu-

and Ecuadorians perceive nature. In the classroom we

able experiences. Ms. Sachs took great pride in every part

were instructed that the Western view is that nature is

of the lodge, and that was evident in every inch.

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

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Perspectives

I was most drawn to the stables. Ms. Sachs has cre-

the same phase of farming at one time. One piece may

ated a wonderful environment for her horses, where they

have just been harvested, while the other was recently

are free to live outside and roam the hillside. While stay-

planted. This puts less of a strain on the environment

ing at Casa Mojanda, we had the opportunity to take the

by conserving resources. Growing native produce also

horses out and explore the surrounding mountainside.

reduces the strain on the environment by not introducing

I had the rare opportunity of riding a paso horse. This

foreign species into the ecosystem. Seeing firsthand how

breed is native to the Andean region, and they thrive in

the Ecuadorians lived off the land was a good reminder

the high altitude and climate of Otavalo.

of how important the land is to Ecuadorians and that it

‘‘

‘‘

What I left with was an overwhelming connection to our

environment and a full understanding of the importance of making the most of nature around us.

Riding through the neighboring farms and seeing

must be used in ways that ensure its conservation.

which crops provided the best livelihood for the local

After a week of exploring Ecuador, on horseback and

Ecuadorians was invaluable. The crops stayed true to the

in the classroom, the lesson was clear — make the most

native produce, mostly maize, avocados and tree toma-

of resources naturally occurring in one area, and resist

toes. We could also see a type of turnover farming which

the urge to combat natural surroundings by importing

rotated areas of use so that all of the land was not in

items that are not native to the area. H

39

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Perspectives

News From the Clinics

Disaster Relief Clinic Helping Small Businesses Recover After Sandy By Jean Cohen

A salon and spa unable to reopen for business

damage, including damage to the floors, walls, ceiling and

after Superstorm Sandy became the first client for the

fixtures. When the landlord failed to make the repairs nec-

Maurice A. Deane School of Law’s new Disaster Recovery

essary for the salon to continue business operations, the

Clinic. Second- and third-year students in the clinic, which

salon owner contacted the clinic. To begin work on the case, the students drafted

was established by Professor Michael Haber soon after

Students are responsible for handling the investigation, negotiation, appeals, mediations and trials for matters that have a serious impact on their clients’ lives. Sandy hit Long Island, provide legal assistance on a wide

a retainer agreement. After it was signed, they met with

range of issues affecting local small businesses as they

the client to discuss the case and obtain copies of relevant

recover from Sandy.

documents to review, including the commercial lease, the

“Students are responsible for handling the investi-

insurance contract, Small Business Administration (SBA)

gation, negotiation, appeals, mediations and trials for

information and FEMA information. In handling the case

matters that have a serious impact on their clients’ lives,

the students were able to apply what they learned in sev-

and they must handle these cases quickly, often making

eral courses: Property Law; Contracts; Legal Analysis,

decisions under time pressure,” says Haber. “This clinic

Writing and Research; Business Drafting Seminar; Business

also addresses student interest in assisting with relief

Organizations; and Alternatives to Litigation.

efforts in the wake of Sandy, in giving them a means of

“The clinic has allowed me to work collaboratively

providing legal assistance to local communities in need.”

with the five other students in the Disaster Recovery Clinic

During the storm the salon suffered structural

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

— supervised by legal professionals — and to interact with

40


Perspectives

the students in other clinics,” says Stephen Atwell 3L.

Hofstra Law secured a $100,000 grant from the Robin

“Working together has allowed me to develop a far

Hood Foundation and a $25,000 grant from the Long

more extensive approach to problem-solving and critical

Island Community Foundation. “The level of funding from

thinking.”

these organizations,” says Haber, “reflects their enthusiasm for the level of professional assistance Hofstra Law

After conducting extensive background research and

students have been providing for Sandy victims.”

meetings with the client, the students drafted a notice of

The cases taken on by the clinic encompass represen-

termination to the landlord. They are currently preparing

tation of several constituencies, including homeowners in

Other

small

business

cases taken on by the clinic include helping a fishery that lost multiple boats appeal an adverse SBA decision in order to try to get funding to rebuild the business, negotiating a termination of a commercial lease or pos-

‘‘

‘‘

for a potential negotiation on the client’s behalf.

And while I ‘do good’ for this

community, I am also gaining

valuable real-life work experience — a win-win for everyone.

disputes with insurers, tenants in disputes with landlords, individuals in administrative

appeals

of denied FEMA grants, and transactional representation of nonprofits and community groups that

seek

to

provide

assistance to communities affected by Sandy.

sible bankruptcy for a café, assisting a group that wants to form a nonprofit organization that provides direct social

“The opportunity to provide free legal services as Long

services to people in need in the Rockaways and Staten

Islanders try to recover from the losses they suffered has

Island, and helping an animal shelter file for SBA funds.

been very meaningful,” says Jenna Segal 2L. “And while I ‘do good’ for this community, I am also gaining valuable

As it continues efforts on behalf of small businesses,

real-life work experience — a win-win for everyone.” H

the next stage for the clinic is representing individuals. To fund this expansion of the clinic’s efforts, Haber and

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Perspectives

Occupy Wall Street Clinic Taking Action Through Legal Representation By Jean Cohen with just showing up, the students started thinking about

Like so many of their peers, Maurice A. Deane School

getting arrested.

of Law students took a keen interest in the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) demonstrations. But they’re doing more

“They wanted my advice,” Krieger says, “and I imme-

than talking the talk — through a special clinic developed

diately thought back to my college experiences in the late

by Professor Stefan H. Krieger, they’re applying their legal

1960s and thought about the good — and bad — advice

expertise to assist the Occupy Wall Street protesters.

I had received from professors and mentors back then.”

In the excitement surrounding OWS, students began

Realizing that he had a chance to help the students utilize

to organize teach-ins concerning the different issues

their legal training, he raised the idea of using their legal

raised by the protesters. Two of those students hap-

skills to assist the OWS protesters. With the support of

pened to be in Krieger’s Evidence class. The legal con-

the Hofstra Law administration, Kreiger developed the

versations flowing from the teach-ins focused on a wide

Occupy Wall Street independent study clinic.

range of issues, and several law students discussed with

“My fellow law student Jenelle Devits [3L] and I had

him the time they spent in Zuccotti Park. Not satisfied

been fired up about OWS since its inception in September

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

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Perspectives unique expertise on the different issues raised by OWS.

of 2011,” says Judith Massis-Sanchez 3L, “and I thought this project would be a great way to combine my grow-

As the clinic took shape, Krieger, the other clini-

ing legal knowledge with my interest in the rights of the

cal faculty and his students considered different legal

OWS protestors.”

options. Eventually they decided to focus their efforts on representing an individual protester who was arrested

Devits adds, “Professor Kreiger channeled our inter-

and beat up in the demonstrations.

est into the clinic. Hofstra Law has the kind of community that supports what we can we do in our role as law

The students began reviewing and drafting docu-

students, and gives us ways to pursue these kinds of

ments, researching the case — which included watching

opportunities. This is something Hofstra Law should be

the many YouTube videos that showed their client to help

proud of.”

identify her alleged attackers — sitting down with profes-

‘‘

‘‘

sors and spending time speaking with the client.

The independent study clinic on OWS began in

What I found most personally rewarding is that we earned

someone’s unwavering trust. We could not have gone up against the most powerful city in the world without it.

spring semester 2012 with readings from Gerry Lopez’s

“The clinic gave us confidence that we know how

Rebellious Lawyering, which identifies different kinds of

to investigate and file a complaint,” says Devits. “It was

lawyering for the subord inated — the regnant approaches

eye-opening in seeing how slowly the judicial process

of the public interest lawyer, the labor lawyer and the

goes and how doing this without a legal background

legal services attorney —

would be nearly impossible.

which

I

he

contrasts

with

can’t

imagine

someone

the rebellious lawyer. “The

without counsel not being

students were all attracted

intimidated.” Massis-Sanchez

to the rebellious lawyering

adds,

model,” Krieger says, “but

“The clinical experience I

didn’t know how to use it in

gained will no doubt ben-

the context of OWS.”

efit the career I hope to have doing federal work and, in

Initially the goal for the © Shutterstock

clinic was to explore ways of using the legal skills that students had gained in the

particular,

practicing

civil

rights law. Somebody gave us a chance, knowing we

Krieger

were law clinic students and

invited other clinicians to

knowing this was our first

classroom.

Then

co-teach the students so that they could have as broad

foray into the federal courts. What I found most person-

a perspective as possible on their options. Faculty in

ally rewarding is that we earned someone’s unwavering

the Criminal Law, Youth Advocacy, Community and

trust. We could not have gone up against the most pow-

Economic Development, and Mediation clinics agreed to

erful city in the world without it.” The matter is still in progress. H

join in the supervision of the students and share their

43

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Faculty News Selected Publications, Media Citations and Presentations, January 2012-January 2013

“Riders on the UndocuBus and others who choose to come out of the immigration closet may face many challenges. But by coming out, they take the important first step of allowing the public to understand what those challenges might be.”

Daniel Greenwood on Gun Control: Violent Video Games Should Be Seen and Regulated as Paid Advertisements by Corporations

— Associate Professor Elizabeth M. Glazer in a New York Times “Room for Debate” article (August 2012) discussing whether getting on the UndocuBus is a good idea for illegal immigrants in the United States

Robin Charlow Comments on Vacating Convictions Based on Newly Discovered Evidence Professor Robin Charlow is quoted in William Murphy’s September 15, 2012, Newsday article “Ex LI Man’s New Bid to Vacate Murder Charge.” The article discusses the case of Jeffrey McDonald, who was convicted in 1979 of murdering his pregnant wife and two children. McDonald is now seeking to vacate the conviction on the grounds that a prosecutor allegedly threatened a witness for the defense in the original trial, as well as on newly discovered DNA evidence.

“It’s highly unusual for something like this to happen so many years later. It is unusual for courts to even consider this. The courts like to have finality at some point.”

Scott Colesanti Examines the ‘Other Effects’ of the Rajaratnam Insider Trading Conviction

Associate Professor J. Scott Colesanti’s article “Wall Street as Yossarian: The Other Effects of the Rajaratnam Insider Trading Conviction” on the muchpublicized conviction of hedge fund chief Raj Rajaratnam was published in the Hofstra Law Review (2012). The article highlights the inevitable double jeopardy analysis of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and criminal actions against a target where the penalties exponentially exceed the profit gained.

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

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Professor Daniel J.H. Greenwood co-wrote, with Jim Sleeper, an op-ed for The Atlantic (published January 25, 2013) to reframe the debate on gun control in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, President Barack Obama’s second inaugural address, and the Obama administration’s and Senate Democrats’ push for gun safety. The op-ed, titled “To Stop Gun Violence, We Need to Remember We Can Regulate Corporate Speech and Advertising,” argues that there must be a multi-pronged effort to get control measures passed and that one of those prongs should be restricting the content of violent video games, an idea normally proffered by the National Rifle Association but under a bruter, more causational rationale.

“To fight the culture of death, we need a two-front war: against gun madness, surely, but also against mindlessly destructive marketing by corporations.”


Eric Freedman Calls Proposed Changes in Eligibility for the NY Bar Exam ‘PennyWise and Pound-Foolish’ In a letter to the editor of The New York Times published on January 26, 2013, Eric M. Freedman, the Maurice A. Deane Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law, criticized a proposal that would allow persons who have completed two years of law school to sit for the New York bar exam, regardless of whether or not they finish their Juris Doctor.

“Only in the third year of law school is there time for students to roam various legal fields and find — perhaps unexpectedly — the one most suitable to them.” Akilah Folami Cited in a Massachusetts High Court Decision to Reverse a Murder Conviction The article “From Habermas to ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’: Hip Hop, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the Black Public Sphere,” Michigan Journal of Race & Law (Spring 2007), by Associate Professor Akilah N. Folami was cited multiple times in

a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision issued on November 15, 2012, reversing a murder conviction (Commonwealth v. Gray). The court’s decision includes a finding that the admission of a rap video in which the defendant appeared, which was offered for the purpose of proving the defendant’s gang membership even though he had offered to stipulate to gang membership, was one of several prejudicial errors. The court cites Folami’s article to support that gangsta rap often takes on a nuanced and layered meaning beyond the predominate image of the “gangsta.”

Susan Fortney Presents at the ‘Empirical Professional Ethics’ Symposium On September 22, 2012, Susan Fortney, the Howard Lichtenstein Distinguished Professor of Legal Ethics and director of the Institute for the Study of Legal Ethics, spoke in St. Paul, Minnesota, at the University of St. Thomas School of Law’s symposium “Empirical Professional Ethics: Ethical Development in the Learning and Practice of Law.” The conference was co-sponsored by the Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions and the University of St. Thomas Law Journal. Fortney discussed the findings of her recent empirical study of incorporated law firms in Australia in a session titled “Evaluating Australia’s New Regulatory Regime for Unincorporated Law Firms.”

“The reorganization of family life is complicated, and no one measure can address the problems that the transitions of separation and divorce create for children, courts and communities, but a recent Australian innovation addresses those problems by providing access to services that ease transitions and encourage families to plan for their future without judicial intervention.” — Professor Andrew Schepard, Director of the Center for Children, Families and the Law, in “Looking to Australia: Community Responsibility When Families Separate,” his “Law and Children” column in the January 29, 2013, edition of the New York Law Journal

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Joanna Grossman Assesses the Lifting of the Ban on Women in Combat

In her January 29, 2013, article “Battle of the Sexes: The Department of Defense Lifts the Restriction on Women in Combat” for the legal website Justia’s Verdict, Joanna L. Grossman, the Sidney and Walter Siben Distinguished Professor of Family Law, offers a brief history of women in the military and describes how the combat exclusion policy is a form of sex discrimination.

“The task now is to shift from the military’s prior stance of trying to figure out how to exclude women, to trying to figure out how to retain them.” Julian Ku Discusses Senate Opposition to the U.N. Disabilities Treaty Professor Julian Ku, faculty director of international programs, contributed an article to a New York Times “Room for Debate” discussion (December 2012) on “Have Treaties Gone Out of Style?” In “A Bigger Concern Is the Law of the Seas Convention” he argues that senators who opposed the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities actually fought the wrong treaty if their goal was to protect U.S. sovereignty. He notes that the effects of the treaty negotiated under President George W. Bush regarding the disabled on U.S. law would be virtually nil, as the compact is not self-executing and has safeguards to protect inconsistent rules made at the state, local and individual levels.

“The Senate opponents of the disabilities treaty should have saved their fire for the more significant treaties that are approaching.”

law.hofstra.edu


Stefan Krieger and Serge Martinez Publish in the Clinical Law Review Professor Stefan H. Krieger, director of center for applied legal reasoning and director emeritus of Hofstra clinical programs, and Clinical Professor Serge Martinez published the article “Performance Isn’t Everything: The Importance of Conceptual Competence in Outcome Assessment of Experiential Education” in the Clinical Law Review (Fall 2012). This article is the first scholarly critique that has been made of the theoretical underpinnings of the 2007 Carnegie Report on reform of legal education. In it, Krieger and Martinez scrutinize — and ultimately reject — the Carnegie Report’s recommendations for outcome assessments in experiential education. Rejecting the report’s contention that practical education should focus on teaching students to mimic the actions of expert lawyers, they argue that educators should focus instead on what students are thinking as they solve a legal problem.

Katrina Kuh Argues for Promoting Transparency to Combat Climate Change

On December 3, 2012, Associate Professor Katrina Fischer Kuh wrote “Rethinking Sustainable Development, Environmental Law Collaborative Essay #1: Transparency in Support of Sustainability” for the Environmental Law Prof Blog (December 3, 2012). In the post Kuh argues that climate change poses a unique threat of harm but also presents a unique “opportunity to force a reckoning with the unsustainable practices that underlie U.S. lifestyles.” She proposes promoting transparency to combat climate change through measures including “carbon footprint

labeling of goods, smart meter technology, individual carbon footprint calculators, and reorienting domestic climate policy to better engage individuals.”

Dean Eric Lane Comments on the Fight Between the NYC Comptroller and the Mayor’s Office Over the New Cab Contract

Dean Eric Lane, the Eric J. Schmertz Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Public Service, was quoted in a December 13, 2012, piece, “Comptroller Is Expected to Try to Upset Deal for New Taxis,” for The New York Times City Room blog. The article discussed why Comptroller John C. Liu was expected to not agree to sign off on the Bloomberg administration’s contract with Nissan to produce new taxis for New York City, and why the comptroller’s decision was of little consequence.

“If the controller thinks it’s corrupt, he tells the mayor, he can announce it, he can call a press conference, he can say I found corruption, and if the mayor still wants it registered, the controller must register it.”

Irina Manta Presents at the Tri-State Region IP Workshop Associate Professor Irina D. Manta presented her paper “The High Cost of Low Sanctions” at the Third Annual Tri-State Region IP Workshop at NYU School of Law on January 11, 2013. In the essay she argues that low sanctions may have a pernicious effect on the democratic process and on legislative rule-making because, as both public choice theory and historical precedent suggest, the accompanying laws are more likely to perpetuate themselves and become part of the unquestioned background fabric of society. Manta focuses on intellectual property law, in particular copyright, to examine the progression of suboptimal laws through widespread low sanctions that may have mostly escaped the public eye until the sanctions grew to more significant size.

Barbara Stark Is Published in the First Issue of the Boston University Law Review Annex

“Anti-Stereotyping and ‘The End of Men’” by Professor Barbara Stark, associate dean for intellectual life, was published in the inaugural issue of the Boston University Law Review Annex (October 2012), the new online publication of the Boston University Law Review.

“It’s Soviet-style democracy in the sense that we have all the appearances of an election: You go to the ballot box, except the choices have all been made for you.” — Associate Professor James Sample discussing New York state judicial elections in an August 13, 2012, timesunion.com (Albany) article

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Recognition & Stewardship

‘‘

Your Annual Campaign gifts make a lasting impact in the lives of our students by providing them with experiential learning opportunities, educational resources and financial assistance as they earn their Hofstra Law degree. Our graduates leave the Law School with the ability to think critically, engage their peers and succeed in today’s ever changing legal

‘‘

and business landscape. Your generosity is a significant component in making their education possible. Thank You!

— Dean Eric Lane

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law.hofstra.edu


Recognition & Stewardship

Talmud Family Endowed Scholarship Fund Howard Talmud ’91 established the Talmud Family Endowed Scholarship Fund in the spring of 2012. Through his gift, Howard will help talented students achieve their dream of a legal education.

Protégé Giving Program In 2012 recent alumni giving categories were established, kicking off our Protégé Giving Program. Spearheading this effort was Terrence L. Tarver ’07, Recent Alumni chair, who works as an associate at Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C. Twenty-one graduates from the last 10 years joined the Protégé Giving Program in 2011-2012. Current Protégé giving levels are as follows: 2003-2005, $500; 2006-2008, $250; and 2009-2012, $100. For more information on the Protégé Giving Program, please contact Eric Post, Annual Fund manager, at eric.post@hofstra.edu or 516-463-4391. Protégé Donors, 2011-2012 Katherine Rouse Dieterich ’05

Angela Michelle Burton ’09

Thelma Louise Jones ’05

Leonid Krimsky ’09

Mary I. Bresnan ’06

Jamie Laginestra ’09

Ricardo Guzman ’06

Micah Greynum Snitzer ’09

David Kleinman ’06

Wilnick Dorval ’10

Mitchell Shpelfogel ’06

Erin Dunn ’10

Karen Baswell ’07

Paul J. Edelson ’10

Seth Presser ’07

Evan Gotlob ’10

Terrence L. Tarver ’07

Annette Marie Lalic ’11

YuhTyng Tsuei ’07

Byeongju Park ’11

Paul Weber ’07

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

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Recognition & Stewardship

Mendel Family Endowed Scholarship Emily ’77 and Stephen Mendel ’77 established the Mendel Family Endowed Scholarship, to be awarded to a deserving entering student selected on the basis of demonstrated academic achievement or financial need. The Mendels met at Hofstra Law, and their daughter, Sarah Schulman ’94, also graduated from the Law School.

Founding Dean Malachy Mahon Endowed Scholarship An anonymous donor established the Founding Dean Malachy Mahon Endowed Scholarship in honor of Dean Emeritus Mahon. The scholarship will be awarded to a deserving entering student selected on the basis of demonstrated academic achievement or financial need. Members of the Class of 1973 are supporting the scholarship as part of their 40th reunion class gift.

SIDNEY KALIKOW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP Ed Kalikow ’78 and his son, Greg Kalikow ’10 of The Kalikow Group/Kaled Management, renewed their support for the Sidney Kalikow Endowed Scholarship established in honor of Ed’s father and Greg’s grandfather. The scholarship supports deserving entering students who demonstrate academic achievement or financial need.

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law.hofstra.edu


Recognition & Stewardship

Jesse R. Baker Annual Memorial Scholarship The law firm of Gutman, Mintz, Baker & Sonnenfeldt P.C. established the Jesse R. Baker Memorial Annual Scholarship in memory of their partner and outstanding Hofstra Law alumnus, Jesse R. Baker ’79.

Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP Annual Scholarship The law firm of Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP, through Managing Partner Marc Hamroff ’83, established an annual scholarship for two first-year students, who will receive tuition assistance as well as opportunities to meet with members of the firm and develop networking and mentoring relationships.

Albert and Pearl Ginsberg Family Endowed Scholarship Scholarship support is transformative in the life of a student; it is the chance to embark on a legal career and achieve a lifelong goal. In 2012 Laurence T. Ginsberg ’79 renewed his commitment to the Albert and Pearl Ginsberg Family Endowed Scholarship, as well as the Albert and Pearl Ginsberg Annual Scholarship he previously established. These scholarships make a Hofstra Law education possible for students who reside outside the tri-state region and have demonstrated meritorious academic performance.

Hofstra Law Report • spring 2013

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Recognition & Stewardship The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University is grateful to the many alumni, parents, friends, law firms, foundations and corporations who helped support our mission through charitable contributions made between September 1, 2011, and August 31, 2012 (FY2012). We thank the following donors for their leadership support at the Dean’s Circle level of $1,000 and above. Benefactors ($25,000 and up)

Partners ($5,000-$9,999)

Fellows ($1,000-$2,499)

Arthur S. Laitman ’99

Edith Baldinger Charitable Lead Annuity Trust

Robert Abrahams ’76 John Bae ’89

Anonymous, In Honor of the Class of 1994

The Honorable Jeffrey D. Lebowitz ’76

Law Offices of Binder & Binder PC

Christopher J. Caruso ’00

Robert Abrams ’79

Ira S. Lederman ’79

Gregory T. Cerchione ’84

Spencer Angel ’91

Andrew S. Lipton ’77 D. Carl Lustig III ’78

Pearl Apisson ’86

Maurice A. Deane ’81

Columbian Lawyers’ Association of Nassau County, Inc.

Christopher Antone ’81

Joseph S. Maniscalco ’95

Jason S. Brookner ’94

Laurence T. Ginsberg ’79 Family Fund

Richard A. Fuhrman ’77 and Hillary Light Fuhrman ’78

Joel Marcus ’76

Konrad L. Cailteux ’85

Leslie A. Margolin ’80

Philip J. Shapiro ’78

Lorna Goodman ’75

Ronald S. Milstein ’81

Howard J. Talmud ’91

Peter S. Kalikow

Hugh Campbell ’82 and The Honorable Marguerite A. Grays ’82

Gloria B. Levin

Martin D. Cargas ’86

Distinguished Leaders ($10,000-$24,999)

Christopher T. McGrath

Mark J. Caruso ’77

Catherine Samuels ’79

C. Payson Coleman, Jr. ’76

Hank Bjorklund ’80

Shelley Sherman ’77

Charles B. Cummings ’73

Andrew Boas ’80 Mark Claster ’77

Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. David ’99

Neil R. Cole ’82

Advocates ($2,500-$4,999)

Fagenson & Puglisi

Brian Daughney ’86

Victoria Roberts Drogin ’90

The Charles and Joan ’76 Hermanowski Family Foundation

Adam B. Levy ’92

Robert Falk

Saul P. Morgenstern ’81

Joan Lucks Feinstein ’77

Fusae Nara ’91

Merrie S. Frankel ’80

Larren M. Nashelsky ’91

Dolores Fredrich ’80 and Jeffrey Keller ’80

Arthur I. Indursky Roberta Karp ’83 Oppenheimer Funds Legacy Program

Katherine R. Dieterich ’05

Michael D. Patrick ’78

Nancy Freedman ’91 and Richard Freedman Fund

John and Nancy Rivkin

Sanford P. Rosen ’78

Rivkin Radler LLP

Brad Eric Scheler ’77 and Amy Frolick

Samuel Ramos ’91

Steven Schlesinger ’76

Bernice Spandorf

Judith D. Fryer ’75 Goldman, Sachs & Co.

H. Brooks Smith ’80

Jan Goldman ’80 and Margot Goldman

Michelle Laskin ’90 and David L. Weissman ’90

Interim Dean Eric Lane

Randell Montellaro ’85 Marilyn B. Monter ’76 Peter S. Morgan ’97 Eric W. Nodiff ’83 Andrew L. Oringer ’84 and Bonnie J. Oringer ’84 Steven Kenneth Porter ’76 George H. Roberts Dr. & Mrs. Richard F. Rosenberg Ben B. Rubinowitz ’81 Stephen W. Schlissel Kevin Schlosser ’84 Leo Schoffer ’77 and Melissa Schoffer ’05 Mark Seelig ’89 and Valerie Seelig ’90 Howard M. Smith ’78 Techlaw Inc. Stephen John Wallace ’83 William F. Weir ’85

Rosalind Gordon ’73

Steve Zissou ’82

Scott G. Greissman ’94

Stacey Sack Zuckerman ’86

Ira R. Halperin ’95 Fred D. Heather ’77 The Hirschhorn Foundation Arthur R. Hirst Thelma L. Jones ’05 Alan Barry Koslow ’80 Joel M. Kotick ’82

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Online content A complete list of donors who contributed at all levels during FY2012 can be found in the Donor Report at law.hofstra.edu/DonorReport

law.hofstra.edu


Recognition & Stewardship

Health Law and Policy Institute Receives $1 Million Gift From the Gitenstein Foundation Through

the

generosity

of

THE

KERMIT GITENSTEIN FOUNDATION

and the University’s new School of

Health

Sciences

and

Human

STEVEN

Services — aimed at teaching, schol-

SCHLESINGER ’76, the Maurice A.

arship, community outreach and the

Deane School of Law received a

development of policy initiatives.

and

its

head,

alumnus

$1 million gift to name and support

The Gitenstein Institute is also

our Institute for Health Law and

the centerpiece of Hofstra Law’s

Policy. The institute is directed by

concentration in health law and its

Janet Dolgin, the Jack and Freda

new J.D./M.P.H. joint degree pro-

Dicker Distinguished Professor of

gram, anticipated to start in the fall

Health Care Law.

of 2014. The Law School’s Health

The mission of the Gitenstein

Law and Policy Fellowship program

Institute for Health Law and Policy

also comes under the umbrella of

includes

imple-

the Gitenstein Institute and attracts

menting new methods for training

top students interested in pursuing

students in order to broaden access

careers in health law and in support-

to quality health care for everyone

ing the work of the institute. The

and to create a more just health care

institute further encourages new

system. In meeting these goals, the

scholarship in health law and policy

institute employs a multidisciplinary

through its conferences, publication

approach — in partnership with the

of articles in the Hofstra Law Review,

Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of

speaker series and publication of an

Medicine at Hofstra University and

annual newsletter to share results of

the North Shore-LIJ Health System,

the policy studies and information

Hofstra University’s Bioethics Center

relating to its other programs.

Hofstra Law Report • spring 2013

developing

52 52

and


Class Notes

Online content View class notes for 2012 and an archive of earlier class notes at law.hofstra.edu/ClassNotes STAY CONNECTED Share your news and updates online at law.hofstra.edu/StayConnected or by e-mail to lawalum@hofstra.edu

April 1-December 31, 2012 1973

Philip A. Crotty, Jr., was honored in June by the New York State Legislature in a resolution upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of service to the Orange County Industrial Development Agency. He served in private practice until 2005 as a founding partner of Duggan, Crotty and Dunn.

1974

Hon. Maryanne Trump Barry, a senior judge on the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, was featured by Mount Holyoke College in its “Celebrating 175 Years of Women of Influence” gallery. Ralph M. Stein passed away on October 16. He was a founding member of the faculty at Pace Law School and a constitutional law expert.

1975

Abraham B. Krieger, a senior member in the commercial real estate, real estate litigation and corporate finance law practices of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, was named co-chair of the commercial real estate practice in August.

1976

Lynne M. Winograd passed away on May 13, 2012. She is survived by her wife and law partner, Lari Schwartz.

1977

Joanne Erde, a partner at Duane Morris in the firm’s Miami office, received a citation for excellence in the area of health care in the 2012 Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.

Gary Y. Wirth joined Moritt Hock & Hamroff in July as a partner and chair of the firm’s construction and surety practice group.

Ilene S. Cooper, a partner at Farrell Fritz concentrating in trusts and estates, was included in The Best Lawyers in America 2013.

1978

1980

Jay G. Baris, a partner and chair of the investment management practice at Morrison & Foerster, co-wrote the article “SEC Concept Release Tackles Investment Company Use of Derivatives,” 45 Review of Securities & Commodities Regulation 19 (2012). Jon M. Bramnick, the New Jersey Assembly Republican leader, appeared on the September 14 episode of What America Thinks with Scott Rasmussen to discuss Election 2012 and economic policy. Suzanne Mentzinger passed away on April 26, 2012, at her home. She is survived by her two children and their spouses and two grandchildren. Michael D. Patrick, a partner at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen and Loewy, was featured in June as one of the top 20 lawyers in immigration law in the country by Lawdragon, a Los Angeles-based networking website for lawyers and clients.

1979

Jesse R. Baker passed away on April 21, 2012. He had a long and successful career with the firm of Gutman, Mintz, Baker & Sonnenfeldt. He and his wife, Beverly ’97, were active in the BLSA Alumni Association at Hofstra Law and generously contributed to the BLSA Alumni Scholarship.

Caryn M. Hirshleifer, the vice president and counsel of Hirshleifer’s, was honored with the Founder’s Award at the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence’s 25th Anniversary Angel Ball on May 9, 2012. Domenick Napoletano, a solo practitioner who focuses on real estate transactions, dispute resolution, family law and estate document preparation, was installed as the president of the Brooklyn Bar Association on June 7.

1981

Thomas N. Angell, acting public defender for Dutchess County, was selected in December by County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro as public defender, effective January 1, 2013. He also serves as a member of the Dutchess County Criminal Justice Council, where he is cochair of the Jail/ATI Committee and the Reentry Committee. Corey B. Bearak was selected as Networker of the Year by Gotham City Networking and was honored with Life Membership by the Order Knights of Pythias. He also guided the re-election of prominent labor leader Daneek Miller (Amalgamated Transit Union), who is co-chair of the MTA Labor Coalition, and was an advisor to the successful congressional

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primary campaign of state Assemblywoman Grace Meng. Daniel P. Buttafuoco, the senior partner and founder of Buttafuoco & Associates, a law firm dedicated to supporting local charitable causes, launched Operation Rebuild Hope in December to raise funds to provide relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy. Scott J. Glick, a senior counsel in the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, was appointed director of the Hofstra Law in D.C. Externship Program (HLDC) and special professor of law. HLDC, Hofstra Law’s first formal semester-away program for academic credit, will allow law students to immerse themselves fully in the practice of law in our nation’s capital. Glick also authored the published article “Virtual Checkpoints and Cyber-Terry Stops: Digital Scans to Protect the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources,” Journal of National Security Law & Policy (vol. 6, no. 1, 2012), and it was included in the course materials for the ABA’s 22nd annual review of national security and the law. Ben B. Rubinowitz, a partner at Gair, Gair, Conason, Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom & Rubinowitz, was named the 2013 New York City Personal Injury Litigation — Plaintiffs Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers. Only one lawyer in each practice area in each community is honored as Lawyer of the Year.

law.hofstra.edu


Class Notes 1982

Alan S. Abish passed away on May 11, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Jamie Lipman Abish. Thomas J. O’Connell passed away on July 1. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and their children.

1983

Andrew John “A.J.” Borresen, a principal and co-founder of the certified public accounting firm Walsh & Borresen in Morristown, NJ, and a football, basketball and track star during his days at Wood-Bridge H.S. in Bergen County, was featured in a “Where are they now?” article in the sports section of The Record on July 3. Patricia Galteri, the chair of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein’s trusts and estates practice group, was selected by Long Island Business News as one of its Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business for 2012. Hon. David A. Paterson was appointed to the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority board in June. His term runs until June 2017.

1984

Mark J. Cohen, a partner at Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser, was recognized by Long Island Business News in a September 19 “Ones to Watch: Long Island Law” article. Andrea Shapiro Davis was appointed executive director of the NYC Commission on Women’s Issues in June. She works with the commission’s members to advise the mayor on policies to ensure equality for women in New York City, including in the fields of employment, housing, education and health care. Andrew L. Oringer joined Dechert as a partner in August. He is the senior ERISA and executive compensation

April 1-December 31, 2012 attorney in Dechert’s New York office and leads the firm’s fiduciary practice nationally.

1985

Heidi E. Opinsky joined McCarter & English as a partner in September. She concentrates her practice in family law. Brad D. Rose, a partner at Pryor Cashman, chairman of the firm’s intellectual property group and a member of its executive committee, was a featured panelist at the 15th Annual Entertainment & Sports Law Symposium of the Entertainment and Sports Law Society at the University of Miami School of Law. The event was co-hosted by the Miami Marlins and held at the new Marlins Park on April 14, 2012.

1986

Carl R. Howard, an assistant regional counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was named chair of the Environmental Law Section of the New York State Bar Association in June.

1987

Tamara Steckler, the attorneyin-charge of the Juvenile Rights Practice of the Legal Aid Society, received the 2012 Howard A. Levine Award for Excellence in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare on May 2, 2012. This award, which is given by the Committee on Children and the Law of the New York State Bar Association, recognizes individuals for their work protecting and promoting the rights of New York’s children.

1988

Richard S. Finkel joined Bond, Schoeneck & King in July as senior counsel in the firm’s Garden City, NY, office. He has extensive experience in the areas of municipal law, land use and zoning, litigation, and labor and employment matters.

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

1989

Peter J. Brown, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore and chair of the firm’s wage and hour practice group, was named one of California’s Top 75 Labor and Employment Lawyers for 2012 in the annual list published by the Daily Journal (Los Angeles and San Francisco). Ralph A. Catalano, a member of the Jericho, NY, law firm of Catalano Gallardo & Petropoulos, was elected in July as dean of the Nassau Academy of Law, the educational arm of the Nassau County Bar Association. Evelyn Kalenscher, retired, received the 2012 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award from the Nassau County Bar Association in May 2012. She represents indigent people facing eviction through the Landlord/Tenant Attorney of the Day Program of the Volunteer Lawyers Project. Robert T. Lupo was promoted to executive vice president, global head of tax and treasury, for AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, a specialty insurance and reinsurance organization. Lynda Nicolino, the general counsel and secretary of the Long Island Power Authority, was selected by Long Island Business News as a member of its Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business for 2012. Howard M. Tollin joined Sterling & Sterling, a private insurance brokerage, on June 11 as president of Sterling Environmental Services.

1990

Leslie A. Berkoff, a partner at Moritt Hock & Hamroff and cochair of the firm’s litigation and bankruptcy practice groups, was selected by Long Island Business News as a member of its Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business for 2012

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and was inducted into the Top 50 Most Influential Women’s Hall of Fame at LIBN’s Gala Awards Dinner on May 17, 2012. She also served as co-editorin-chief of the third edition of the ABI Health Care Insolvency Manual (American Bankruptcy Institute, August 2012). Rebecca M. Katz joined Motley Rice on July 9 as a managing member of the firm’s New York office and leader of its expanding Securities and Exchange Commission whistleblower practice. She has been fighting for the rights of clients harmed by corporate malfeasance for more than 20 years.

1991

Gary P. Adelman joined Davis Shapiro Lewit & Hayes in September. His practice areas include intellectual property litigation, entertainment and sports, and intellectual property. Guy M. Allen joined Littler Mendelson as a shareholder on August 20. His practice focuses on all types of employment matters. Bruce M. Loren passed away on June 28. Larren M. Nashelsky, cochair of the bankruptcy and restructuring practice and a member of the executive committee at Morrison & Foerster, was elected as chair of the firm in July. Michael H. Resnikoff was named special counsel at Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf in May 2012. His practice focuses on mortgage and tax lien foreclosures and general commercial litigation.

1992

Michael A. Freeling, a partner in the law firm of Bloom & Freeling, in Boca Raton, FL, was one of six people from around the country to receive a 2012 Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award


Class Notes from the Anti-Defamation League. The award, which was presented on April 29, 2012, at the ADL’s National Leadership Conference, in Washington, DC, recognizes exemplary leadership on behalf of the organization in the fight against anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of prejudice. David B. Kostman joined Loeb & Loeb in May 2012 as a partner in the firm’s real estate department. Bradley A. Siciliano joined Littler Mendelson in as a shareholder in the firm’s New York office. He specializes in corporate ethics and compliance matters, conducting internal investigations, promoting corporate social responsibility initiatives, and managing labor and employment law matters.

1993

Risco Mention-Lewis, a Nassau County assistant district attorney, was named as deputy commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone in July. She is the first African-American and the first woman to hold the position of deputy commissioner.

1995

Ann-Margaret Carrozza, an estate planning and elder law attorney at the Law Offices of Ann-Margaret Carrozza in Glen Cove, NY, was appointed to serve on the Surrogate’s Court advisory committee. Ira R. Halperin, a partner at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, was recognized by Long Island Business News in June in its 2012 “Who’s Who in Corporate Law.” Steven J. Malawer was promoted on August 9 to vice president — senior counsel at W.R. Berkley Corporation, a commercial lines property casualty insurance provider.

April 1-December 31, 2012 Dennis C. O’Rourke, of counsel at Moritt Hock & Hamroff, was recognized by Long Island Business News in June in its 2012 “Who’s Who in Corporate Law.” Nicholas P. Schleifer was promoted to executive vice president at Marcum Search in April 2012. He co-oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm’s Melville, NY, office and is responsible for hiring additional staff and growing market share in the region.

1996

Michael Cardello III, a partner at Moritt Hock & Hamroff, was appointed in November to serve on the Judiciary Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association. The committee is responsible for screening candidates who are running for judicial office in Nassau County at the request of the Democratic and Republican parties.

1997

Matthew J. Camardella, a partner in the affirmative action practice group at Jackson Lewis, was recognized by Long Island Business News in a May 30, 2012, “Ones to Watch: Long Island Human Resources” article. David M. Szuchman was appointed deputy chief of the investigation division of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in April 2012, and in October he was appointed executive assistant district attorney and chief of the investigation division. Robin Young Tyrrell joined Local Union No. 7 as associate fund collections counsel in August. Previously, she worked at Colleran, O’Hara & Mills.

1998

Samuel W. Krause joined Jackson Lewis in September as of counsel in the firm’s Los Angeles office. He specializes in employment benefits law.

1999

Bonnie L. Porzio, general counsel for Triumph Construction Corp. in New York, was reelected as a member-at-large to the board of directors of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County at the 47th annual meeting on May 21, 2012. Jason S. Samuels, a commercial litigation partner at Farrell Fritz, was appointed in the fall to the advisory board of Contractors for Kids, an Islandia, NY-based not-forprofit corporation that helps children and their families overcome life-changing obstacles. Michael S. Yadgar, legal director in DLA Piper’s Bahrain office, along with his wife, Helen, and 3-year-old, Zachary, welcomed newborn Levi Joshua to the family in May 2012.

2000

Cally Schickler joined Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin & Quartararo as an associate in April 2012. She has a general practice, with a primary concentration in commercial litigation, real estate transactions, and commercial and residential real estate development.

2001

Melissa Negrin-Wiener, a partner at Genser Dubow Genser & Cona, was appointed to the board of the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association in July and serves as the organization’s vice president of programs.

2002

Lisa A. Cairo, an attorney at Jaspan Schlesinger, was honored by Long Island Business News as one of Long Island’s leaders with a 2012 40 Under 40 Award.

of New York State Supreme Court, Queens County.

2003

Vishal S. Petigara joined Antheil Maslow & MacMinn in April 2012 as an associate in the firm’s tax, business & finance and corporate practice groups.

2004

Jaclyn S. Granet joined Goldberg Segalla in August as an associate. She focuses her practice on the defense of workers’ compensation claims. Michael I. Schnipper, a partner at Nixon Peabody in the firm’s Long Island office, was recognized by Long Island Business News in June in its 2012 “Who’s Who in Corporate Law.”

2005

Andrez S. Carberry, employment counsel Avon Products, received a 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Stony Brook University Alumni Association at the awards ceremony and reception on November 13.

2007

Ryan E. Herman was promoted in August to manager of football administration for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. Daniel A. Zuniga, an associate at Zele Huber, was elected in April 2012 to the board of directors for the North County Section of the Palm Beach County Bar Association.

2008

Ron Ben-Bassat joined Ruskin Moscou Faltischek on July 24 as an associate in the firm’s corporate and securities department and energy practice group. His practice focuses on corporate and securities matters.

Kimberly D. Tivin married David Silversmith on June 10 at Temple Beth Torah in Melville, NY. She is a law clerk to Justice Howard G. Lane ’78

55

law.hofstra.edu


Class Notes Rose Marie Garcia Bracconier married Joseph John Bracconier III on September 2. She is employed at the Children’s Law Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Simon Goldenberg, a private practice attorney who specializes in debt resolution, credit card lawsuit defense and bankruptcy, co-authored the article “Decision by Judge Dear highlights need for credit card reform,” which was published in the Brooklyn Eagle on August 29. Joshua H. Pike joined Garr and White in July as an associate. He concentrates on family and matrimonial law. Paul B. Sudentas joined Paul Hastings in August as an associate in the litigation practice in the firm’s New York office.

2009

Joseph R. Bjarnson joined Sahn Ward Coschignano & Baker in June as a commercial litigation associate. Brian J. Farrar married Katherine Cser on June 2 at the Dearborn Inn in Dearborn, MI. He is with the New York City Law Department, where he represents police officers in federal civil rights litigation. Jennifer Gebbie joined Farrell Fritz in September as an associate in the real estate department in the firm’s Uniondale, NY, office. David H. Hoeppner, an attorney at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, was recognized by Long Island Business News in June in its 2012 “Who’s Who in Corporate Law.”

April 1-December 31, 2012

2010

Lauren Chartan, an associate at Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, was featured in the Long Island Business News article “The Newest Civil Rights Attorneys” on July 3. The article focuses on local lawyers providing counsel and legal representation to samesex married couples. She also was recognized by LIBN in a September 19 “Ones to Watch: Long Island Law” article. Emeka Nwadiora, a tenured professor in the School of Social Work at Temple University, teaches graduate courses in Law and Human Behavior and provides court-required psycho-legal evaluations to tortured, refugee and asylum-seeking immigrants who are trying to avert deportation. She also is a radio talk show host for The Doctor Emeka Show and was admitted to the LL.M. in Trial Advocacy program at Temple University Beasley School of Law. John Tsiforas began serving as a law clerk to Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in April 2012. Prior to his clerkship, he was an associate in the New York office of Debevoise & Plimpton.

2011

Nino J. Caridi joined Wilson Elser in July as an associate in the firm’s White Plains, NY, office. He specializes in defending premises liability, construction litigation, workers compensation, transportation and complex general liability matters.

Tracy Sorensen joined Dentons in September as an associate in the capital markets practice in the firm’s New York office.

Susan S. Loucks joined the Schlitt Law Firm in Huntington, NY, as client advocate attorney for the firm’s personal injury law practice.

Robert T. Szyba joined Seyfarth Shaw in June as an associate in the labor & employment department in the firm’s New York office.

Nicole L. Milone joined Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy & Fenchel in spring 2012 as an associate.

Hofstra Law Report • SPRING 2013

Vivienne A. Nguyen serves in the U.S. Navy as an activeduty judge advocate general (JAG). She is now stationed in Japan working at the Region Legal Services Office and provides legal advice to sailors, including immigration, marriage, divorce, consumer fraud, landlord/tenant issues and taxes. She was recognized as Junior Officer of the Quarter.

Max Schlan joined the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in the summer as a law clerk. Jason M. Simensky joined Gutman, Mintz, Baker & Sonnenfeldt in the area of landlord-tenant, bankruptcy and collections.

Noah S. Reiss, an associate at Morris, Duffy, Alonso & Faley in Manhattan, married Regina G. Klein on December 15.

2012

Ryan D. Budhu joined the New York City Law Department, specializing in tort law, in October. Jessica A. Chiavara, an associate at AlterEcho, a division of TechLaw, authored the article “Taking to the Market: The Expanding Leverage of Local Governments to Drive Sustainable Transitions in the Private Sector,” which was published in the Environmental Claims Journal in November. The article discusses how recent treatment of the Dormant Commerce Clause by the Supreme Court allows state and local governments to advance sustainability initiatives by competing with private markets.

In Memoriam Ralph M. Stein ’74 Rona Seider ’75 Bruce J. Adams ’76 Lynne M. Winograd ’76 Suzanne Mentzinger ’78

Diana C. Gambone joined Tonneson + Co on August 27 as a tax associate.

Jesse R. Baker ’79

Jesse A. Goldberg joined the New York City Law Department, specializing in tort law, in October.

Thomas J. O’Connell ’82

Alan S. Abish ’82

Bruce M. Loren ’91

Laura M. Kitchen was appointed as an assistant district attorney, Queens County, on September 4. Kyle M. Mitchell joined the New York City Law Department, specializing in administrative law, in October. Hayley Morgan joined Campolo, Middleton & McCormick in the fall as an associate in the firm’s commercial litigation group.

56

Online content View class notes for 2012 and an archive of earlier class notes at law.hofstra.edu/ClassNotes


Turn theory into action.

With grateful appreciation to the adjunct members of our faculty, many of whom are alumni, for their service during the 2012-2013 academic year GARY P. ADELMAN ’91

MICHAEL D. JAFFE ’80

TROY G. PIEPER

MATTHEW ALLEN ’11

ALAN L. JAKIMO

JACK M. PLATT ’77

ROBERT M. ARCHER

GARY E. KALBAUGH

NEAL R. PLATT ’78

HON. LEONARD B. AUSTIN ’77

KARA KAPLAN ’01

RONA L. PLATT ’94

STEVEN C. BENNETT

ELENA KARABATOS

SETH A. PRESSER ’07

DEBORAH BERGER

DAVID A. KAUFMAN

ANDREW W. REISS ’98

LEE B. BERGSTEIN

AVI Z. KESTENBAUM

ARIANNE REYER

HON. JOSEPH F. BIANCO

BRIAN G. KLEIN ’10

JOSEPH RICHETTI ’98

LAWRENCE JAY BRAUNSTEIN

SPENCER D. KLEIN ’89

JOHN L. RIVKIN

WILLIAM T. BURDO

HON. GARY F. KNOBEL

JARED R. ROSENBLATT ’03

NANCY J. BURNER ’88

ABRAHAM B. KRIEGER ’75

PAUL RUBELL

ANDREZ CARBERRY ’05

LAWRENCE G. KURLAND

BEN B. RUBINOWITZ ’81

RALPH H. CATHCART ’90

BARRY D. LITES

ROBERT C. SCHWENKEL

PETER C. CONTINO

KIMBERLY A. LUCKEY ’99

RITA A. SETHI

HON. R. BRUCE COZZENS

BARBARA A. LUKEMAN ’00

GRANT A. SHEHIGIAN ’07

HON. EDMUND M. DANE

ANDREW H. LUPU

WILLIAM M. SKEHAN

JACK B. EVANS ’08

LEWIS R. MANDEL

DAVID R. SMITH ’05

HON. KENNETH L. GARTNER

HON. EDWARD W. MCCARTY III

LISA A. SPAR

ASHLEIGH M. GARVEY ’10

GERARD C. MCCLOSKEY ’08

MICHAEL STEINBERG

JAMES F. GESUALDI

CHRISTOPHER T. MCGRATH

DANIEL M. SULLIVAN

GEORGE A. GIULIANI

GERARD A. MESSINA

MICHAEL F. VECCHIONE

BARRY D. GOLDBERG

JANIS M. MEYER ’81

BENNETT J. WASSERMAN ’74

MARC L. HAMROFF ’83

CHRISTOPHER NICOLINO

STEVEN WEINER

ROBERT M. HARPER ’07

ANDREW L. ORINGER ’84

JOEL WEINTRAUB, M.D. ’00

JOHN M. HOGAN ’76

DAMIAN J. PIEPER

CAROLYN REINACH WOLF ’79

HON. RICHARD I. HOROWITZ ’87

JOHN G. PIEPER

PATRICK J. YOUNG ’85

Gold text denotes an alumna or alumnus.


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A Reception for All Graduates from 2003-2012 For more information, please call the Office of Alumni Relations at 516-463-2586

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