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Recent Grad Credits Advocacy Competitions for Helping Build Her Alumni Network and Open Doors to Career Opportunities

February 11, 2026

As early as her 1L year at Syracuse University College of Law, Allison Carlos ’23 (MAX/VPA), L’25, was drawn to the College’s Advocacy Program and trial competitions. What began as a desire to strengthen her litigation skills quickly evolved into something far more meaningful —a strong group of colleagues, alumni, and mentors who helped shape her development as an advocate, guided her to summer externships, and ultimately supported her path to securing her first job as a litigator after graduating this past December.

Allison Carlos standing in front of courtroom with bench, flag, and seating all behind and beneath her.

“The Syracuse alumni network is strong,” says Carlos, noting that after she competed in the Hancock Estabrook First Year Oral Advocacy Competition as a 1L, Hon. Thérèse Wiley Dancks L’91, chief U.S. magistrate judge for the Northern District of New York, saw her skills in action and offered her a summer externship in 2024.

She was also fortunate to work for another alumna in the Fall of 2025 when she accepted a judicial externship with Hon. Deborah H. Karalunas L’82, which gave her additional exposure to advocacy in the courtroom, while also providing invaluable insight into the perspective of a trial judge.

Trial Competitions Expand Syracuse Law Network

While her internships gave her valuable experience, and her coursework stressed the necessary skills to become an outstanding litigator, including writing, oral arguments, and trial procedures, it was her participation in trial competitions that really put her knowledge to the test, often in front of actual judges. This gave her the ability to fine tune these skills in Syracuse Law’s state-of-the-art courtroom facilities and across the country under the watchful eye of dedicated faculty, coaches, mentors, and other legal professionals. According to Carlos, she was fortunate to interact with many well-respected lawyers and judges—many alumni—eager to help share their experience and offer real-world opportunities to students.

Carlos competed in several mock trial advocacy competitions as a member of the Syracuse Law Travis H.D. Lewin Advocacy Honor Society (AHS). AHS holds five internal competitions each year and sends teams to compete in intercollegiate competitions across the country—some in-person and other virtual—against top students from other law schools. In preparation for these highly competitive events, students often work closely with Syracuse Law Advocacy Fellows, a slate of alumni who devote an exceptional amount of their time to give team members a competitive edge.

One such competition was the American Association for Justice (AJJ) with the team of Carlos, Brandon Bryant L’25, Jonathan Newsome L’25, and Matt Reimann L’26 at the Student Trial Advocacy Competition in March 2025. Her team—coached by Joanne Van Dyke L’87, director of trial competition teams, and Andrew Umazor L’24—won the regional competition in Philadelphia, to the national finals in Atlanta.

Alison Carlos in courtroom with two fellow students standing around a desk.

Carlos is especially grateful for the preparation she received from Van Dyke, noting “I am continually in awe of Coach Van Dyke’s unwavering dedication to the Advocacy Team and the passion and commitment she brings to developing us into confident, effective advocates.”

Carlos’s consistent, exceptional performance and passion for advocacy helped her earn a spot on the College’s highly competitive National Trial League team in 2025. She was fortunate to be mentored by advocacy fellow Kaylin S. Grey L’06, a partner at the Miami defense litigation firm of Wilson Elser. Much of the mentoring took place virtually due to the distance, but according to Carlos, Grey was an excellent mentor who gave pertinent advice, helped her emphasize her strengths, address areas for growth, and thoroughly prepare her for competition.

While Carlos appreciated having such a committed mentor, Grey, in turn, was so impressed by Carlos’s talents that she helped her secure an internship at Wilson Elser for the summer of 2025.

“Having Kaylin as a mentor for the National Trial League was incredibly valuable and being able to continue learning from her and her colleagues through my internship was extraordinary,” says Carlos. “After seeing me in action on the Trial Team, she was eager to challenge me and provide hands-on litigation experiences that students and even incoming associates rarely receive. The combination of her mentorship and the internship was truly incredible.”

Alison Carlos in courtroom with poster she is presenting to a man.

Awards and Rewards for Competition Skills

Carlos’s participation in the National Trial League competition really helped define her law school career. She was “honored and deeply humbled” to receive the 2025 National Trial League MVP (Best Advocate) Award based on the skills she demonstrated during the competition.

“Throughout the semester-long National Trial League, Allison exhibited advocacy skills on par with the best students in the country,” says Professor of Law Todd Berger, director of the Syracuse Law Advocacy Program. “Her diligence, preparation, and ability to translate work into effective advocacy made it no surprise that she earned the MVP honor.”

In addition, Carlos received the Lee S. Michael L’67 Advocate of the Year Award and scholarship in 2025, through an endowed award presented annually by Syracuse Law thanks to the generosity of Michael.

Moving Forward and Giving Back

Already the owner and operator of Roadside Warriors, LLC, one of the largest towing companies in Watertown, New York, she will soon be relocating to Miami after receiving a full-time job offer from Wilson Elser. This single mom of three young children will continue to operate her towing company remotely, while also taking on a full-time job as a civil defense litigator working in areas like complex commercial litigation and business counseling, general and premises liability, maritime and real estate litigation.

Allison Carlos sitting in courtroom seats looking at camera

“Syracuse Law’s Advocacy Program and trial competitions truly brought out the best in me and gave me invaluable, real-world experience, along with an incredible network of mentors and peers. I’m excited to carry this strong foundation with me as I begin my legal career,” says Carlos. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of Syracuse faculty, alumni, and the advocacy community, and I fully intend to pay it forward by mentoring future Syracuse Law students.”

In 2025, Syracuse University College of Law was named the No. 8 trial advocacy program in the country by U.S. News & World Report. See here for more information on the program.

Professor Robin Paul Malloy to be the Open and Closing Keynote Speaker at the Real Estate Transactions Symposium at Stetson University College of Law, Feb. 21, 2026

February 11, 2026

Professor Robin Paul Malloy, the E.I. White Chair and Distinguished Professor of Law, will be the opening and closing Keynote speaker for the Real Estate Transactions Symposium at Stetson University College of Law, Feb. 21, 2026.

Malloy will discuss real estate transactions and disability law in the morning and then close the day with a “fire side” conversation focused on the market context for real estate transactions.

Professor Cora True-Frost G’01, L’01 Writes “We’re Still Fighting for Transit Equity, Just as Rosa Parks Did” For Transit Equity or Equality Day

February 6, 2026

Professor Cora True-Frost G’01, L’01, Laura J. & L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence 2024-2027, contributed the op/ed article “We’re Still Fighting for Transit Equity, Just as Rosa Parks Did” for Transit Equity or Equality Day (Feb. 4.) at Syracuse.com.

True-Frost writes, “The ‘back of the bus’ battle has been replaced by inaccessible stations, unreliable service and funding cuts that disproportionately harm the same marginalized communities Rosa Parks fought for.”

Professor Jenny Breen Provides 10th Amendment Fact-checking to Politifact

February 4, 2026

Professor Jenny Breen discusses the 10th Amendment and sanctuary city laws in the Politifact article, “Trump leaders say Minnesota officials withhold detained immigrants from ICE. Is that true?”

Breen said sanctuary city laws, including in Minneapolis, recognize the right of states and cities to refuse to do the work of the federal government. “States may not refuse to permit the federal government itself from doing that work, but they are not obligated to enforce federal laws themselves,” said Breen.

New JDi Residency Examines the Connection and Evolution of Immigration and Employment Law

February 3, 2026

Who is allowed to work in the United States—and under what conditions—has long been shaped by the intersections of immigration and employment law. While these questions are frequently in the national spotlight today, the complex layers and legal frameworks behind them have been evolving for decades.

Recognizing both the historical significance and modern urgency of these issues, Syracuse University College of Law launched its first JDinteractive (JDi) residency focused on the interweaving of immigration and employment statutes and regulations, drawing students eager to explore how policy, economics, and legal precedent converge.

The Intersections of Immigration and Employment Policy and Law: In the Courts, the Agencies, and in the Congress, a four-day residency option designed for JDi students and open to on-campus students, took place last December in Washington, D.C. This popular residency drew a diverse group of students— including a union steward, a sheriff, an individual with an H-1B visa, and many other professionals working in a variety of fields—all of whom brought interesting perspectives to the classroom.

The residency was led by the Hon. Randel Johnson, Chair and Chief Judge, Administrative Review Board, U.S. Department of Labor (presenting on his own behalf) and a distinguished immigration law scholar with more than 25 years of experience working in immigration and employment law on Capitol Hill, with the Department of Labor, and in the private sector.

Randel Johnson sitting with Camile Olsen teaching a class. — The Hon. Randel Johnson teaching in class with Camile Olsen.

Curriculum Addressed Broader Immigration/Employment Issues

According to Johnson, the residency was not designed to concentrate on immigration under the current administration, although those issues were certainly discussed. Instead, it offered a much broader perspective, looking at how conflicts between the courts and enforcement agencies are resolved using a review of general statutory interpretative principles and court cases that examine the interactions of immigration and employment laws. The residency also examined other legal conflicts as exemplified under the Federal Arbitration Act; the congressional deliberations surrounding the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act; and the Administrative Procedure Act, well as some of the more influential court decisions handed down over the past six years, such as Loper Bright, v. Raimondo, SEC v. Jarkesy, and Muldrow v. City of St. Louis.

“This residency clarified that immigration law, employment law, and administrative law do not operate as separate systems but continuously shape one another— and that their interaction has long-term consequences beyond individual cases,” says attendee Kate Fioravanti L’26, who is a full-time school administrator in a Connecticut urban public school district and the president of the local union affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

“Through discussion of doctrines like Hoffman Plastics, mandatory arbitration, agency deference, and cases such as Plyler v. Doe, the course highlighted how legal rules governing work authorization, enforcement, and access to institutions ultimately influence who participates in the workforce, who remains economically stable, and how communities develop,” she says. “For me, the important takeaway was understanding how these legal frameworks collectively affect the country’s labor force, schools, and economic capacity, making them questions of structural design rather than isolated doctrinal debates.”

Jacie Rodriguez L’26 also found the residency enlightening.

“The best thing I took away was that immigration policies and laws are not simple,” says Rodriguez, a bilingual claims specialist for the U.S. Social Security Administration. “There are many parties invested in the outcome of immigration law, and reform can come to a near standstill without compromise. Policymakers, administrative agencies, Supreme Court decisions, public interest groups, and the president himself—everyone has a role that will either stagnate or propel momentum.”

Extensive Network of Speakers Added Unique Expertise

Not only did Johnson utilize case studies and examples from his extensive career in immigration and employment law, but he also tapped into his vast network of experts in this space to speak to and network with the JDi students, adding to the richness of the experience.

Gene Scalia sitting at table speaking in class with Hon. Randel Johnson. — Gene Scalia guest speaking in class with Hon. Randel Johnson.

“I’m blessed to have such a huge network of professional colleagues—and I’m grateful they took time out of their very busy lives to share their views and experiences with our JDi students,” says Johnson. “When I was going through the students’ final exams, everyone identified different speakers and their appeal, as well as the opportunity to hear about various career backgrounds and, to some degree, think about post-graduation opportunities outside of big law.”

Students left the residency with a greater knowledge and understanding of U.S. immigration and employment law, including the layered complexities within each area. They also gained insight into how courts resolve seemingly inconsistent mandates between statutes, and how to effectively advocate for clients when confronted with conflicting and/or overlapping mandates. They further honed their skills by analyzing immigration law cases and looked closely at how trends shape the law and Congressional deliberations.

“I believe the JDi students walked away with a sense of how this topic is more than just today’s headlines but is a blend of the law and societal mores, and that, as these societal mores change, the law does not remain static,” adds Johnson. “The skills shared at the residency are transferable to a lot of other aspects of the legal field. So no matter what area of the law they choose to pursue, I hope the experience gave them another arrow in their quiver as they go through life and represent clients.”

Students sitting at table with laptops looking at front of class.

Residency Welcomes High-Level Thought Leaders

The following joined the JDi residency to share their expertise on various topics related to immigration and employment law.

Jon Baselice, Executive Vice President and Head of Government Affairs, Vantoe, explained negotiations over the worker program in S. 744 and why employers were quite willing to overrule Hoffman while unions thought it would be a win
Josh Bernstein, Director of Immigration Policy/Director of Immigration for the Service Employees International Union SEIU, U.S. Chamber, immigration programs, spoke about immigration policy, Capitol Hill negations with the U.S. Chamber, and immigrant worker programs
Joshua Breisblatt, Democrat Chief Counsel, Immigration Subcommittee, U.S. House Judiciary Committee: Immigration negotiations on Capitol Hill.
Kristie De Pena, Vice President for Policy and Director of Immigration Policy, Niskanene Center, gave an update and observations on recent immigration developments and chance of reforms
Danny Kaufer, Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais, Montreal, spoke about lessons and parallels under Canadian employment law
Roger King, Senior Labor and Employment Counsel for the HR Policy Association, presented the basics of the NLRA and crossroads with immigration law.
Camilla Olson, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw, and Chair, U.S. Chamber’s EEO subcommittee, presented on statutory overlaps.
Laura Reiff, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig and Co-chair of GT’s Immigration Practice, talked about union management negotiations and compliance issues
Gene Scalia, past Secretary of Labor and Solicitor of Labor, explained the balancing legal interpretations of statutes and review of key Supreme Court decisions relating to the APA
Chris Thomas, Partner, Holland & Hart, spoke about immigration enforcement focus and practical problems faced by employers

Our College of Law Community Mourns the Passing of Professor Martin Fried

February 2, 2026

A message from Dean Terence Lau L’98:

I am deeply saddened to share that Professor Martin Fried has passed away.

Marty was a distinguished member of our community who dedicated his career to excellence in teaching and service. He earned his B.A. from Antioch College in 1955, his J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1958 as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, and his LL.M. from New York University in 1968. After practicing in New York City and teaching at Washington University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Cincinnati, he joined our faculty and was named the Crandall Melvin Professor of Wills & Trusts in 1990.

Marty was a gifted and dedicated teacher who trained countless attorneys in federal income taxation, trusts and estates, and property law. He authored Taxation of Securities Transactions and numerous articles on tax and trusts and estates. His commitment to students extended well beyond the classroom—he was known for his encouragement and mentorship, helping students find their path even in difficult moments. One alumnus, now a partner at Baker & McKenzie, recalled: “When I was 20 years old and a 1L, and others were telling me to drop out, Marty told me: Let’s see how they would be doing at 20. Stick with it. Find your way. I became a tax lawyer because of him.”

Beyond teaching, Marty served the Law School and broader community in many ways. He served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, founded and directed our LL.M. in Taxation Program in the 1990s, coached intercollegiate tax teams, and helped reform the Moot Court Program. He was deeply involved in faculty governance at both the College and University level, and volunteered at Housing Court helping those facing eviction. He was a member of the American Law Institute and later served as of counsel at Hancock & Estabrook LLP.

Marty was also a devoted internationalist who traveled abroad with our Law in London program. Together with his late wife Daisy Fried, who worked in Syracuse University’s Study Abroad program, Marty and Daisy were fixtures on campus and beloved members of our broader University community. Marty was also an avid runner and tennis player, part of the College of Law “runners club” whose members could be seen jogging around campus.

On a personal note, Professor Fried was my 1L Property professor. He will be greatly missed.

Services:

Synagogue Service Thursday, February 5th at 11:00 AM Temple Beth Shalom 1050 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237 (941) 955-8121

Cemetery Service Sunday, February 8th at 10:00 or 11:00 AM Temple Adath Yeshurun Cemetery 924 Jamesville Avenue Syracuse, NY 13210

Read his obituary.

Syracuse Law Hosts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Program

January 30, 2026

The College of Law hosted “Contributing to Justice: Making an Impact in the Courtroom and Beyond” event in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The program featured Syracuse Law alumni and other legal professionals who discussed nontraditional and traditional career paths, professional impact, and the many ways legal training can be used to serve communities and promote justice within and beyond the courtroom.

In his opening remarks, Dean Terence Lau L’98, said, “Legal training is not a narrow credential. It’s a versatile foundation for leadership and impact. The question isn’t just ‘What kind of lawyer will I be?’ but ‘How will I use what I learn here to serve?’ Some of you will find your answer in the courtroom. Others will find it in boardrooms, classrooms, legislative chambers, or community centers. All of these answers are valid. All of them are needed.”

The collaboration between the College of Law, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, and the Black Law Students Association brought necessary attention to the ways that all members of the legal profession serve not only individual or institutional clients, but also communities and society.

“These were important conversations. Dr. King said that ‘anyone can serve.’ Judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals serve in unique and essential ways. Principally, by upholding the rule of law, ensuring access to the law and legal services, making sure that everyone who interacts with the legal system is treated fairly and with respect, and observing the highest ideals of democracy,” said Professor Paula Johnson.

The first panel, moderated by Brianna R. Jones L’28, featured the Hon. John Boyd II L’06, Associate Court Attorney, Fifth District New York State Unified Court System, and Town of Manlius Judge; Sara Lowengard, Director, Fifth District Help Center and Family Law Attorney; Professor Grace Orsatti, Syracuse University College of Law; and the Hon. Ramón Rivera L’94, Court of Claims Judge, New York Court of Claims, Syracuse, New York.

Following the first panel, the Hon. Lenora Foote-Beavers (ret.) Buffalo City Court; Chief Health Equity Officer, Evergreen Health Center; and Commissioner with the Frankin H. Williams Commission gave the keynote presentation. Judge Foote-Beavers focused on her varied career as a jurist, in public interest work, private practice, and institutional representation. She emphasized Dr. King’s recognition of the need for access to health care and the importance of a healthy society.

Ariel K. Box L’28 moderated the second panel that featured Siana McLean, Immigration Attorney, RJ Immigration Law/ Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, and William M. X. Wolfe L’20, Associate Attorney, Harris Beach Murtha, LLP.

Jessica Fields L’28 oversaw the task of managing questions and comments from the online audience. Professor Suzette Melendez gave closing remarks, with the reminder to stay committed to service, self-love, and love of the Beloved Community.

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, Syracuse University College of Law, and the Black Law Student Association were co-sponsors of the event.

Brianna R. Jones L’28 and Ariel K. Box L’28 served as panel moderators and BLSA President Jayda Howard L’26 (left to right) introduced the keynote speaker.

College of Law Hosts U.S. Citizenship Naturalization Ceremony for 34 New American Citizens

January 28, 2026

Syracuse Law faculty, staff, students, along with friends, families, and dignitaries from the Syracuse area helped welcome 34 new American citizens at a U.S. Citizenship Naturalization ceremony in Dineen Hall.

The new citizens, representing 18 nations, were sworn in by the Hon. Thérèse Wiley Dancks L’91, Chief Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of New York. Several active-duty military service members wore their uniforms as they became citizens.

“These ceremonies are so important and so beautiful and so meaningful to me,” Dancks said. “I consider my service to the court as my personal love letter to my community and to my country, and I consider myself deeply patriotic.”

The ceremony featured remarks from College of Law Dean Terence Lau L’98, Gladys McCormick, Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Professor of History and the Jay and Debe Moskowitz Endowed Chair in Mexico-U.S. Relations at Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and Patricia Cardona L’20, an Immigration Attorney at the Cardona Law Firm.

“This moment holds deep personal meaning for me. I stood where you stand today in 1999, one year after graduating from this law school, taking the Oath of Allegiance and becoming an American citizen. I know the mixture of pride, gratitude, and anticipation you feel. The journey that brought you here, from distant homelands, through challenges and perseverance, now culminates in this transformative moment,” said Dean Terence Lau L’98.

Three College of Law Alumnae Receive New York State Bar Association Awards

January 28, 2026

At the recent New York State Bar Association Annual Meeting, three College of Law alumnae received awards.

The Hon. Mae A. D’Agostino L’80, United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York, was honored for Outstanding Contributions to the Legal Profession.

The Hon. Thérèse Wiley Dancks L’91, United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of New York, was the recipient of the Ruth G. Schapiro Award for Mentoring Next Generation of Lawyers.

The Hon. Deborah Karalunas L’82, Administrative Judge, Fifth Judicial District, Supreme Court of New York, received the Betty D. Friedland Award for Trial Excellence in recognition of her contributions to the legal profession across New York state, excellence in legal education, courtroom practice, and ethics.

The Hon. Mae A. D’Agostino L’80, The Hon. Thérèse Wiley Dancks L’92, and The Hon. Deborah Karalunas L’82. — The Hon. Mae A. D’Agostino L’80, The Hon. Thérèse Wiley Dancks L’91, and The Hon. Deborah Karalunas L’82.