Class Notes

1950-1959

1960-1969

Samuel B. Vavonese L'64 passes away

Samuel B. Vavonese L'64 of Hollywood Beach, FL passed away on August 25, 2026. Mr. Vavonese was born and raised in Syracuse New York and resided there until retirement in 1999. He was educated in Syracuse and was a graduate of the John A. Nichols Grammar School, Blessed Sacrament Junior High School, Christian Brothers Academy High School, and Lemoyne College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Relations. He earned his Juris Doctor degree at the Syracuse University College of Law. He served in the U.S. Army in 1956 and 1957 and performed his military duties at the Pentagon. Prior to commencing the practice of law, Mr. Vavonese was employed by Wilson's Leading Jewelers, American Airlines, The Automobile Club of Syracuse, and the Travelers Insurance Company. Following his admission to practice law, he became an Associate in the firm of Costello, Cooney & Fearon, then served for seven years as an Onondaga County Assistant District Attorney. He subsequently joined the firm of McDonough, Digby & Connelly, and thereafter became a solo practitioner where he not only engaged in the practice of all areas of the law, including litigation and appeals, but also served as the Public Administrator of Onondaga County for twelve years, an appointed position of the Surrogate's Court. Samuel B. Vavonese L'64

1970-1979

William J. Fitzpatrick, Jr. '74, L'76 to be celebrated at annual OCBA dinner

For fifty years, one name has been synonymous with the pursuit of justice in Onondaga County: District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick, Jr. '74, L'76. The Onondaga County Bar Association is proud to recognize his extraordinary career with the 2026 Distinguished Lawyer Award.

A law clerk at nineteen, the youngest Chief Assistant District Attorney in the office's history at age thirty, and District Attorney since 1992, Fitzpatrick has built a legacy that extends far beyond any single case. His work in the Waneta Hoyt investigation brought national attention to infant homicide and transformed its understanding in courts across the country. His commitment to justice was equally evident in his decision to reexamine a decades-old conviction, leading to the 2021 exoneration of a man who had spent sixteen years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Most recently, Governor Kathy Hochul appointed him as special prosecutor in one of New York's most significant criminal cases, reflecting the confidence placed in his integrity and judgment.

Kevin M. Gilligan L'79 passes away

Kevin M. Gilligan L'79 passed away on September 16, 2026 at the age of 76. Born in Glens Falls, Kevin was raised in Corinth and Syracuse before making his home in LaFayette in 1994. He was a graduate of CBA High School in 1968 and received his bachelor's degree in political science from Hobart College and his law degree from Syracuse University in 1979.

Kevin was an attorney for 41 years, retiring in 2020 as senior partner at Costello, Cooney & Fearon PLLC. He was also the recipient of the U.S. Congressional Angels in Adoption Award.

Deeply committed to his community, Kevin served as president of the Onondaga County Planning Federation and as an Onondaga County legislator. He was also a member of the West End Republican Club, the Syracuse Polish Home, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

1980-1989

Laurence "Larry" G. Bousquet L'80 featured in The Post-Standard

Larry Bousquet L'80, founding member of Bousquet Holstein PLLC, was featured in the September 13, 2026 edition of The Post-Standard. Larry Bousquet L'80 on leadership

The Hon. Deborah J. Karalunas L'82 to be celebrated at annual OCBA dinner

Justice of the New York State Supreme Court and District Administrative Judge of the Fifth Judicial District, The Honorable Deborah H. Karalunas L'82 has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Jurist Award, one of the Association's highest honors.

For more than four decades, Justice Karalunas has exemplified the finest traditions of the legal profession through her service as a litigator, jurist, educator, mentor, and judicial leader. Since her election to the Supreme Court in 2002, she has earned widespread respect for her integrity, scholarship, fairness, and unwavering commitment to the administration of justice. In 2023, she became the first woman appointed Administrative Judge of the Fifth Judicial District, where she oversees court operations across six counties. Beyond the bench, she has strengthened the profession through leadership in bar associations, teaching at Syracuse University College of Law, mentoring generations of lawyers and judges, and advancing access to justice throughout New York.

Arthur S. Porter, Jr. G’84, L’84 appointed to the Board of Directors and General Counsel of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation

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Porter Thomas Grabell & Baumwoll P.C. (PTGB) announced today that Managing Partner Arthur “Scott” Porter Jr. G'84, L'84 has been appointed to the Board of Directors and General Counsel of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation, the nonprofit organization leading the development of Peace Corps Park in Washington, D.C.

The appointment holds deep personal meaning for Porter, whose connection to the Peace Corps began more than five decades ago. In 1971, at the age of 14, Porter moved with his parents and three siblings from Massachusetts to Malaysia after his parents joined the Peace Corps. He attended Sultan Abdul Hamid College, one of Malaysia’s oldest schools, and spent two formative years immersed in the country’s culture, history and traditions.

Although Porter was a member of a Peace Corps family rather than a volunteer himself, the experience shaped his lifelong commitment to service. After college, he served as a VISTA volunteer before earning his law degree and beginning his legal career.

“My time in Malaysia had a profound impact on who I became and the values that have guided both my personal life and professional career,” Porter said. “Serving on the Foundation’s board brings that journey full circle. Peace Corps Park will provide a permanent place in our nation’s capital to recognize the role that service, peace and international understanding play in the American story. I am honored to help advance this important project.”

Peace Corps Park is a congressionally authorized commemorative work being developed by the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation in collaboration with the National Park Service. Planned for a triangular site near the U.S. Capitol, National Mall and Union Station, the park will honor the founding of the Peace Corps in 1961 and the American ideals expressed through Peace Corps service, including volunteerism, compassion, peace and global partnership. The National Park Service will own and maintain the completed park.

Porter is the managing partner of PTGB, where he represents businesses and individuals throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. His practice focuses on civil litigation, including commercial and contract disputes, construction and employment litigation, matrimonial and family matters, real estate and corporate transactions, estate administration and probate.

Porter earned his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, his Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and his bachelor’s degree from Bard College.

1990-1999

Jeffrey N. Saviano L'92 to publish book

Jeffrey N. Saviano L'92 Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Management | Business AI Ethics Research Leader, Harvard University Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics | President, Saviano Ventures, LLC to publish book on AI strategy, governance, and ethics. The book, Boundaries of Tolerance will be published by Wiley this October. More information is available on the book webpage.

Michelle A. Doherty L’97 received Professional Award in the Practice of Government Law

Michelle A. Doherty L’97, Assistant State Attorney, Major Crimes/Homicide Division with the State of Florida Attorney's Office, 13th Judicial District, received the Professional Award in the Practice of Government or Public Sector Law. 

Suzanne O. Galbato L'98 to be recognized by CNYWBA

Suzanne O. Galbato L'98, General Counsel at Bond, Schoeneck & King, will be recognized at the Central New York Women's Bar Association's 44th Annual Judicial Reception on October 6th as this year's Karen DeCrow winner.

2000-2009

Jeffrey G. Leibo L'03 elected Onondaga County Court Judge

Jeffrey G. Leibo L'03 was elected judge in the county’s top criminal court Tuesday, Nov. 3rd. County court judges hear felony cases from across Onondaga County.

Leibo joined the College of Law in the spring semester of 2026 as an adjunct professor of law. He taught a course on expert witnesses.

Leibo is currently an Administrative Law Judge for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. He spent years working as an Assistant District Attorney in Ithaca, NY and as a criminal defense attorney in Syracuse. He has also been involved in the College of Law’s trial advocacy program for more than 20 years.

His recent awards include the Models of Excellence in Advocacy Award from the Syracuse University College of Law and the Robert H. Attridge, Sr. Award from Huntington Family Centers for dedication and support to the agency, staff, and neighborhood.

Leibo received a B.A. in political science from St. John Fisher University, a J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law, and an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy from Temple University.

Leibo is admitted to the New York State Bar.

Adam J. Katz G'04, L'04 joins ZOLL Medical Corporation

Adam J. Katz G'04, L'04 has joined ZOLL Medical Corporation as Vice President and Chief Compliance Lead, Americas. Katz has held multiple positions at the Department of Justice, including AUSA, Health Care Fraud Coordinator, and most recently as Chief, Affirmative Civil Enforcement. Katz is an Adjunct Professor at Albany Law. Prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office in 2012, Adam served as a trial attorney with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.; as an associate with McDermott Will & Emery in Washington, D.C.; and as a staff attorney to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in New York City.

Adam is a 2004 cum laude graduate of Syracuse University College of Law.  While in law school, he was a member of the Syracuse Law Review, served as class president, and earned a master of public administration degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.  

John P. Brennan '03, L'06 appointed principal court attorney

John P. Brennan '03, L'06 was appointed Principal Court Attorney in Chemung County Court. He previously served as the County's conflict defender at the Public Advocate's Office since 2014, and assistant at the office since 2006.

Jennifer W. Jesness L’06 received Attorney of the Year Award

Jennifer W. Jesness L'06 was awarded an attorney of the year award (the Joe Friedberg Champion of Justice Award) from the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys for her appellate work in State v. Contreras-Sanchez, a first-of-its-kind case involving the constitutionality of geofence warrants. The Minnesota Supreme Court held in April of this year that the geofence warrant was unconstitutional under the state constitution. 

2010-2019

Kayla A. Arias L'15 will be recognized by CNY's 40 under Forty

Kayla A. Arias L'15, Counsel at Barclay Damon LLP in Syracuse, NY will be recognized by Central New York's 40 Under Forty at their award ceremony on October 6, 2026. Kayla concentrates her practice on commercial litigation. She is a member of the NDNY FCBA, Barclay Damon's Women's Forum, and is Co-Chair of the Onondaga County Diversity & Inclusion Committee. 

Caroline M. Bertholf L'19 joins Barclay Damon

Barclay Damon announces that Caroline Bertholf has joined the firm as an associate in its Trusts & Estates Practice Area, based in the Syracuse office. 

Bertholf advises individuals and families on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and asset preservation planning, helping them create plans that protect their assets, provide for their loved ones, and reflect their long-term goals. She guides executors, administrators, and families through the estate administration process from start to finish and also handles trust and estate litigation.

Prior to joining Barclay Damon, Bertholf was an associate at two full-service law firms in Syracuse. 

Edwin A. Maldonado L'16 elected as treasurer with LIHBA

Edwin A. Maldonado L'16, associate with Rivkin Radler, has been elected to serve as treasurer on the Executive Board with the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association (LIHBA). 

Maldonado has been an active LIHBA member for the past four years. In his new role as treasurer, he will help oversee the organization’s finances and maintain its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3). An associate in the firm’s Insurance Fraud & Recovery Practice Group, Maldonado focuses his practice on insurance fraud defense and no-fault insurance matters. He previously served Nassau County as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Vehicular Crimes Bureau of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, where he handled all phases of criminal prosecution including vehicular homicide investigations, grand jury presentments, pre-trial evidentiary hearings, and trials. 

Yasmeen M. Eesa G'19 received 'CUSE50 award

Yasmeen M. Eesa G'19, Managing Partner of Eesa Law Firm received a 'CUSE50 Alumni Entrepreneur Award. This annual award program celebrates the success of Orange business leaders across the globe.

Story and advice

Eesa Law Firm PLLC is a Texas and New York personal injury firm built on fearless advocacy, strategic litigation, and an unwavering commitment to its clients. Led by trial attorney Yasmeen Eesa, the firm fights for justice, pursues results, and gives every client a powerful voice when it matters most.

Advice to entrepreneurs

Don’t just build a business. Build the name people remember when they need someone to stand up for them.

2020-Present

Leah Dawit '21, L'24 joins Goldberg Segalla

Goldberg Segalla added Leah Dawit to the firm’s Employment and Labor practice group in Syracuse.

Dawit focuses her practice on counseling and defending employers in labor and employment matters. She has experience representing clients in litigation involving wage and hour, gender discrimination, race discrimination, and other workplace-related claims in state and federal courts. Dawit supports all phases of litigation, including legal research, motion practice, discovery, and case analysis, and works closely with employers to develop practical strategies for addressing workplace disputes, responding to employment-related challenges, and minimizing legal risk.

Dawit earned her B.A. from Syracuse University and her J.D. from the Syracuse University of College of Law.

Beatrice M. Nkansah L'24 joins Goldberg Segalla

Goldberg Segalla added Beatrice Nkansah L'24 to the firm’s Defense Base Act and War Hazards Compensation Act practice group in Chicago.

Nkansah supports government contractors and their insurance carriers in matters arising under the Defense Base Act (DBA) and War Hazards Compensation Act (WHCA). She assists with the evaluation and defense of claims involving civilian employees working overseas and represents clients in proceedings before U.S. Department of Labor administrative bodies. In her work on WHCA matters, Nkansah helps prepare and manage reimbursement submissions related to injuries linked to war-risk events. Drawing on prior litigation experience, she is involved in all stages of the claims process and collaborates with senior attorneys to provide clients with practical, timely guidance on these specialized matters. Prior to joining Goldberg Segalla, Nkansah developed a diverse legal practice encompassing commercial litigation, employment law, and real estate. 

Nkansah earned her B.A. from the University of Missouri – Columbia and her J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law.