Around Syracuse Law

JDinteractive Grad Achieves Top Score on Maine Bar Exam

July 24, 2026

To provide better access to justice, Melissa Palzewicz L’25 overcomes big challenges to earn law degree

Every law student stresses about passing the bar exam. Melissa Palzewicz L’25 was no exception when she sat for the Maine bar exam earlier this year. But she needn’t have worried. Not only did Palzewicz pass, but she also received the Kenneth R. Clegg Award for Excellence from the Maine Board of Bar Examiners for achieving the highest combined score on the February 2026 exam.

“I know how much effort everyone puts into the bar exam, so to get the highest score in Maine is surprising and humbling,” she says, giving credit to the preparation she received through the Syracuse University College of Law’s JDinteractive (JDi) program.

Helping Those in Need Get Better Access to Justice

Palzewicz had always considered going to law school, but, for years, her life took a different path. Living with her family in Bangor, Maine, she built a successful career in the tech field as a senior software development manager at IDEXX, a leader in pet healthcare innovation. However, in 2021, she decided the time was right to pursue a law degree. Doing so was not intended to replace her current career, but to add another dimension to her life, one that would put her in a position to help others “get better access to justice.”

According to Palzewicz, Maine does not have a strong public defender system, so legal assistance is handled primarily by court-appointed attorneys or through nonprofit legal aid organizations.

“Rural Maine is especially underserved in many ways, including access to legal assistance,” she explains. “I knew a law degree would allow me to help others in my community.”

While Palzewicz was accepted into a residential law program in Maine, she couldn’t make the in-person course requirements work around her job and family. Fortunately, she discovered Syracuse Law’s JDi program and thought the rigorous online course work, highly regarded faculty, and in-person residencies built around specific topics and skills would be a great fit.

Melissa Palzewicz L’26 along with two classmates at their JDinteractive Residency at the European Union Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Family Encouraged Her to Keep Going Through Tragedy

Unfortunately, attending law school did not turn out to be her biggest challenge. Just months before she was set to begin at Syracuse Law, her husband died suddenly. This tragic turn of events made her question whether she should go through with her plans.

“The idea of starting law school was an extra level of stress as I was processing my grief, but it was my kids who encouraged me to make it happen,” says Palzewicz. “It ended up that all four of my kids were in college while I was in law school, so we all rallied around each other. We’re very close because of what we’ve been through together.”

Palzewicz credits having a regimented schedule for her ability to juggle career, family, and law school demands. “Every minute of each day was essentially blocked out for something I had to do,” she says.

Her methods helped her thrive in the JDi program. She was not only able to succeed in her course work but also participate in various activities offered by Syracuse Law, including serving as a class senator and being president of the Women’s Law Student Association. Palzewicz also was an executive on the Virtual Advocacy Division of the Advocacy Honor Society, participated on trial teams, and took on an externship with the Volunteer Lawyers Project in Maine.

Surprised, Humbled, and Grateful for Support in Rewriting Her Life

Palzewicz completed her law degree in December 2025. True to her nature, she started studying for the bar exam early in the process and credits Syracuse Law’s faculty and the robust legal education for helping her prepare. After graduating, she stuck to a strict four-nights-on, one-night-off study schedule, but, with only two weeks to go, she took a much needed break knowing she had prepared the best she could.

“Until the results come in, you’re never certain how you did,” says Palzewicz of taking the bar exam last February. In April, she learned she had passed. But two months later, she was “surprised and humbled” to be notified that she had received the highest score in the state.

“I started law school at 46 and passed the bar at 51,” she says of her accomplishments. “The people I met and the lifelong friends I made through the JDi program kept me from burning out in my grief as I was rewriting my life. The experience made it possible for me to achieve my goal, and achieving the highest score on the Maine bar exam was an added bonus. I’m very grateful for all of it and excited to see what’s next.”

2L Mira Lan Gaitanis Attends 17th Annual International Disability Law Summer School at the University of Galway

July 23, 2026

2L Mira Lan Gaitanis recently attended the 17th Annual International Disability Law Summer School held by the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at the University of Galway. The theme was “The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) Twenty Years On: New Horizons and Emerging Challenges.”

The three-day conference covered the Convention’s drafting history through the gaps and emerging challenges now testing it, to its future and a participatory exercise imagining a revised treaty.

The College of Law and the Disability Law and Policy Program sponsored Gaitanis’ participation in the conference.

Gaitanis, a research assistant at the Burton Blatt Institute, noted that the Conference provided “an honest reckoning with what the UNCRPD has and has not changed in disabled people’s lives; a reframing of the Convention as one tool among many rather than the endpoint, with ableism understood alongside capitalism and colonialism; and a clear sense that the next wave of leadership will come from the minds of young disabled people, working in collaboration with earlier generations who are living testaments to disability history and the current movement.”

She also presented a poster, Presence Is Practice: Music, Independent Living and the Law as a Form of Advocacy. The poster argued that advocacy does not only happen in courtrooms and legislatures. It happens every time a disabled person walks into a room that was not built for them and stays. It showed the multi-dimensional aspects of advocacy through her music, as a member of the Recording Artists and Musicians with Disabilities who has released three albums with the band Flat Moon Theory, with songs such as “See Me As I Am” and “Sparrow,” each illustrating her journey as a micropreemie with low vision and chronic pain. It also traced her advocacy journey from her first IEP meeting in fifth grade, her participation in the Florida Youth Leadership Forum, her involvement with Disability Rights Florida, and her internships with AAPD and The Harkin Institute. It then illustrates her journey to Galway for the conference and her goal of serving as U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants were challenged with drafting new articles for the UNCRPD. Gaitanis served as her group’s envoy, coordinating with the other groups’ envoys in the exercise’s private Discord channel so that, where ideas overlapped, each group could carry forward a distinct proposal. The group proposed adding intersectionality as a general principle and amending Article 34 to seat a youth representative and create a youth subcommittee.

As part of the Craftivism portion of the conference, Gaitanis created a zine titled Reflections and Musings, with the cover titled Nothing About Us Without Us, that combined collage, printmaking, and handwritten notes from the week.

“There were so many incredible speakers, and my favorite part was the participatory exercise that let us imagine the improvements we would make to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” said Gaitanis. “My idea was to add a youth representative to the main board and create a subcommittee dedicated to youth and disability. I also deeply valued the panel The Road Ahead: Bringing the UNCRPD into a New Era. We are at a turning point in disability rights history, and youth are the ones who can bring in the next wave through activism, community, and collective action.”

Where in the World is Syracuse Law this Summer? – Rachel Jung

July 16, 2026

This summer, Syracuse Law students are gaining hands-on experience at firms, courts, and organizations across the country. Over the coming weeks, we’re spotlighting where a few students are spending their summer, and how their Syracuse Law coursework prepared them for the work.

Next stop: Rachel Jung, 3L (2027), JDR Sullivan & Worcester LLP, New York, NY

What does a typical day look like for you, and what’s one thing that surprised you about it?

Every day is a little different depending on how many assignments I have going on. On busy days, I’m at my desk the whole day reviewing documents, conducting legal research, and attending Zoom meetings. On lighter days, I have the chance to grab coffee or lunch with my colleagues. One thing that surprised me most was how accessible the attorneys here are; they are always willing to teach and answer questions.

What made you choose this organization for your internship or externship?

As a mid-sized firm in Manhattan with a robust corporate practice, Sullivan & Worcester felt like the perfect place for me to gain hands-on experience in the M&A practice area.

What’s one project or task you’ve worked on that you’re proud of, and what did you learn from it?

I helped a client get their unemployment benefits as part of a pro bono project. It taught me that even small contributions can have a meaningful impact on someone’s life.

Do you see yourself practicing in this area of law after graduation? What’s drawing you toward this field?

For sure. I’m interested in corporate law, particularly mergers and acquisitions because I like the collaborative, problem-solving nature of corporate transactions.

How has Syracuse Law prepared you for this experience?

Working as a research associate at the Innovation Law Center and serving as a student attorney in the Housing Clinic gave me valuable experience with legal research, writing, and client counseling. Those programs helped me feel more confident stepping into a professional legal environment.

Where in the World is Syracuse Law this Summer? – Matthew Duke

July 16, 2026

Next stop: Matthew Duke, 2L (2028), Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona

What does a typical day look like for you, and what’s one thing that surprised you about it?

No two days have been the same since I started. Working in the Homicide Bureau in the 3rd largest prosecutor’s office in the nation, there’s always plenty to do and new opportunities to learn. Some mornings I am in court observing trials or other proceedings, and other days I am assisting my supervising attorney with legal research, case preparation, and trial prep. When I am not in court, I usually split my time between researching legal issues and reviewing evidence as part of preparing cases for trial.

One of the best parts of the internship is that Arizona allows law students to obtain certified limited practice status, so I have had the opportunity to appear in court on behalf of the State and participate in proceedings. I recently made my first court appearance, which was an incredible milestone. Additionally, this internship has afforded me some amazing training opportunities, including touring the crime lab, jail, and even participating in a virtual police shooting simulator. The entire internship has been a fantastic experience so far, but the one thing that I’ve been most pleasantly surprised by is the number of dogs I get to see in the office.

What made you choose this organization for your internship or externship?

The opportunity to serve my local community while doing really meaningful work was very appealing. Additionally, the chance to get actual courtroom experience and learn from some of the most experienced trial attorneys in the Nation. As someone who lives in Phoenix and plans to build my legal career here, the opportunity to work in public service in my own community was especially important to me.

What’s one project or task you’ve worked on that you’re proud of, and what did you learn from it?

I recently had the opportunity to make my first court appearance, which was definitely one of the highlights of my internship so far. I can’t share too many details, but in my mind, it was basically my A Few Good Men moment. Of course, there was no dramatic “You can’t handle the truth!” scene, and I did not get to pace around the courtroom like Tom Cruise. But it was still an incredible experience to stand up in court, appear on behalf of the State, and take part in an actual proceeding.

How has Syracuse Law prepared you for this experience?

It has been encouraging to see how the foundational skills I learned at Syracuse Law apply in real-world settings. The research and writing assignments I completed for my professors have been very similar to the assignments I have received during my internship, which has given me a lot of confidence in my ability to contribute. I may not know how to do everything right away, but Syracuse has taught me how to find the answers, work through unfamiliar issues, and figure things out. I also know that if I need additional guidance, I have the support of Syracuse Law behind me.

Where in the World is Syracuse Law this Summer? – Džana Borović

July 16, 2026

Next stop: Džana Borović, 3L (2027), Judicial Intern for Judge Brindisi in the Northern District of New York

What does a typical day look like for you, and what’s one thing that surprised you about it?

A typical day at the office starts at 9am where I am greeted by our amazing security at the front entrance of the federal courthouse. From there I head into the office where I begin working on assignments from the Term Clerks or Career Clerk. These projects typically consist of performing legal research, writing, and editing. If I ever have any questions the Clerks are very welcoming to answering them. After a long day of hard work, I head out of the office at 5pm.

What made you choose this organization for your internship or externship?

Choosing this internship was a natural decision for me given my familiarity with Judge Brindisi’s career having grown up in the Utica area. Throughout my life I have watched Judge Brindisi’s career progress from a lawyer to a Congressman and finally to the federal bench. I have always respected his deep commitment to public service. When this opportunity presented itself, it was the perfect way to learn from someone whose values are grounded in the community that I am dedicated to serving.

What’s one project or task you’ve worked on that you’re proud of, and what did you learn from it?

My proudest moment during my internship was attending the naturalization ceremony held at our federal court. As a child of immigrants, I understand firsthand how difficult and lengthy the path to citizenship can be. Watching that ceremony was incredibly heartwarming, it felt like a full circle moment that reminded me why I chose this path.

Do you see yourself practicing in this area of law after graduation? What’s drawing you toward this field?

When I first came to law school, clerking was not on my career radar. I simply did not know enough about the profession to consider it. However, this internship changed everything and showed me the vital role that clerks play in our judiciary system. Now I am seriously considering starting my career as a Term Clerk. As someone with a naturally curious personality, this environment allows me to learn something new everyday and explore all types of areas of law.

How has Syracuse Law prepared you for this experience?

Professor Dolak’s class gave me a strong foundation of civil procedure which has been very helpful in understanding the legal standards for court proceedings. While my Legal Research and Writing classes were equally impactful because I went from having zero legal writing knowledge to having the skillsets necessary to excel at my internship. A huge credit to that goes to Professor Wallach who brought his 15 year expertise as a Career Clerk to the classroom!

Where in the World is Syracuse Law this Summer? – Rebecca Lee

July 14, 2026

Next stop: Rebecca Lee, 3L (2027), Department of Transportation Summer Internship at the Federal Aviation Administration, Employment and Labor Law Division in Washington, D.C.

What does a typical day look like for you, and what’s one thing that surprised you about it?

A typical day looks like commuting via Metro to Independence Ave., greeting the Employment and Labor Law attorneys, and getting to work on cases. So far, I’ve worked Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Merit Service Protection Board cases, drafting motions, assisting in prehearing submissions and case development, creating agency files, and performing research tasks from both Employment and Labor Law teams. One thing that surprised me about this work is how many claimants in both forums are pro se litigants.

What made you choose this organization for your internship or externship?

I chose this organization for my summer internship because I wanted to experience litigation within an Agency. I enjoyed taking Administrative Law and Regulatory Law during law school and wanted to see the practice in real life and in a field of the law that I was unfamiliar with. While I knew that it was going to be challenging working with doctrine that I was not accustomed to, the attorneys I interviewed with from the Division did not take my lack of knowledge and experience as a disadvantage. It was clear to me from the interview that they were interested in letting me observe and learn from them as much as possible.

Rebecca Lee with coworker at Department of Transportation

What’s one project or task you’ve worked on that you’re proud of, and what did you learn from it?

One case that I’ve worked on is an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claim regarding discrimination and harassment/hostile work environment on the basis of race, color, and sex over non-promotion/selection in 2000. This case was unique in that it became complex due to a class action that led to the EEOC claim to be held in abeyance until the class’s dissolution nearly 20-years after filing. I was tasked with drafting the Motion for Summary Judgment with the help from their class actions attorney. I learned that seemingly simple claims may quickly turn complex due to various different factors, like in this case, having to search for relevant documents in a CD that was created in 1999.

Do you see yourself practicing in this area of law after graduation? What’s drawing you toward this field?

I do see myself practicing in this area of the law post-graduation. While my current path requires me to serve active-duty Army after graduation, I can see myself returning to D.C. to work in an Employment Law capacity. I am drawn to this field because it has a little bit of everything. I would be able to advise on matters directly related to employees’ work experiences and their fundamental rights but also litigate on behalf of the government.

Rebecca Lee with large group at Department of Transportation internship

How has Syracuse Law prepared you for this experience?

Syracuse Law prepared me for this experience in numerous ways. Having an interest in working for the federal government, I was able to take courses that allowed me to explore and understand the interworking of administrative agencies generally, like Administrative Law and Regulatory Law. Through those courses, I was able to develop a relationship with professors who are highly knowledgeable about administrative agencies and were able to engage in open dialogue with me to further develop my understanding before going to work for my second administrative agency. Syracuse Law also helped to prepare me for this experience in connecting me to alumni who either worked for the FAA themselves or are currently employed by the FAA.

Rebecca Lee with 3 coworkers at Department of Transportation

Where in the World is Syracuse Law this Summer? – Meghan Snelling

July 14, 2026

Next stop: Meghan Snelling, 2L (2028), Legal Intern at Disability Justice in Denver, CO (formerly Disability Law Colorado).

What does a typical day look like for you, and what’s one thing that surprised you about it?

A typical day for me involves working on my research projects, attending team meetings, participating in intake calls, and occasionally observing cases in the courtroom. In the next few weeks, I will also be participating in monitoring visits at various sites around Colorado.

What made you choose this organization for your internship or externship?

I had been following Disability Justice’s work for a while because they are incredibly active in the disability rights field. Whether it be representing clients, teaching self-advocacy, or passing legislation to secure further protections for individuals with disabilities—they are always doing meaningful work. I hope to practice disability law in Colorado after graduation, so I knew there would be no better place to start my journey than with Disability Justice.

What’s one project or task you’ve worked on that you’re proud of, and what did you learn from it?

I recently got to sit in on Disability Justice’s legislative planning meeting, where the whole team met to discuss its legislative initiatives for the upcoming cycle. It was incredible to watch because it introduced me to the entire realm of advocacy, not just the attorney-side of things. There was collaboration between DJ’s legal team, media team, policy specialists, intake and advocacy specialists, and the corresponding interns for each department; I was truly blown away by the scope of the initiatives. It reaffirmed my commitment to the work and opened my eyes to the many forms of advocacy.

Meghan Snelling outside Denver District Court

Do you see yourself practicing in this area of law after graduation? What’s drawing you toward this field?

I absolutely see myself practicing in this field after graduation. I was born with a rare, incurable disability that has impacted the way I interact with the world; it is the whole reason I pursued law in the first place. I have spent my whole life learning how to best advocate for myself and I feel strongly that no one else should have to navigate that difficult process alone.

How has Syracuse Law prepared you for this experience?

While my coursework prepared me greatly for the research and writing side of my internship, I truly feel that the personal advice I received from my professors has been the most valuable part of my preparation. The professors all have such different experiences in the legal field and are so open to sharing how they got there, what their work experiences were like, and the advice they have for young professionals. I feel especially grateful to Professor Kim and Professor Wallach; they were so encouraging, and their approach to feedback significantly improved the skills I use every day at my internship.

Meghan Snelling at Rocky Mountain National park sitting on a rock with water behind her.

Where in the World is Syracuse Law this Summer? – Jawad Kasimi

July 14, 2026

First stop: Jawad Kasimi, 3L (2027) at Hodgson Russ in Buffalo, New York.

What does a typical day look like for you, and what’s one thing that surprised you about it?

A typical day looks very different from one day to the next, which I really like. What I especially appreciate about Hodgson’s summer program is that, rather than having a rotation program, we are given the opportunity to pick projects we would like to work on from a portal. This allows me to select projects from different departments at the same time and focus on work that interests me. As a result, instead of working on just one project per day, I usually handle multiple projects spanning different practice areas. This has helped me develop strong time management skills, as I often have to balance competing deadlines, while also gaining exposure to a variety of practice areas.

One thing that surprised me was how available the partners are. I initially thought they would assign projects and be hands-off, but I was surprised to find that they consistently make themselves available for questions, guidance, and feedback.

What made you choose this organization for your internship or externship?

I am fortunate to know that I am very interested in corporate and securities practice. Hodgson has a very strong corporate and securities practice and also maintains offices throughout upstate New York. I knew I wanted to stay in upstate New York, so Hodgson was a great fit for my objectives.

What’s one project or task you’ve worked on that you’re proud of, and what did you learn from it?

One project I am particularly proud of involved analyzing administrative appeals procedures and determining whether those procedures violated procedural due process. It was a very extensive project that required a significant amount of research. I was especially proud of this work because I was not familiar with administrative procedures and how they operate. As a result, I had to teach myself the subject from scratch in order to conduct the research and reach a well-supported conclusion.

Do you see yourself practicing in this area of law after graduation? What’s drawing you toward this field?

Currently, I am very interested in corporate practice. However, I have not definitively decided which practice area I will ultimately pursue. Working at a large firm like Hodgson allows me to be flexible, as I can transition into a different practice area if I find that corporate law is not the right fit. While it is unlikely that I will choose a different practice area, having that option is very reassuring and helps relieve a great deal of stress.

What drew me to the corporate practice area is my background in economics and business. I previously worked extensively on mergers and acquisitions from an economic perspective, and I really enjoyed that experience. As a result, I wanted to pursue this interest from a legal standpoint. While I understand that the legal side will be different, I am excited by the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from other disciplines to help close deals, which I believe is the ultimate goal of any M&A transaction.

How has Syracuse Law prepared you for this experience?

Syracuse Law offers many courses that help provide background knowledge for the projects I work on. For example, taking Business Associations helped me better understand mergers and acquisitions. This summer, I worked on a deal involving an acquisition, and I was able to understand the structure of the deal because of that course. Without it, I would have been much more confused at the beginning and likely would have spent a significant amount of time teaching myself the foundational concepts.

Syracuse Law Nominates Rebekah Gil L’26 and Maxwell Charest L’26 for 2026 CLEA Outstanding Student Awards

July 8, 2026

Syracuse University College of Law has nominated Rebekah Gil L’26 and Maxwell Charest L’26 for the 2026 Clinical Legal Education Association (CLEA) Outstanding Student Awards, recognizing their exemplary work in the College’s nationally recognized experiential learning program.

Gil was nominated for the CLEA Outstanding Clinic Student Award for her leadership and advocacy in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic. Charest was nominated for the CLEA Outstanding Externship Student Award for his exceptional commitment to judicial externship work across local, state, and federal courts.

The Clinical Legal Education Association recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in clinical and externship education, including strong lawyering skills, professionalism, reflection, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to clients, courts, law school communities, and the broader legal profession. Syracuse Law’s 2026 nominees reflect the depth and strength of the College’s commitment to preparing practice-ready graduates through hands-on legal education.

“Syracuse Law’s clinics and externship programs give students the opportunity to step into real legal roles, serve real clients and communities, and develop the judgment, professionalism, and confidence they will need as lawyers,” said Professor Beth Kubala, Executive Director of the Office of Clinical Legal Education. “Rebekah and Max represent the very best of that mission. Their work reflects not only individual excellence, but also the power of experiential learning to advance justice.”

Rebekah Gil: Leadership and Client-Centered Advocacy in the Veterans Legal Clinic

Rebekah Gil was nominated for the CLEA Outstanding Clinic Student Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, initiative, and commitment to client-centered advocacy as a Veterans Legal Clinic II student.

During the Fall 2025 semester, Gil took on a pivotal leadership role in preparing a team of 10 new Veterans Legal Clinic I students for a complex Board of Veterans’ Appeals hearing on behalf of an Army veteran. The case involved five separate and highly technical physical conditions on appeal, requiring careful legal analysis, coordination, and strategic preparation.

Gil organized the student team into smaller working groups, assigning each pair of students responsibility for a specific medical condition. She guided them through relevant provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations, helped them analyze diagnostic codes, assess potential disability ratings, and identify the evidence needed to support increased ratings. She also worked closely with each team to develop thoughtful, targeted questions for the veteran to strengthen the evidentiary record.

Beyond managing the legal preparation, Gil ensured that both the student attorneys and the client were ready for the hearing. She conducted moot sessions, refined arguments, and ultimately helped lead the hearing with professionalism, confidence, and legal acumen well beyond what is expected of a law student.

The Administrative Law Judge remarked on the team’s exceptional preparation, and the veteran expressed deep gratitude for the thorough and compassionate representation. While a decision remains pending, the quality of advocacy delivered was exemplary, due in large part to Gil’s leadership and dedication.

Her nomination reflects the core values of clinical legal education: rigorous preparation, collaboration, professional judgment, and service to clients whose legal matters have profound personal significance.

Maxwell Charest: Advancing Justice Through Judicial Externships

Maxwell Charest was nominated for the CLEA Outstanding Externship Student Award in recognition of his exceptional commitment to judicial externship work and his deliberate preparation for a career serving the administration of justice.

During his time at Syracuse Law, Charest completed three distinct judicial externships, each selected to deepen his understanding of the judicial process and prepare him for future work as a judicial law clerk.

He began in Fall 2024 with the Honorable Melinda H. McGunnigle, where he developed foundational judicial skills in criminal law at the county court level. In Spring 2025, he expanded his experience through an externship with the Honorable Richard Latin of the New York State Supreme Court, Queens County. Most recently, in Spring 2026, Charest completed a federal judicial externship with Magistrate Judge Mitchell Katz in the Northern District of New York.

Through these placements, Charest demonstrated extraordinary dedication to experiential learning, public service, and the careful work of courts. His progression from local to state to federal court reflects thoughtful career planning and a sustained commitment to judicial service.

Charest’s fieldwork supported the efficient administration of justice, contributed to the fair adjudication of cases, and served litigants who depend on the judicial system. His completion of three prestigious judicial externships exemplifies the professionalism, discipline, and reflective practice that the CLEA Outstanding Externship Student Award is designed to recognize.

Syracuse Law’s Commitment to Experiential Learning

Syracuse Law’s nomination of Gil and Charest underscores the College’s longstanding strength in experiential legal education. Through its in-house clinics, externship placements, pro bono opportunities, and skills-based coursework, Syracuse Law students engage directly with clients, courts, agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners while developing the habits of professional judgment and ethical lawyering.

The College’s clinical program includes seven in-house clinics serving clients and communities across a wide range of practice areas. Its externship program connects students with meaningful field placements in judicial chambers, government offices, nonprofit organizations, and other legal settings where students can apply classroom learning in real-world environments under close supervision.

Together, these programs reflect Syracuse Law’s commitment to graduating lawyers who are prepared not only to enter the profession, but to lead with skill, integrity, and purpose.

Gil and Charest’s nominations for the 2026 CLEA Outstanding Student Awards recognize two students whose work exemplifies the highest ideals of experiential legal education: service, preparation, reflection, professionalism, and impact.

Spring 2026 Veterans Legal Clinic Students Receive National Student Service Award

June 23, 2026

Five Students in Syracuse University College of Law’s Spring 2026 Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC) have received the 2026 Student Service Award from the National Law School Veterans Clinic Consortium (NLSVCC) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Consortium and the field of Veterans Law.

The award was presented at the National Conference of the National Law School Veterans Clinic Consortium, held at Stetson University College of Law. Professor Beth Kubala, Director of the VLC, and Staff Attorneys Seth Owens L’24 and Andrew Patterson L’24 accepted the award on behalf of the Spring 2026 student attorneys.

The NLSVCC Student Service Award is presented each year to a student or students in a member law school veterans clinic who, over the course of the last year, have made outstanding contributions to the work of the Consortium. The award recognizes meaningful service to the organization and its mission, including work that advances veterans law, supports law school veterans clinics, and contributes to broader advocacy on behalf of veterans and their families.

In notifying the clinic of the award, the NLSVCC wrote: “On behalf of the NLSVCC board, I want to inform you that we will be awarding your students with the Student Service Award, which is awarded each year to a student in a member law school veterans clinic who, over the course of the last year, made outstanding contributions to the NLSVCC’s work. Your students have helped us get our blog back up and running, and we are grateful for it.”

This year, Syracuse Law’s Spring 2026 VLC students were honored for their contributions to the Veterans Law Prof Blog, a national platform for commentary and analysis on issues affecting veterans, servicemembers, and their families. Each student in the spring clinic authored a blog post addressing a timely and important issue in veterans law and policy.

The student contributors were:

Hannah Boyer L’27
Josephine Estrada-Jones L’27
Amelia Khbais L’27
Afan Mustafic L’26
Mia Sill L’27

Their articles addressed topics including Veterans Treatment Courts, homeless veteran support, the myth of “easy” discharge upgrades, and media claims of fraudulent disability claims. Together, the posts reflected the students’ careful legal analysis, commitment to public education, and dedication to elevating issues that affect veterans navigating complex legal and administrative systems.

“This award recognizes the important role law students can play in shaping public understanding of veterans law,” said Kubala. “Our Spring 2026 student attorneys brought thoughtfulness, professionalism, and purpose to their work. Their articles helped explain complex issues in a way that is accessible and meaningful, while also contributing to the national conversation about how we serve veterans and their families.”

The recognition also reflects the broader mission of the VLC, where students represent veterans and their families in matters involving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, discharge upgrades, and related legal issues. Under faculty and attorney supervision, student attorneys develop practical lawyering skills while providing client-centered representation to those who have served.

In addition to direct client advocacy, the clinic emphasizes legal scholarship, policy awareness, and service to the broader veterans law community. The Spring 2026 students’ work on the Veterans Law Prof Blog offered an opportunity to connect their clinical experience with public-facing analysis, helping readers better understand the legal challenges and policy debates that shape veterans’ access to justice.

The award is a significant national recognition of Syracuse Law students’ contributions to the NLSVCC and to the field of veterans law. It also underscores Syracuse Law’s strength in experiential legal education, where students learn by doing, serve real clients and communities, and contribute to important legal conversations beyond the classroom.

“Their work demonstrates what clinical legal education is designed to do,” said Kubala. “It prepares students to become skilled, ethical, and reflective lawyers while also making a meaningful difference for clients, communities, and the profession.”

The Spring 2026 Veterans Legal Clinic students’ articles are available on the Veterans Law Prof Blog: https://www.veteranslawprofblog.com/.