Around Syracuse Law

Three Syracuse Law S.J.D. Candidates Present at the Washington University School of Law J.S.D. Symposium

October 17, 2023

Three College of Law S.J.D. candidates presented their theses to peer S.J.D. students from law schools from around the country. The “J.S.D. Symposium: The Next Generation of Scholarship” was hosted by the Washington University School of Law’s Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute.

The College of Law’s participants were:

Clarisse De La Cerda (Brazil) on “Enforcement of Invalid Patents and Antitrust Liability.” Her advisor is Professor Shubha Ghosh.

Karla Lellis LL.M.’21 (Brazil) on “Cybersecurity Class Actions in the Protection of Human Rights.” Her advisor is Professor Antonio Gidi.

Mercy Renci Xie LL.M.’20 (China) on “Non-Compliant but Effective Implementation of International Human Rights Treaties: A Case from China in Protecting Persons with Disabilities’ Right to Education.” Her advisor is Professor Arlene Kanter.

“Our S.J.D. students are a welcome addition to the intellectual life of the College of Law. Their participation at the S.J.D. conference increased their professional networks as well as brought national attention to Syracuse Law and our S.J.D. program,” says Professor Arlene Kanter, founder and faculty director of the S.J.D. program.

S.J.D. candidates submitted an abstract of their working thesis to the Symposium committee. The Symposium featured 20 S.J.D. students from 10 law schools. Each student presented for 20 minutes and then answered questions from other participants in a moderated discussion for 10 minutes.

“This was a good model to interact with fellow S.J.D. students and professors to receive feedback and insights you might not have come across on your own. The built-in breakout sessions allowed for further discussion and networking,” says Lellis. “Working on your dissertation, mostly on your own or with only a few other students, is very tough. It was good to meet other students who are experiencing similar things. This group is committed to staying in touch and helping each other achieve their goals.”

The S.J.D. program welcomed its first cohort of students in the Fall of 2021 and currently has seven students pursuing this advanced degree.

Clarisse De La Cerda, Karla Lellis LL.M.’21, and Mercy Renci Xie LL.M.’20

A Message From Dean Boise

October 11, 2023

Dear Members of the College of Law Community,

Five days into the crisis in the Middle East, it is becoming clearer just how deeply what has now become a tragic war will affect our community. Heartbreaking reports over the weekend of innocent civilians losing their lives in what were plainly acts of terror have shaken us all. Regardless of our religious beliefs or political views, we at the College of Law unequivocally condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas and denounce the taking of innocent lives in both Israel and Gaza. Regrettably, a swift resolution to this crisis seems unlikely, which has left many grappling with a deep sense of insecurity.

For those among us—including me—who have friends or family members affected—those who have been killed, gone missing, or whose lives hang in the balance—the instability hits even closer to home, and the despair runs even deeper.

This morning, I met with members of our Jewish Law Student Association to discuss their concerns and fears. The trauma for them has been deep and real, but I’m heartened to know that our students are reaching out across religious and political lines to support one another. I also appreciate the statement this morning that our international journals shared with their members expressing solidarity with those affected and urging a peaceful solution.

As legal professionals, counselors, and advocates, it is our solemn duty to engage in thoughtful exploration, understanding, and debate about matters of law, policy, justice, and human rights. Equally important is the respect we must show to those within our community who hold deeply rooted beliefs and who have personal connections at stake. We must engage in these conversations with sensitivity and compassion for all those around us.

I implore each of you to demonstrate leadership in engaging in community and uplifting one another. There is no place in this law school for hate. Please be considerate in your words and actions, both in person and online, as many within our community are suffering. I encourage you to extend your support to those in need and keep them in your thoughts for healing and resolution.

I’d like to again highlight the resources available within our community for those who may require assistance or wish to show solidarity:

Students will hold a vigil tonight on the Shaw Quadrangle. The event is co-sponsored by Syracuse Hillel and Chabad House Jewish Student Center.
Barnes Center at The Arch: Students can receive confidential counseling 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 315.443.8000.
Student Outreach and Support: Students can receive ongoing assistance by contacting the case management team Monday through Friday at 315.443.4357.
Carebridge: Faculty and staff can reach trained clinicians 24 hours a day by calling 800.437.0911.
Hendricks Chapel: All campus community members can access additional services and support by calling 315.443.2901 or visiting its website for chaplaincy information.

To the students who have reached out to me, thank you for your time, your insights, and your perspectives. Please know that my door and the doors of my colleagues in the Student Experience office are open to all students and student organizations.

I’m grateful to be part of this wonderfully diverse, strong, and dynamic community. Your collaboration is invaluable in ensuring that each of us feels valued, secure, and respected as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

Best regards,

Dean Craig M. Boise

Professor Kat Macfarlane Named Director of the Syracuse University College of Law Disability Law and Policy Program with Founder Professor Arlene Kanter Retiring after the 2023-24 Academic Year

October 11, 2023

Noted disability rights scholar Professor Kat Macfarlane is the new Director of the Syracuse University College of Law’s groundbreaking Disability Law and Policy Program (DLPP). Macfarlane comes to the College from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights where she was Special Counsel. DLPP founder and director Professor Arlene Kanter is planning to retire next year, after teaching for more than 35 years at the College of Law.

Created by Kanter in 2005, DLPP is the most extensive disability-related law school program in the United States. Students who participate in this program often go on to jobs in the areas of disability, education, special education, children’s rights, civil rights, labor, employment, trusts and estates, and international human rights law. It also houses the nation’s first joint J.D./M.S. degree program in Law and Disability Studies as well as a Curricular Program in Disability Law and Policy. DLPP students also can work in the Disability Law Clinic and at disability-related externships, gaining valuable hands-on experience with real clients.

“Professor Kanter is a globally recognized expert in disability law and a steadfast advocate for people with disabilities. While her retirement is well-deserved, she will be missed by our faculty, staff, students, and alumni,” says College of Law Dean Craig M. Boise. “And we’re all anxious to see the direction Professor Macfarlane will lead the DLPP as she builds on the College’s position as the leader in the disability space in legal education.”

Prior to joining the College of Law faculty, Professor Macfarlane served as an associate professor at Southern University Law Center and the University of Idaho College of Law and as a teaching fellow at the Louisiana State University Hebert Law Center. Prior to joining academia, Professor Macfarlane was an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the New York City Law Department serving as lead counsel in federal civil rights actions. As an associate in Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan’s Los Angeles and New York offices, she represented plaintiffs in securities litigation. She clerked for the District of Arizona and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

One of the accomplishments of the DLPP has been to recruit lawyers from around the world who wish to specialize in disability law by enrolling in the College of Law’s LL.M. and S.J.D. Programs, with Kanter serving as their advisor. Since its founding, hundreds of students have completed the joint degree, certificate program, Clinic, or disability concentration in the LL.M. program. The DLPP is also the recipient of an international award for innovation in higher education.

“I am happy to know that Professor Macfarlane will continue the important work that the DLPP does in preparing future generations of disability lawyers, policymakers, and scholars,” says Kanter. “As a renowned scholar, Professor Macfarlane brings a deep understanding of disability law and the importance of using the law to advocate for a more inclusive society.”

Graduates of DLPP now work for federal and state government agencies, private law firms, domestic and international non-governmental organizations, public interest law offices, legal services offices, school districts, policy organizations, and think tanks. Other graduates have started their own law practices or pursued LL.M. or Ph.D. degrees.

“I am honored to become the new director of the Disability Law and Policy Program. Professor Kanter is a pioneer in the education of lawyers in the field of disability law and I plan to honor the impact she has made on disability law by ensuring the program continues to meet the needs of advocates worldwide,” says Macfarlane.

Both Professors Kanter and Macfarlane are recipients of the American Association of Law Schools’ Disability Law Section’s Distinguished Service Award.

3L Michael Ortizo Named as Law Student Ambassador to the American Bar Association Antitrust Law Section’s Intellectual Property Committee

October 10, 2023

3L Michael Ortizo is one of two Law Student Ambassadors to the American Bar Association Antitrust Law Section’s Intellectual Property Committee. Ortizo worked with Professor Shubha Ghosh to secure the ambassador position.

The Law Student Ambassador Program is a working group composed of highly recommended law students or economics students who are interested in careers in antitrust or privacy that meets virtually to discuss Section events and opportunities for law students. Additional details about the ambassador’s responsibilities can be found here.

“I believe that the ABA Law Ambassador program for the Antitrust Section, and in particular the IP Committee, will allow me to accelerate my understanding of these interests and will allow me to provide meaningful scholarship within the section. Additionally, because of the many practitioners and scholars that I will be collaborating with through the program, I believe it will assist me with my career aspirations,” says Ortizo.

At the College of Law, Ortizo is a Student Attorney in the Transactional Law Clinic; Senior Research Associate at the New York State Science and Technology Law Center; Form and Accuracy Editor at the Journal of Science and Technology, Vice President of the Intellectual Property Law Society; Secretary of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, and Director of Media for the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Syracuse Chapter.

“I am hoping to work in the intersection of IP, consumer protection law, antitrust law, and most precisely, data privacy. Particularly, I am interested in advisory and consulting roles related to these interests,” says Ortizo. “Because of my experience in the Innovation Law Center and the Transactional Law Clinic, I realized that I have a passion for wanting to assist clients in matters related to IP and other regulatory and compliance challenges related to their business dealings.”

3L Nathanael Linton Named Law Student Representative to the Syracuse University Board of Trustees

October 9, 2023

Third-year law student Nathanael Linton was named as the 2023-2024 academic year law student representative to the Syracuse University Board of Trustees. He participates, ex officio, on the Board Academic Affairs and Enrollment and the Student Experience Committees and reports to the Board at Executive Committee and full Board meetings.

Linton is a member of the Travis H.D. Lewin Advocacy Honor Society’s trial and appellate divisions. He is also a research assistant to Professor Emeritus William C. Banks and the managing editor of the Journal of Global Rights and Organizations. Before coming to the College of Law, Linton served on the Board of Trustees at his undergraduate college, Pace University.

Record-Breaking Law Alumni Weekend 2023: Honoring Excellence and Uniting Our Orange Community

October 5, 2023

The College of Law welcomed a record number of alumni and friends back to campus for Law Alumni Weekend 2023, joined with Orange Central for the first time this year. From family-friendly events in the Quad to stargazing in Holden Observatory, new opportunities were abundant in addition to the traditional State of the College Address from Dean Boise, Lunch with the Judiciary, and U.S. Supreme Court Preview 2023-2024.

Director of Alumni Relations Adrienne Lutz kicks off the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards Ceremony in the Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom in Dineen Hall.

The pinnacle of the weekend’s events, the inaugural College of Law Awards Celebration combined the college’s most prestigious awards into one night for the first time. More than 300 alumni, students, and friends came together for Friday evening’s program to recognize award recipients for their outstanding achievements and celebrate the Syracuse Law community for what makes it truly special.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees:

John Elmore L’84
J. Neil Huber L’68
Bernard Kossar ’53, L’55
Tiffany H. Lee G’97, L’97
The Hon. Theodore “Ted” Limpert L’88
Alexandra Ramirez Randazzo L’96
The Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93
Joanne Van Dyke L’87

John Elmore L’84 Video — 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Award Winner Videos. Click a video to watch the honoree’s story.

J. Neil Huber L’68 Video — 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Award Winner Videos. Click a video to watch the honoree’s story.

From the lively panel discussions and networking receptions to the spirited alumni tailgate and football game, Law Alumni Weekend was a celebration of the spirit of Syracuse Law and our powerful Orange alumni network.

Special thank you to sponsors: Hancock Estabrook, Bond Schoeneck & King, the NDNY Federal Court Bar Association, the Tully Center for Free Speech, and the Syracuse University Institute for the Study of the Judiciary, Politics, and the Media.

Joanne Van Dyke L’87 and her family with her Law Honors award.

Kathleen Turland L’95 reading remarks at the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards.

The audience watches as the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards are presented.

Polaroid photos on a table — Memories of a great evening.

People dancing on a dance floor — Current students tearing up the dance floor.

The Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93 accepts a Law Honors Award from Dean Craig M. Boise.

The Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93 — Left to right: Lishayne King L’18, the Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93, Omar Mosqueda L’20, and Dominique Kelly-Potamis L’21, Thompson’s former clerks.

Dean Craig M. Boise addresses the crowd at the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards. — Dean Craig M. Boise addresses the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards crowd.

Alumni pose for a photo in the Dineen Hall atrium during the after-party. — Alumni and students pose for a photo in the Dineen Hall atrium during the after-party.

3L James Cameron III introduces the José Bahamonde-González L’92 Legacy Award.

Dean Craig M. Boise presents the José Bahamonde-González L’92 Legacy Award to Alexandra Ramirez Randazzo L’96.

Current students enjoying the after-party.

Current students pose for photos after the celebration.

Dean Craig M. Boise presents J. Neil Huber L’68 with a Law Honors Award.

J. Neil Huber L’68 poses with his family before the award ceremony.

Professor Maria Cudowska (left) chats with Professor Lauryn Gouldin (center) and Assistant Dean of International Programs Andrew Horsfall (right). — Professor Maria Cudowska (left) chats with Professor Lauryn Gouldin (center) and Assistant Dean of International Programs Andrew Horsfall L’10 (right).

Alums pose together during the after-party. — Leslie Halle and Bonnie Fisher L’73 pose together during the after-party.

3L James Cameron III and 3L Jasmine Geyer pose together before the award show starts.

Dean Craig M. Boise presents a Law Honors Award to The Hon. Theodore “Ted” Limpert L’88.

Judges — The Hon. James Cecile L’91, the Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93, the Hon. Theodore “Ted” Limpert L’88, the Hon. Deborah Karalunas L’82, the Hon. Kate Rosenthal L’81, the Hon. Karen Uplinger, and the Hon. Julie Cecile L’91.

After party in the atrium in Dineen Hall. — After-party in the atrium of Dineen Hall.

Andrew Horsfall L’10 and Donghoo Sohn LL.M. ’13

3L Peony Teo introduces the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legacy of Excellence Award.

Dean Craig M. Boise present the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legacy of Excellence Award to Tiffany H. Lee L’97, G’97. — Dean Craig M. Boise presents the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legacy of Excellence Award to Tiffany H. Lee L’97, G’97.

Current students network during the after-party.

3L Jasmine Geyer introduces the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) William Herbert Johnson Legacy Award.

Craig M. Boise presents the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) William Herbert Johnson Legacy Award to John Elmore L’84.

BLSA students and alumni with John Elmore L’84. — Black Law Student Association (BLSA) students and alumni with John Elmore L’84.

John Elmore L’84 and the Hon. Deborah Karalunas L’82 pose for a photo together after the award ceremony.

John Elmore L’84 and friends pose for a photo during the after-party. — Bill Gabor L’84, Gerald Taylor L’84, John Elmore L’84, and Peter M. Hobaica L’84.

Current students pose for photos after the ceremony.

Dean Craig M. Boise presents Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55 with the 2023 Dean's Distinguished Alumni Award. — Dean Craig M. Boise presents Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55, with the 2023 Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55 and Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud pose for a photo after the ceremony. — Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55, and Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud pose for a photo after the ceremony.

Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55 and his family capture a moment together.

All photos were taken by Amelia Beamish.

2Ls Nicholas Barrish and Nikolaus Merz Win the Mackenzie Hughes LLP Edmund H. Lewis Appellate Advocacy Competition

October 5, 2023

The team of 2Ls Nicholas Barrish and Nikolaus Merz prevailed over the team of 3L Christopher Beattie and 2L Katelin Koper in the final round of the Mackenzie Hughes LLP Edmund H. Lewis Appellate Advocacy Competition. Koper was selected Best Advocate and Beattie and Koper won Best Brief.

The final round was judged by the Hon. Frederick Scullin Jr. L’64, Senior U.S. District Judge Northern District of New York; the Hon. Andrew Baxter, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of New York; the Hon. Ramon Rivera L’94, Court of Claims Judge, New York State Unified Court System; John Gilsenan, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Northern District of New York; and Professor Todd Berger, Director of Advocacy Programs at the College of Law.

Sponsored by Syracuse law firm Mackenzie Hughes LLP, this competition is open to two-person teams consisting of second and third-year Syracuse Law students. The competition is named for the Hon. Edmund H. Lewis L’1909, a distinguished alumnus of Syracuse University College of Law, a partner at Mackenzie Hughes, and a Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals. Each year, volunteer judges evaluate the teams’ written appellate briefs as well as oral argument performance through multiple rounds.

Overall, 10 teams of two students competed. Preliminary rounds were judged by Stephanie Hyde L’89, Nicole Macris L’18 Tom Taylor ’79, L’87, Neil Smith ’02, James Zino L’14, G’14, Laura Harshbarger L’97, Edwin (Pete) Frick L’13, Dean DiPilato, John Boyd II L’16, John Cirando, Judge Gerard Neri L’90, John Gilsenan, Judge Fred Scullin L’64, Judge Ramon Rivera L’94, and Judge Andrew Baxter.

David Katz L’17, John Boyd II L’16, and Professor Richard Risman graded the briefs.

The College of Law would like to thank all the judges and evaluators.

Judge Rivera, Professor Berger, Nikolaus Merz, Nicholas Barrish, Judge Scullin, Judge Baxter, John Gilsenan

2L Tyriese Robinson Named as the Inaugural Recipient of the NDNY FCBA Hon. Norman A. Mordue ’66, L’71 Law Scholarship

September 21, 2023

The first recipient of a scholarship established in the honor of the Hon. Norman A. Mordue ’66, L’71 is 2L Tyriese Robinson.

The Northern District of New York (NDNY) Federal Court Bar Association (FCBA) Hon. Norman A. Mordue ’66, L’71 Law Scholarship provides a Syracuse University College of Law student with the means to pursue a legal education and follow in the footsteps of Judge Mordue, a decorated war hero who served as chief judge for the NDNY and taught trial practice at the College of Law as an adjunct professor. The NDNY FCBA established the scholarship after the passing of Judge Mordue in December 2022.

Robinson, a native of South Carolina, served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a GeoBase Engineering Technician and Lead Honor Guard Trainer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii After the Air Force, Robinson completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology at Clemson University where he served as a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Work-Study student, President of the Clemson Student Veterans Association, and in a number of volunteer roles across many campus initiatives.

After graduating from Clemson University, he selected Syracuse Law for his legal studies due to the University and College’s dedication to serving veterans.

“I decided to come to law school because I felt that there was tension between how my community viewed the law, and how the rest of the country viewed the law. I was already familiar with one aspect of the tension, so I decided to learn the other. I wanted to learn the law,” says Robinson.

At the College of Law, Robinson is a student attorney in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, a member of the Military and Veterans Law Society, and a volunteer with the Cold Case Justice Initiative.

Judge Mordue served as the senior U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of New York, where he was a judge from 1998 until his passing in December 2022. A 2022 recipient of the College’s Law Honors Award, Judge Mordue was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for actions during the Vietnam War as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

When informed that he was receiving the Mordue Scholarship, Robinson reflected, “The astonishing things that Judge Mordue has done, both in uniform and on the bench, inspire humility. To me, being selected as the inaugural recipient of this scholarship means that I must continue to strive for excellence in honor of Judge Mordue’s legacy. Judge Mordue’s scholarship will serve as a valuable resource so that I can not only graduate but graduate in a manner that upholds the dignity and reputation of Syracuse Law,” says Robinson. Upon graduation, Robinson plans to become a prosecutor.

The scholarship will be awarded during a tailgate celebration held at the College of Law Saturday morning before the Syracuse Orange takes on the Army West Point Black Knights in football at the JMA Wireless Dome on September 23.

Those interested in supporting the Mordue Scholarship, please visit the Mordue Scholarship web page.

U.S. Army Captain 2L Lu Weierbach, a Tillman Scholar, will be honored as the Hometown Hero at the Syracuse v. Colgate Football game on September 2

August 31, 2023

The ambition to make the world a better place is a common characteristic among Tillman Scholars. Some aim to have far-reaching global impact while others want to address problems in their local communities. For U.S. Army Captain Luis “Lu” Weierbach L’24, that ambition comes from experiencing poverty at a young age.

Continue reading Lu’s story…

Congratulations to adjunct professor the Hon. Deborah Karalunas L’82 on her appointment to serve as the Administrative Judge for the Fifth Judicial District of New York

July 17, 2023

Judge Karalunas teaches New York Civil Practice.

She is the administrative judge overseeing operations of trial courts in the six counties of the Fifth Judicial District: Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego counties. Judge Karalunas fills the vacancy left by Judge James P. Murphy L’84, who was recently named deputy chief administrative judge for courts outside of New York City.

In a statement, Judge Karalunas says, “I am humbled and honored that Chief Administrative Judge Zayas, together with Chief Judge Wilson and Presiding Justice Whalen have entrusted me to oversee the daily operations of the trial courts in the Fifth Judicial District. I look forward to supporting and collaborating with the dynamic leadership of the New York Courts, including First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, Deputy Chief Administrative Judges James P. Murphy, Edwina Richardson-Mendelson, and Deborah Kaplan, and the entire court family to deliver equal and timely justice to our diverse constituents.”

Judge Karalunas was first elected to the Onondaga County Supreme Court bench in 2002. She was re-elected in 2016 and has served as the presiding justice of the county’s Supreme Court–Commercial Division since 2007.

Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Karalunas was a partner at Bond, Schoeneck & King. She began her legal career as a law clerk to Chief Judge Howard G. Munson of the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of New York.

She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University in 1978 and graduated cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 1982. At the College of Law, Judge Karalunas was a member of the International Law Review, Moot Court, and Justinian Honor Society.