Around Syracuse Law

19 Student Attorneys Sworn Into the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic

The College of Law recently held a virtual swearing-in ceremony for summer semester student attorneys in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC) with U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Judge Grant Jaquith.

“The College takes pride in its robust experiential education programs, which include clinics that allow students to practice in a wide variety of substantive areas of the law,” says Professor Beth Kubala, Executive Director of the VLC. Student attorneys apply complex legal doctrine to real-life matters while interviewing and counseling clients, drafting motions, briefs, contracts, and many other documents, and representing clients in court proceedings and in other transactional matters.

The VLC provides representation to veterans and their families who are seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or upgrading an unfavorable discharge through the various military services. While representing real clients, student attorneys gain an understanding of military culture, interact with government agencies, develop case management skills, improve advocacy skills, and instill the value of pro bono service.

Before the oath, Judge Jaquith, an Army veteran, shared that veterans benefit from having the advice, assistance, and advocacy of a lawyer that nearly always sharpens the identification and presentation of relevant facts and applicable of law, hastens resolution, and increases the likelihood of an appropriate outcome.

Judge Jaquith said, “There is a real need for your help and a real opportunity for you to gain valuable experience and make a real difference for Soldiers, Sailors, Flyers, and Marines who have sacrificed their health in military service as well as the spouses and family members that have depended on them.”

The ceremony concluded with Judge Jaquith administering the oath in which the student attorneys promised to abide by the rules of professional responsibility and courageously represent their clients. All students are part of the JDinteractive program.

Clinic students discussed the summer clinic experience.   

“I wish that I would have started with the clinic earlier. These veterans are so grateful for the assistance and have waited unacceptable amounts of time to be compensated for their sacrifices. This experience allows you to sharpen your research skills, advocacy skills, client counseling skills, and record maintenance skills. I am more confident and prepared for my future legal career because of my time spent in the clinic this semester.”  2L Joe Jasper. 

“Although I entered the ceremony feeling somewhat unqualified to take the oath, after hearing Judge Jaquith speak passionately about the tremendous unmet need and potential impact we, in the Veteran’s Legal Clinic could make in the lives of our vets, I proudly spoke the words of the oath feeling honored to be given this opportunity to make a real difference.”  2L Gina Bilotti.

“It was an honor to have Judge Jaquith take the time to speak to our clinic and conduct the student swearing-in ceremony. His insights as to the role of the court in the overall process of a veteran’s claim will be valuable as we advocate for our clients. Those were remarks I won’t forget. Reciting the oath before him really highlighted the impact that we can have on a veteran’s future by helping them navigate the legal/administrative process.” 2L Seth Owens.

“This group of students tonight raised their right hand and swore to zealously represent our community’s veterans. Here at the College of Law, we are proudly training the next generation of veteran advocates,” says Kubala.  “These students are directly impacting the way we treat our veterans, and programs like this reflect the College of Law’s commitment in making Syracuse University the Best Place for Veterans.”     

2L Luis Weierbach Awarded 2023 Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship

The Pat Tillman Foundation has announced its scholars for 2023, including College of Law student 2L Luis Weierbach.

Prior to enrolling at the College of Law, Weierbach attended West Point and was later commissioned as an active-duty infantry officer, became airborne qualified, led a light infantry platoon in Thailand and Korea, and served as a company executive officer and battalion logistics officer.

A New York State wrestling champion in high school, Weierbach seeks to bring his passion for his fellow soldiers and young athletes to his future career in law. He plans to continue his life of service as an advocate in the courtroom for soldiers and an ambassador of healthy outlets like wrestling to underserved youth, encouraging participation in non-profits such as “Beat the Streets” to prevent them from entering the justice system and staying on the right path.

“I believe that we are as strong as our weakest moment and the grit we summon to wrestle through it,” Weierbach states.

As a Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner for the last five years, Syracuse University proudly supports its Tillman Scholars. The Program unites and empowers remarkable military veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self.

College of Law Adds Alumni from DLA Piper and Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP to its Board of Advisors

Syracuse University College of Law has added James L. Kelly L’99, Partner and Chair, New York Private Equity at DLA Piper, and Sandeep (Sandy) Qusba L’94, Partner and Head of the Restructuring Practice at Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP, to its Board of Advisors. Kelly and Qusba will strengthen the College’s Board with their extensive legal and leadership experiences.

“James and Sandy are highly accomplished attorneys who bring to our Board deep knowledge of the legal industry and an understanding of the skills that new attorneys need to achieve their goals,” says Dean Craig M. Boise. “I look forward to working with them.  Their insights into the profession will help steer our academic programs in support of our mission.”

“On behalf of the Board, I want to welcome James and Sandy,” says College of Law Board of Advisors Chair Melanie Gray L’81. “As lawyers and leaders at two of the world’s largest and most respected law firms, James and Sandy are shining examples of the heights that Orange lawyers reach and serve as inspiration for our students.”

James Kelly

James Kelly focuses his practice on representing private equity funds in all aspects of their investment activities. He is recognized by The Legal 500 US in Private Equity Buyouts and has been recognized for numerous consecutive years by Chambers in New York M&A. Kelly graduated from Syracuse University College of Law magna cum laude where he was Lead Articles Editor for Syracuse Law Review and received the Order of the Coif. He received his B.A. from the University of Washington.

Sandeep (Sandy) Qusba

Sandeep (Sandy) Qusba focuses on restructurings, bankruptcies, acquisition of distressed companies, and bank financings. He has represented private equity sponsors, special committees of boards and portfolio companies, agent banks, steering committees, and official and ad hoc committees and creditors in some of the largest Chapter 11 proceedings and out-of-court restructurings in recent years across a wide range of sectors, among them media, real estate, healthcare, energy, automotive, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

Qusba was recently named an “Outstanding Restructuring Lawyer” by Turnarounds & Workouts and has also been inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy.

Qusba received his J.D. cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law and his B.A. from Tufts University. He served as a law clerk for Chief Judge Stephen D. Gerling in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Northern District of New York.

Constitutional Law Book Owned by Robert E. Dineen L’1924 Donated to the College of Law

A Constitutional Law book owned by Robert E. Dineen L’1924 (the father of Robert E. Dineen Jr. L’66, Carolyn Dineen King, and Kathryn Dineen Wriston who made the naming gift of Dineen Hall in their parent’s honor) was recently donated to the College of Law’s Library. The book was purchased from a local bookseller by Tammy Alvarez, secretary to the Hon. Theodore H. Limpert L’88 who arranged for the donation through Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic Executive Director Beth Kubala.

“What an intriguing find!” says Law Library Director Jan Fleckenstein G’84, G’86, L’11.  “In the Law Library we often showcase particular alumni, and we try to include books that would have been in the library collection when those alumni were students, but so far as I know we’ve never been able to display a book that we know was owned and used by an alumnus of that era, almost 100 years ago.”

She continues, “Many thanks to Ms. Alvarez for discovering the volume and to Judge Limpert for noticing the name and coordinating the donation with Professor Kubala.”

The book is “The General Principles of Constitutional Law in the United States of America, Third Edition” by Thomas M. Cooley LL.D. and Andrew C. McLaughlin A.M., LL.B., printed in 1898.

The inscription on the front inside cover has Dineen’s name, address, and class year.

The book is housed in the Peter Herzog L’55 and Brigitte Herzog L’75 Special Collections room.

Clockwise from top left: inscription by Robert E. Dineen L’1924; the book’s title page; the Hon. Theodore Limpert L’88, Tammy Alvarez, Law Library Director Jan Fleckenstein G’84, G’86, L’11; Judge Limpert; Fleckenstein, JudgeLimpert, and Alvarez view Judge Limpert’s class composite.

Jeremy Gurgis L’23 wins SU Libraries Outstanding Student Employee Award

Jeremy Gurgis, a three-year student employee at the Law Library, has been awarded a Kathy and Stanley Walters Student Employee Scholarship for his outstanding service to the SU Libraries.  This award recognizes student employees who have demonstrated dedicated service over time and significant contributions that have made a lasting impact on the SU Libraries.

Gurgis joined the Law Library during his 1L year, working at the Circulation Desk, using his expertise to help his fellow law students access the Law Library’s collections and services.  “Jeremy exemplifies the value that student employees add to Law Library services,” says Law Library Director Jan Fleckenstein G’84, G’86, L’11.  “He has always gone ‘above and beyond’ to help his fellow law students and to support the work of our Law Librarians and staff.  We are delighted to see his dedication to the Law Library and the College of Law recognized across the campus.” 

The Kathy and Stanley Walters Student Employee Scholarship Awards are generously supported by Kathy and Stanley Walters, the family of Patricia Kutner Strait, and the many donors to the SU Libraries Dean’s Fund. 

College of Law Receives Major Gift to Name Low Income Taxpayer Clinic in Honor of Clinic Founder Sherman F. Levey ’57, L’59

(Syracuse, NY | May 15, 2023) Syracuse University College of Law announced today it is receiving a major gift for which it will rename its Low Income Taxpayer Clinic the Sherman F. Levey ’57, L’59 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC).

Levey, who passed away in April 2018, is credited with establishing the LITC in 2002 while teaching at the College of Law.  As an adjunct professor at the College of Law and a full-time practicing lawyer in Rochester, NY he secured the clinic’s original funding.  Former colleague and now Emeritus Professor Martin L. Fried recalls conversations with Levey as the idea for the LITC was taking shape, in which they discussed the need to offer law students an alternative to the criminal law clinic that was popular at the time.  “We wanted to give students who were interested in business and the commercial sphere a chance to get some clinical experience in the real world and insight that could make them better lawyers,” says Fried.  “Sherm was the mover and shaker behind the LITC, seeing that it could help our students and people who would never have had a chance against the IRS.” Levey served as the co-director of the clinic for many years alongside current LITC director Professor Robert Nassau.

“My father always supported the underdog because he started as one,” says Lynn Levey G’94 L’94.  “He was entirely self-made.  He loved the practice of law and wanted the students to love the practice, to see there were all these different things you could do with it, that it was fun, and that you could serve others.”

Levey, who passed away in 2018, formed the tax law firm of Rubin and Levey in Rochester with Sydney R. Rubin after law school. The firm eventually merged with Harris, Beach and Wilcox to form Harris, Beach, Wilcox, Rubin and Levey.  Most recently he was Of Counsel at Boylan Code LLP.

Lynn Levey, along with brother Ted, sister Amy, and Sherm’s cousin Edith D. Warner, decided to honor Levey’s life and legacy of service and learning with a significant gift to the College of Law.

Learning is the primary goal of the clinic, says Nassau. “We ask ourselves: Did the student attorney learn a new and important body of tax knowledge and how to implement and deploy it in real-life situations? Did the student attorney help to resolve a taxpayer’s legal controversies and experience the joy and professional satisfaction that flows from such work?” says Nassau, “in most cases, I can see knowledge and empathy and excitement blossoming in the brains and hearts of our student attorneys.” 

“As a former tax attorney, I can certainly appreciate the need for the kind of assistance provided by the students in the LITC and the role it plays in our community,” says College of Law Dean Craig M. Boise.  “It also plays a vital role in legal education.  Sherm Levey was a visionary.  He understood the importance of law students gaining practical skills and was a key player in the evolution of clinical programs that make Syracuse College of Law both distinctive and relevant. The College of Law community is thankful for his dedication to the College and his family’s generosity.”

The LITC offers legal assistance to lower-income taxpayers who have controversies with the Internal Revenue Service. The controversies may include collection, examination, and appeals matters.

Students represent clients in administrative proceedings before the I.R.S., and in judicial proceedings before the United States Tax Court or Federal District Courts. Read more about the Sherman F. Levey ’57, L’59 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic in our 2023 Stories Book.

VLC Students Deliver Oral Arguments Before U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Students walking down a street in Washington, D.C.

While many law school students learn about appellate advocacy in the classroom or on a mock trial competition team, seven College of Law students recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for an oral argument before a federal court. The students seized the opportunity to apply the skills they learned in their law school experience before a three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. 

The Executive Director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC), Professor Beth Kubala, supervised the students along the way and applauded their efforts. 

“Participating in a clinic during law school not only affords students an opportunity to work directly with actual clients on important issues, it also gives them invaluable real-world legal experience. The students learned how to navigate a complex appellate process and did so while zealously representing their client.” 

Elizabeth G. Kubala, Executive Director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic

Student attorneys in the VLC represented the widow of an Army veteran in her pursuit of survivor benefits. The students initially assisted the widow in appealing this matter through the Army’s administrative process, then through the federal court system. 

As the students learned, effective appellate advocacy requires a cohesive litigation team to conduct legal analysis, writing, and advocacy simultaneously. Several students contributed to the litigation team through various roles and tasks. 

Students and faculty standing in a line in front of a brick wall
Ben Emmi L’23, Emily Pascale L’23, Professor Beth Kubala, 2L Milana Casillas, 2L Cody Nagel, and Bill Rielly L’23.

Last summer, VLC student Mike Poggi L’22 took the lead in drafting the appellant’s opening brief. Bill Rielly L’23 and 2L Milana Casillas helped with research, responding to motions, and brief writing and editing. During the summer, as part of clinic case rounds, all students collaborated in reviewing the draft brief, providing feedback, and helping to shape the final submission. Leveraging clinic students for this purpose brought fresh perspectives, objectivity, and ideas for new approaches to challenging issues. 

“Under the leadership of Professor Kubala, we cultivated a dynamic work environment that promoted collaboration and efficiency. Her guidance and support were instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of our case, and she always went above and beyond to ensure that we had the resources and support we needed to succeed. It has been rewarding to work towards our goal with full confidence in one another and with the support of the Syracuse Law.”

2L Milana Casillas

“In the Veterans Legal Clinic, I had the privilege to work with online JDinteractive and residential J.D. students from across the US, collaborating on research, editing, and motion filing for an important case on behalf of a veteran’s widow. This experience culminated in an awesome morning at the United States Appeals Court for the Federal Circuit in Washington D.C., where our lead Syracuse student attorney persuasively argued before the Court,” says Rielly. 

In the fall, after receiving the government’s response brief, Ben Emmi L’23 volunteered to draft the appellant’s reply brief to counter matters raised by the Department of Justice. Again, the team mobilized to analyze the government’s approach, refute opposing arguments, and respond appropriately to convince the court that the law supported a finding for the client. 

With more than 80 percent of federal appeals decided solely based on written briefs, it came as a bit of a surprise in the spring when the clinic received notice that the Federal Circuit requested an oral argument. Emmi rose to the challenge, narrowing the issues and determining the strongest arguments. 

Students and faculty in front of the Capitol building

Syracuse Law community members mobilized to hold moot court proceedings to emulate the experience of arguing a case at the appellate level. Professors Shannon Gardner, Courtney Abbot Hill L’09, Kelly Curtis, and Adjunct Professor Dean DiPilato from Mackenzie Hughes donned judicial robes and held two separate moot court sessions where they replicated real court proceedings by asking numerous questions to force Emmi to think on his feet and practice engaging with the bench. During the first moot court session, the entire proceeding was filmed for later use in one of the College’s Appellate Advocacy classes. 

Each moot court session helped Emmi refine his knowledge of the facts of the case, practice his opening statement, and expertly frame the issues consistently. The students provided feedback, discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments, and continued to predict the questions the judges would pose. 

In early April, a team of students gathered in Washington D.C. for the oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Prepared and composed, Emmi confidently appeared before the three-judge panel to emphasize arguments made in the briefs and respond to pointed questions from the judges. The oral argument represented the culmination of 24 months of effort from the entire clinic. 

“We were able to put on two moot arguments with the help of Professors Abbott-Hill, Curtis, and Gardner, and Mackenzie Hughes partner, Dean Dipilato. I owe them a huge thank you. They were incredibly dedicated to learning the subject matter and providing me with the most realistic experience possible, not once but twice. As a testament to their judicial prowess, many of their questions during practice came up during the actual argument. I can sum up my argument in front of the Federal Circuit by saying that I wouldn’t have even had such an incredible experience without the support of my peers and Syracuse Law faculty,” says Emmi. 

Students and faculty in front of the U.S. Supreme Court

After an outstanding morning in federal court, the students enjoyed engaging with alumni and partners across the nation’s capital. The Marshal of the U.S. Supreme Court gave the students an insider’s view of the courtroom and other historic portions of the building. Bill Van Saun L’19 provided the students with current perspectives from the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, where he serves as Legal Counsel. The next day, 2L Cody Nagel hosted students for a tour of the White House, where she currently is interning with the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Bill, Ben and Cody at the White House

1L D’Andre Gordon Named One of Eight Federal Magistrate Judges Association Fellows

1L D’Andre Gordon was named a Federal Magistrate Judges Association (FMJA) Fellow for the 2023-2024 academic year. He is one of eight law students nationwide to be named a FMJA Fellow. Gordon will be interning for the Hon. Thérèse Wiley Dancks L’91, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of New York.

According to the FMJA, “The FMJA is committed to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and the courts. For this reason, FMJA, in collaboration with Just the Beginning – A Pipeline Organization, created the fellowships to support and promote the placement of diverse and underrepresented law students in judicial internships with U.S. Magistrate Judges. Each FMJA Fellow will also have the opportunity to participate in FMJA programs advising students about the application process for federal clerkships and the various career pathways to the bench.”

Gordon says, “As someone who identifies strongly with Black people’s struggle for liberation, the FMJA fellowship is necessary for increasing diversity in the judiciary. Because the intersection of race and class permeates every aspect of our lives, the federal judiciary must strive to reflect the demographic makeup of the U.S. population. Otherwise, there is a real risk that federal courts will cause more significant public harm, and public trust will erode. Working with a magistrate judge will allow me to better understand how federal judges decide cases of great importance while also learning about multiple areas of law. Using the skills I’ll gain working in a judge’s chambers, I hope to become a stronger and more effective advocate for individuals and groups lacking access to the legal system.”  

Transactional Law Clinic Students Present on Key Legal Business Topics to Newhouse Students

Transactional Law Clinic (TLC) 3Ls Brian Harrison and Alexis Telga recently spoke to a group of Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communication students on “Creating Your Own Media: Legal Considerations When in Business for Yourself.” Harrison and Telga, along with TLC Director Professor Jessica Murray, covered legal topics for students considering setting up their own business or freelancing, in fields such as photography, graphic design, and writing. This included an overview of the different business entities, how to set up your entity, and copyright and trademark considerations.

The TLC was invited by J Elliott Lewis, Newhouse Professor of Practice, Graduate Program Director, Broadcast and Digital Journalism.

Two men and two women standing together
Brian Harrison, Alexis Telga, Jessica Murray, and J Elliott Lewis
A classroom

Christopher (Martz) Arima L’22 was Named a “2023 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award” Winner by the Burton Awards

Christopher (Martz) Arima L’22 was named a “2023 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award” winner by the Burton Awards. His note “Domestic Violence in Iraq: Legal Barriers to Survivors in Pursuit of Justice” was published in the Journal of Global Rights and Organizations Annual Review – Volume 12. Aliza Milner, Director of Legal Communication and Research, reviewed notes from the College’s academic journals to select one paper for submission.

Arima is currently a law clerk at Herbert Smith Freehills New York LLP, specializing in disputes, international arbitration, and international investment.

The Burton Awards, established in 1999, is funded by the Burton Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and academic effort devoted to recognizing and rewarding excellence in the legal profession. The Burton Awards were established to honor the finest accomplishments in law, including writing, reform, public service and interest, regulatory innovation, and lifetime achievements in the profession.  

Law360 is the lead sponsor of the awards and the American Bar Association is the co-sponsor.

Christopher (Martz) Arima