Around Syracuse Law

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

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

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

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.

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