In addition to your financial gifts, loyal and engaged Orange alumni help their alma mater in many other ways—from hiring graduates and hosting externs, to guest lecturing and teaching, to coaching and judging advocacy teams.
Every way you contribute makes a difference for our students, not least in the personal professional bonds that are formed among generations of Orange lawyers.
Here we offer a few vignettes about how alums have been offering their time and talent in the past year, and why they do it.
HIRING INTERNS
Welcome to the Future
Pearl Rimon L’14
Pearl Rimon L’14 says she has a “legal job of the future.” That description might be a little tongue-in-cheek, but consider this: her employer—San Francisco-based Rocket Lawyer, a cloud legal service for which Rimon is a Senior Legal Researcher—actually has seen significant growth in business during the coronavirus pandemic. “When everything goes online, that’s when we shine,” says Rimon.
The pandemic also changed Rocket Lawyer’s hiring practices, and Rimon was in a position to look beyond the Bay Area for a summer intern, the best candidate who could assist Rimon remotely, from any location. She reached out to Interim Director of Career Services Sam Kasmarek and together they tapped 3L Dominique Kelly for the job. “Dominique has been great and is staying on through December,” says Rimon, adding that Kelly helps her with the task of ensuring that Rocket Lawyer’s more than 1,000 legal templates are both legally sound and optimized for their clients.
3L Dominique Kelly
One project the pair is currently working on is a new campaign for small business owners, self-employed individuals, and others looking for tax advice. “I would have loved to have done this kind of internship when I was a 3L,” admits Rimon, “because it would have combined my passion for technology and the law.”
In addition to your financial gifts, loyal and engaged Orange alumni help their alma mater in many other ways—from hiring graduates and hosting externs, to guest lecturing and teaching, to coaching and judging advocacy teams.
Every way you contribute makes a difference for our students, not least in the personal professional bonds that are formed among generations of Orange lawyers.
Here we offer a few vignettes about how alums have been offering their time and talent in the past year, and why they do it.
OFFERING CAREER ADVICE
The Optimism and the Energy
There’s an energy about the students that I love,” says Kristen Smith L’05. “It reminds me of what was exciting about law school—the optimism and the energy. It’s good to be around.”
That’s just one of the reasons why Smith, Corporation Counsel for the City of Syracuse, likes to help out with College of Law Orientation. In fall 2020, she was asked to join the student/alumni roundtable and break-out sessions to introduce the incoming class of JDinteractive students to Orange Nation.
“This was my second time helping out at JDi Orientation,” says Smith. “In 2019 it was in Dineen Hall, but this time it was via Zoom. In addition to an open forum, I discussed law school and legal careers. I was very impressed with the technology.”
The students, recalls Smith, asked questions about study habits, how externships work for students with full time jobs, and whether or not an online program graduate will be able to find employment.
Addressing this last question, Smith reminded students that there isn’t much data on employment for online program graduates, “but as long as they have a strong academic record and do well, employers will look at their credentials. Besides, now that law schools are online due to the coronavirus pandemic, a fully online law degree will be less unusual.”
Not only does Smith enjoy the energy and optimism of the matriculating students, she also likes staying connected to her alma mater. “I think that graduates have to stay connected for the sake of the classes that come after us,” she observes. “It’s an important thing to do for an institution we care about.”
In addition to your financial gifts, loyal and engaged Orange alumni help their alma mater in many other ways—from hiring graduates and hosting externs, to guest lecturing and teaching, to coaching and judging advocacy teams.
Every way you contribute makes a difference for our students, not least in the personal professional bonds that are formed among generations of Orange lawyers.
Here we offer a few vignettes about how alums have been offering their time and talent in the past year, and why they do it.
HIRING CLERKS
The Great Experience
Erin Lafayette L’13 (left) is a prime example of why it’s a great idea for students and graduates to keep in touch with the Office of Career Services. She happened to inquire about openings at just the right time in late 2013 when alumnus the Hon. Robert D. Mariani L’76, US District Judge of the US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, was looking to hire new clerks.
“I was living in California when I contacted Career Services and learned that Judge Mariani had lost a clerk,” recalls Lafayette. “So I sent in my résumé and was called in for an interview. That was in January 2014. I started two weeks later.”
Lafayette says that Judge Mariani had been on the bench in Scranton, PA, for two years at that point and decided to turn to his alma mater for law clerk candidates. “He also hired Matt Clemente L’14. Matt was hired before me, but I was the first to start. After six months of being a term clerk, it became a permanent job.”
Since Clemente and Lafayette, Judge Mariani has hired Dana Nevins L’16, Carly Rolfe L’20 (pictured, at right), and Kathrine Brisson L’20. “Judge Mariani likes to hire Syracuse graduates because of the great experience he had at the law school and because of what he got out of his education,” explains Lafayette. “Syracuse professors taught him what he needs to know, he tells me.”
Lafayette says that the variety of cases—civil rights, personal injury, constitutional matters, and first and fourth amendment issues—is part of what makes her work so satisfying.
As any clerk knows, that broad docket means plenty of research, reading, and drafting so the court runs smoothly and the judge has the information needed to pass orders and opinions.
“My advice to students looking for a clerkship is focus on your writing skills,” she observes. “You must be able to write clearly, processing information and cases so you can synthesize what you learn and get to the point.”
In addition to your financial gifts, loyal and engaged Orange alumni help their alma mater in many other ways—from hiring graduates and hosting externs, to guest lecturing and teaching, to coaching and judging advocacy teams.
Every way you contribute makes a difference for our students, not least in the personal professional bonds that are formed among generations of Orange lawyers.
Here we offer a few vignettes about how alums have been offering their time and talent in the past year, and why they do it.
JUDGING ADVOCACY COMPETITIONS
This Is a New Era
Joanne Van Dyke L’87
By all reckoning, the second annual Syracuse National Trial Competition—held online Oct. 16 to 18, 2020—went extremely smoothly.
That’s down to the organizational skills of Director of Advocacy Programs Todd Berger, long-time coach Joanne Van Dyke L’87, and Advocacy Program students; technology that enabled online argument and scoring; and scores of volunteer alumni who help to fill an awe-inspiring 150 judge and evaluator spots.
To fill that many positions, Van Dyke turned to Advocacy Program veterans. “We had alum evaluators from California, Florida, Texas, and Georgia—from all over the country,” explains Van Dyke, acknowledging the silver lining that virtual competition affords. “The fact we were able to bring back former students as judges and evaluators was huge. It was great to see them and their enthusiasm.”
Van Dyke adds that she received many emails and thank you cards after the tournament. “Former students said judging SNTC made them feel as though they were back in law school!”
Kaylin Grey L’06
One of those enthusiastic alums was Kaylin Grey L’06. “The tournament was really well run, and I had a blast,” Grey says. “I judged three rounds, and I couldn’t get enough!”
Now a partner in the Miami office of MG+M, Grey coached Syracuse trial teams when she lived in Rochester after graduation, and she was hoping to return to Syracuse to help judge SNTC in-person. “I missed coaching trial teams, so I’m grateful I could get involved this way,” she says. “I was able to reconnect with people I hadn’t seen in a long time.”
According to Van Dyke, engaging the Advocacy Program virtually has inspired some SNTC judges to get even more involved with the Advocacy Program, coaching teams and judging other competitions remotely.
“I will continue to help out,” says Grey. In fact, since SNTC she has coached Syracuse Tournament of Champions and National Civil Trial Competition teams.
Collaboration software isn’t just revolutionizing advocacy tourneys, adds Grey. “I’ve told the young advocates that online is the new thing. Recently, I’ve been doing virtual depositions and evidentiary hearings—this is a new era.”
In addition to your financial gifts, loyal and engaged Orange alumni help their alma mater in many other ways—from hiring graduates and hosting externs, to guest lecturing and teaching, to coaching and judging advocacy teams.
Every way you contribute makes a difference for our students, not least in the personal professional bonds that are formed among generations of Orange lawyers.
Here we offer a few vignettes about how alums have been offering their time and talent in the past year, and why they do it.
HOSTING EXTERNS
Communication Is the Key to Success
Cisco Palao-Ricketts L’03
For Cisco Palao-Ricketts L’03—a Partner in US Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation at DLA Piper and a member of the College of Law Board of Advisors— contributing to the College of Law’s success begins with staying in touch with your alma mater. In Palao-Rickett’s case, that engagement led to a new externship opportunity for students at DLA Piper, one of the world’s largest and best-known law firms.
“This new externship came about because Dean Boise visited the West Coast to meet with alumni,” says Palao-Ricketts. “We met over lunch to discuss how the school is doing. By being communicative like this, you can find out many different ways you can help.”
Palao-Ricketts took the initiative to create an applied learning opportunity at DLA Piper for Syracuse students passionate about learning tax law at a multinational law firm that represents leading companies across many industries.
To Palao-Ricketts, Syracuse’s tax program—and dedicated teachers such as professors Robert Nassau and Greg Germain—consistently produces strong graduates. “I told Dean Boise it would be good to let tax students showcase their wares at DLA Piper.”
3L Ki-Jana Crawford
The first DLA Piper extern to take on this formidable challenge—in spring 2021—will be 3L Ki-Jana Crawford, an Illinois native with an undergraduate degree in finance and business administration from the University of Kentucky and an Assistant Notes Editor at Syracuse Law Review.
“Ki-Jana is a very bright student with a strong academic background and a strong interest in doing tax law,” says Palao-Ricketts. “This externship will be a great opportunity for him to earn credits and gain practical experience. It will be very useful to him.”
Palao-Ricketts adds, “I cannot tell you how quickly I would have been in line if this externship had been available to me!”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, DLA Piper offices in Palo Alto—where Palao-Rickets is based—won’t return to in-person business until at least Jan. 1, 2021. “So we’ve adjusted the externship to be done remotely, but the projects we work on won’t change,” Palao-Ricketts explains.
Echoing his advice for alums looking to help the College, Palao-Ricketts says online communication between extern and supervisor will be the key to success.
In addition to your financial gifts, loyal and engaged Orange alumni help their alma mater in many other ways—from hiring graduates and hosting externs, to guest lecturing and teaching, to coaching and judging advocacy teams.
Every way you contribute makes a difference for our students, not least in the personal professional bonds that are formed among generations of Orange lawyers.
Here we offer a few vignettes about how alums have been offering their time and talent in the past year, and why they do it.
Every semester, College of Law students in the Innovation Law Center (ILC) benefit from the extensive expertise and broad experience of practitioners who supervise student research projects for real-world clients.
Often those practitioners are drawn from the ranks of alumni who have graduated from the College’s preeminent technology commercialization and intellectual property (IP) law program. One such adjunct professor is Brian Gerling L’99, Senior Counsel for Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC (BSK).
“I found it fascinating”
At BSK, Gerling’s practice focuses on intellectual property, data privacy, cybersecurity, and economic development in the beverage, environmental, and plastics industries. He also is engaged with the autonomous systems industry, serving as legal advisor to local unmanned aerial vehicle businesses.
As an adjunct professor, Gerling oversees one of ILC’s experiential learning practicums, working with students, as well as ILC clients, to research the technical, legal, and business aspects involved in bringing new technologies to market.
When did he first become interested in technology? “Even as a kid, I was curious how or why things worked,” recalls Gerling. “Whether it was electricity or the human body, I found it fascinating, and that’s what led me down the path to a degree in biology.”
During that process, Gerling studied medical and laboratory processes and equipment, which are often the result of innovative technological advancements. While studying for his undergraduate degree, he “discovered that I could marry my passion for biotechnology and the law, and that’s what brought me to Syracuse to focus on IP law.”
“[Students’] intelligence and eagerness to learn is kinetic. It is just a different vibe and energy from working with – or against – other attorneys.”
Hagelin and Rudnick: “True gentlemen”
Gerling’s reason for giving back to his alma mater—and specifically the Innovation Law Center—primarily came from wanting to settle back in Central New York after living away from the area after graduation.
In addition to his local roots, Gerling’s experience learning technology law under the late Professor Ted Hagelin drove his decision to get involved. While at the College of Law, Gerling says that he got to know Professor Hagelin through classes and by editing the Syracuse Journal of Science and Technology Law, and he marveled at not only Hagelin’s brilliant mind but also his character (“a true gentleman,” says Gerling).
“Professor Hagelin started the Technology Law Commercialization Program, the precursor to ILC, and he just left an indelible impression on me,” says Gerling. “I learned from him about navigating through legal issues, and even more about life. I have used the principles I learned while at the College of Law throughout my career.”
After a year or so back in Central New York, Gerling says he met ILC Director M. Jack Rudnick L’73 through local business circles. “After meeting Jack a couple of times, I thought to myself he was very much like Ted, a sharp legal mind and just a true gentleman,” says Gerling. “I then learned that he was running Professor Hagelin’s program. I discussed the ILC with Jack and ways that I could get involved, and here we are.”
“Really neat technologies”
When asked about his favorite part of joining the ILC team, Gerling says that his colleagues at the ILC are all accomplished, and it is just a joy to work with them. But he says his favorite part hands-down is working with the students. “Their intelligence and eagerness to learn is kinetic. It is just a different vibe and energy from working with—or against—other attorneys,” observes Gerling. “I look forward to class each week, and I enjoy and appreciate their perspectives on life and society. That is inspirational because it challenges me to be a more rounded educator and person.
Gerling says the companies that he and his students have worked on recently include technologies ranging from protecting energy grids, to biosensor masks, to unmanned aerial systems operations, “so the students have been exposed to a wide spectrum of really neat technologies.”
As far as adjustments due to COVID-19, Gerling’s team has had to navigate the challenges associated with a hybrid learning environment, but this format worked well in Gerling’s view. That success in this trying time, he attests, is a testament to not only to College and University leadership but also to the students.
Each year, your philanthropic engagement fills us with pride
In response to inquiries about how alumni giving to the College of Law stacks up by class year, in the 2018 Giving Book, we began publishing “The Big Board.” Here, starting with the Class of 1960, you’ll find a class-by-class giving participation breakdown, with arrows indicating an increase in percentage from last fiscal year, calculated by alumni who made gifts during Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020). You will also find lifetime giving by class, through June 30, 2020.
Annual giving is the lifeblood of the College of Law, and each year there are new successes to celebrate. Early in FY20, the classes of 1959, 1979, 1994, and 1999 kicked off reunion year class challenges with enthusiasm, boosting class participation rates and raising more than $65,000 from 72 donors.
Syracuse University’s third-annual day of giving in November 2019 saw another record performance, with 581 donors making gifts to Boost the ’Cuse, nearly 100 additional gifts compared to the previous year.
In spring 2020, we were filled with gratitude by the outpouring of empathy from alumni who wanted to support College of Law students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
’Cuse Law Cares—part of the larger Syracuse Responds COVID-19 student aid and relief initiative—raised more than $50,000 to provide emergency grants to students facing financial hardships. Thanks to many gifts from alumni and available grant funding, more than 200 of these emergency grants were awarded, and this work continues as the pandemic evolves. We are grateful to our many alumni who reached out with support during such a difficult time.
We are also grateful to the Class of 2020, which elected to make a special gift to ’Cuse Law Cares, as the University’s Class Act! senior class giving campaign was suspended due to the pandemic. Undeterred by the extraordinary events of 2020, the Class of 2021’s giving campaign is well underway, and class leaders are forging ahead with their philanthropic goals.
As we strive to overcome the new and unprecedented financial challenges for higher education, alumni support is particularly important. Your philanthropy fuels our innovation and progress. It helps us to build on what distinguishes our law school from the more than 200 nationwide. It propels our students into extraordinary careers such as yours. And gifts to the Law Annual Fund and scholarships assist our recruitment efforts by increasing selectivity and lowering class sizes.
Be sure to make your gift in time for next year’s participation report by donating today, and make sure to read next year’s Giving Book to see how your class did in FY21.
Our alumni’s generosity underwrites the College of Law’s success.
For many alumni, a tradition of lifelong giving is often tied to personal stories and fond memories of their alma mater. And what better time to reflect on their College of Law days than on the occasion of a class anniversary! Here, alums celebrating years ending in zero share their philanthropic journeys. Tell us yours by emailing us at su-law@law.syr.edu.
Betania Allo LL.M.’20
After graduation, Argentinian Betania Allo was selected for a Syracuse University Robert B. Menschel Public Service Fellows Fund award. She is using her Menschel Fellowship to complete service at the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, specifically in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) coordination, conducting technical assessments of member states and helping to mitigate terrorist use of technology.
What brought you to the College of Law? I was looking for a master of laws program that would allow me to specialize in cybersecurity and tech law. Unfortunately, few law schools acknowledge the importance of educating tech-savvy lawyers. Syracuse was my top choice because I loved the course offerings, the outstanding faculty, and the opportunity to work at the Institute for Security Policy and Law to dig deeper into the convergence of law and emerging technologies.
What law school memories stand out for you? Representing my L.LM. cohort before the Student Bar Association and performing senator duties gave wonderful memories. In addition, being the commencement speaker and sharing the Class of 2020 tribute video with professors and remarkable alumni—such as President-Elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. L’68—were true honors. Also, the Boost the ‘Cuse related events were so much fun! As Class Act! ambassador, I got the opportunity to get to know J.D. students and alumni better as we worked together toward a fulfilling cause.
When and why did you start to give back to the College of Law? Ever since my first day at the College of Law, I started getting involved in projects, affinity groups, and student government to give back to the school and enhance my fellow students’ experience.
In what ways have you given back? Giving back does not only mean donating money. Giving back also means putting time and talent to the service of the school. During the Boost the ‘Cuse events, I led the Class Act! fundraising efforts from LL.M. students, achieving an all-time record with 96.5% of my cohort donating to the College. In addition, I proudly represent the College of Law everywhere I go because I am grateful for the education I received. Here, I completed the competitive profile that today is awarding me so much professional success.
Why is philanthropy important to you? Philanthropy is important because it opens opportunities. As an international student from Argentina, I wouldn’t have been able to attend Syracuse and pursue my LL.M. if it wasn’t for the generous donations to the College of Law Scholarship fund. Funds go to help students like myself pursue legal degrees to contribute toward a more equitable and just society.
Do you have a message to recent graduates about giving back? Yes. Stay in touch and contribute with your time, leadership, talent, or donations to create opportunities for current and future students.
Our alumni’s generosity underwrites the College of Law’s success.
For many alumni, a tradition of lifelong giving is often tied to personal stories and fond memories of their alma mater. And what better time to reflect on their College of Law days than on the occasion of a class anniversary! Here, alums celebrating years ending in zero share their philanthropic journeys. Tell us yours by emailing us at su-law@law.syr.edu.
Edward (Ted) Townsend L’10
As an attorney in the Health Care and Human Services practice group at Rochester, NY-based Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, Ted Townsend advises hospitals, physician practices, and other health care providers, facilities, and organizations with a variety of operational, compliance, and governance matters.
What brought you to the College of Law as a student? I was living in Boston at the time and made the decision to return to school after working for five years. My search focused on schools that offered broad opportunities and strong programs across the board. In addition, I did not want to be pigeon-holed into a particular geographic market, or area of law, after graduation.
After visiting Syracuse, there was really no other logical choice. I felt immediately comfortable. The students and staff were genuine. The programming was strong and diverse. Also, the collaborative nature of the student body was readily apparent, which was a distinction from other schools. In addition, although I did not end up pursuing it, the joint degree options with the Maxwell School were very appealing.
What law school memories stand out for you? Without question, the day in February 2009 when I met my wife, Jennifer (Haralambides) Townsend L’11 . We use our law degrees very differently today, which is a testament to the range of legal education the College of Law offers.
When it comes down to it, what I miss about law school is my classmates and the relationships we developed. I found a community that was invested in working hard and supporting each other, but also not taking itself too seriously. Coming back after five years, I was not anticipating making lifelong friends at Syracuse, but that’s exactly what happened.
I was also Editor-in-Chief of the Syracuse Law Review—as was Jenn, which she insists I add!—and, while I look back on that as quite a challenge, I also have great memories of working with our Executive Board and the other members of Law Review.
When and why did you start to give back to the College of Law? If it wasn’t the first year after graduating, it was certainly the second. We gave only what we were able to, but believe that participation, even at a low level, is important. Syracuse was an incredible experience for both of us. Through our continued support, we have been able to stay connected and involved to ensure that others can have a similar experience.
In what ways have you given back? We have given back financially, served on panels, and have helped out at Orientation. We both remember what it was like to be there, we remember the support we had, and we try and contribute wherever possible.
Another way I help is through the hiring process, by doing on campus interviews on behalf of my firm and connecting with students informally to talk through their career options. Even if they don’t choose Harter Secrest, I try to make myself available as a resource for students who have questions about the next phase of their career.
Why is philanthropy important to you? I think Jenn and I consider ourselves lucky to have had our opportunities, so our goal is to provide the same for others in any way we can.
Do you have a message for recent graduates about giving back to their alma mater? It’s important to remember that even if you are not top of the ladder in terms of dollars, you can add value nonetheless. Any financial contribution goes a long way, and to the extent you can, that’s a great avenue for support. However, it’s not the only avenue. For instance, you can reach out to prospective students or offer advice to current students. If you stay involved, you can find great opportunities to contribute.
Our alumni’s generosity underwrites the College of Law’s success.
For many alumni, a tradition of lifelong giving is often tied to personal stories and fond memories of their alma mater. And what better time to reflect on their College of Law days than on the occasion of a class anniversary! Here, alums celebrating years ending in zero share their philanthropic journeys. Tell us yours by emailing us at su-law@law.syr.edu.
Stephen J. Jones L’00
Stephen J. Jones is a Partner at Peabody Nixon’s Rochester, NY, office. Jones leads the firm’s Labor and Employment Class Action Team and is regularly called upon to defend “bet the company,” high-stakes litigation. His experience includes defense of approximately 100 class actions and collective actions under the FLSA, ERISA, FCRA, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
What brought you to the College of Law? I was drawn to the College for several reasons, including its strong reputation in oral advocacy, beautiful campus, an academic scholarship, and a big-time Division 1 college sports atmosphere.
What law school memories stand out for you? My fondest memories are of the highly competitive moot court competitions (and even more competitive flag football league!); going to Cosmo’s Pizza with my good friend Roy Gutterman L’00; Professor William Wiecek’s intense lectures; nights out in Armory Square; and some great games in the Dome.
When and why did you start to give back to the College of Law? I believe it’s critical for the future of the College that alums stay connected and invested. I also met my wife, Margaret (Lyons) Jones L’01, at the College 21 years ago during a moot court competition, and we now have three children together (ages 14, 12, and 10). So the College has deep personal significance for me as well.
In what ways have you given back? My wife and I donate to the College annually, attend all of the Rochester alumni events, and return to the campus as much as possible for College of Law events and attend big games at the Dome.
Why is philanthropy important to you? At the end of the day, all that matters in life is making the world a little better place than how we found it.
Do you have a message to recent graduates about giving back? While it’s often difficult to give back soon after graduation, particularly when facing steep student debt, every little bit helps. Donations directly fund scholarships, facility improvements, and innovative programs. All of these factor strongly into the College’s reputation and standing in the legal community which, in turn, will be as asset on their career paths.
