Around Syracuse Law

Pro Bono Student Spotlight: Kate Turner L’27

Kate Turner L’26

What type of pro bono legal service(s) have you performed?    

Last summer, I worked with the Prince William County Public Defender’s Office, assisting attorneys in preparing for trial, conducting bond interviews at the Adult Detention Center, and drafting sentencing memoranda for indigent clients. 

During law school, I’ve had the privilege of providing pro bono legal services through the Syracuse University College of Law Housing Clinic, where I represent tenants facing eviction and housing insecurity. In this role, I’ve conducted client interviews, drafted motions and settlement agreements, and appeared in court on behalf of clients who otherwise might not have had representation. 

This summer, I’ll be joining the Legal Aid Society’s Wrongful Conviction Unit in Manhattan, continuing my commitment to public interest and client-centered advocacy.

What benefits did you experience from doing this work?

My pro bono experiences have shaped both my understanding of the law and my sense of purpose within it. Working directly with clients has shown me the power of listening and communication, which are skills that go beyond doctrine or procedure. I’ve learned how to translate complex legal processes into language that clients can understand and trust, which stems from my background in linguistics and my goal of making the law more accessible. Professionally, this work has strengthened my research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills, but personally, it has reinforced why I came to law school in the first place: making legalese more understandable and approachable to my clients. 

What would you say to other law students considering pro bono work? Why would you recommend it to others? 

I would tell other law students that pro bono work is one of the most meaningful parts of legal education. It allows you to step outside of the classroom and see the law’s real impact on people’s lives. It’s also an opportunity to build professional confidence early in your legal career through meeting clients, drafting pleadings, and appearing in court under supervision. More than anything, it reminds you that the legal system is built for people, not just precedent. Whether or not you plan to pursue public interest law, pro bono work gives you perspective, empathy, and a sense of responsibility that will shape your entire career.

Pro Bono Student Spotlight: Jared Park L’26

Jared Park L’26

What type of pro bono legal service(s) have you performed?    

I spent a summer interning in the Criminal Appeals Department at Hiscock Legal Aid, where I drafted briefs, motions, memos, and correspondence on behalf of incarcerated clients to protect their rights throughout every stage of litigation. Last semester, I participated in the SU Criminal Defense Law Clinic, and I enjoyed it so much that I returned this semester as a Clinic II student. Through the clinic, I’ve had the opportunity to represent real clients in Syracuse City Court, handling misdemeanor and violation cases from arraignment to disposition. 

What benefits did you experience from doing this work?

These experiences confirmed that I want to build a career in public defense. They’ve given me meaningful courtroom experience before graduation and connected me with mentors who have shaped my career goals. 

What would you say to other law students considering pro bono work? Why would you recommend it to others? 

I encourage every law student to pursue pro bono work, especially through the clinics. There is no better way to learn than by doing, and no better use of our training than to serve communities who are too often overlooked by the legal system. 

Alumnus Finds Success Contributing to Seismic Shift in Technology

An entrepreneurial spirit, fascination with technology and interest in the law has taken Kevin Whittaker L’02 on a career path that has brought him to the heart of Silicon Valley, giving him the opportunity to contribute to complex legal issues that disruptive technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and big data has brought to businesses around the globe.

Headshot of Kevin Whittaker wearing a black Ripcord pullover in front of a green background

Whittaker has been an entrepreneur since he started selling candy at a profit to classmates in high school and college. While studying at Syracuse University College of Law, he convinced the law school to allow him to take some fashion design classes at the University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. This led to him creating a line of T-shirts that eventually morphed into Blue Bunney Couture, a men’s neckwear line that kept Whittaker busy as a fashion designer for 10 years after graduating from Syracuse Law. At the same time, he was also practicing law.

Whittaker worked for several large firms on the West Coast, including Faegre Drinker; Reed Smith LLP; Baker McKenzie; and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, where he found a real interest in defending and counseling tech companies in complex employment, financing and corporate matters.

Along the way, he met Alex Fielding and his team. Fielding is a group serial entrepreneur and founder of Ripcord Inc., a Silicon Valley-based company he started out of NASA technology with the mission to robotically extract meaningful data from mountains of paper records and digital documents that exist around the world.

Whittaker was fascinated by the work Ripcord was doing in the tech space, as it was the first to market with this technology, impacting a $62 billion document intelligence market. It is backed by leading investors, including Kleiner Perkins, Google Ventures, Lux Capital and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

When Ripcord offered Whittaker the opportunity to join the company in 2021, he jumped at the chance to combine his interest in entrepreneurship, technology and the law by handling all of its legal work, including commercial agreements, investor financing, mergers, IP, cybersecurity and compliance initiatives.

“I’ve always been interested in the next move, so being a part of this kind of initiative is very exciting to me. I’m eager to collaborate with my team and help to build something even bigger,” he says of the company’s use of proprietary robotics, generative AI and Cloud software to help the world become paperless and extract meaningful and useful data.

Whittaker has been generous in sharing his knowledge and experience in this space with students at Syracuse Law.

Last February, he took part in the College of Law’s Innovation Law Center Symposium, “Venture to Victory:  Pioneer Perspectives in Tech, Venture, and Private Equity.” He spoke on a panel of successful entrepreneurs, financial investors and legal experts discussing the challenges and opportunities that this disruptive technology is bringing to the legal field.

He notes that the “seismic shift” going on is creating greater expectations that new hires out of law school will be adept at the latest technology and ready to hit the ground running.

To that end, he has supported Syracuse Law and students aspiring to pursue technology and the law through the College of Law Scholarship and Financial Aid fund.

“I think that any kind of help I can offer the next generation of lawyers coming out of Syracuse is super important,” he says.

Looking back, Whittaker is pleased that he chose the non-linear route out of law school that brought him to a place where today he thrives.

He is also optimistic about emerging tools that are transforming the practice of law. “AI is coming for us, fast and furious,” he says. “It’s powerful and exciting and is going to impact every aspect of business and the law. Anyone who does not embrace it is going to be at a serious disadvantage. As for me, I’m embracing everything I can to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.”

First Latina Elected to Georgia State Assembly Receives LALSA Award for Advocating for Underrepresented Communities

Born in Mexico, Brenda López Romero L’11 spent most of her young life with her father in Georgia. She had to repeat kindergarten to improve her English, an experience that fueled her determination to not only acculturate but help advocate for others like her. Her parents always stressed that education was key to achievement, saying, “Go to school, and be somebody.” With that motivation, she became the first in her family to graduate from high school, complete a political science degree at Georgia State University and ultimately earn a law degree from the Syracuse University College of Law. 

Brenda Lopez Romerez speaks into a microphone at a podium in the courtroom, with two people seated behind her

López Romero has not only become “somebody,” but she has made history—as the first Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly, a position she held from 2017 to 2021. There, she sponsored 72 bills and served on committees related to education, retirement, state planning and community affairs. From 2021 to 2025, she served as senior assistant district attorney for the Gwinnet County (GA) district attorney’s office and today is an immigration attorney at The Lopez Firm. However, she is currently running again for the state assembly to regain her seat in the 2026 election.

In recognition of her contributions, López Romero was presented with the José Bahamonde-González L’92 Legacy Award from the Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) at Syracuse Law on Oct. 10, 2025. This award recognizes alumni who have significantly contributed to their communities and achieved excellence in their careers, while celebrating and recognizing the efforts that members of the Hispanic American community have made in the legal field. 

Brenda López Romero speaks with students at the 2025 José Bahamonde-González L’92 Legacy Award Event

“It is no wonder that Brenda López Romero was such a strong contender for the José Bahamonde-González Legacy Award,” says Syracuse Law Teaching Professor Suzette M. Meléndez, “From the moment that she stepped into our law school, Brenda always presented as someone with great determination and civic purpose. She knew that her decision to go to law school was to engage in the greater community seeking to improve the lives of others while using the rule of law to seek equity.”

Syracuse Law Teaching Professor Suzette M. Meléndez and LALSA President Imari Roque L26 celebrate Brenda López Romero.

Inspired by her father’s attorney—who once told her she’d make a good lawyer—López Romero set her sights on the law and never looked back. Her later entry into state government came from the idea that she could make a bigger impact if she had a voice that could open more doors for more people. Through her work, López Romero has been an advocate not only for the rights, protection and education of Latinos, but for those from many different backgrounds.

“I learned U.S. history and civil rights in school, and it showed me that I am here because other groups and communities went through struggles that made it possible for me. So I take this work very seriously,” she says. “When you advocate for a particular group or issue, you’re trying to create a more positive quality of life that ends up benefitting everyone.”

Receiving an award from her alma mater is very meaningful to López Romero, particularly because she was selected by the LALSA students. 

“It’s very significant to me and correlates to what the next generation of young people are going to be able to achieve,” she says. “I want to be a mentor and a memorable person in someone else’s life and know that I helped someone as many people have helped me along the way. The José Bahamonde-González L’92 Legacy Award is recognition that I’m doing just that. That little girl who came to America and spoke no English has a voice now, and I intend to keep using it.”

Criminal Law, Procedure, and Policy Speaker Series (2025-26)

This year’s Criminal Law & Policy Speaker Series connects students with top legal minds — from scholars to practitioners — tackling real-world challenges in criminal justice. It’s a chance to hear, question, and engage with those shaping the field. The series is organized by Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs Lauryn Gouldin with support from the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professorship Program, with many events hosted in partnership with the Criminal Law Society.

PresentationSpeaker and Date
The Role of a ProsecutorThe Honorable Margaret Garnett, U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York 

August 20, 2025
Representing Police Officers in Section 1983
Litigation		Syracuse University College of Law Professor Katherine Macfarlane

September 3, 2025
Representing AdolescentsAlan Rosenthal L’74, Veteran criminal defense and civil rights attorney

September 22, 2025
A Firsthand Account of the Challenges of Reentry: “Welcome Home from Prison, This Won’t Be Easy”The Honorable Mitchell Katz, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of New York, in Conversation with Dewayne Comer

September 29, 2025
Reforming Sixth Amendment RightsLisa Bailey Vavonese, Director, Research-Practice Strategies, and Matt Watkins, Senior Media & Policy Advisor, Center for Justice Innovation

October 6, 2025
The Value of Holistic Criminal DefensePiyali Basak, Managing Director at Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem

October 15, 2025
Supreme Court Preview – Criminal CasesLisa Peebles L’92, Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of New York

October 17, 2025
Networked Information Technology in Criminal LawProfessor Jessica Eaglin, Cornell University School of Law

November 5, 2025
Prior conviction impeachment: what is it, why is it harmful, and might it be abolished?Professor Anna Roberts, Dean’s Research Scholar, Brooklyn Law School

November 10, 2025
Criminal Law Society’s Forensic Series, in partnership with Onondaga County Forensic Laboratories and Syracuse University’s Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute, features sessions on Biology & DNA; Firearms & Latent Prints; and Drug Chemistry, Arson, & Digital EvidenceJanuary 29 ( Biology & DNA), February 12 (Firearms & Latent Prints), and February 26 (Drug Chemistry, Arson, & Digital Evidence)
Civil Rights Lawyering and Propaganda in a Time of Rising AuthoritarianismAlec Karakatsanis, Founder and Executive Director, Civil Rights Corps and Author of Usual Cruelty and Copaganda

February 18, 2026
The Tenacious Power of Constitutional TortsProfessor Joanna Schwartz, UCLA School of Law

April 16, 2026

Honoring Duty and Legacy: A 9/11 Story of Service at the Pentagon

In the days after the attacks of September 11, 2001, initial recovery at the Pentagon was supported by a mix of fire fighters, first responders, and military personnel.  Among them was current Syracuse Law student Jared Hansbrough L’29, at the time a Marine Captain, who volunteered to join fellow Marines in casualty recovery efforts over the ensuing week.  

On Sept. 13, the group recovered a Marine Corps flag that was standing in the wreckage, perched on the edge of a 4th floor office that had been split in half by the gaping hole left in the Pentagon.  The flag had somehow survived the attack unscathed. The group returned the flag to the Marine Corps, where it would symbolically become a reminder of the events of that week.  What began as a quiet act of service became a symbol of resilience and commitment to country — and a story that continues to inspire more than two decades later. 

Jared Hansbrough L’29 pictured on the far right in a white hazmat suit, alongside the recovered flag. Photo from the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

The Hon. James E. Baker, Director of the Institute for Security Policy and Law and Professor at Syracuse Law and the Maxwell School, also knows that flag. It once stood behind the desk of his mentor and close friend, Peter Murphy,  his son’s godfather and longtime Counsel to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. At 9:37 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001, Peter was standing in front of it when Flight 77 struck the Pentagon. Though injured, he returned to work the next day, determined that the law was as present on Sept. 12 as it had been on Sept. 10 and Sept. 11.

The flag was subsequently carried to Afghanistan and into space on the shuttle Endeavor before being returned to Peter. Today, it is displayed at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, a lasting tribute to Peter’s service, the service of Marines, and most of all to the victims of 9/11. 

Photo from the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Judge Baker said, “Peter, who was from New York, would have loved knowing that Jared had found his way to the law and to Syracuse, or as he might have put it, that Jared had chosen to continue to support and defend the Constitution as a lawyer.” 

After more than two decades of military service followed by public service at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Jared is now pursuing his law degree through the online hybrid JDinteractive program, preparing for a career in private practice. Today, we honor Jared’s story, and the courage, sacrifice, and service of all who responded in the wake of that tragic day.

Read more in the Washington Post from Sept. 14, 2001.

Orientation and JDi Residency Week 2025: Syracuse Law Welcomes Incoming Classes

Syracuse University College of Law concluded orientation week activities with the successful addition of nearly 300 new students into the academic community. The incoming class, representing one of the largest enrollments in recent years, includes students from 156 colleges and universities across 17 countries.

Class Profile and Admissions Statistics

The entering classes of 2025 reflect both academic selectivity and professional diversity. From 2,902 applications received for the on-campus J.D. and hybrid JDinteractive programs, the College accepted 973 applicants, representing an acceptance rate of just 33.5 percent. A significant portion of incoming students hold advanced degrees, with many bringing military or veteran experience to their legal studies.

Meet the JDinteractive Class of 2029 Meet the On-Campus J.D. Class of 2028 Meet the LL.M. Class of 2026

“From the first residency in Dineen Hall to orientation week activities and interacting with our outstanding faculty and staff, students quickly connect with their professors, peers, and the resources available to them. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their excitement and confidence as they embark on what will be some of the most important years of their lives, discovering their path in the legal profession and knowing they have a strong foundation to guide them along the way,” says Dean Terence Lau L’98.

JDinteractive Legal Foundations Residency

The JDinteractive cohort completed their mandatory Legal Foundations residency this week, marking their first in-person experience at Dineen Hall before beginning hybrid online coursework. This year’s JDi students include practicing professionals such as healthcare executives, entrepreneurs, military officers, law enforcement personnel, and public officials, including a sitting mayor and a Foreign Service Officer. The diverse professional backgrounds reflect the program’s design to accommodate working professionals seeking legal education.

On-Campus J.D.and LL.M. Orientation Programming

The traditional J.D. program welcomed 171 students, joined by 16 LL.M. candidates and four students in the accelerated J.D. track. The orientation program included academic preparation sessions and introductory coursework designed to prepare students for the rigor of legal education.

Table of law students share a lunch together in the atrium of Dineen Hall

Four Alumni Federal Judges Speak on Advocacy

The JDi residency week featured several educational programs, including a judicial panel comprising four Syracuse Law alumni currently serving on the federal bench.

The participating judges were Hon. Thérèse Wiley Dancks L’91, Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of New York; Hon. Robert D. Mariani L’76, U.S. Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Hon. David E. Peebles L’75, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of New York; and Hon. Glenn T. Suddaby L’85, U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of New York.

The panel focused on effective advocacy practices and professional development.

130th Convocation Ceremony

The College held its 130th Convocation ceremony on Thursday, with Dean Lau presiding. In his remarks to incoming students, Dean Lau emphasized the institution’s commitment to both academic excellence and community engagement, stating, “You are welcome here. You were chosen not just for your academic achievements, but for what you bring to this community and what you’ll contribute to the profession.”

The convocation address was delivered by Stephanie Jones L’03, Assistant General Counsel for Intellectual Property, Legal Operations, Real Estate, and GM Energy at General Motors Corporation. Jones spoke about professional excellence and ethical responsibility, saying, ““May you show up—fully and brilliantly—in every room you enter. May you lay the foundation for greatness not just in your achievements, but in your interactions. May your words be powerful, but your actions even more so. Honor yourself and consider not only what you will accomplish, but how you will do so.” 

Alumni Professional Development Panels

The JDi residency concluded with four professional development panels featuring 14 local alumni, providing students with insights into various legal career paths and practice areas. Panel participants included Larry Bousquet L’80, partner at Bousquet Holstein; Tom Caruso L’14, General Counsel at Mirabito Energy Products and co-founder of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic; and Hon. Ramon Rivera L’94, retired Court of Claims Judge from the NYS Unified Court System.

The panels addressed how legal education translates into professional practice and provided students with networking opportunities within the local legal community.

Beginning the Academic Year

With orientation and residency activities concluded, the students now begin their regular coursework. As classes commence, the incoming students join the broader Syracuse Law community to begin their legal education.

Syracuse Law Welcomes 171 Students to the Class of ’28 On-Campus J.D. Program

This August, Syracuse University College of Law proudly welcomed the newest members of its on-campus J.D. program to Dineen Hall. Over the course of orientation week, students connected with classmates, faculty, and staff while learning about the many resources that will support their success over the next three years.

One-hundred-and-seventy-one students from 28 states and four countries outside of the U.S. make up the Class of ’28. With an average age of 24 and a wide range spanning from 20 to 41, this class reflects a mix of traditional and non-traditional students, each bringing unique experiences, passions, and perspectives to the study of law.

“We are so pleased to welcome this year’s class of on-campus J.D. residential students, who have already begun to make their mark on Dineen Hall with their academic strength and energy,” says Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Teaching Professor Shannon Gardner. “We look forward to seeing all that this remarkable group accomplishes in their time here and as they launch impactful careers in the legal profession.”

Students of the On-Campus J.D. Class of 2028

Our on-campus J.D. students come from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to pursuing law as a way to create impact. Most are beginning their legal education directly after their undergraduate studies, while some bring professional experience, military service, or community leadership with them to the classroom.

Meet a few members of the On-Campus J.D. Class of 2028:

Christopher P. Fox L’28

Hometown: Webster, New York

Christopher Fox comes to Syracuse Law with a wealth of experience. He is a graduate of St. John Fisher University, a father to a 10-year-old son, a Freemason with a dedication to supporting charities in his community, and a disabled combat veteran of the United States Army, who was deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom.


Why did you choose Syracuse University College of Law?

“I chose Syracuse not only because it is a university where my mother met my father and told me stories of hearing Malcolm X give a speech but also because of the kind of education I wanted to receive in law. Every lawyer I have interned under or know personally that graduated from Syracuse Law is more than the personification of a professional, as well as a wealth of knowledge and a lover of the legal system. These Syracuse Law graduates are the men and women whose footsteps I desire to follow.”

What are your goals for your future in law?

“Interning under District Attorney Jim Ritts in Ontario County, New York, sealed my love for prosecution. I admire how his team not only fought so hard for the victims of crimes but also were looking for justice more than just another winning case. I hope to become an assistant district attorney in the same office in the future.”

Mira Gaitanis L’28

Hometown: Tallahassee, Florida

Mira Gaitanis is a 2023 graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in media and communications studies and a minor in sociology, as well as a certificate in conflict resolution and consensus building from Florida International University. In her spare time, she loves to draw, write poetry and customize action figures. Her band, Flat Moon Theory, just released their third studio album, Give Your Flowers.


Why did you choose Syracuse University College of Law?

“Syracuse Law has the oldest and one of the most robust disability law and policy programs in the country, which I found out about through my mentor, Daniel Van Sant G’16, L’16, who is an alumnus. I was also drawn to the great selection of international study abroad programs and the opportunities to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds.”

What are your goals for your future in law?

“I am interested in pursuing international disability law and policy. My goal is to work with the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

Olivia Vermeire L’28

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Vermeire recently earned a bachelor’s degree in politics and Russian and Eurasian studies from Mount Holyoke College. While there, she was the disability committee chair for the Mount Holyoke’s Student Government Association. One of her talents is the violin, an instrument she has played for the past 17 years.

Why did you choose Syracuse University College of Law?

“Syracuse Law’s Disability Law and Public Policy program are something not found at any other law school, which was a big factor in my choice, as was the variety of classes.”

What are your goals for your future in law?

“I am interested in pursuing public interest law, especially disability law.

Looking Ahead

As they begin their legal education, the Class of 2028 reflects Syracuse Law’s mission to prepare students to lead with skill, purpose, and integrity. Their diverse talents and perspectives will not only enrich their time at Dineen Hall but also shape the impact they make in the legal profession and beyond.


See here for more information on Syracuse Law’s on-campus J.D. program.

Legal Professionals from Around the World Enroll in Syracuse Law LL.M. Program to Expand View of U.S. Law

Sixteen students from eight countries arrived at the Syracuse University College of Law this August to join its Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program. The LL.M. is an advanced law degree for international legal professionals to learn first-hand about the American legal process and its laws. Many of those in this year’s cohort hold advanced degrees and have notable careers as public prosecutors, corporate lawyers, judges and government officials. The LL.M. Program is completed over two semesters with an option to stay for a third, particularly for those planning to take the New York State Bar Exam.

“We welcome this year’s LL.M. cohort, most of whom come to Syracuse Law as highly trained legal professionals looking to further their knowledge of U.S. legal practices. We are privileged to have their global perspectives to further enrich our Law School community,” says Dean Terence Lau.

Meet a few students from the LL.M. Class of 2026:

Stanley Desmoulins LL.M.’26

Originally from Haiti, Stanley Desmoulins hailes from Montreal, Canada, and is a managing partner for Lexur Legal Services Professional Corporation in Toronto, which specializes in family law, business law and wills and estates. He is a graduate of the Law Practice Program of the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, a Juris Doctor Graduate of Law Faculty of Moncton University, and holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from Haiti State University and an MBA from the School of Management at the University of Quebec, Canada.

When he is not working or studying, Desmoulins is passionate about music, community involvement and sports — with a particular admiration for basketball greats Michael Jordan and LeBron James. He has a history of volunteering with Rotary International, which he hopes to continue while in Syracuse, as well as with Toastmasters to further develop his leadership and communications skills. In addition, he intends to integrate into the Central New York community through legal pro bono work.

Why did you choose to attend Syracuse University College of Law?

“I chose to pursue my LL.M. at Syracuse University College of Law for several reasons. First, I am pleased to be able to attend an LL.M. program that is in close proximity to Canada in order to remain close to my family and professional network while studying in the U.S. Next, the program will provide me with a solid understanding of the U.S. legal system and prepare me for admission to the New York State Bar, enabling me to practice in New York. The Law School has a strong bar preparation system in place, which will further support my professional goals. Syracuse Law also attracts students from across the United States and abroad, creating a diverse and enriching academic environment. Finally, my interactions with the faculty and staff at Syracuse Law have been professional and encouraging, and the excellent scholarship system reflects the Law School’s commitment to supporting students and investing in their success.”

What area of the law are you interested in pursuing?

“Looking ahead, I wish to continue my work in family law while also expanding into consulting and collaborating with businesses on legal matters. I aim to provide legal guidance to public figures in the areas of sports, entertainment, lobbying, and contract negotiations. This LL.M. will equip me with the necessary knowledge, skills. and international perspective to confidently pursue these diverse professional opportunities.”

Kimberly Ramos Gamez LL.M. ’26

Originally from the Philippines, Kimberly Gamez most recently worked in Manchester, U.K., as a qualified solicitor in England and Wales specializing in clinical negligence acting on behalf of claimants. She holds multiple degrees in law and international affairs from across Europe and Asia, including a post-graduate diploma in professional legal practice from the University of Law, Birmingham, and a post-graduate diploma in law from the University of Sheffield, both in the U.K; an LL.M. in international contracts and arbitration law from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland; and LL.M. in international and European Union Law from Tilburg University in the Netherlands; a master’s degree in global affairs from the University of Buckingham in the U.K.; and a bachelor’s degree in consular and diplomatic affairs from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the Philippines. Earlier this year, Gamez served as a judge at the International Criminal Court Moot Court in the Hague, the Netherlands.

Why did you choose to attend Syracuse University College of Law?

“I chose Syracuse Law primarily because of its strong reputation in trial advocacy and litigation. Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend a webinar about the LL.M. program hosted by Syracuse’s Study Abroad Specialist Andrew Horsfall ’05, L’10. His presentation and the insights he shared about the program’s structure made me confident that Syracuse is the right fit for my academic goals.”

What area of the law are you interested in pursuing?

“I am interested in pursuing corporate law, particularly cross-border transactions because I enjoy the complexity of working across different legal systems.”

Halyna Rudych LL.M.’26 

Halyna Rudych has 11 years of legal experience as a Ukrainian attorney at law in corporate, business, family, real estate, labor, criminal law and more. She also has paralegal experience in the U.S. Originally from Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine, she lived in Watertown, Massachusetts, before moving to Syracuse for the LL.M. program. Rudych originally was a puppet show artist, receiving a diploma from the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State College of Fine Arts and Theatre in Ukraine before earning a bachelor of laws and a master of laws from the Zaporizhzhia National University, Faculty of Law. Once she relocated to the U.S., she earned a certificate in paralegal studies from Mount Wachusett Community College and most recently worked at Centerboard, Inc., Community Center in Lynn, Massachusetts, where she helped conduct legal research and was responsible for ensuring the company’s practices were compliant with federal and state laws and regulations.

Why did you choose to attend Syracuse University College of Law?

“I had an interview with Study Abroad Specialist Andrew Horsfall, and we had a great conversation after which I felt that this school would be the right choice for me — and a great place to begin my legal career in the U.S. The law school also offered me a partial tuition scholarship, which means not only financial support but also faith in my legal future. I truly appreciate that.”

What area of the law are you interested in pursuing?

“I am interested in building a career as a public defender and civil litigation attorney. I have been working with the nonprofit Centerboard, Inc., to receive Department of Justice recognition and accreditation and provide immigration legal services for low-income individuals. I plan to accomplish this project after law school, and I hope it will help many people look forward to the future with optimism and confidence.”

See here for information on Syracuse University College of Law’s Master of Law (LL.M.) Program.

Syracuse Law Welcomes 100+ JDinteractive Students to the Class of 2029

This fall, Syracuse University College of Law welcomes the incoming JDinteractive (JDi) Class of 2029, a dynamic group of students balancing careers, families, and service to their communities while pursuing their legal education. Representing diverse backgrounds across continents, industries, and life experiences, they bring fresh perspectives to the study and practice of law. Some are boldly shifting careers, others are advancing in their current fields, and many are beginning new chapters after military service or even retirement from unrelated professions. What unites them is a shared commitment to expanding their impact through the power of a legal education.

Our new JDi students came to Dineen Hall in early August to attend their first on-campus residency. The JDi program is a hybrid format that allows students to take classes and participate in other law school programs and activities online, and  requires them to partake in six in-person residencies throughout their legal education, located on campus or in various locations across the country. One of the unique advantages of Syracuse’s JDi program is that students can continue working in their profession from home while earning their law degree.

“This year’s entering JDi class follows our strong tradition of making accessible a legal education to those who cannot pursue a J.D. in a residential program,” says Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Teaching Professor Shannon Gardner.

“Hailing from many different states and countries, with diverse backgrounds and a wide range of professional experiences, this extraordinary group is posed for success in law school and impact on the legal profession. Their drive and work ethic, as they pursue a J.D. while juggling work and family obligations, is a testament to all they can accomplish.”

Students of the Incoming JDinteractive Class of 2029

This year’s JDi cohort consists of 101 students from 25 states and three countries outside the U.S. The average student age is 37, with members ranging from 22 to 68. This highlights the program’s ability to attract accomplished professionals and leaders who bring deep expertise, fresh perspectives, and seasoned judgment to their legal education.

Students join the program from a wide range of sectors, including military and defense, law and legal services, education, healthcare, government and nonprofit work, corporate and finance, law enforcement and security, media and communications, and even fields as diverse as aviation and environmental conservation.

Collectively, they enrich the classroom with the knowledge and skills gained from years of real-world experience, making the JDi learning community as dynamic as the profession they are preparing to enter.

Meet a few members of the incoming JDi class:

Jared Hansbrough L’29

Hometown: Shenandoah, Virginia

Jared Hansbrough served as a U.S. Marine for over 23 years. He spent his military service driving amphibious assault vehicles and finished his service working at the Pentagon. This was followed by six years as the budget officer for one of the operating divisions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Why did you choose Syracuse Law’s JDi program?

“I’ve long held an interest in pursuing a law degree, and the timing finally lined up, thanks, in part, to the Syracuse JDi program. When I began exploring the many law school options, I was fortunate to discover the JDi program. Syracuse Law’s quality of education offered through the blended hybrid of residencies and online instruction and incredible flexibility quickly made the JDi program my first choice.”

What are your goals for your future in the field of law?

“I plan to pursue private practice with a focus on estate planning.”

Jeffrey Hildreth L’29

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Jeffrey Hildreth currently teaches corporate taxation and managerial accounting at the Leventhal School of Accounting at the University of Southern California (USC). He also consults in the mergers and acquisitions space, building on prior leadership roles in mergers and acquisitions tax advisory at both Big 4 and middle-market firms, as well as his experience as a chief financial officer in the out-of-home advertising industry. He and his service dog have traveled across the globe, making his pup an unexpected companion in both academic and professional settings.

Why did you choose Syracuse Law’s JDi program?

“I chose to pursue law to combine my background as a CPA with legal training, particularly to deepen my expertise in navigating complex financial, tax, and cross-border issues. Syracuse’s JDinteractive program stood out for its innovative hybrid structure, which allows me to pursue a rigorous legal education while continuing to teach and consult.”

What are your goals for your future in the field of law?

“I plan to focus on international law with an emphasis on cross-border transactions, tax and corporate advisory work.”

Kame Spencer L’29

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

Originally from Haleiwa, Hawaii, Kame Spencer has worked for the Seattle Police Department for the past seven years as a patrol K-9 officer. Being a police officer has encouraged her to keep pursuing her desire to help people through the law — something she has known she wanted to do since she was in high school. When she’s not working, Spencer loves to travel and has visited eight countries in the past two years. She also loves trying her hand at recipes from her favorite cooking shows.

Why did you choose Syracuse Law’s JDi program?

“Syracuse Law offered not only a dynamic platform of specialties in law but also provides a personable and flexible program that wants students to succeed. It’s a program that allows me to complete my law degree while still holding my current job. Attending the residency on campus at the beginning of the program only assured me that I made the right decision.”

What are your goals for your future in the field of law?

“I aspire to practice criminal law, but I am also considering corporate or international law.”

Looking Ahead

As they begin their legal education, this incoming JDinteractive class reflects Syracuse Law’s mission to prepare graduates who lead with purpose, skill, and integrity. We look forward to seeing how they’ll shape the future of law, and the world.

See here for more information on the Syracuse Law’s hybrid online JDinteractive program.