The College of Law hosted “Contributing to Justice: Making an Impact in the Courtroom and Beyond” event in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The program featured Syracuse Law alumni and other legal professionals who discussed nontraditional and traditional career paths, professional impact, and the many ways legal training can be used to serve communities and promote justice within and beyond the courtroom.
In his opening remarks, Dean Terence Lau L’98, said, “Legal training is not a narrow credential. It’s a versatile foundation for leadership and impact. The question isn’t just ‘What kind of lawyer will I be?’ but ‘How will I use what I learn here to serve?’ Some of you will find your answer in the courtroom. Others will find it in boardrooms, classrooms, legislative chambers, or community centers. All of these answers are valid. All of them are needed.”
The collaboration between the College of Law, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, and the Black Law Students Association brought necessary attention to the ways that all members of the legal profession serve not only individual or institutional clients, but also communities and society.
“These were important conversations. Dr. King said that ‘anyone can serve.’ Judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals serve in unique and essential ways. Principally, by upholding the rule of law, ensuring access to the law and legal services, making sure that everyone who interacts with the legal system is treated fairly and with respect, and observing the highest ideals of democracy,” said Professor Paula Johnson.
The first panel, moderated by Brianna R. Jones L’28, featured the Hon. John Boyd II L’06, Associate Court Attorney, Fifth District New York State Unified Court System, and Town of Manlius Judge; Sara Lowengard, Director, Fifth District Help Center and Family Law Attorney; Professor Grace Orsatti, Syracuse University College of Law; and the Hon. Ramón Rivera L’94, Court of Claims Judge, New York Court of Claims, Syracuse, New York.
Following the first panel, the Hon. Lenora Foote-Beavers (ret.) Buffalo City Court; Chief Health Equity Officer, Evergreen Health Center; and Commissioner with the Frankin H. Williams Commission gave the keynote presentation. Judge Foote-Beavers focused on her varied career as a jurist, in public interest work, private practice, and institutional representation. She emphasized Dr. King’s recognition of the need for access to health care and the importance of a healthy society.
Ariel K. Box L’28 moderated the second panel that featured Siana McLean, Immigration Attorney, RJ Immigration Law/ Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, and William M. X. Wolfe L’20, Associate Attorney, Harris Beach Murtha, LLP.
Jessica Fields L’28 oversaw the task of managing questions and comments from the online audience. Professor Suzette Melendez gave closing remarks, with the reminder to stay committed to service, self-love, and love of the Beloved Community.
The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, Syracuse University College of Law, and the Black Law Student Association were co-sponsors of the event.
