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Youth Law Day Brings More Than 100 High School Students to the College of Law

The College of Law’s annual Youth Law Day event recently brought more than 100 high school students from five regional schools to Dineen Hall for an introduction to the legal profession, hearing about the role of attorneys in society, and how to chart a path to law school.

Participating schools were Binghamton High School, Geneva High School, Fowler High School, Jamesville-DeWitt High School, and the Syracuse Central Institute of Technology. This year’s program was coordinated by Professor Lauryn Gouldin, co-founder of the Syracuse Civics Initiative.

Students heard from a panel of College of Law alumni on strategies for effective advocacy that featured the Hon. Thérèse W. Dancks L’91, Hon. Ramón E. Rivera L’94, Marisol Estrada Cruz L’23, and Mazaher E.G.E. Kaila L’22. Kimberly Wolf Price L’03, Chief Strategy & Diversity Officer at Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC and Member, NYSBA Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, discussed how voting is a form of advocacy while Professor Katherine Macfarlane led the students through a mock law class.

The Keynote lecture was delivered by the Hon. Brenda K. Sannes, Chief United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York. Afterwards, the students broke into groups to tackle a mock argument activity led by 2L Noah Centore, 3L Evan Groder, 3L Omnia Shedid, 3L Mahogani Counts, 3L Zach Mazuzan, 3L Danny Peraza, 2L Sarah Simon-Patches, and 2L Suzan Elzawahry.

The visiting students were then able to ask a panel of current Syracuse Law students about their path to law school, how to prepare for the LSAT, good study and test-taking habits, and more. The panel was moderated by 3L Evan Groder and featured 3L Jennifer Arinze, 2L Jesse Elmer, 1L Jayda Howard, and 3L Nathanael Linton.

Suzette Meléndez, Faculty Fellow for the Office of Strategic Initiatives in Academic Affairs and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Teaching Professor at the College of Law, provided closing remarks.

More information about Youth Law Day can be found here.

Event sponsors were:

Syracuse University College of Law

Barclay Damon

Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC Law Firm

Bousquet Holstein

Federal Court Bar Association

The Hon. Robert A. Katzmann Justice for All: Courts and the Community Initiative

Lexis Nexis

New York State Bar Association

Porter Law Group

Syracuse Civics Initiative

Syracuse Student Bar Association

Travis H.D. Lewin Advocacy Honor Society

United States District Court for the Northern District of New York

Professor Nina Kohn on the Wendy Williams Guardianship Case: “There is a profound lack of data on guardianship.”

Professor Nina Kohn spoke with Marketplace at length on the news of talk show host Wendy Williams being placed in guardianship. In the article “Wendy Williams’ guardianship case highlights the Need for Reforms”, Kohn speaks about:

  • the guardianship petition process
  • who can be appointed guardians (including professional guardians)
  • guardianship abuses (such as the Michael Oher case), and
  • ways to avoid guardianship problems, such as the recently released Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship and Other Protective Arrangements Act, a statute drafted by a nonprofit that advocates for consistent laws across the country. Kohn was the reporter for the Act.

“This isn’t just a story about bad apples doing bad things when they’re appointed guardians. This is really a story about courts removing people’s rights without adequate justification, and then not monitoring the relationship to make sure that it’s actually protected for people,” she said. It’s difficult if not impossible to quantify how often this happens, because Kohn said “there is a profound lack of data on the guardianship.” 

“Law School Dad” Sets His Sights on Law Degree, Seat in Congress

John Dougall sits in a chair in Dineen Hall and smiles for the camera.

John Dougall L’26 is sometimes referred to as “Law School Dad” by others in his cohort, not only because he is one of the older students in the JDinteractive (JDi) program at the Syracuse University College of Law but also because he is so encouraging when others are struggling, congratulates them when they succeed and texts them on holidays. “While law school can be stressful, I recognize that the better my classmates do, the better educational experience I will have,” said Dougall.

It’s a nickname he doesn’t mind, but next year people might call him “Congressman.” He’s currently running for a seat in the U.S. Congress representing Utah’s 3rd Congressional District. Dougall is not new to politics. He served in the Utah House of Representatives for a decade, earning a reputation as a watchdog . He has been the Utah State auditor since 2013, establishing performance audits that drive greater accountability beyond just financial reporting. In 2020, he became the only statewide executive branch official to win an election by more than one million votes. He’s known statewide by his nickname—‘Frugal’ Dougall— a moniker that appears on the ballot and has been in his family his whole life.

John presenting in a class during the January residency in Syracuse.
John presenting in a class during the January residency in Syracuse.

Despite his current responsibilities, law school had been on Dougall’s bucket list for about 40 years, inspired by his grandfather who was a practicing attorney well into his 90s.

“My grandfather was the last cohort to pass the Utah State bar exam before the state required you to have a bachelor’s degree,” Dougall explains. “He always shared his ‘war stories’ about studying non-stop for the bar before the requirements changed because he couldn’t afford to go to college—but he also wasn’t about to delay his dream of being an attorney.” (His grandfather later earned that bachelor’s degree at age 81.)

John chats with fellow students and faculty during the Online MBA and JDinteractive mixer.
John chats with fellow students and faculty during the Online MBA and JDinteractive mixer.

Dougall decided not to delay his own dream any longer either and found the JDi program at Syracuse Law. A recommendation from a friend attending the JDi program only reinforced his decision.

“I needed a rigorous program that fit my schedule because I don’t have the opportunity to take three years off to go back to school full-time,” says Dougall, who also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, as well as an MBA from Brigham Young University. “I’m a champion of educational innovation, so I love to support this hybrid option that is part asynchronous, part live and part self-study. I’d like to see greater diversity in law school offerings.”

John Dougall stands on the stairs in Dineen Hall and smiles at the camera.

It was actually Distinguished Lecturer and former Dean of Syracuse Law Daan Braveman who caused Dougall to consider running for Congress while he was taking his Constitutional Law class. For years, Dougall stood firm that he didn’t want to “waste his time” in Washington, DC. But, despite their different political leanings, Braveman told him that there were certain problems that could only be solved in Congress and “if you want to try to fix them, you have to be willing to go there.”

“It caused me to start thinking about my unique background in fiscal accountability and the concern I have about this country’s debt and reckless spending, as well as the future of our country,” Dougall explains. “I look at my 2-year-old grandson and wonder what kind of future he’s going to have. So, I jumped into the race to try to bring some fiscal sanity to D.C.”

“For me, law school is more for the educational opportunity and the challenge than plans to be a practicing attorney. My engineering background gave me one way to look at problems, my experience in business and state government gave me other perspectives, and now law school is giving me yet another approach,” Dougall explains. “Syracuse’s JDi program is a good fit for me. I like having classmates with a diversity of work experiences who are scattered across the nation and the world. I’m focused on learning. I never look at my grades. My classmates, and even some of my professors, can’t imagine that—but that’s not what I’m here for.”

Professor Roy Gutterman L’00 Discusses the Julian Assange Case with the Voice of America

Professor Roy Gutterman L’00, Director of the Tully Center for Free Speech, discussed aspects of the U.S. government’s case against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange with the Voice of America (VOA.)

In the video clip, Gutterman notes that “Certain elements of what Wikileaks and Julian Assange have done really do fit the mold of journalistic function but just dumping material out there without any context, analysis or any real vetting might not rise to the level we’d expect from someone we’d call a journalist.”

Gutterman’s comments are at :23 and 2:39 of the video.

Emily Pascale L’23 named a “2024 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award” Winner by the Burton Awards

Emily Pascale L’23 was named a “2024 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award” winner by the Burton Awards. Her article “Deeply Dehumanizing, Degrading and Violating: Deepfake Pornography and the Path to Legal Recourse” was published in the Syracuse Law Review – Volume 73, Book 1. Professor Aliza Milner, Director of Legal Communication and Research, reviewed notes from the College’s academic journals to select one paper for submission.

Pascale is currently a Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Judge William Q. Hayes L’83 of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

Christopher (Martz) Arima L’22 received a “2023 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award” winner, marking Pascale’s honor the second consecutive year a College of Law student has been named a recipient.

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

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

Physician, Navy Veteran Enrolls in JDi Program to Add Lawyer to Her Accomplishments

Amanda Higginson Portrait

Amanda Higginson, M.D., L’25 has wanted to go to law school since she took a civics class as a teenager. But first, she had to check off some other items on her long list of accomplishments: attending Brown University, serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, where she was twice deployed; medical school back at Brown, followed by a medical residency at what is now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda; working as an academic general pediatrician, and currently serving as the associate dean for student affairs at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. If that isn’t enough, she is also married to Jason Higginson, M.D., a neonatologist and captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve, and has two children, ages 15 and 10.

Higginson’s path to law school certainly had twists and turns, but she got there. After separating from the Navy in 2013, she had her GI bill for further education. So, when her husband returned in 2021 from a year-long deployment, she knew the time was right to pursue law school options.

Amanda and classmates walk to dinner during the residency in Denver, Colorado in January 2024
Amanda and her classmates walk to dinner after class during the arbitration residency in Denver, Colorado

“I researched several law schools, but the Syracuse Law JDinteractive Program (JDi) was the only one that fit my needs,” says Higginson, who lives in Greenville, North Carolina. “The hybrid online program allows me to take night classes at a pace that works with my job and family commitments.”

Higginson is impressed with how the JDi program operates and says the setup feels like she’s attending “traditional” law school. She has high praise for her professors, particularly Professor Robert G. Nassau, who is the director of the Sherman F. Levey Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.

Amanda Higgison takeover screenshots. Left Amanda holds a puppy, middle Amanda speaks to the camera, right photo of a computer  during an online class.
Click the image to view Amanda’s Day-In-The-Life of a JDi Student takeover on Instagram.

“I never thought I would have loved tax law and then gone back to take gift and estate tax law, but having such a dedicated professor who is so invested in student learning is such a gift,” she says. “And, the work Professor Nassau does in the tax clinic to help those in need speaks to my background in caring for others.”

Higginson is also involved with the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, overseen by Executive Director and Professor Elizabeth G. Kubala. Higginson enjoys the work helping veterans, particularly older individuals, access legal services and obtain benefits earned through their military service.

In 2022, Higginson’s hard work earned her a scholarship from the Tillman Foundation, which supports active military, veterans and spouses in memory of Patrick Tillman, a U.S. Army Ranger killed in Afghanistan in 2004.

Tillman Scholars Bill Rielly, Amanda Higginson and Natasha DeLeon at Pat's Run
Tillman Scholars and College of Law students Bill Rielly L’23, Amanda Higginson L’25, and Natasha DeLeon L’25 in Tempe, Arizona for Pat’s Run in April 2023.

Even though the JDi program takes place online, Higginson feels the comradery of working with other law students in the program, including her “JDi bestie,” Chezelle McDade L’25, who has supported her through her studies. Higginson has also enjoyed attending six residency programs in person, which cover a range of legal topics and allow the opportunity to meet other students, faculty and alumni face-to-face.

Amanda and classmates pose for a photo in front of the Sherman & Howard sign during a residency in Denver
Amanda and her classmates pose for a photo in front of the Sherman & Howard sign during the arbitration residency in Denver, Colorado

Despite juggling career, family and law school, Higginson is thriving and knows that a law degree from Syracuse will help her continue to assist others by ensuring that their medical needs are met and that they know their rights and where to turn if in need of legal assistance.

“I don’t have any intention of changing careers. I love my work in medicine, but having a law degree gives me much more depth and insight into both the clinical and administrative work that I do,” she says. “I’m a lifelong learner at heart, and Syracuse Law’s JDi program has made this possible for me.”

5 Questions with JDinteractive Alumni: Meghan Steenburgh G’97, L’23

Assistant General Counsel within the Department of Defense

headshot of meghan steenburgh, smiling at the camera in a gray suit jacket and pink blouse in front of a gray background

Many Paths, One Destination

Syracuse University College of Law JDi was the only program of its kind involving a university with a stellar reputation. The unique program allowed me to continue to be present with my kids, help my parents and attend law school while providing the flexibility to move across the nation and live in three different states; the Syracuse University College of Law name provided legitimacy and access.

Making Dreams and Plans Come True

I dreamt of going to law school for about 30 years. My dad was an attorney, and it was always in the back of my mind; however, other opportunities presented themselves so the dream just stayed there—in the back of my mind. When the opportunity was ripe, this program allowed that dream to come true.

Next Stop: Many Destinations

I am currently an assistant general counsel in the Office of the General Counsel for an agency within the Department of Defense. I so enjoy national security lawyering that I cannot express my excitement and love for lawyering in words. The strength of College of Law professors (with an extra dose of gratitude for my National Security professor, Judge Jamie Baker) enabled me to conduct impactful legal reviews from day one.

The Importance of the Residencies

My favorite time during JDi was during a residency when I was staying up late working on a project in the law library and my study buddy was with me, entertaining herself as I worked. We left at probably three in the morning and there was a snowstorm. We were crossing campus and were just silly kids in the storm heading back to the hotel from the library knowing we had a presentation to make in just a few hours. I think that the beauty of this program is that you create such strong connections, and you have these moments and memories that mean so much. It has nothing to do with the law but everything to do with this program.

5 Questions with JDinteractive Alumni: Sarah Roberts L’22

Assistant Public Advocate, Office of Public Advocacy, AK

headshot of Sarah Roberts smiling in a black turtleneck in front of an abstract outdoor background

Many Paths, One Destination

When I was applying to law school, I was living in Alaska where there are no law schools. I was trying to find something I could do remotely. This was the only program that enabled me to sit for the bar in my state and still be remote.

Making Dreams and Plans Come True

I needed to change careers as my youngest child had started school. I opted to become a lawyer as a profession to meet my personal and family goals.

Allowing for Growth and Impact

My J.D. means freedom and independence. While in law school my husband had some serious health complications, and we weren’t sure if he would be able to continue working. I was so grateful to be in the program and knew no matter what happened, I would be able to work and support our family.

Next Stop: Many Destinations

I am currently working for the state of Alaska as a public advocate for the Department of Public Advocacy. I represent respondents in guardianship cases and parents in cases where the state has stepped in and taken custody of children.

The Importance of the Residencies

My favorite times were Zoom study sessions with my study group and study partner for three years straight, multiple times a week. These people knew me the best and commiserated with me and knew what I was going through. Lou Lou Delmarsh introduced me to my study partner night one and she’s become my lifelong bestie. I would never have made it through law school without that connection.

5 Questions with JDinteractive Alumni: Andrew Lloyd L’22

Curriculum Leader, Hampton, VA City Schools

headshot of Andrew Lloyd wearing a black suit smiling at the camera in front of a white background

Many Paths, One Destination

I chose the program for the flexible, online schedule. It allowed me to continue working while obtaining my law degree. Also, I’m from Rochester, NY so getting a degree from Syracuse University made it even more appealing.

Making Dreams and Plans Come True

I had wanted to go to law school for a very long time. It was a career idea I had in high school, but ultimately, I didn’t pursue it right away and went into education. After years in public education, the itch to go to law school wouldn’t let up. So in 2018 I started to look at law schools and am very thankful that Syracuse had the JDi program that allowed me to continue working professionally while working toward my J.D.

Allowing for Growth and Impact

Having a law degree opens many doors. I am very excited about what the future will bring.

Next Stop: Many Destinations

I am currently the Curriculum Leader for the World Languages and English Language Learners department and Title III Coordinator for the Hampton City Schools in Hampton, VA. I oversee two program staffs and work closely with students, parents, staff, administrators, and district leadership to ensure we have robust programming for our students and to ensure that our English language learners have equal and equitable access to our educational programming.

The Importance of the Residencies

My favorite part was the residencies. From meeting my cohort to hands-on experiences to discovering Syracuse, the residencies provided us with a lot of wonderful experiences that forged lasting relationships that helped us as we went through the classes and in study groups where we relied on each other when things got rough.