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2L Rory Pelella Receives the Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY Pro Bono Champion Law Student Award

2L Rory Pelella was honored with the Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY (VLP) Pro Bono Champion Law Student Award at VLP’s recent fundraiser and pro bono celebration.

Pelella spent the past summer working in VLP’s Eviction Defense Program. She represented clients in Syracuse City Court with a student practice order and worked alongside her supervisors to prevent and/or delay evictions for people in need of legal assistance across the community.

“I came to law school because I wanted to correct the injustices I saw all around me,” Pelella said. “But I think every 1L goes through that period where you start to question if you’ve chosen the right path. It wasn’t until I started working with VLP that I realized I was exactly where I needed to be.”

Pelella has continued her work with VLP throughout the Fall semester. She spends her Friday mornings in Syracuse City Court, handling cases until completion and advocating for clients under the supervision of VLP’s attorneys.

Pelella gives a lot of credit for her award and success as a pro bono volunteer to the lawyers she works with. “This is a direct reflection of them,” she said. “The people I’ve met through VLP have taught me so much, more than any textbook I’ve ever read. None of this work is possible without them.”

In addition to volunteering at VLP, Pelella works in the College’s Disability Rights Clinic and serves as a procedural advisor to students at the university.

About the Volunteer Lawyers Project

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit legal aid organization that provides free legal information, assistance, and representation in civil legal matters to low-income people in Central New York. Our services are provided by staff and volunteer attorneys with the help of paralegals and law students.

Services throughout Central New York include legal issues related to housing, family, elder, LGBT* rights, immigration, debt, and economic opportunity. 

Professor Shubha Ghosh Reviews Scott J. Shapiro’s “Fancy Bear Goes Phishing: The Dark History of the Information Age, in Five Extraordinary Hacks”

Crandall Melvin Professor of Law and Director of the Syracuse Intellectual Property Law Institute Shubha Ghosh has written a review of Scott J. Shapiro’s new book, Fancy Bear Goes Phishing: The Dark History of the Information Age, in Five Extraordinary Hacks.

Writing on the JOTWELL blog, Ghosh concludes, “Maybe someone should make a movie out of Fancy Bear with its enchanting case studies and mind-blowing synthesis of law, philosophy, and technology. However, be prepared if that movie ends more like Oppenheimer than like Barbie.”

Professor Shubha Ghosh Weighs in on New York State Bill on AI-Generated Content in Books Sold Online

A bill (A08098) recently introduced to the New York State Assembly takes aim at the use of artificial intelligence-generated (AI) content in online book selling. The bill would require the disclosure of content generated wholly or partially with generative AI before the sale.

Shubha Ghosh, Crandall Melvin Professor of Law and Director of the Syracuse Intellectual Property Law Institute, spoke with the Daily Orange for their article “New state assembly bill regulates, provides transparency surrounding generative AI”. He explains that the proposed bill represents an effort to address potential risks that generative AI poses to consumers.

“This is sort of a first step in terms of trying to regulate and deal with some of the perceived dangers of using AI technology and publishing,” Ghosh said.

Three Syracuse Law S.J.D. Candidates Present at the Washington University School of Law J.S.D. Symposium

Three College of Law S.J.D. candidates presented their theses to peer S.J.D. students from law schools from around the country. The “J.S.D. Symposium: The Next Generation of Scholarship” was hosted by the Washington University School of Law’s Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute.

The College of Law’s participants were:

Clarisse De La Cerda (Brazil) on “Enforcement of Invalid Patents and Antitrust Liability.” Her advisor is Professor Shubha Ghosh.

Karla Lellis LL.M.’21 (Brazil) on “Cybersecurity Class Actions in the Protection of Human Rights.” Her advisor is Professor Antonio Gidi.

Mercy Renci Xie LL.M.’20 (China) on “Non-Compliant but Effective Implementation of International Human Rights Treaties: A Case from China in Protecting Persons with Disabilities’ Right to Education.” Her advisor is Professor Arlene Kanter.

“Our S.J.D. students are a welcome addition to the intellectual life of the College of Law. Their participation at the S.J.D. conference increased their professional networks as well as brought national attention to Syracuse Law and our S.J.D. program,” says Professor Arlene Kanter, founder and faculty director of the S.J.D. program.

S.J.D. candidates submitted an abstract of their working thesis to the Symposium committee. The Symposium featured 20 S.J.D. students from 10 law schools. Each student presented for 20 minutes and then answered questions from other participants in a moderated discussion for 10 minutes.

“This was a good model to interact with fellow S.J.D. students and professors to receive feedback and insights you might not have come across on your own. The built-in breakout sessions allowed for further discussion and networking,” says Lellis. “Working on your dissertation, mostly on your own or with only a few other students, is very tough. It was good to meet other students who are experiencing similar things. This group is committed to staying in touch and helping each other achieve their goals.”

The S.J.D. program welcomed its first cohort of students in the Fall of 2021 and currently has seven students pursuing this advanced degree.

Clarisse De La Cerda, Karla Lellis LL.M.’21, and Mercy Renci Xie LL.M.’20

A Message From Dean Boise

Dear Members of the College of Law Community,

Five days into the crisis in the Middle East, it is becoming clearer just how deeply what has now become a tragic war will affect our community. Heartbreaking reports over the weekend of innocent civilians losing their lives in what were plainly acts of terror have shaken us all. Regardless of our religious beliefs or political views, we at the College of Law unequivocally condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas and denounce the taking of innocent lives in both Israel and Gaza. Regrettably, a swift resolution to this crisis seems unlikely, which has left many grappling with a deep sense of insecurity.

For those among us—including me—who have friends or family members affected—those who have been killed, gone missing, or whose lives hang in the balance—the instability hits even closer to home, and the despair runs even deeper.

This morning, I met with members of our Jewish Law Student Association to discuss their concerns and fears. The trauma for them has been deep and real, but I’m heartened to know that our students are reaching out across religious and political lines to support one another. I also appreciate the statement this morning that our international journals shared with their members expressing solidarity with those affected and urging a peaceful solution.

As legal professionals, counselors, and advocates, it is our solemn duty to engage in thoughtful exploration, understanding, and debate about matters of law, policy, justice, and human rights. Equally important is the respect we must show to those within our community who hold deeply rooted beliefs and who have personal connections at stake. We must engage in these conversations with sensitivity and compassion for all those around us.

I implore each of you to demonstrate leadership in engaging in community and uplifting one another. There is no place in this law school for hate. Please be considerate in your words and actions, both in person and online, as many within our community are suffering. I encourage you to extend your support to those in need and keep them in your thoughts for healing and resolution.

I’d like to again highlight the resources available within our community for those who may require assistance or wish to show solidarity:

  • Students will hold a vigil tonight on the Shaw Quadrangle. The event is co-sponsored by Syracuse Hillel and Chabad House Jewish Student Center.
  • Barnes Center at The Arch: Students can receive confidential counseling 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 315.443.8000.
  • Student Outreach and Support: Students can receive ongoing assistance by contacting the case management team Monday through Friday at 315.443.4357.
  • Carebridge: Faculty and staff can reach trained clinicians 24 hours a day by calling 800.437.0911.
  • Hendricks Chapel: All campus community members can access additional services and support by calling 315.443.2901 or visiting its website for chaplaincy information.

To the students who have reached out to me, thank you for your time, your insights, and your perspectives. Please know that my door and the doors of my colleagues in the Student Experience office are open to all students and student organizations.

I’m grateful to be part of this wonderfully diverse, strong, and dynamic community. Your collaboration is invaluable in ensuring that each of us feels valued, secure, and respected as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

Best regards,

Dean Craig M. Boise

Professor Kat Macfarlane Named Director of the Syracuse University College of Law Disability Law and Policy Program with Founder Professor Arlene Kanter Retiring after the 2023-24 Academic Year

Noted disability rights scholar Professor Kat Macfarlane is the new Director of the Syracuse University College of Law’s groundbreaking Disability Law and Policy Program (DLPP). Macfarlane comes to the College from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights where she was Special Counsel. DLPP founder and director Professor Arlene Kanter is planning to retire next year, after teaching for more than 35 years at the College of Law.

Created by Kanter in 2005, DLPP is the most extensive disability-related law school program in the United States. Students who participate in this program often go on to jobs in the areas of disability, education, special education, children’s rights, civil rights, labor, employment, trusts and estates, and international human rights law. It also houses the nation’s first joint J.D./M.S. degree program in Law and Disability Studies as well as a Curricular Program in Disability Law and Policy. DLPP students also can work in the Disability Law Clinic and at disability-related externships, gaining valuable hands-on experience with real clients.

“Professor Kanter is a globally recognized expert in disability law and a steadfast advocate for people with disabilities. While her retirement is well-deserved, she will be missed by our faculty, staff, students, and alumni,” says College of Law Dean Craig M. Boise. “And we’re all anxious to see the direction Professor Macfarlane will lead the DLPP as she builds on the College’s position as the leader in the disability space in legal education.”

Prior to joining the College of Law faculty, Professor Macfarlane served as an associate professor at Southern University Law Center and the University of Idaho College of Law and as a teaching fellow at the Louisiana State University Hebert Law Center. Prior to joining academia, Professor Macfarlane was an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the New York City Law Department serving as lead counsel in federal civil rights actions. As an associate in Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan’s Los Angeles and New York offices, she represented plaintiffs in securities litigation. She clerked for the District of Arizona and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

One of the accomplishments of the DLPP has been to recruit lawyers from around the world who wish to specialize in disability law by enrolling in the College of Law’s LL.M. and S.J.D. Programs, with Kanter serving as their advisor. Since its founding, hundreds of students have completed the joint degree, certificate program, Clinic, or disability concentration in the LL.M. program.  The DLPP is also the recipient of an international award for innovation in higher education.

“I am happy to know that Professor Macfarlane will continue the important work that the DLPP does in preparing future generations of disability lawyers, policymakers, and scholars,” says Kanter. “As a renowned scholar, Professor Macfarlane brings a deep understanding of disability law and the importance of using the law to  advocate for a more inclusive society.”

Graduates of DLPP now work for federal and state government agencies, private law firms, domestic and international non-governmental organizations, public interest law offices, legal services offices, school districts, policy organizations, and think tanks. Other graduates have started their own law practices or pursued LL.M. or Ph.D. degrees. 

“I am honored to become the new director of the Disability Law and Policy Program. Professor Kanter is a pioneer in the education of lawyers in the field of disability law and I plan to honor the impact she has made on disability law by ensuring the program continues to meet the needs of advocates worldwide,” says Macfarlane.

Both Professors Kanter and Macfarlane are recipients of the American Association of Law Schools’ Disability Law Section’s Distinguished Service Award.

3L Michael Ortizo Named as Law Student Ambassador to the American Bar Association Antitrust Law Section’s Intellectual Property Committee

3L Michael Ortizo is one of two Law Student Ambassadors to the American Bar Association Antitrust Law Section’s Intellectual Property Committee. Ortizo worked with Professor Shubha Ghosh to secure the ambassador position.

The Law Student Ambassador Program is a working group composed of highly recommended law students or economics students who are interested in careers in antitrust or privacy that meets virtually to discuss Section events and opportunities for law students. Additional details about the ambassador’s responsibilities can be found here.

“I believe that the ABA Law Ambassador program for the Antitrust Section, and in particular the IP Committee, will allow me to accelerate my understanding of these interests and will allow me to provide meaningful scholarship within the section. Additionally, because of the many practitioners and scholars that I will be collaborating with through the program, I believe it will assist me with my career aspirations,” says Ortizo.

At the College of Law, Ortizo is a Student Attorney in the Transactional Law Clinic; Senior Research Associate at the New York State Science and Technology Law Center; Form and Accuracy Editor at the Journal of Science and Technology, Vice President of the Intellectual Property Law Society; Secretary of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, and Director of Media for the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Syracuse Chapter.

“I am hoping to work in the intersection of IP, consumer protection law, antitrust law, and most precisely, data privacy. Particularly, I am interested in advisory and consulting roles related to these interests,” says Ortizo. “Because of my experience in the Innovation Law Center and the Transactional Law Clinic, I realized that I have a passion for wanting to assist clients in matters related to IP and other regulatory and compliance challenges related to their business dealings.”

Professor Gregory Germain Provides Insights into Debt Consolidation Loans and Low-Income Loans at Money Geek

Professor Gregory Germain answers questions about two consumer loan topics – debt consolidation loans and low-income loans – at the Money Geek website.

For debt consolidation loans, Germain cautions that “some personal loans are secured through your house, car or other property. Converting an unsecured credit card loan into a secured loan puts you at greater risk of losing your property if you default. A personal consolidation loan may look attractive because it offers a lower monthly payment, but that lower payment may cost you a great deal more money over the life of the loan.”

In terms of low-income loans, Germain advises that “people cannot borrow their way to success and wealth. You have to save and invest in building wealth. If you have consumer debt, you have been spending more than you make, and that is a recipe for financial disaster. Your financial future depends on turning the tables by earning more than you spend. So I recommend that you develop a plan to get out of debt by changing your lifestyle now because the situation will only get worse.”

Professor Todd Berger Joins the American Bar Association Law Student Podcast as Faculty Host

Professor Todd Berger, director of advocacy programs at Syracuse University College of Law, has joined the American Bar Association’s Law Student Podcast, part of the Legal Talk network of podcasts, as the faculty host. He will work with the student hosts, Chay Rodriguez of John Marshall School of Law and Leah Haberman of Columbia Law School, to develop topics, identify guests to interview, deliver each episode’s introduction, and engage with the student hosts in a discussion.

“Podcasting is an effective way to educate students and others about current law topics by bringing together expert voices,” says Berger. “And in a turn of the tables, it’s the law students asking the questions!”

Legal Talk Network produces and releases the Law Student Podcast monthly. The most recent episode is here.

“By reformatting the show to foster a true team dynamic, we aim to better serve our listeners by tapping into a broader perspective and developing a more consistent, long-term voice,” said “ABA Law Student Podcast” Producer Evan Dicharry. He conceived the new format and developed it with the Editorial team at ABA’s Law Student Division. 

Professor Berger teaches a course “Podcasting for Lawyers and Law Students” each spring semester.

The ABA Law Student Podcast can be found online or at Apple, Google or Spotify.

3L Nathanael Linton Named Law Student Representative to the Syracuse University Board of Trustees

Third-year law student Nathanael Linton was named as the 2023-2024 academic year law student representative to the Syracuse University Board of Trustees.  He participates, ex officio, on the Board Academic Affairs and Enrollment and the Student Experience Committees and reports to the Board at Executive Committee and full Board meetings.

Linton is a member of the Travis H.D. Lewin Advocacy Honor Society’s trial and appellate divisions. He is also a research assistant to Professor Emeritus William C. Banks and the managing editor of the Journal of Global Rights and Organizations. Before coming to the College of Law, Linton served on the Board of Trustees at his undergraduate college, Pace University.