News

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. 

Record-Breaking Law Alumni Weekend 2023: Honoring Excellence and Uniting Our Orange Community

The College of Law welcomed a record number of alumni and friends back to campus for Law Alumni Weekend 2023, joined with Orange Central for the first time this year. From family-friendly events in the Quad to stargazing in Holden Observatory, new opportunities were abundant in addition to the traditional State of the College Address from Dean Boise, Lunch with the Judiciary, and U.S. Supreme Court Preview 2023-2024.

Director of Alumni Relations Adrienne Lutz kicks off the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards Ceremony in the Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom in Dineen Hall.
Director of Alumni Relations Adrienne Lutz kicks off the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards Ceremony in the Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom in Dineen Hall.

The pinnacle of the weekend’s events, the inaugural College of Law Awards Celebration combined the college’s most prestigious awards into one night for the first time. More than 300 alumni, students, and friends came together for Friday evening’s program to recognize award recipients for their outstanding achievements and celebrate the Syracuse Law community for what makes it truly special.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees:

John Elmore L’84
J. Neil Huber L’68
Bernard Kossar ’53, L’55
Tiffany H. Lee G’97, L’97
The Hon. Theodore “Ted” Limpert L’88
Alexandra Ramirez Randazzo L’96
The Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93
Joanne Van Dyke L’87

John Elmore L’84 Video
J. Neil Huber L’68 Video
Bernard Kossar ’53, L’55 Video
Tiffany H. Lee L’97, G’97 Video
The Hon. Theodore “Ted” Limpert L’88 Video
Alexandra Ramirez Randazzo L’96 Video
The Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93 Video
Joanne Van Dyke L’87 Video
2023 Syracuse University College of Law Award Winner Videos. Click a video to watch the honoree’s story.

From the lively panel discussions and networking receptions to the spirited alumni tailgate and football game, Law Alumni Weekend was a celebration of the spirit of Syracuse Law and our powerful Orange alumni network.

Special thank you to sponsors: Hancock Estabrook, Bond Schoeneck & King, the NDNY Federal Court Bar Association, the Tully Center for Free Speech, and the Syracuse University Institute for the Study of the Judiciary, Politics, and the Media.

Joanne Van Dyke L’87 and her family with her Law Honors award
Joanne Van Dyke L’87 and her family with her Law Honors award.
Kathleen Turland L’95 reading remarks at the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards
Kathleen Turland L’95 reading remarks at the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards.
The audience watches as the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards are presented.
The audience watches as the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards are presented.
Polaroid photos on a table
Memories of a great evening.
People dancing on a dance floor
Current students tearing up the dance floor.
The Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93 accepts a Law Honors Award from Dean Craig M. Boise.
The Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93 accepts a Law Honors Award from Dean Craig M. Boise.
The Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93
Left to right: Lishayne King L’18, the Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93, Omar Mosqueda L’20, and Dominique Kelly-Potamis L’21, Thompson’s former clerks.
Dean Craig M. Boise addresses the crowd at the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards.
Dean Craig M. Boise addresses the 2023 Syracuse University College of Law Awards crowd.
Alumni pose for a photo in the Dineen Hall atrium during the after-party.
Alumni and students pose for a photo in the Dineen Hall atrium during the after-party.
3L James Cameron III introduces the José Bahamonde-González L’92 Legacy Award.
3L James Cameron III introduces the José Bahamonde-González L’92 Legacy Award.
Dean Craig M. Boise presents the José Bahamonde-González L’92 Legacy Award to Alexandra Ramirez Randazzo L’96
Dean Craig M. Boise presents the José Bahamonde-González L’92 Legacy Award to Alexandra Ramirez Randazzo L’96.
Current students enjoying the after-party.
Current students enjoying the after-party.
Current students pose for photos after the celebration.
Current students pose for photos after the celebration.
Dean Craig M. Boise presents J. Neil Huber L’68 with a Law Honors Award.
Dean Craig M. Boise presents J. Neil Huber L’68 with a Law Honors Award.
J. Neil Huber L’68 poses with his family before the award ceremony.
J. Neil Huber L’68 poses with his family before the award ceremony.
Professor Maria Cudowska (left) chats with Professor Lauryn Gouldin (center) and Assistant Dean of International Programs Andrew Horsfall (right).
Professor Maria Cudowska (left) chats with Professor Lauryn Gouldin (center) and Assistant Dean of International Programs Andrew Horsfall L’10 (right).
Alums pose together during the after-party.
Leslie Halle and Bonnie Fisher L’73 pose together during the after-party.
More dancing during the after-party.
More dancing during the after-party.
3L James Cameron III and 3L Jasmine Geyer pose together before the award show starts.
3L James Cameron III and 3L Jasmine Geyer pose together before the award show starts.
Dean Craig M. Boise presents a Law Honors Award to The Hon. Theodore “Ted” Limpert L’88.
Dean Craig M. Boise presents a Law Honors Award to The Hon. Theodore “Ted” Limpert L’88.
Judges
The Hon. James Cecile L’91, the Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93, the Hon. Theodore “Ted” Limpert L’88, the Hon. Deborah Karalunas L’82, the Hon. Kate Rosenthal L’81, the Hon. Karen Uplinger, and the Hon. Julie Cecile L’91.
After party in the atrium in Dineen Hall.
After-party in the atrium of Dineen Hall.
Andrew Horsfall
Andrew Horsfall L’10 and Donghoo Sohn LL.M. ’13
3L Peony Teo introduces the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legacy of Excellence Award.
3L Peony Teo introduces the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legacy of Excellence Award.
Dean Craig M. Boise present the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legacy of Excellence Award to Tiffany H. Lee L’97, G’97.
Dean Craig M. Boise presents the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legacy of Excellence Award to Tiffany H. Lee L’97, G’97.
Current students network during the after-party.
Current students network during the after-party.
3L Jasmine Geyer introduces the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) William Herbert Johnson Legacy Award.
3L Jasmine Geyer introduces the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) William Herbert Johnson Legacy Award.
Craig M. Boise presents the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) William Herbert Johnson Legacy Award to John Elmore L’84.
Craig M. Boise presents the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) William Herbert Johnson Legacy Award to John Elmore L’84.
BLSA students and alumni with John Elmore L’84.
Black Law Student Association (BLSA) students and alumni with John Elmore L’84.
John Elmore L’84 and the Hon. Deborah Karalunas L’82 pose for a photo together after the award ceremony.
John Elmore L’84 and the Hon. Deborah Karalunas L’82 pose for a photo together after the award ceremony.
John Elmore L’84 and friends pose for a photo during the after-party.
Bill Gabor L’84, Gerald Taylor L’84, John Elmore L’84, and Peter M. Hobaica L’84.
Current students pose for photos after the ceremony.
Dean Craig M. Boise presents Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55 with the 2023 Dean's Distinguished Alumni Award.
Dean Craig M. Boise presents Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55, with the 2023 Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55 and Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud pose for a photo after the ceremony.
Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55, and Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud pose for a photo after the ceremony.
Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55 and his family capture a moment together.
Bernie Kossar ’53, L’55 and his family capture a moment together.

All photos were taken by Amelia Beamish.

2Ls Nicholas Barrish and Nikolaus Merz Win the Mackenzie Hughes LLP Edmund H. Lewis Appellate Advocacy Competition

The team of 2Ls Nicholas Barrish and Nikolaus Merz prevailed over the team of 3L Christopher Beattie and 2L Katelin Koper in the final round of the Mackenzie Hughes LLP Edmund H. Lewis Appellate Advocacy Competition. Koper was selected Best Advocate and Beattie and Koper won Best Brief.

The final round was judged by the Hon. Frederick Scullin Jr. L’64, Senior U.S. District Judge Northern District of New York; the Hon. Andrew Baxter, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of New York; the Hon. Ramon Rivera L’94, Court of Claims Judge, New York State Unified Court System; John Gilsenan, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Northern District of New York; and Professor Todd Berger, Director of Advocacy Programs at the College of Law.

Sponsored by Syracuse law firm Mackenzie Hughes LLP, this competition is open to two-person teams consisting of second and third-year Syracuse Law students. The competition is named for the Hon. Edmund H. Lewis L’1909, a distinguished alumnus of Syracuse University College of Law, a partner at Mackenzie Hughes, and a Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals. Each year, volunteer judges evaluate the teams’ written appellate briefs as well as oral argument performance through multiple rounds.

Overall, 10 teams of two students competed. Preliminary rounds were judged by Stephanie Hyde L’89, Nicole Macris L’18 Tom Taylor ’79, L’87, Neil Smith ’02, James Zino L’14, G’14, Laura Harshbarger L’97, Edwin (Pete) Frick L’13, Dean DiPilato, John Boyd II L’16, John Cirando, Judge Gerard Neri L’90, John Gilsenan, Judge Fred Scullin L’64, Judge Ramon Rivera L’94, and Judge Andrew Baxter.

David Katz L’17, John Boyd II L’16, and Professor Richard Risman graded the briefs.

The College of Law would like to thank all the judges and evaluators.

Judge Rivera, Professor Berger, Nikolaus Merz, Nicholas Barrish, Judge Scullin, Judge Baxter, John Gilsenan

Professor Lauryn Gouldin Discusses the Federal Gun Charges Filed Against Hunter Biden with the BBC

Crandall Melvin Professor of Law Lauryn Gouldin provided insight to the BBC into the gun charges filed against Hunter Biden.  The argument over the constitutionality of one of the charges – a ban on gun possession for drug users – rests on a Supreme Court ruling that expanded gun rights last year.

In the ruling, the conservative-leaning court said that firearms restrictions must be consistent with the “historical tradition of firearm regulation” in the U.S.

Gouldin noted that under that ruling, the Supreme Court would “likely” find the charges against Biden unconstitutional.