News

JDinteractive Asset Finance Residency Held at Holland & Knight in NYC

Holland & Knight partner Richard Furey L’94 taught the Asset Finance residency for JDinteractive students in the firm’s New York City offices. The week-long residency focused on international and domestic asset and infrastructure finance, including aircraft, ships, rail cars, and more. The course also addressed fundamental financing structures, regulations, treaties, tax matters, insurance, and bankruptcy issues. In addition, the firm supports students through an externship program for Syracuse Law students.

Richard Furey L’94 poses next to the Holland & Knight sign
Richard Furey L’94

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.

Professor Shubha Ghosh on Anthropic Copyright Infringement Settlement: “The Devil is in the Details”

Crandall Melvin Professor of Law Shubha Ghosh commented to Insurance Journal on the announced settlement of a class action lawsuit against Anthropic for using copyrighted material to train its AI product.

The settlement could be “huge” in shaping litigation against AI companies, said Ghosh, director of the Syracuse Intellectual Property Law Institute. “The devil is in the details of the settlement and future litigation about the terms of the settlement.”

AI and the Future of Law

Syracuse Law is at the forefront of providing its students with practical and ethical artificial intelligence skills to best leverage the rapidly evolving use of AI in the legal profession. Through classroom lectures, independent study, group projects, and research, Syracuse Law students will be ready to maximize the benefits of AI.

Professor Jack M. Graves led a one-week intensive JDi residency on the intersection of law and artificial intelligence. Students left with five key takeaways: 

  • Understanding AI tools
  • Recognizing ethical risks
  • Applying AI in a practice setting
  • Anticipating regulatory challenges, and
  • Developing strategies to use technology responsibly.

In the spring, Professor Mary C. Szto’s “Artificial Intelligence Law and Ethics” class will look at the history of AI, including its use in the legal profession and will examine the development of AI law and ethics in the U.S. and elsewhere, and proposals for the future.

Professor Emeritus William C. Banks Comments on National Guard Executive Order

Professor of Law Emeritus William C. Banks recently discussed President Trump’s executive order directing the National Guard to support law enforcement with USA Today.

Trump has broad leeway over the DC National Guard, but is “very limited” in what he can do with the Guard in other states, said Banks. He can only unilaterally deploy state Guards under special circumstances when they are federalized, as the president did in Los Angeles.

Syracuse Law’s LondonEx Summer Program Celebrates 46 Years of Insight Into U.K. Legal Culture and Practice

What law student wouldn’t jump at the chance to work alongside a barrister with King’s Council (KC) status, an honor bestowed upon only the most experienced lawyers in the U.K.? Or assist judges in the Crown Court system, one of three senior courts in England and Wales?

These are just some examples of recent experiences that students undertook as part of Syracuse University College of Law’s LondonEx program. The  oldest and only program of its kind in the nation — celebrating its 46th year — LondonEx has been offering law students both from Syracuse Law, as well as other ABA-accredited law schools in the U.S. and Canada, a summer externship program that is a truly transformational experience.

Group of students in the LondonEx program tours Middle Temple Hall

What Makes LondonEx Unique

While other law schools offer semesters abroad or other international programs, LondonEx is unique in that it offers a fully immersive seven-week program in London. Students participate in tailored externships matched to their interests, gaining hands-on experience in a professional legal setting while refining skills and experiencing an up-close look at another legal system and culture.

“We are exposing law students to the practice of law in a global setting. Working to match their interests with outstanding opportunities, students work alongside — often at workspaces only a few feet apart from barristers, solicitors and judges,” says Andrew Horsfall, study abroad specialist for Syracuse University. “The law students are always pleasantly surprised at what their mentors do for them, when they bring them along to court, put them to work on actual research, provide meaningful feedback, and give them the opportunity to return to law school with written work product and an expanded view of the profession.”

Program Structure

Working with Syracuse Abroad and its London Centre, Faraday House, law students arrive in mid-May to embark upon the seven-week, 5-credit program.

  • Week One: The first week is spent in an intensive orientation that acquaints students with the British legal system through a variety of guest lecturers and cultural activities. They are immediately thrown into “Legal London” to see the Inns of Court and the Royal courts of Justice, often on the first day, in order to build context on the differences between the U.K. and U.S. legal systems before starting their placement experiences.
  • Weeks Two-Seven: Externships are held four days a week for a six-week period with Fridays reserved for learning activities like skills training, networking, negotiation and gaining professional insights from those working in London’s legal system, including Syracuse University alumni.
  • Program Conclusion: The program concludes with students presenting on topics of their choosing around a comparative aspect of law or legal culture they engaged with at their placements.

While the pace is quick, there is still time to soak in the culture of one of the world’s most dynamic cities as students take in a show in the West End, view the architecture of the Palace of Westminster, enjoy fish and chips at an authentic British pub or get a birds eye view of the Thames on the London Eye.

“Our seven-week program goes by very quickly, but its quick pace also allows students to wrap up the experience by early July with time to take on a second externship back in the U.S.— which some do every summer,” says Horsfall.

Group of students in a courtroom in London

Student Perspectives

This past summer, 14 students completed the LondonEx program — seven from Syracuse Law and seven from a mix of other law schools.

Syracuse Law student Eric Boutrous L’27 chose to attend the LondonEx program for the opportunity to gain hands-on legal experience outside the U.S. He was placed under the mentorship of barrister Mark Warwick KC at Selbourne Chambers in the heart of London’s Inns of Court, where he was able to work on a variety of complex real property and civil matters  involving easements, boundary disputes and professional negligence.

“I helped prepare arguments regarding implementing easements and necessity and had the opportunity to contribute research that was used in a court filing,” says Boutrous. “Presenting my work to my peers in the program challenged me to synthesize complex materials and communicate clearly the skills I know will be invaluable in my legal career.”

Boutrous also participated in a mediation session under Warwick’s supervision. “It was fascinating to observe how the parties and their legal teams approached negotiation, particularly in a system where mediation is increasingly encouraged,” he explains, noting he hopes to go into transactional law with a long-term goal of international litigation and arbitration.

Another Syracuse Law student, Kylee Peisher L’27, enjoyed the opportunity to learn a new perspective of the law while also traveling to new places. While in London, she worked for Powell Spencer & Partners Solicitors doing criminal defense work and shadowing barristers and solicitors at trials, sentencings and other steps of the criminal process.

“Before law school, I worked as a paralegal for a criminal defense attorney, so it was so interesting to learn the similarities and differences in the U.S. and U.K.’s approaches to criminal law,” she says, noting that in London she had the opportunity to watch an intense, two-week Crown Court trial from start to finish.

“It was really amazing to finally be able to sit right in the middle of it and experience it first-hand, and it definitely gave me a broader perspective. Overall, I got to see a lot of great advocacy and other lawyering skills during LondonEx that will stay with me as I start my professional career.”

Richard Everett Jr. L’26 joined the group from Creighton University School of Law. He was assigned to a judge at the Inner London Crown Court of His Majesty’s Crown Court, giving him an insightful comparison of how the American and British criminal legal systems differ.

His favorite part of the experience, however, was conferring over lunch with the judges on a daily basis. “This hour provided me with unprecedented access to the Crown Court judges, giving me the opportunity to ask questions about the proceedings I observed on a given day and clarify any points of confusion I may have had.”

After completing law school, Everett, who is currently an ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve, will be joining the Navy’s Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corp.

“Syracuse’s LondonEx program has allowed me to observe how the criminal justice system of one of our allies functions,” he explains. “It’s crucial to be as diverse as possible in a global environment, especially when your job can take you anywhere in the world.”

A Lasting Impact

The experience of this year’s LondonEx program, as well as those over the past four decades, have left indelible impressions on the law students who have participated in this unique and up-close experience.

“London itself is a magnetic city full of history, culture and excitement, but that’s just the start of what our LondonEx students experience here as they enjoy unprecedented exposure to the people and places that truly represent a dynamic legal culture and system that is different from what they have been studying in law school,” says Horsfall. “Professionally, it can become  a game changer for many students.”

See more information on Syracuse University College of Law’s LondonEx program. The deadline to apply for Summer 2026 is February 1.

Professor Katherine Macfarlane Served as Lead Author for Eleventh Circuit Amicus Brief in Boe v. Marshall

Professor of Law Katherine Macfarlane recently served as lead author for a law professors’ amicus brief filed in Boe v. Marshall, an Eleventh Circuit appeal involving judge-shopping sanctions. The brief builds upon Macfarlane’s recent article “Constitutional Case Assignment”, published in the North Carolina Law Review. Law360 reported on the filing of the amicus brief and the underlying case here.

Professor Macfarlane is a leading expert in civil procedure and civil rights litigation and directs the College of Law’s Disability Law and Policy Program.