News

Scott Karson L’75 Reflects on Becoming NYSBA President-Elect and on an Ethos to Live By

Photo of Scott Karson speaking at a podium.

“Lawyers Are the Guardians of Justice”

For Scott Karson, a partner at Lamb & Barnosky LLP in Melville, NY, being active in bar associations at any level is a defining part of being a lawyer. “Bar associations enable me to be involved with the community of lawyers,” he says, looking back on 40 years of local, state, and national bar participation.

Karson’s rise through the ranks of the Suffolk County Bar Association started after his seven-year stint as a county assistant district attorney, during his career as a law secretary to Justice Lawrence J. Bracken of the Appellate Division, Second Department. “As a prosecutor, I spent a significant portion of my time in court and regularly interacted with my peers in the profession. However, as a law secretary, you lead a monastic life, spending hours alone in a law library researching and writing. After being so visible in court nearly every day, I seemingly disappeared. That’s when Justice Bracken suggested that I get involved in the bar association.”

And get involved he did. In addition to attaining the presidency of the Suffolk County Bar Association in 2004, Karson became more involved with the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) over the years. His involvement included, among other things, election to the NYSBA House of Delegates, serving as chair of the Committee on Courts of Appellate Jurisdiction and the Audit Committee, serving on the Committee to Review Judicial Nominations, and election to three one-year terms as Treasurer. He also became a member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates.

Unique Position

This ascension up the ranks will culminate on June 1, 2020, when Karson becomes the 123rd President of NYSBA. He will take over from fellow alum Henry (Hank) Greenberg L’86, marking the first instance of back-to-back College of Law alums serving as NYSBA President, and he will be the 10th graduate overall to hold the position.

Giving back to the legal community and supporting bar associations are important to the partners of his firm. “My partners at Lamb & Barnosky understand that the NYSBA presidency is virtually a full-time job, and they are supportive of me and my service to our bar association,” he says. In fact, two of his partners currently serve as chairs of NYSBA sections, and another is a county bar committee chair. At the firm, Karson is a commercial, municipal, and real estate litigator concentrating on appellate work, taking advantage of his experience in appellate courts. He has argued more than 100 appeals during his career. Upon taking office, Karson says he plans to maintain the same mantra that has guided him throughout his career: Lawyers are the guardians of justice. “By virtue of a license to practice law, attorneys are in a unique position to ensure that we live in a just society, representing clients and resolving disputes in accordance with the rule of law.”

“By virtue of a license to practice law, attorneys serve in a unique position to ensure that we live in a just society, representing clients and resolving disputes in accordance with the rule of law.”

To that point, Karson says he wants to place an emphasis on civic education. He and Greenberg have agreed to work together—along with New York Chief Judge Janet DiFiore—on a joint bar/bench convocation around this topic. “We have many citizens who can name all the judges on American Idol but who can’t name a justice of the US Supreme Court,” he observes. “A viable democracy requires an informed citizenry.”

Varied Audience

Gun violence is another focus area for Karson. “NYSBA has had two task forces looking at the topic of gun violence. The reports and recommendations of those task forces will be evaluated to determine what NYSBA’s next step ought to be in its continuing effort to curb the horrific and all-too-frequent incidents of gun violence that we have witnessed.”

Having practiced his entire career on Long Island—but with substantial time spent on statewide NYSBA activities—Karson says he understands the challenge of bringing together an organization that stretches over a geographically large and diverse area, from metropolitan Manhattan to rural Upstate.

“The state bar association serves a varied audience of practitioners,” notes Karson. “Topics such as gun violence may mean something different to someone in Upstate New York compared to a New York City attorney. It’s not always an easy task to develop positions that fairly represent all voices, but I am confident we can establish agreeable policy positions on guns and other important issues.”

While at the College of Law, Karson served as the senior editor of the Syracuse Law Review Annual Survey of New York Law. He returned for Law Alumni Weekend in 2019 to reengage with alums and to see Dineen Hall for the first time. Karson observed, “The new building is magnificent and will serve future generations of law students well.”

Karson concludes, “Representing the members of NYSBA as its President is truly an honor. I look forward to leading the association and building on the important work of advancing our great profession, the public which it serves and, of course, the cause of justice.”

Lawyers in Love: Patrick Kennell L’02 & Dawn Krigstin L’03

Patrick Kennell and Dawn Krigstin and two children

Since the mid- 1980s, the College of Law has been home to countless trial practice classes taught by Adjunct Professor Donald J. Martin L’68, Principal of The Donald J. Martin Law Firm PC.

For two alums, one particular class stood out from the rest: It was where a future husband and wife met.

Patrick Kennell and Dawn Krigstin joined Professor Martin’s trial practice class in fall 2001. The rest, as they say, is history. The two spent the remainder of law school together, and they look back upon their law school experiences with fond memories.

One particular memory stands out to the couple—meeting in New York City for the first time when Patrick was on the school’s trial team. Little did the couple know at the time that the city would be their future home.

Patrick and Dawn say their relationship is stronger thanks to their Syracuse bond.

“Syracuse means a lot to our marriage, and our shared connection with the College has kept us very involved with our alma mater,” Dawn explains. “We visit it more frequently than our friends, and we have turned one of our sons into a die-hard Orange fan!”

Beyond their love for all things Orange, Patrick and Dawn say that learning their profession in Syracuse has given them a deep appreciation and respect for each other. “We speak the same language, we argue well, and we even use our negotiation skills on our kids,” Dawn observes. “Our kids have learned so much. They now think like lawyers and out-negotiate us!”

The children the couple speaks of are 12-year-old Gabe and 9-year-old Teddy, who it appears may have a future at the College of Law like their parents. The family—which includes puppy Leah—live in lower Manhattan, where Patrick is a partner at Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck LLP, whose headquarters are close to Wall Street. At Kaufman, Patrick is Co-Chair of the Insurance Coverage and Litigation Practice Group, and he represents US and UK market insurers in professional negligence, breach of contract, fraud, conspiracy, and other cases.

Dawn runs her own business. As CEO of Envoy Specialty—a company she founded three years ago—she handles specialty claims for a wide variety of policies, including commercial general liability, environmental liability, professional liability, and contractor’s pollution insurance. In addition to her work at Envoy, Dawn is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Development School for the Youth, a nonprofit educational organization.

As a couple, Dawn and Patrick have one simple piece of advice for their children, fellow lawyers, and couples alike: “Be kind.” Although this advice may seem simple, they say you never know where kindness may lead you—perhaps even to falling in love in your trial practice class!

Words to Love By: “Be Kind.”

Lawyers in Love: Eric Klee L’97 & Jennifer Klee L’98

Jennifer and Eric Klee smiling in photo.

When one reminisces about their first day of school, they’re likely flooded with memories of meeting new people, learning new names, finding classrooms, and undertaking their first assignments.

However, when one alum looks back on her first day in White and MacNaughton halls, a special memory comes to mind: meeting her husband.

Jennifer and Eric Klee met on the law school’s third floor. Jennifer, a new student, was assigned the orientation group that Eric led as a 2L. The two became close as they discovered what they shared in common, not just a passion for the law but childhoods spent on Long Island. Eric graduated in 1997, Jennifer followed in 1998, and the two wed that August. Now, the Syracuse-made couple resides in the Westchester County community of Somers, NY, with their two daughters—Alyssa and Sammy—and their, dog Brody.

Together as a couple for more than 20 years, Jennifer and Eric practice in different areas of law. Eric’s background is in consumer and business law, with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, securities, and corporate governance. He is Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at American Media LLC, a New York-based publishing company specializing in news and entertainment publications, including Men’s Fitness, The National Enquirer, OK!, and Star. As head of the legal team, Eric’s role includes branding, trademark, and copyright issues.

Jennifer’s practice, on the other hand, has included work with the New York City Law Department and with law firms specializing in insurance defense and real estate. Now a stay-at-home mom, Jennifer’s interest in the law is undiminished.

“Eric and I have this common history and bond, along with shared experiences,” Jennifer explains. “Even though we practice different areas of the law, we are both attorneys, so we can always relate to each other.”

Whether it be understanding the pressures and demands that lawyers endure, or picking each other’s brains on legal issues, the Klees believe their shared background in law makes
their personal bond that much stronger.

The couple’s favorite relationship quote is “Marriage is a mosaic you build with your spouse. Millions of tiny moments that create your love story.” The Klees’ relationship has had no shortage of those moments, thanks to that fateful day back at their alma mater!

Words to Love By: “Marriage is a mosaic you build with your spouse. Millions of tiny moments that create your love story.”

Syracuse Graduates Find a New Home in New Jersey

The Hon. Rodney Thompson L’93 Builds a Tradition of Hiring Orange Law Clerks

The Hon. Rodney Thompson L’93, G’93 graduated in 1993 with a J.D. from the College of Law and a master’s of public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, both of which he earned while on a full tuition scholarship. Now a New Jersey Superior Court Judge, Thompson grew up in Trenton, NJ, and pursued a legal education so he could give back to the community that raised him.

“Most of the people I grew up with—people who look like me—were good, honest, hard-working folks,” says Judge Thompson. “It was often difficult, however, to locate an attorney who was from where you were from and who understood your circumstances. I just really wanted to help my community.”

Front Row (l to r): William Gould L’19 and Tanner Kingston L’19. Back Row (l to r): Athena Pantelopoulos L’19, Isaac Signorelli ’20, Judge Thompson, and Luke Edmondson ’19. IN courtoom
Front Row (l to r): William Gould L’19 and Tanner Kingston L’19. Back Row (l to r): Athena Pantelopoulos L’19, Isaac Signorelli ’20, Judge Thompson, and Luke Edmondson ’19.

“I needed a law clerk—a Syracuse law clerk.”

That spirit of service and giving back extends to graduates of Judge Thompson’s alma mater, who have assisted him since his elevation to the Superior Court.

Thompson’s gubernatorial appointment to the Superior Court was confirmed in November 2016. Judicial clerks usually start their clerkships the last week of August, so Thompson was worried.

“I knew I needed a law clerk, and I wanted it to be a Syracuse law graduate,” he says. Thompson called his College of Law contact and friend, Director of Development Melissa Cassidy, and she immediately thought of Anna Maria Castillo L’16. A perfect match for the position, Castillo started in November 2016 and served until 2018. “She did very well, and she took over at an extraordinarily challenging time,” Thompson recalls. “She had to jump into a very difficult docket, and she did an outstanding, phenomenal job. After Anna, it was a wrap.” Judge Thompson decided he would only look to Syracuse for his clerks moving forward.

Thompson has demonstrated to his colleagues that Syracuse graduates “have a strong work ethic, are critical thinkers, and are effective communicators.”William Gould L’19

Since Castillo, a number of Syracuse graduates have worked for Judge Thompson. Lishayne King L’18 was his second clerk, and Ursula Simmons L’19 served as an extern in his chambers. William Gould L’19 is his third and current clerk, while Isaac Signorelli L’20 started a nine-month externship last September. Omar Mosqueda L’20 is set to become his fourth clerk in August 2020.

Lishayne King L’18 and Hon. Rodney Thompson L’93, G’93 in courtroom with SU COllege of Law flag
Anna Castillo L’16 and Hon. Rodney Thompson L’93, G’93 in courtroom with SU COllege of Law flag
Ursula Simmons L’19 and Hon. Rodney Thompson L’93, G’93 in courtroom with SU COllege of Law flag

“They all liked her.”

Castillo got to know the other family court judges, and her relationships and job performance continue to benefit College of Law students and graduates. “They all liked her and appreciated her work ethic,” Thompson says, “Anna was the perfect clerk. She was tough. She was smart. I could depend on her to work independently, including day-to-day assignments, drafting opinions, and dealing with court staff, attorneys and stakeholders. She also had excellent sports IQ.”

Thompson says he travels to Syracuse every September for the College’s annual Law Alumni Weekend and interviews an average of 10 students during his visit. He can only hire one clerk, but he distributes the information he acquires on other quality candidates to his colleagues. “Students get hired partly based on my recommendations, but partly based on the fact that my judicial colleagues knew Anna,” Thompson says.

To date, three other Syracuse graduates have been hired at the Mercer County Courthouse because of Judge Thompson’s recommendations. Current clerk William Gould says by hiring Syracuse graduates, Thompson has demonstrated to his colleagues that Syracuse graduates “have a strong work ethic, are critical thinkers, and are effective communicators.”

“Nothing is ever too serious.”

Castillo says clerking for Thompson was one of the best experiences she has had. “Walking into his chambers is like walking into your father’s living room. Nothing is ever too serious. He is very relaxed, which made for a good work environment.”

On Castillo’s last day, Thompson called her into his office, Castillo recalls, “It was like a family goodbye, like ‘talk to you later.’” Gould describes Thompson in the same terms, “as a well-liked and down-to-earth person” making Gould feel like part of the team.

Thompson takes the time to mentor his clerks. “I encourage them and take them to various bar association functions so they can make connections. I see it as my responsibility to mentor clerks, to get them out into the legal profession.” Gould says that the opportunity for mentorship is why he took the position with Thompson. “I appreciated the chance to learn from Judge Thompson about what attributes make an attorney effective” he observes.

“Many of my clerks have also participated in one of the College’s legal clinics or externships and therefore bring valuable real-world experiences on day oneHon. Rodney Thompson L’93

“I couldn’t be prouder.”

Castillo is currently an appellate attorney at the US Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC. The high workload and outputs of Thompson’s docket prepared Castillo for her current position. “He provided me with the type of independence I need here,” she says. “I was not micromanaged, and that sort of independence to address a problem on my own really helps me in this job.”

Gould adds, “Judge Thompson has a demanding docket of cases, and each day presents a different challenge that I must work through. However, from day one, he has offered his advice and support.”

Thompson says he feels that Syracuse uniquely prepares graduates for clerkships because of the strong legal writing and research curriculum. “Most of the students I interview participate in some sort of law journal. Many of my clerks have also participated in one of the College’s legal clinics or externships and therefore bring valuable real-world experiences on day one,” Thompson explains.

Thompson, Castillo, and Gould emphasize the need for excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills for law clerks, as well as being calm under pressure. “Dean Boise and the current leadership team are moving the College in the right direction, preparing lawyers for the future,” Thompson notes. “I couldn’t be prouder of my Syracuse education.”

A Family Legacy That Spans a Century

Syracuse University was a major part of Sarah Shepp L’19’s childhood in Allendale, NJ, situated close to the New York state border. She recalled family gatherings to watch Syracuse games as a child when she and her cousin would wear cheerleading outfits and root for the Orange.

“Syracuse was always an important place for our family,” Shepp says. She is keenly aware of following in the footsteps of her family members who have attended Syracuse for undergraduate study, and for a law degree from the College of Law.

Family Tradition

The family tradition began with Sarah’s great-grandfather Walter Rose, who attended Syracuse on an athletic scholarship. Rose lettered in cross country and graduated in 1919. Rose then graduated from the College of Law in 1922. He went on to take over his father’s furniture store, Joseph Rose & Sons, which was originally located in Manhattan and then relocated to Astoria, Queens.

Rose continued to support the Orange and attended homecoming games up until he was 99 years old. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 101, when Shepp was 4 years old.

Walter Rose was not Shepp’s only family member to attend Syracuse, however. On her maternal great-grandmother’s side, Shepp had two great uncles who graduated from Syracuse: Bill Gold who graduated from the College of Law in 1922, the same year as Walter, and Abe Gold, whose graduation date is unknown. Bill introduced Walter to his sister Rose Gold who later became Walter’s wife. Walter and Rose were married for over 60 years.

Loyalty & Service

Walter had two sons, Martin and Stanley Rose. Stanley studied business and graduated in 1952, and Martin studied communications and graduated in 1967. Bill and Abe Gold’s nephew Barton Stein graduated from Syracuse University in 1960. Shepp’s uncle Kenneth Reichner graduated in 1984, and Shepp’s cousin—and Walter Rose’s grandson—Gordon Rose graduated from the College of Law in 1993.

Walter, Stanley, Martin, and Kenneth were all active in the Sigma Alpha Mu (Sammy) fraternity at Syracuse, and there is a Sammy scholarship named after Walter. In 1990, Walter received the Eggers Senior Alumni Award, which honors alumni whose leadership and service to society has been joined with loyalty and service to the University.

For Shepp, Syracuse University has been a family tradition for four generations, and the tradition is set to continue. Shepp currently has a second cousin, Margaret Rose, who is a first-year student at Syracuse in the honors program majoring in public health. Margaret is the great-granddaughter of Walter Rose, the granddaughter of Stanley Rose, and the daughter of Gordon Rose. That makes à Syracuse University connections in her family.

“With this family history, it just seemed appropriate for me to go to Syracuse and continue the legacy.”Sarah Shepp L’19

Continue the Legacy

Shepp says she pursued a legal education in order to advocate for individuals and to help people with complex issues in their time of need. The College of Law seemed the supportive, collaborative environment that Shepp was looking for, and she found that the professors wanted their students to succeed.

“To top all that off with this family history, it just seemed appropriate for me to go to Syracuse and continue the legacy,” she explains, praising the quality of the legal education she received at Syracuse.

Currently, Shepp works as a law clerk for the Hon. Alan G. Lesnewich, J.S.C., a civil division judge in Union County, NJ. She passed the New Jersey bar exam and works on a variety of civil cases, from contract disputes to personal injury litigation.

Shepp is interested in insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, and product liability, and she hopes to pursue that work in the future. She notes that her education at Syracuse prepared her for her current position thanks to opportunities such as the Hancock Estabrook 1L Oral Advocacy Competition, the Lionel O. Grossman Trial Competition, and the Bond, Schoeneck & King Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition, as well as her service as the Associate Editor of the Journal of International Law and Commerce. Her article “Priceless Kidney: The Ineffectiveness of Organ Trafficking Legislation” was published in the Spring 2019 edition.

When reflecting on her family’s Orange history, Shepp says, “I hope I made Walter Rose proud. It’s really nice to be involved in a profession that so many of my relatives chose for themselves.” Before she arrived in Syracuse, she imagined being on the same campus they lived on decades before her and reading the same legal cases that they did. Reflecting on what it felt to be at the College, and reading those cases, she says, “It’s been a blessing and an incredible experience.”

Adam L. Bailey L’95

The participation of Adam Leitman Bailey L95 in Professor Deborah Kenn’s Housing and Finance clinic convinced him of one thing: he was going to work in real estate law and nothing else. ”Adam was an exceptional student, extremely passionate about the work in the clinic, and committed to providing high-quality representation to his clients, “Kenn says, “I remember his interest in real estate law and the clinic’s practice in affordable housing development. But, above all, I remember a devotion to excellence in every endeavor he would undertake as a student attorney.

More than a decade into his career, Bailey is the owner of his own law firm-the 16-attorney, AV-rated real estate law firm Adam Leitman Bailey P.C. He credits Kenn with opening his eyes to the field that he says offers many opportunities to directly affect people’s lives. “She demonstrated the importance of real estate not only as an intellectual adventure, but also necessary to fight poverty in the world. I learned that I could improve people’s lives through real estate, and I have not forgotten that lesson from her clinic, where we put this into practice. Her clinic is where I did my first closing, opened not-for-profit corporations for lower income businesses, and advocated for our pro bono clients’ rights.”

Bailey, named a “Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics magazine, has prevailed in some of New York’s most important real estate cases, including a noteworthy appellate division decision involving an interpretation of the recording statute and an important case that set new rules for commercial real estate joint venture agreements. ”Adam Leitman Bailey has been instrumental in transitioning Edison into the 21st century,” says Steven Rosefsky, a former general counsel of a large developer. “We have never lost a case with Adam. Adam, in particular, and his firm have been involved in an array of complex litigation matters, transactional matters, leasing matters, and in every instance, I am happy to say Adam and his firm have excelled in all areas of the practice of law.”

A commercial lease agreement he drafted a few years ago caught the eye of Bob Blumberg, chief executive officer of BlumbergExclesior, Inc., a leading supplier of online law forms. Bailey and another attorney in his firm, Dov Treiman, were selected to draft new comprehensive lease forms used by almost every landlord in the United States and in more than 70 percent of residential leases signed in this country.

Bailey graduated from New Milford High School in New Jersey and was invited to deliver the commencement address this past spring, where he received the school’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers College before coming to Syracuse. “I was lucky to go to Syracuse; the teachers were really there for us,” he remembers. The support from faculty as well as tight friendships with law school friends made for a wonderful experience, he says. ”And when I started practicing,” he adds, “I saw how prepared I was to be a lawyer.”

Bailey’s goals? “I want to have the best law firm in the United States,” he says. He is also writing a book. The topic of course, real estate: “how to buy a home,” he says, “and how to do it right.”