Syracuse Law Welcomes a New JDi Class Balancing Careers, Service, & the Law

This fall, Syracuse University College of Law welcomes a new class into its hybrid online JDinteractive (JDi) program — a group balancing careers, families, and service to their communities while pursuing a legal education. Representing diverse backgrounds across 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 from unrelated professions entirely.

Our new JDi students came to Dineen Hall in August to attend their first on-campus residency. The JDi program is a hybrid format that allows students to take classes and participate in law school programs and activities online, requiring six in-person residencies throughout their legal education.

Explore the full incoming class profile.

We caught up with a few members of the incoming JDi class to hear, in their own words, what brought them to law school and where they hope it takes them.

David Smeigh wearing a blue suit and green tie in front of a gray background.

David Smeigh

Foreign Service Officer, Visa Unit Chief at the U.S. Consulate General in Naples, Italy

Chanda Powell holds up a Syracuse pendant in front of a white background.

Chanda Powell

Business Owner/Chef, Whisk Bakery & Catering; Paralegal, Brand & Morelock

Jonathan Andrade wears a black suit in front of a gray background.

Jonathan Andrade

Executive Director, Chick-fil-A

Timothy Riffle wears a blue suit and white shirt in front of a wooded background.

Timothy Riffe

Senior Architect (Embedded AI)

Mary wilson wears a black sweater in front of a gray background.

Mary Wilson ‘10

Editorial Producer, LinkedIn