OCTOBER 2018

Dean's Dispatch for Alumni

From the desk of Dean Boise

Another Law Alumni Weekend is in the books, and it was truly an extraordinary weekend filled with non-stop activity, Orange Pride, plenty of nostalgia, and positive buzz about the College’s future. It was wonderful to catch up with many of you, including members of the Class of 1968 celebrating their 50th class reunion.

Thank you to all who contributed to the energy and enthusiasm of the weekend. Whether you attended our SCOTUS preview or the Celebrating Alumni of Color Reception; returned to the classroom with Professors Johnson or Bell; joined us for an inspirational Law Honors Awards ceremony or the Cold Case Justice Initiative celebration; or cheered on the football team at the Game Watch Party, this event was a success because of your participation.

If you couldn’t return to Syracuse for Law Alumni Weekend, we captured some key moments on camera, so please enjoy and share the following:

  • The “State of the College Address,” a version of which I delivered at the Breakfast with the Dean on September 29. This version is the address staff and faculty heard on September 21.
  • The “Review of the Supreme Court 2018-2019 Term,” with Slate’s Dahlia Lithwick, delivered on the same day as the momentous Kavanaugh/Blasey Ford Hearing.
  • The Law Honors Awards Ceremony (see related story below)
  • The LAW picture album, with photos from the Artificial Intelligence panel, Lunch with the Judiciary, the Law Honors Awards Ceremony and Reception, the Fireside Chat with the Hon. David N. Hurd L’63, the Celebrating Alumni of Color Reception, and more.

Feedback from alumni who attended our events has been very positive. We are taking note of your advice and suggestions, welcome any additional feedback, and plan to apply lessons learned to next year’s gathering. We already look forward to seeing you at LAW 2019!

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Congratulations to our Law Honors Award Recipients

On September 28, we honored six members of the College community at the Law Honors Awards Ceremony, presented in collaboration with the Syracuse University Law Alumni Association.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees (pictured, clockwise from me): Dr. Natasha James-Waldon L’94; the Hon. James E. Graves Jr. L’80; the Hon. William Q. Hayes L’83; Alexandra C. Epsilanty L’92; and Professor Emeritus Travis H.D. Lewin. Not pictured is 47th VP Joseph R. Biden Jr. L’68. Read their Law Honors Award citations.

2018 Syracuse Law Honors Recipients

You nominate for this award, which celebrates the achievements and service of members of the Syracuse Law family, including alumni, current and former faculty and staff, students, and others. Please consider whom you would like to see honored at the 2019 ceremony and nominate at the link below.

Nominate Here!
 
Thank You to Our Sponsors! I am grateful to our 2018 Law Alumni Weekend sponsors. Bottar Law PLLC, Harris Beach PLLC, William Mattar Law Offices, and Wladis Law Firm sponsored THE Lunch with the Judiciary on September 28, while Bottar Law PLLC sponsored the Syracuse Law Honors Award Ceremony and Party later the same day. The Supreme Court Preview was sponsored by the NDNY Federal Court Bar Association and Institute for the Study of the Judiciary, Politics, and the Media.
 

College of Law News

 
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Symposium: “Artificial Intelligence in the Law Profession”

I am grateful to alumni—both panelists and audience members—who contributed to our wide-ranging and essential conversation about “Artificial Intelligence in the Law Profession” on September 27.

Our first panel (pictured) was comprised of Maura Grossman, University of Waterloo; Chris Martin, Latham & Watkins; Kathleen Turland L’95, Current/GE; and David Zumpano L’92, Estate Planning Law Center.

The second panel also welcomed Christine Hasiotis, UnitedLex; Sandra Reid L’98, OneMarket Network LLC; and Jason Mills ’95, G’96, Stealth Company. Afternoon panelists shared some contemporary AI technologies and solutions with the audience. At the conclusion of the program, we heard from INSCT Director James E. Baker, an expert on emerging technologies and national security.

CCJI 10th Anniversary Celebration

The Cold Case Justice Initiative Commemorates 10th Year Anniversary

The Cold Case Justice Initiative (CCJI) commemorated more than 10 years of seeking justice and accountability for racially motivated crimes during the Civil Rights Era with an awards dinner on September 29 in Dineen Hall, during Law Alumni Weekend.

Pioneering professors Janis L. McDonald and Paula C. Johnson created CCJI in response to a request from the family of Frank Morris, a 53-year-old African American shoe repair shop owner who was murdered in his shop in December 1964 by reputed members of the Ku Klux Klan. Today, College of Law students work on civil rights cases under the supervision of Johnson and McDonald.

During the event—in addition to honoring co-director McDonald—the Frank Morris Racial Justice, Civil, and Human Rights Award was bestowed on Denise Jackson Ford, Wharlest Jackson, Tashia Thomas Neal L’09, Pooja Sethi L’05, and Deborah Watts … Learn more about CCJI’s anniversary

 

Alumni News

 
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DCEx Hosts Alumni as Distinguished Guest Lecturers

On September 7, DCEx participants met Nazak Nikakhtar L’02 in her office at the US Department of Commerce. Nikakhtar currently serves as Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis at the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. She discussed how she started her career, the obstacles she faced, and how she successfully managed to turn those hardships into stepping stones to guide her career.

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This month, DCEx students heard from Joseph Di Scipio L’95 at the 21st Century Fox offices. Di Scipio is the Senior Vice President, Legal and FCC Compliance at Fox Television Stations LLC. To prepare for the seminar, students viewed political candidate and issue-related advertisements. Di Scipio then reviewed current legal cases, and students worked with him to conduct a step-by-step “substantiation” for some unusual commercials.

 

Student News

 
COL Law Advocacy Honor Society 7th Annual Bond Schoeneck and King BS&K Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition 2018

Knickerbocker, Grummons Win Bond, Schoeneck & King Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition

Third-year students Lacey Grummons (left) and Sarah Knickerbocker won the seventh annual Bond, Schoeneck & King Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition on September 27. Organized by the Advocacy Honor Society (AHS), this annual competition gives students an opportunity to practice resolving clients’ conflicts through arbitration, mediation, and negotiation.

Thank you to final round judges Brian Butler L’96 of Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC; Daniel G. Cantone L’81, a family law settlement advocate and conflict resolution specialist; and James L. Sonneborn of Bousquet Holstein PLLC … Read more about this year’s ADR competition

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Phi Alpha Delta Hosts Red Cross Blood Drive

The Phi Alpha Delta Carmody Chapter recently hosted its second blood drive with the American Red Cross. Thanks to College of Law students, faculty, and staff, 32 total units were collected, potentially impacting up to 96 patients in need.

 

Faculty & Department News

 
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Disability Rights International Releases Report Co-Authored by Arlene Kanter

On September 27, Disability Rights International released a powerful report, co-authored by Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence Arlene Kanter and alumna Milanoi Koiyiet LL.M.’16. The report documents the intense pressure that Kenyan parents face when their children are born with a disability … Learn more about Professor Kanter’s research and see her photos

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A Welch Allyn Veteran Guides Innovation Law Center Students

Every semester, College of Law students in the Innovation Law Center benefit from the extensive expertise and broad experience of practitioners who supervise student research projects for real-world clients.

One of the adjunct law professors overseeing the Innovation Law Practicum class is Chris Horacek, former Vice President-Deputy General Counsel for Welch Allyn … Read more about Chris Horacek’s career and teaching philosophy

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Privacy Expert Visits the College of Law

Professor Ron Krotoszynski, John S. Stone Chairholder of Law and Director of Faculty Research at the Culverhouse School of Law at the University of Alabama, recently taught a short course on Comparative Privacy Law at the College. During his visit, he also presented “The Disappearing First Amendment” as part of the College of Law’s Faculty Colloquia Series.

Faculty Impact

Our faculty continue to be in demand as major political and legal stories dominate national headlines, although it was a local issue—snow removal and ADA compliance—that was the subject of Professor Robin Paul Malloy’s Letter to the Editor of the Syracuse Post-StandardBrowse our latest media hits for this and other stories. If an article interests you, please share it on social media to help raise the College’s profile!

 

 

How You Can Make a Difference

 

Your Mission: Boost the Cuse II Launches October 25

Syracuse University’s annual 24-hour Day of Giving—Boost the Cuse—is set for midnight-to-midnight on October 25.

Last year, fueled by pride and a competitive spirit, our College raised $72,600 from 300 donors, including 62 new donors. These were superb numbers, but this year we want to do even better!

This year, if we surpass 300 donors, that will unlock a $50,000 match from our generous Board of Advisors!

During the Day of Giving, we encourage you to donate any amount to any of the College’s funds. That includes the Law Annual Fund, which directly funds strategic priorities such as financial aid, the law clinics, and the advocacy program. A strong participation rate on this day also will boost our philanthropic participation rate for the year, which can positively impact our national reputation and ranking. 

If you have not given before—or if you are a “lapsed giver”—this is the day for you. Log in to the Boost the Cuse Mission Control website, where you can add October 25 to your calendar, become a College of Law Advocate, make a gift, and share on social media. When making a gift, be sure to scroll down to the Law Annual Fund or the “other” designation to allocate your gift to the College.

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Don’t Forget to Take Our Short Curriculum Review Survey

Thank you to all those who have taken our curriculum survey so far—but I am looking for even more input from our alumni! It’s been some time since a full curriculum review was undertaken, and this will be your last chance for a few years to help shape the course of study for our students. The survey will only take a few minutes. I look forward to reading your point of view.

Take the Survey
 

Share Your Career Tips During the Winter Break Alumni Shadow Program

Sharing critical insights about your legal career journey is one of the most direct ways you can influence a current law student’s job path.

If you can show a current student the ropes, please consider volunteering to host a 1L and/or LL.M. student for the first-ever Office of Career Services Winter Break Alumni Shadow Program in January 2019.

The program allows a student to visit your workplace, discuss his/her career path and current practice, and shadow a typical workday. Matching is based on the geographic location of the student during Winter Break, as well as practice areas of interest to the student.

The program runs Jan. 7-11, 2019. Any time you can host a student during that week—whether a half day or all five days—will be greatly appreciated. If you’re interested in being a shadow host, please complete the registration form at the link below.

Register Here
 

Admissions Fairs Continue Through November

Prospective students are well-served by our Admissions team at enrollment events, but there’s nothing like hearing about the benefits of a Syracuse law degree from an alumnus. If you are able to take time out of your busy schedules to attend any of the following events and meet and encourage prospects, we’d love to hear from you.

  • October 19: Atlanta Law School Forum
  • October 26-27: New York Law School Forum (New York City)
  • November 2: San Francisco Law School Forum
  • November 10: Houston Law School Forum
  • November 21: Boston Law School Forum

For more information, please email Assistant Director of Admissions Danielle Burgo at dlburgo@law.syr.edu.

Save-the-Date: Admitted Student Mixers

Save the date for Admitted Student Mixers in Syracuse on March 21 and April 11, 2019. These events provide an opportunity for prospective students to experience the “Power of Orange” first-hand from a College alum. More information coming soon.

 

 

For Your Calendar

 
Judge_Feinman_2018

Justice Paul Feinman to Visit the College

I invite you to attend a talk by New York State Court of Appeals Associate Justice the Hon. Paul G. Feinman on October 24 at 5:30 p.m. in the Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom. Feinman has been invited by student organizations OutLaw: The LGBT Law & Policy Group and the American Constitution Society. He will discuss his experience on the Court of Appeals and offer insights on the role of state courts and the state of the state court system.

A former justice of the state Supreme Court and of the Appellate Division, First Department, Gov. Andrew Cuomo nominated Feinman to the Court of Appeals in June 2017 and the State Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination later that month. Feinman has served as President of the Association of Supreme Court Justices of the State of New York, President of the International Association of LGBT Judges, Presiding Member of the Judicial Section of the NYS Bar Association, and President of LeGaL, the LGBT Bar of Greater New York.

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Litigating the Pan Am 103 Terrorist Attack

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, which killed 270, including 35 SU students studying abroad.

As part of Pan Am 103 Remembrance Week, join the Syracuse University Libraries and the Syracuse University College of Law for a conversation with James Kreindler Esq., the architect of the $2.7 billion settlement against the Libyan government on behalf of the families of the victims of the Pan Am 103 disaster.

The event takes place on October 30 at 4 p.m. in the Melanie Gray Ceremonial Courtroom. The event is open to all, and a reception will follow. Please register with Director of Alumni Relations Kristen L. Duggleby at klduggle@law.syr.edu or 315.443.9532.

State_of_the_College_Law_2018

Meet Dean Boise & Hear the “State of the College” in DC

I’m excited to meet with alumni in the Washington, DC area on November 15 and to share this year’s “State of the College.” Joining us will be INSCT’s new Director James E. Baker.

The lunchtime event starts at noon at the offices of Dechert LLP, 1900 K St. NW, Washington, DC. Open to all College of Law alumni, the cost is $25. Space is limited, so kindly RSVP by November 6. Questions? Contact Director of Alumni Relations Kristen L. Duggleby at klduggle@law.syr.edu or 315.443.9532.

 

And Finally …

 
Boise_Barclay_2018

Marina and I really enjoyed our recent fly fishing trip on the Douglaston Salmon Run in Pulaski, NY, with H. Douglas Barclay L’61.

Doug—who was on his home turf in Pulaski—is a former New York State Senator and Legislator, former US Ambassador to El Salvador, former Chair of the Board of Trustees at Syracuse University, and former member of the College of Law Board of Advisors. Currently, he is Of Counsel at Barclay Damon LLP.

A Central New York treasure, the fishing on this river was remarkable. Marina and I caught two king salmon, one 23lbs and the other 17lbs. We are already planning our return visit!

For More Information

Questions? Please contact Sophie Dagenais, Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Affairs, at sdagenai@law.syr.edu or 315.443.4536, or Kristen Duggleby, Director of Alumni Relations at klduggle@law.syr.edu or 315.443.1964.

Contact us at 315.443.1964 or alumni@law.syr.edu to send us your news. Remember, you can also update your contact information on ’Cuse Community.

I’ll keep you updated on our news in future editions of the Dean’s Dispatch, and for those of you who use social media, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for timely updates and photographs.

You also can connect with me on my own LinkedIn account.

 
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