On February 24 more than 50 members of the student and alumni community gathered for the first networking reception hosted by the Small to Midsize Law Firm Leaders Dean’s Advisory Council.
Formed in 2014, the council is composed of 35 alumni in leadership roles at small to midsize firms. The idea for the networking reception sprang from the last council meeting as a way for members to connect in an informal, individual way with current students.
The evening began with a panel, “Small and Midsize Firm Interviewing Hacks,” and was followed by the networking reception where alumni and students were paired as “reception buddies” to create easy, informal interactions.
The interactive event provided ample opportunities for students to gain insight into the practice in smaller firm environments and begin to build relationships with alumni leaders at those firms. The event also demonstrated the unique Fordham Network Effect: alumni returning to campus to engage, connect with, and assist the next generation of Fordham lawyers.
Suzanne Endrizzi, assistant dean for career planning, whose office co-hosted the event alongside the Office of Alumni Relations and the Student Bar Association, said the evening was another in a series of engagement initiatives that highlight the robust relationship between alumni and current students.
“At events like tonight’s you hear again and again stories from the alumni about those alumni who helped them and their desire to return now to pay it forward,” she said.
Other Law School administrators praised the distinctive characteristics of the Fordham Law community.
“The Fordham network is large, widespread, and deeply connected,” said Fordham Law Dean Matthew Diller. “Our alumni do a great service to our students when they support them through events such as this networking reception.”
“Fordham Law alumni are loyal and engaged,” said Michael Schiumo, assistant dean for alumni relations. “These are enduring traits that define our community as supportive and collegial.”
Alumni and students in attendance were quick to explain why they chose this particular event.
“Fordham Law alumni can help students determine a career path and the necessary skills to pursue it,” said advisory council member William F. Dahill, ’91, a partner at Wollmuth Maher & Deutsch. “The Fordham Law network is helpful throughout one’s entire career; a Fordham classmate of mine, for instance, is now a prominent client.”
Student Erika Rosenblum ’16 met with Laurie Berke-Weiss ’83, a council co-chair who runs her own employment and labor law firm. Rosenblum said her interaction with Berke-Weiss was instructive.
“Laurie was approachable and helpful in answering questions I had about small to midsize firm life,” Rosenblum said. “I feel very fortunate that the Fordham Law community is filled with alumni who are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to assist me with my career options.”
“Participating in today’s reception was a pleasure,” said Berke-Weiss. “The council felt it was very important to organize this event to give students a real opportunity to interact and connect with alumni on a more casual, face-to-face level.”
Alumnus Mendy Bensinger ’06 agreed.
“We alumni are always happy to help out the next generation of Fordham lawyers,” he said. “We know that we wouldn’t be where we are without those who came before us, so we want to repay the assistance that we once received. It’s the Fordham way.”
