Lola Todman ’25 is only in her second year of law school, but her article, “Broadening the Hiring Criteria for Legal Jobs Would Benefit Minorities, Clients,” was already published in the New York Law Journal—one of the most widely read publications providing legal news in New York state. Inspired by what she calls the “roll up your sleeves kind of people” at Fordham Law, Todman is a Student Bar Association representative and plans to advocate for youth as an attorney.
Where did you study before Fordham Law?
I studied government and English at William & Mary in Virginia. I also went to boarding school at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan where I pursued creative writing, which is the basis for the way I interact with the world, legal or otherwise.
Why did you choose Fordham Law?
I chose Fordham Law because it is an excellent law school with brilliant and influential faculty, and gifted students. My torts professor, Ben Zipursky, literally wrote the Restatement Third of Torts. My professional ethics professor, Bruce Green, has chaired the New York Bar Association’s Committee on Professional Ethics for both New York City and New York State. I share classrooms with students who have already earned advanced legal degrees in other countries, who have already worked for the nation’s top firms, and who have started their own businesses or charities or families, before dedicating themselves to the J.D. program. I chose Fordham to be surrounded by the self-described “roll up your sleeves kind of people” who challenge and inspire me every day.
What’s it like studying law in New York City?
I can’t think of a better place in the world to establish the foundational connections of your legal career than New York City. Every practice area is represented here. The concentration of thousands of practitioners within 23 square miles creates ample opportunity to get your foot in the door of any niche in the field. Plus, the view is pretty incredible.
What are you involved in at the Law School?
I have the great honor of serving as a representative on the Student Bar Association, most recently as an appointee to the Curriculum and Academic Standards Committee. In this role I work closely with the deans and faculty on a variety of projects, allowing me to witness their genuine enthusiasm for enhancing the student experience. Most of all, I appreciate the opportunity to connect and confer with my incredible classmates as I strive to amplify their voices in the decision-making process.
What has been your favorite experience at the Law School?
I was recently published in the New York Law Journal! It was a most unexpected achievement that would not have been possible without the encouragement of my professional ethics professor, Bruce Green, who recognized the potential in what started out as a regular class assignment. There is no denying that law school is hard, and, at a certain point, you must come to expect that it will stay that way. My favorite moments have been those I did not expect. The best experiences here and anywhere are the ones you never see coming.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I hope to combat human trafficking, particularly the sex trafficking of minors, to the fullest extent of my abilities as an attorney. Further into the future I would like to make jam and design stationery by a lake full time. But I hope to change the world for some young people first, the way the world was changed for me, such that it became possible for me to even pursue a J.D. What more could I hope for than to make someone else’s dreams possible?
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