During her law school education, Sherry Gui ’25 found two legal areas she is passionate about: transactional work and criminal law. She observed trials as the guest of Judge Gerald Lebovits of the New York Supreme Court 1st Judicial District, and as a member of the Criminal Defense Clinic, she had the opportunity to represent clients in court. Gui is excited to start her legal career at Hogan Lovells, where she will be doing general transaction work while continuing to pursue her interest in criminal law in a pro bono capacity.
Where did you study before Fordham Law?
I completed my B.A. in communication studies at UCLA. I also studied at the London School of Economics and New York University as a graduate student.
What are your areas of interest?
I am interested in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and tax law. I am also interested in criminal law.
Why did you choose Fordham Law?
I was already in New York and I really wanted to work on the East Coast. Fordham Law has one of the largest alumni networks in this area, and I knew that I had the skills to utilize it to my advantage.
What has been the best thing about studying law in New York City?
Because of my interests in both transactional work and criminal law, studying in New York City makes me truly feel that what I learn at school is not just in books but is actually relevant in the real world. Of course, another benefit is that I can connect with lawyers in all areas very easily. Most of my connections are built through me reaching out and meeting someone over coffee in person.
What were you involved in at the Law School?
One of my professors at Fordham Law was an active judge, Gerald Lebovits of the New York Supreme Court 1st Judicial District. As I am very interested in criminal law, when he mentioned that he would be working at the Staten Island Criminal Court one weekend, I asked if I could attend and observe him and he agreed. He allowed me to sit right behind him in court, and he took the time to explain the court papers and the procedures for each arraignment. This is not an experience I would have without having him as my professor at Fordham Law.
I joined the Criminal Defense Clinic in the fall of 2024. This was my first experience representing actual clients in court. In addition to getting real trial experience, we handled every single curveball thrown our way and the experience gave me and my teammates so much insight into public defense work.
What was your favorite experience at Fordham Law?
I had so many mentors and mentees throughout my time at Fordham Law. My favourite experience was helping some of my mentees navigate the summer recruiting process, and at the end of summer, they told me they got their dream job offers through text messages in all caps!
What are your career plans?
I will be joining Hogan Lovells’ New York office doing general transaction work. In the future, I would love to find a specific industry and practice area within general transactions that I enjoy—such as private equity in the sports industry—and continue to practice law in either a big law firm or with an in-house team. I am also very passionate about my pro bono work in criminal law and I would like to continue devoting time to this area through the relationships I established with pro bono organisations in the city.
Did you have any important mentors during law school?
A fellow Fordham Law student who was two years above me was a valuable mentor. We had a similar approach to school and work so I was very receptive to her advice. She introduced me to opportunities with the New York City Bar Diversity Fellowship Program and Pro Bono Scholars. The second mentor is one of the staff members of the Fordham Law Career Center, Bryna Beckler-Knoll. She was previously a recruiter at a big law firm, and I trusted her experience and her insights as to what I should do at certain stages of my legal career development.
What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming 1Ls?
It’s critical to think about the reason you have for doing anything, from joining a student group to attending a networking reception. The 1L year is hectic, and the pressure is undeniable. It will be easier if you have space to process everything and take breaks.
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