From establishing an LLC to writing business contracts, Brooklyn business start-ups got free legal guidance from Fordham Law clinic students this spring. Fifteen Mangrove Community Business Academy participants—including the owners of a cleaning service, a nonprofit literature collective, and real estate company—attended this session led by Fordham Law students. The Mangrove Community Business Academy is a 12-week course hosted at Flatbush Central that offers hands-on training in business planning and management to small business owners. The curriculum focuses on business fundamentals including bookkeeping, budgeting, marketing, and financing. At this particular session, Fordham law students spoke about the basics of business…
Author: Anna Currell
Joe Marchese-Schmitt ’25 was attracted to Fordham Law’s evening program so that he could continue with his full-time working for the New York City Office of Management and Budget while pursuing his J.D. He’s currently a Pro Bono Scholar at Fordham, dedicating his final semester of law school to pro bono legal work on behalf of low income and indigent people. He’s also a Stein Scholar, a program at the Law School designed to help students prepare for a career in public interest. His last semester working pro bono allowed him to take the bar exam early, and he will…
Fordham Law School is proud to welcome five new faculty members: Robin Effron, Jamie Grischkan, Katherine Hughes, Jane Manners, and Adam D. Orford. These scholars and teachers bring a range of expertise to the Law School, including in civil procedure, financial regulation, non-profit and social enterprise law, legal history, and environmental law. Their appointments reflect Fordham’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, shaping legal discourse, and preparing students to meet the evolving landscape of the legal profession. “We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of faculty to Fordham,” said Dean Joseph Landau. “They bring deep expertise to enrich our scholarly…
Fordham Law’s Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) fosters a supportive community for Asian Americans at the Law School. Throughout the year, APALSA hosts events that promote mentorship and academic support as well as opportunities for socializing and fun. In the Q&A below, Lyvia Yan ’26, APALSA president, spoke about how the group is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May. Why is it important to have APALSA at Fordham Law School? A lot of Asian Americans are first generation law students, and having a place where we can meet, socialize, and have a network of…
When she first toured the Law School, Celine Alhout ’25 was inspired by what she heard about Fordham Law Women—so much so that she knew Fordham was where she belonged. Now, as a 3L, she serves as the organization’s president. She discovered a passion for real estate law during her law school education, and she is excited to be joining the Real Estate group at Willkie Farr & Gallagher after graduation. In addition to preparing Alhout for a legal career, her time at Fordham has provided her with invaluable mentorship and a strong sense of community. What is your degree…
Fordham Law School’s graduation speakers encouraged the class of 2025 to pursue their legal careers with integrity, discernment, and compassion. Dean Joseph Landau acknowledged their significant accomplishments and posed vital questions for reflection. “As lawyers, what will you profess?” he asked. “And as people and attorneys, what will you become? Will you commit to lifelong inquiry, in service of your clients, in the service of the law, and in the service of justice? The rewards for doing so will also be lifelong—greater than any of us can imagine—as professionals, and as human beings.” The Fordham Law community gathered on May…
With a background in environmental governance and urban planning, Fordham Law’s practical education drew Chris Freire ’25 to the J.D. program. The Realizing Excellence and Access in Law Scholars (REAL) program provided Chris with a supportive community throughout his studies and access to alumni who provided advice and mentorship. He spent his 2L summer at Norton Rose Fulbright and is returning there after graduation to work on energy and infrastructure projects. His long-term goal is to become an expert in this field and help build projects that empower and connect communities. What is your hometown, and where did you study…
Sarya Baladi ’25 came to law school with the goal of practicing immigration law, something she has achieved by being chosen for a prestigious Equal Justice Works Fellowship. She said that she chose Fordham Law, in part, for its central New York City location nearby several organizations doing immigration work. Baladi also took part in several activities at law school, including being in the Stein Scholars program, serving in the Criminal Defense Clinic, participating in the Immigration Advocacy Project student group, and working on the Fordham Law Review. What is your hometown, and where did you go for college? I…
For Jane Mezzino ’25, a move across the country from San Diego to attend Fordham Law was an easy decision. She knew she wanted to pursue media and entertainment law and to continue practicing music during law school—and she decided there was no better place to do that than in New York City. Mezzino is one of two vocalists and the lead guitarist in a band that she started at Fordham Law with two other students, and playing together has been a great outlet when they’re not studying. Mezzino found her community within her cohort, and discovered a passion for…
Sami Pfeffer Chahi ’25 worked to contribute meaningfully both in and outside the classroom during his time at Fordham Law. As part of the Federal Litigation Clinic, he helped draft a brief and prepare an oral argument for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He was also involved in the Law School community as a journal editor, a board member of a competition team, a club president, a tutor, and a member of Fordham’s Student Bar Association. After graduation, he will clerk in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Where…