ST. JOHN’S LAW Magazine l Spring 2015

Remembering Hon. Mario M. Cuomo 1932-2015 Hire St. John’s!

“The great experience we’ve had with St. John’s spans nearly a half century. Some of the most driven, hard working, dedicated lawyers we have at Willkie have come from St. John’s.”

− Steven J. Gartner ’84, Co-Chairman, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

With the help of loyal alumni who hire our graduates and encourage others to do the same, St. John’s Law is now ahead of the national average on key employment measures.

Our students have the skills and knowledge needed to make an immediate professional impact. They know that success comes with hard work, and they bring that drive to their studies and into their careers.

If you’re looking to fill a full-time or part-time position, or if you need an intern or a summer associate, we encourage you to Hire St. John’s. To learn more, please contact Assistant Dean for Career Development Jeanne Ardan at (718) 990-6767 or [email protected].

Thank you. CONTENTS SPRING 2015

9 20 24 35 36

Features

9 Law School Welcomes New Deans

20 Remembering Hon. Mario M. Cuomo ’53C, ’56L, ’75HON

24 Representing the Mouse St. John’s Law Alumni are In-House Helping Disney Grow and Thrive

35 Sages of Their Craft St. John’s Law Alumni Raise the Bar as Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers

36 Mission Driven Students in the Child Advocacy Clinic Help Children Fight Deportation

Columns Departments

13 On Direct: Dean Michael A. Simons 2 From the Dean

4 In Brief 14 Advances: St. John’s Offers J.D. Students a World of Opportunities 7 Student Success

10 Faculty Focus 17 Trends: Barrett on Jackson 26 Alumni Highlights 18 Center Piece: Center for Labor 28 Traditions and Employment Law 29 Alumni Spotlight 39 Second Acts: Marc Riccio ’98 30 Class Notes 40 Endnote: New York’s Bravest and Finest Find Common Ground at St. John’s Law

on the cover: Hon. Mario M. Cuomo ’53C, ’56L, ’75HON teaches Constitutional Law at St. John’s in 2011. Spring 2015 l 1 FROM THE DEAN

St. John’s Law Magazine SPRING 2015

Dean and John V. Brennan This was a record-setting, bone-chilling winter for Professor of Law and Ethics those of us in the Northeast—one that seemed Michael A. Simons to aptly reflect the harsh climate confronting law schools all across the country. And yet, the future Associate Academic Dean and has never been brighter at St. John’s Law. We’ve Professor of Legal Writing confronted the challenges facing legal education Larry Cunningham and emerged as a law school on the rise. Vice Dean Emeritus In this issue, we remember and celebrate the Andrew J. Simons ’65 singular life and career of a man who exemplified all that’s best in our civic leaders and in our alumni Executive Director of Development family: Former New York Governor Mario M. and Alumni Relations Cuomo ‘53C, ‘56L, ‘75HON (p. 20). We also take Brian J. Woods pride in alumni who are helping to guide one of the world’s most iconic brands (p. 24), who are Assistant Dean for making their mark at the forefront of the new Alumni Relations and CLE experience economy (p. 39), and who are excelling as top courtroom lawyers (p. 35) and hardworking Claire C. McKeever ’80SVC, ’93L in-house counsel (p. 29). Editor You’ll read about the ongoing, exceptional work of our centers (pp. 4, 18), our Lori Herz clinics (pp. 4, 36), and our global programs (pp. 4, 14). And we share our many student successes (p. 7), along with the story of evening program classmates who, Copy Editors as two of New York’s bravest and finest, bring honor to St. John’s Law (p. 40). Luisa A. Asaro Dominique Cendales These stories reflect a positive momentum that’s palpable when you visit the Law Claire K. Pollicino School or attend one of our many alumni events (p. 26). Student credentials are up. Bar passage is up. Career placement is up. And alumni giving is at an all-time Art Director high. Given these success measures, it’s not surprising that St. John’s jumped Jill Cuddire, Rose Creative Group 25 spots to #82 in the latest U.S. News rankings. As the National Law Journal reported, this was the biggest rankings increase of the year. Please send comments to: Editor, St. John’s Law Magazine Behind these notable gains is a bold new strategic plan that will strengthen St. John’s University St. John’s Law for years to come. Much of our success is due to our strong and School of Law loyal alumni family. Over the past two years, you’ve given $9 million in new 8000 Utopia Parkway endowed scholarship commitments. And I’m happy to report that we’re on track Queens, NY 11439 to raise even more this year. E: [email protected] As I look back on my first five years as dean and look ahead to the Law School’s W: law.stjohns.edu future under our new strategic plan (p. 13), I’m confident that St. John’s Law will continue to thrive. All of these stories and achievements are yours, too. Thank Copyright 2015 you for all you do for alma mater. St. John’s University

Michael A. Simons Dean and John V. Brennan Professor of Law and Ethics

2 l St. John’s Law Magazine A Record Year for Alumni Giving to St. John’s Law

$3,703,503 $6,500,000 in total cash gifts in gifts & received pledges s123% s 225%

2013-2014

2,485 alumni and friends made gifts s 27%

We’re especially grateful to John V. Brennan ’63C, ’66L, ’93HON and the entire Brennan family who—along with Nicholas M. Cannella ’75 and Joanne Welty ’76, The Estate of Robert J. Dixson ’29, ’69HON, Mary Kay Vyskocil ’83, and Arthur Wiener (parent)—helped us launch the Brennan Family Scholarship Matching Program and match every dollar given to new and existing endowed scholarships.

Vincent C. Alexander ’75 and Steven J. Gartner ’84 John P. McConville ’62 Anne D. Alexander ’76C, ’80L Thomas P. Giuffra ’94, Philip J. McManus ’68C, ’72L Andrea M. Alonso ’78C, ’81L Robert J. Giuffra, Jr. Marie Kaiser Napoli ’89C, ’93L and Leonard D. Andrew ’68 and Lisa M. Giuffra de Diaz Paul J. Napoli ‘92 Roberta Marie Beary ’78 Juan C. Gonzalez ’01 National Grid Foundation Patrick J. Brennan ’87 Frank H. Granito III ’87 Kenneth E. Newman ’71 and Nicholas M. Cannella ’75 and Adam S. Hakki ’97 Michele Newman Joanne Welty ’76 Richard F. Hans ’93 Brian E. O’Connor ’74C, ’77L Patricia A. McLernon Castel James D. Herschlein ’85 Rachel R. Paras ’04 ’74Ed, ’77L, ’04HON Brian A. Jarmain ’98 and James L. Purcell ’52 and William F. Cavanaugh, Jr. ’77SVC, ’80L Francesca M. Sena Jarmain ’97 Regina Purcell ’55UC, ’61L Lisa Yoon He Chun ’00 Thomas J. Keegan ’77 and Mark L. Regante ’78 John P. Clarke ’55CBA, ’57L Maureen A. Keegan ’85 Thomas C. Rice ’78C, ’81L Daniel A. Clivner ’88 Christopher J. Keller ’97 Hon. Reinaldo E. Rivera ’76, ’06HON Anthony J. Colletta ’88 Edward M. Kelly ’74 and Courtney R. Rockett ’98 and Michael P. Conboy ’86 Kathleen M. Kelly Patrick J. Rohan, Jr. Kerry B. Conners ’82 Shephard Lane ’66 Philip A. Russotti ’73 Joseph G. Dell ’88CBA, ’91L and Thomas M. Laquercia ’69 Andrew J. Simons, Sr. ’65 and Christopher R. Dean ’91 Bernard London, Jr. ’77 Eileen G. Simons Daniel A. DeVito ’87 Bryan and Leslie Lorber Richard A. Spehr ’86 Rose F. DiMartino ’81 Family and Friends of Evan J. Spelfogel Erica B. Fine ’82 Lauren Nicole Marcus George J. Tsunis ’92 Jonathan I. Friedman ’95 Joseph M. Mattone, Sr. Douglas G. Vetter ’88C, ’91L William A. Gallina ’67 and ’53C, ’55L, ’94HON The H.W. Wilson Foundation Ronnie Gallina Michael X. Mattone ’91 and Terence P. Winter ’88 Elisa D. Garcia C. ’85 and Denise Melillo Mattone ’90 John J. Hasluck ’85

Alumni and Friends Who Funded Scholarships Through the Brennan Family Scholarship Matching Program

Spring 2015 l 3 IN BRIEF

Intellectual Property Law Center Launches Fall 2014 marked the official launch of the St. John’s Intellectual Property Law Center (IPLC). Directed by Professor Jeremy Sheff, IPLC is a forum for research, education, professional development, and service addressing the legal and policy issues of the knowledge economy. Along with its core full-time faculty, the IPLC draws an adjunct faculty from the top ranks of New York City IP practice to offer St. John’s Law students a robust curriculum anchored in the fundamentals of IP Law and enriched by courses focusing on particular industries. In November, the center hosted its inaugural conference that brought students, faculty, and leading experts together to discuss the legal implications of intelligent machines. IPLC was made possible through the generosity of Shephard Lane ’66, William F. Cavanaugh, Jr. ’77SVC, ’80L, Robert J. Gunther, Jr. ’81C, ’84L, and Daniel A. DeVito ’87, who together gave $1.1 million towards this ambitious project. They will continue their affiliation with the center as founding members of its advisory board.

threats they face today. He revisited the topic at advocacy lawyers, settlement counsel, and clients a November event that brought alumni, students, in a securities dispute. At the outset they try to faculty, and friends of the Law School together at negotiate a resolution, then they represent their St. John’s new Manhattan campus to learn about clients in mediation, and finally they proceed this centuries-old problem that, over time, has to arbitration before a three-person panel. compelled millions to flee their homes, renounce Professional neutrals from FINRA’s roster serve their faith, or face death. as mediators, arbitrators, and judges. “Our collaboration with FINRA helps students to Professor Mark L. Movsesian grasp the nuances of settlement modalities and Explores Crisis Facing Mideast to experiment with different advocacy styles in Christians simulated, real world contexts,” said Elayne E. “We are witnessing one of the great human Greenberg, assistant dean for dispute resolution rights catastrophes in history—a genocide. Yet programs, professor of legal practice, director of the outside world has done relatively little in the Carey Center, and creator of the Triathlon. response.” This sobering news was shared by Professor Mark L. Movsesian, director of the Law School’s Center for Law and Religion, during a Educators Come Together for talk he gave in September on “Religious Freedom St. John’s Hosts 2014 Securities Milestone National Bar for Mideast Christians: Yesterday and Today.” The Dispute Resolution Triathlon Association Symposium event—which drew several hundred people—was In October, the Hugh L. Carey Center for The Ronald H. Brown Center for Civil Rights sponsored by the Lanier Theological Library in Dispute Resolution and the Financial Industry and Economic Development teamed with the Houston, a major center for the study of the Bible Regulatory Authority (FINRA) hosted the University of Houston Law Center in October to and Church history. Reflecting on the plight of sixth annual Securities Dispute Resolution host a one-day regional event marking the 25th Christian communities blighted by widespread Triathlon at St. John’s Manhattan campus. The anniversary of the National Bar Association’s Wiley religious and social intolerance, Professor competition tests students in each of the three A. Branton Issues Symposium. Established in 1989 Movsesian addressed the history of Christians main ADR processes—negotiation, mediation, as a tribute to Wiley A. Branton, a stalwart in in the Middle East and the terrorist and other and arbitration. Students take on the roles of the Civil Rights arena, the symposium examined

4 l St. John’s Law Magazine IN BRIEF

St. John’s Law Expands Global Reach with New Strategic Alliances As legal education and the business landscape in China continue to expand, St. John’s Law has taken steps to forge strategic alliances with some of the country’s premier law schools. These pressing social, legal, and political issues that partnerships build on a foundation of shape the national landscape and public debate. global offerings at the Law School that On this milestone occasion, leading experts and include three LL.M. programs, international scholars in the field gathered at St. John’s Law to practica, study abroad, the Center for International and Comparative Law, and the student-run discuss the timely topic of “Education: The New Journal of International and Comparative Law, among other programs and initiatives. They Civil Right.” The esteemed panelists included also reflect the larger mission of St. John’s University to forge strategic global relationships, Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D. president to enrich the educational experience, and to prepare students for success in today’s global of St. John’s University. One of the lead event economy. With this vision and mission, Jeffrey K. Walker—assistant dean for transnational organizers was Leonard M. Baynes, the inaugural programs—traveled to China in the fall to sign cooperation agreements with several of the director of the RHB Center who left St. John’s country’s most respected law schools on behalf of St. John’s Law. Dean Walker returned to recently to become dean and professor of law at China in March, this time with Dean Michael A. Simons, to finalize cooperation agreements the University of Houston Law Center. He worked with a dozen Chinese law schools. closely with Professors Elaine M. Chiu and Rosa Castello ’06, the RHB Center’s new director and associate director, respectively. conversation featured SEC Enforcement Division Clinic Students Participate in Director Andrew J. Ceresney and Robert E. Rice National Conversation on ’87, chief counsel to SEC Chair Mary Jo White. Consumer Protection With the recent home foreclosure crisis came a surge in consumer complaints against mortgage St. John’s Law Ranks Fourth servicers, and a responsive call to protect in State for New York Bar consumers from predatory lenders. Students in Exam Passage the Law School’s in-house Consumer Justice for St. John’s Law continues to make strides in the Elderly: Litigation Clinic are working on the preparing students to pass the New York Bar front line of a national consumer protection effort Exam. Ranking fourth overall in the state for the led by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. July 2014 test—just behind New York University, In December, the clinic’s student advocates and Event Examines New Era of Columbia, and Cornell—St. John’s is seeing the professors had a unique opportunity to discuss SEC Enforcement their work during a conference call with CFPB As the Securities and Exchange Commission marks Director Richard Cordray. The call brought its 80th anniversary, its enforcement agenda together 30 law school clinics from across the has never been more challenging. The markets country as part of the watchdog agency’s broader it regulates grow more complex by the day. initiative to identify and team with collaborators in Alongside its traditional focus on insider trading fulfilling its mission. and accounting fraud, the SEC must grapple with new financial instruments, high frequency trading, and the complexities of global investigations that cut across traditional regulatory boundaries. As it increasingly uses big data, sophisticated analytics, and whistleblowers to root out wrongdoing, the agency’s critics continue to carp about how it tries benefits of a new strategic approach that includes and settles cases in this post-financial crisis era. a revamped curriculum and a new Applied Legal In October, the St. John’s Law Review and the Analysis course that provides targeted assistance Corporate and Securities Law Society co-hosted to students most in need of help on the bar. This a breakfast talk on these points and on other hot marked the third consecutive year that the Law topics related to the SEC’s enforcement efforts. School surpassed the statewide bar pass average, Moderated by Michael Perino, the Law School’s and with each year that achievement gap has Dean George W. Matheson Professor of Law, the widened in St. John’s favor.

Spring 2015 l 5 IN BRIEF

St. John’s Law and American and the specialized bankruptcy issues inherent in to move forward and to bring about change, we Bankruptcy Institute Hold Annual Chapter 7, 9, 11, and 13 mediations. need to confront the uncomfortable,” said Leah Bankruptcy Mediation Training Winfield ’17, who helped organize the program. The Hugh L. Carey Center for Dispute Resolution, a leader in the ADR field, and the American Students and Faculty Come Bankruptcy Institute, the nation’s leading provider Together to Discuss Race, St. John’s Assumes Full Leadership of quality bankruptcy educational programs, held Justice, and Law of Sports Law LL.M. their annual 40-hour bankruptcy mediation training The deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, The Law School is pleased to announce that the recently at St. John’s Manhattan campus. A diverse Wenjian Liu, and Rafael Ramos have brought LL.M. in International and Comparative Sports Law group of 30 bankruptcy judges, lawyers, financial issues of race and the law to global attention professionals, and practicing mediators from around and national debate. As members of a the country participated in the program to apply profession committed to defining, examining, their bankruptcy expertise and to learn more about and upholding justice, lawyers are among those the practice and process of bankruptcy mediation. A taking the lead in exploring these critical issues. “We have a role to play in this healing, and we can do that best when we talk to each other, when we listen to each other, when we see each other,” Dean Michael A. Simons said in welcoming over 130 participants to a student- faculty dialogue on race, justice, and the law in January. The community dialogue was hosted by the Ronald H. Brown Center for Civil Rights and Economic Development with the help of student leaders. After gathering for introductory remarks in the Belson Moot Court Room, the participants program will re-launch for the 2015-2016 academic broke into small groups for conversations year as the LL.M. in International Sports Law Practice facilitated by faculty and students.”Sometimes, Program. With this change, the program—formerly a joint venture—will be under the sole leadership of St. John’s Law. It will offer a unique course of distinguished advisory board of nationally respected advanced study for US and foreign-trained attorneys bankruptcy jurists, practitioners, and mediators who have a passion for sports and a strong desire worked with Elayne E. Greenberg, assistant dean to practice in this rewarding niche area. Taught for dispute resolution programs, professor of legal by lawyers, agents, and managers with a depth of practice, and director of the Carey Center, to create experience and expertise, the one-year program a program that emphasized the particular skills that gives students access to top sports law talent and to are requisites for bankruptcy mediators. Utilizing a wide range of semester-long practice placements lectures, exercises, and simulations focusing solely across the globe. For more information about the on bankruptcy conflicts, the training covered both program, please visit stjohns.edu/law/llm/islp or the core skills essential for all good mediators contact the program directors at [email protected].

New Intersession Courses Help Students Build Practical Skills In early January, while many of their peers at other law schools were still on break, St. John’s Law students were hard at work honing their writing, dispute resolution, trial advocacy, drafting, and other practical skills through a new suite of intersession courses. Designed by the Law School faculty in response to the challenges and opportunities of the new legal marketplace, the intersession courses are offered at no additional cost in the week or two before the spring semester begins.“Using the intersession format, we’re giving students the skills-based education they’ll need in their careers,” said Associate Academic Dean Larry Cunningham. “At the same time, our curriculum remains grounded in the fundamentals of the law taught in classes like contracts, tax, evidence, trusts and estates, and criminal procedure. Together, this balance of tradition and innovation will prepare our students well for the profession.” Among the new intersession offerings is a required one-week Lawyering class for 1Ls that focuses on negotiation skills and the companion skills of interviewing clients and drafting agreements—core competencies for lawyers.

6 l St. John’s Law Magazine STUDENT SUCCESS

St. John’s Law students excel in a range of writing and team competitions, and receive scholarships and awards in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

Moot Court Competition Samantha Kimmel ’15 “Reading Between the Lines: Third Best Brief, Emory Civil Unilateral Changes to Terms Rights and Liberties Moot Court and Conditions of Employment Competition in Collective Bargaining Best Interaction With the Agreements,” third place, Mediator Award, ICC Mediation NYSBA Dr. Emanuel Stein and Competition Kenneth D. Stein Memorial WRITING COMPETITIONS Writing Competition Melissa A. Brown ’17, Michael J. Molina ’14 third place brief, Adam A. “Banning Franken-Crops: Milani Disability Law Writing Should the United States Impose Competition a Temporary Moratorium on Genetically Modified Organisms Anthony J. Holesworth ’16 in the Wake of Peru’s 10-Year “Student-Athletes or Athlete- Moratorium?”first place (tied), Students? The Slippery Slope 2014 NYSBA Professor William R. Presented by College Athletes as Ginsberg Memorial Essay Contest Employees,” first place, NYSBA Dr. Emanuel Stein and Kenneth D. Danielle O’Boyle ’15 Stein Memorial Writing Competition “The Concerns of Secrecy TEAM COMPETITIONS Regional Champion, TYLA and Non-Release in Multi- National Trial Competition Winner, Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition Regional Finalist, National Moot Court Competition Winner, Pace Law School Round Robin Mock Semi-Finalist, National Baseball Trial Competition Arbitration Competition National Finalist, Regional Semi-Finalist, Charleston School Champion, Best Oralist of Law National Moot Court Lawson Huynh ’16, Second Competition Best Oralist Kristin Lee ’15, Quarter-Finalist, Leroy R. Hassell Thomas Tang National Moot Sr. National Constitutional Law Court Competition

St. John’s Law Sweeps NYSBA Labor and Employment Law Competitions

St. John’s Law students took top Lines: Unilateral Changes to Terms honors in two student competitions and Conditions of Employment in sponsored by the New York State Bar Collective Bargaining Agreements.” Association’s Labor and Employment NYSBA honors also went to Sarah Law Section. Mannix ’15, who came in third for the Anthony J. Holesworth ’16 Samuel M. Kaynard Memorial Student won the Dr. Emanuel Stein and Service Award, which recognizes Kenneth D. Stein Memorial Writing excellence among law students in the Competition for his paper, “Student- area of labor and employment law. Athletes or Athlete-Students? The Sector: The NLRB’s Northwestern In the past three years alone, Slippery Slope Presented by College Decision and the Potential Effects on St. John’s Law students have won six Athletes as Employees.” Second Public Universities.” Completing the Stein competition prizes and four place in the Stein competition went Stein competition prize sweep was Kaynard awards. Their successes are a to Cynthia Vella ’16 for her paper, Samantha Kimmel ’15, who took third testament to the strength of St. John’s “Student Athletes and the Public for her paper, “Reading Between the labor and employment law program.

Spring 2015 l 7 Effects on Public Universities,” Sally Profeta ’16 second place, NYSBA Ms. JD Public Interest Scholarship Dr. Emanuel Stein and Andrew Rosati ’15 Dorothy Kenneth D. Stein Memorial Day Memorial Scholarship Writing Competition for Excellence in Labor and SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS Employment Law Marilyn Anderson ’16 Eugene Ubawike, Jr. ’15 Catholic Lawyers of Queens Anthony L. Pedretti Scholarship County Scholarship for Excellence in Labor and Employment Law; Jackson Samantha Kimmel ’15 Louis E. Lewis Scholarship for Excellence O’Neil Scholarship for Excellence in Labor and Employment Law in Labor and Employment Law in Memory of Alan C. Becker Sharly Larios ’15 Dominican Robert W. Vogel ’16 Bar Association Scholarship Dorothy Day Memorial Sarah Mannix ’15 Scholarship for Excellence in Coca-Cola Refreshments Labor and Employment Law Scholarship for Excellence in Quinn Wetherall ’16 Labor and Employment Law; Monsignor Thomas J. Darby Defendant Settlement Omar Subat ’15 “Who Has third place, NYSBA Samuel M. Memorial Scholarship for Agreements,” third place, Standing? Why the Supreme Kaynard Memorial Student Excellence in Labor and IADC Legal Writing Contest Court’s Holding in Hollingsworth Service Award Employment Law v. Perry Empowers Politicians Christina Piecora ’15 “Targeting Josephine McGrath ’15 at the Expense of Citizens,” Meng Xu ’16 New York the Vulnerable: Prison Sexual John Boyd Scholarship for second place, JCRED Best Intellectual Property Law Assault—Our Constitutional and Excellence in Labor and Notes Writing Competition Association’s Hon. Giles S. Moral Duty to Protect Prisoners Employment Law Rich Diversity Scholarship From This Cruel and Unusual Cynthia Vella ’16 “Student Christina Nguyen ’16 Punishment,” first place, Athletes and the Public Sector: Catholic Lawyers of JCRED Best Notes Writing The NLRB’s Northwestern Queens County Scholarship Competition Decision and the Potential

2014-2015 International Honors Program Scholars

Elizabeth Tippett ’16 Matthew Freeze ’17 Katharine Suominen ’16 Christina Vlahos ’17 Ashlee Aguiar ’16

2014-2015 Intellectual Property Honors Program Scholars

Amanda Hoffman ’17 Olivia Cheung ’17 Alyssa D’Antonio ’17

8 l St. John’s Law Magazine Law School Welcomes New Deans

L-R: Alexis Martinez, Susan Landrum, Marc O. DeGirolami and Nancy Brady

In the last year, St. John’s Law has designed and implemented in addition to working one-on-one with students. She is the author a bold new strategic plan to strengthen the school. Anchoring of the Academic Success Blog, a resource on academic support read the plan are the dual goals of academic excellence and student by law school administrators and students across the globe. Prior to success. And among the proactive and practical steps being joining Savannah Law School, a branch campus of Atlanta’s John taken to meet these goals is hiring administrators who dedicate Marshall Law School, Dean Landrum was a staff attorney for the their work to helping students thrive at St. John’s and succeed Eleventh Circuit and practiced law with a boutique litigation firm in Ias they enter the profession. Ohio. She holds both a J.D. and a Ph.D. in History from Ohio State. In November, Alexis Martinez joined the Law School as Her B.A. is from University of South Carolina. assistant dean for students. In her previous position as assistant Joining Deans Landrum and Martinez in new key administrative dean for student affairs at Elon Law School in North Carolina, she positions are Professor Marc O. DeGirolami, the Law School’s new handled academic matters, discipline, orientation, disability services, associate dean for faculty scholarship, and Nancy Brady, who has financial advising, and student organizations and activities. Among been promoted to assistant dean for administrative services after other initiatives, Dean Martinez led the creation of Elon’s pro bono serving for many years as the Law School’s director of special services. program as well as its Leadership Fellowship Program. Before “I’m delighted to welcome these outstanding individuals to their working at Elon, she was director of student life at Syracuse Law. new leadership roles,” says Dean Michael A. Simons. “This marks She is a triple alumna of University of Miami, where she earned a an important moment for St. John’s Law. Under our new strategic B.B.A., J.D., and M.S. in Education. plan, we’re realigning resources to focus on our priority of serving This semester, St. John’s Law welcomes Susan Landrum, Ph.D. our students well. And we’re already seeing the benefits—bar as its new assistant dean for academic achievement. Formerly the performance, student credentials, employment rates, and alumni director of the Office of Academic Achievement at Savannah Law giving are all on the rise, and we look forward to continuing this School, she has taught a variety of academic support-related courses positive momentum.”

Spring 2015 l 9 FACULTY FOCUS

Professor Vincent and Congress—at the Federal Alexander’s Bar Council’s retreat. In late Professor Nina J. Crimm annual update for October, Professor Barrett Publishes God, Schools, and his co-authored spoke at the Sid Jacobson treatise, Evidence JCC about the Nuremberg Government Funding: First in New York trials and, in early November, Amendment Conundrums State and Federal Court, he lectured at a Brandeis was published in November Association/Queens Women’s St. John’s Law is pleased to announce 2014, and his annual Practice Bar Association Kristallnacht the publication of God, Schools, and Commentaries on New York’s commemoration. Later in Government Funding: First Amendment Civil Practice Law and Rules November, he delivered a (McKinney’s Consolidated Laws lecture on “The Rule of Law at Conundrums, the latest book by of New York) were published Nuremberg, 1945-1946 (and Professor Nina J. Crimm and co-author Professor Laurence in December. In the fall, he Its Lessons for Today)” at the H. Winer of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at also delivered CLE lectures on Canadian National Judicial evidence for the New York Institute’s Nova Scotia Courts Arizona State University. The authors clearly elucidate the State judiciary, for the New Seminar. And, in December, he complex and controversial policy, legal, and constitutional York City Civil Court judges, lectured on “Justice Jackson, issues involved in using tax expenditures—mechanisms such as and for all newly elected New the IMT & OMGUS: Delivering York judges. ‘assistance of Counsel’ to the exclusions, deductions, and credits that economically function as Nuremberg Defendants” at government subsidies—to finance private, religious schooling. In May, Professor Philipps Universitat in Marburg, They argue that legislatures must take great care in structuring John Q. Barrett Germany. He also spoke at the spoke at the US Columbia University Seminar such programs and set forth various proposals to ameliorate the District Court on the Problem of Peace, highly troubling dissention and divisiveness generated by state for the Southern discussing the International aid for religious education. District of New Criminal Court. York’s commemoration of Hon. Lawrence Walsh. Later Professor “Teaching Intercultural Law and Economics Society that month, he delivered the Jennifer Baum Effectiveness.” The manuscript at Columbia Law School on 32nd annual Jewish Law Day co-authored has been submitted to a “Current Developments in lecture in Philadelphia. In July, an article with publisher with the working Antitrust.” That same month he gave a lecture in Courtroom children’s attorney title Building Best Practices: he spoke before the New York 600 in the Palace of Justice Sarah Fox on Transforming Legal Education State Bar Association Antitrust in Nuremberg, Germany, “Social Media: Children’s in a Changing World. She Section on the “Rule of Reason and he lectured in Creighton Lawyer’s Friend and Foe.” served on the program in Antitrust Cases.” University’s law program in The piece, which appears in committee for the Section Nuremberg. That same month the ABA’s Children’s Rights on Academic Support in Professor Marc Professor Barrett introduced Litigation Committee winter preparation for the AALS O. DeGirolami’s Yale University professor newsletter, describes the uses Annual Meeting in January. article, Akhil Amar’s Jackson Lecture and misuses of social media by And she currently serves on “Constitutional at Chautauqua Institution court-involved children, youth, the planning committee for Contraction: (available on YouTube). In early and families, and provides tips the Fifth Annual Empire State Religion and October, he lectured at the on maximizing the value—and Legal Writing Conference, the Roberts Court,” will be Federal Bar Association’s EDNY minimizing the harm—that which will be held at Syracuse published in the Stanford Law chapter, reviewing US Supreme social media can have in University College of Law in & Policy Review. He is currently Court decisions from last term. litigation. May. She will also chair the at work on a new article, A similar lecture he gave at program committee for the “Free Exercise by Moonlight,” the New York State Judicial As part of a multi- AALS Section on Legal Writing, a book chapter on the Institute was broadcast to year, collaborative Reasoning, and Research. Establishment Clause, and a judges across New York State. effort to update book project on the history of He also spoke at a Monroe the iconic book In October, the division in Anglo-American County Bar Association Best Practices for Professor Edward law between the legal program about Justice Jackson, Legal Education, D. Cavanagh academy and the judiciary. and was a panelist—discussing Professor Robin A. Boyle spoke before the the US Supreme Court, FDR, co-authored a chapter on

10 l St. John’s Law Magazine FACULTY FOCUS

Professor Francis “Status and of Michigan State University New Citizens: Transatlantic J. Facciolo’s latest Contract in College of Law, will be published Perspectives on Language, article, “Do I Have an Emerging in the Michigan Business & Belonging, and Immigrant a Bridge for You: Democracy: The Entrepreneurial Law Review this Schooling,” at the 23rd World Fiduciary Duties and Evolution of spring. The article examines the Congress of Political Science in Financial Advice,” Dispute Resolution different systems of oversight Montreal. Her article, “The Rise appears in the University of in Ghana,” by Professor governing retail investment advice of Global English: Challenges Pennsylvania Journal of Business Paul F. Kirgis, was published about securities and insurance. It for English-Medium Instruction Law. The article explores the in the Cardozo Journal of argues that an Investment Advice and Language Rights” will debate over fiduciary standards Conflict Resolution. Professor Act focused on harmonizing appear in the forthcoming for financial advice, which Kirgis presented “‘Whimsy Little standards for investment advice issue of Language Problems has involved the Securities Contracts’ with Unexpected is the best solution to address and Language Planning. And and Exchange Commission, Consequences: An Empirical the shortcomings of the existing her commentary in response the Department of Labor, and Analysis of Consumer regulatory systems. to the recent terrorists attacks the financial advice industry. Understanding of Arbitration in France, “Why English Is Not Asserting that the focus on Agreements”—co-authored In July, Professor Enough,” appeared in the fiduciary duties is misplaced due with St. John’s Law Professors Rosemary C. January 30, 2015 global edition to problems with fiduciary law Jeff Sovern and Elayne Salomone of University World News. and practical enforcement issues, Greenberg and Yuxian Liu of presented a paper it argues for a substantive, rather St. John’s University—at the on “Making than a procedural, approach to AALS Section on Alternative the problem. Dispute Resolution’s Works- in-Progress Conference at Professor David Southwestern Law School. He L. Gregory’s case also commented on the film book, Modern Lost in the Fine Print, about Labor Law in the mandatory consumer and Public and Private employment arbitration, at the Sectors, was Alliance for Justice Reception at published by LexisNexis. And the AALS Annual Meeting. his recent articles assessing the National Labor Relations Professor Anita Board during the Obama Krishnakumar’s administration, co-authored article, with Amanda Jaret ’13 and “Longstanding Ian Hayes ’13, have been Agency published in the Loyola Interpretations,” University Chicago Law Journal will be published this month and the Hofstra Labor & in the Fordham Law Review. Employment Law Journal. In She recently presented another April, he will moderate panels article, “Dueling Canons,” on labor relations in religiously at a colloquium on statutory Professor Paul F. Kirgis Named New Dean of affiliated colleges at the City interpretation at Duke Law University of Montana School of Law University of New York’s annual School. She is also scheduled to conference on collective present “Dueling Canons” later The University of Montana School of Law has announced that bargaining in higher education this month at a Seton Hall Law Professor Paul F. Kirgis will be its new dean. He was selected and at Syracuse University. School faculty workshop. He is also writing the chapter after an extensive, nationwide search. As reported in the on labor and employment Professor Christine Missoulian, in making the announcement, UM Provost Perry law for a forthcoming book, Lazaro’s article, Brown said, “Professor Kirgis impressed a wide variety of Catholic Perspectives on Law. “The Fragmented groups across campus and, importantly, the Montana bench He appeared on NBC News and Regulation of was quoted in a recent New Investment and bar during the search and his two visits to Missoula,” York Times story about domestic Advice: A Call for and added, “I am confident he will successfully lead the violence in professional sports. Harmonization,” co-authored University of Montana School of Law into the future.” with Benjamin P. Edwards

Spring 2015 l 11 FACULTY FOCUS

Professor Keith and do not work—for individual Sharfman has been professional authors, artists, and promoted from performers. Professor Subotnik associate director of argues that a one-size-fits-all bankruptcy studies approach to copyright does not to director, effective serve the cause of these creative for the 2015-2016 academic professionals, and calls for legal year. He will continue to work initiatives that would assist in with Professor G. Ray Warner and differentiating among categories Director of Bankruptcy Programs of authors and copyright owners. Yvette Gutierrez to maintain the program’s quality and reputation Professor for excellence. He will also Jacob L. Todres’ continue to serve as faculty advisor article, “Bad to the ABI Law Review, which this Tax Shelters— past fall hosted another successful Accountability Or symposium on “Bankruptcy and The Lack Thereof: Education” that brought together Ten Years of Tax Malpractice,” national leaders on an important was published in the Baylor Law and timely subject. Review. The article examines the malpractice liability incurred by Professor Jeremy the lawyers and accountants who Sheff has been sold the invalid tax shelters of the elected to the late 1990s and early 2000s. It also St. John’s Study and Related Article board of AALS reviews developments of the last Test Assumptions About Consumer Intellectual Property decade in the tax malpractice area. Law Section. AALS Understanding of Arbitration is a nonprofit association of 178 “Trade Secret law schools, and serves as the Fair Use,” by Professors Jeff Sovern, Elayne E. Greenberg, and learned society for the more Professor Deepa than 9,000 law faculty at its Varadarajan, has Paul F. Kirgis—in conjunction with the Hugh L. Carey member schools. Professor Sheff been published in Center for Dispute Resolution and in collaboration with is also the director of the the Fordham Law St. John’s Intellectual Property Review. The article considers how Yuxiang Liu of St. John’s University—were awarded a Law Center, which launched this trade secret law should balance grant from the American Association for Justice Robert fall at the Law School and online owners’ interests in protecting at stjohnslawiplc.org. confidential information against L. Habush Endowment to study the extent to which the public’s interest in promoting consumers are aware of, and understand, the effect of In October, access and innovation. Professor Eva E. arbitration clauses in credit card agreements. Using an Subotnik joined Professor G. Ray online survey, they tested the widespread assumption Professor Molly Van Warner served Houweling of UC as course leader that consumers unwittingly agree to arbitration Berkeley Law School for the INSOL provisions. As reported in the article “’Whimsy Little and Professor Daniel Gervais Global Insolvency of Vanderbilt Law School for Practice Course Contracts’ with Unexpected Consequences: An Empirical a symposium panel discussion at the University of London in Analysis of Consumer Understanding of Arbitration on authors and performers November. The course credentials held at Columbia Law School. practitioners in international Agreements,” the survey results suggest a profound Her contribution, “Copyright insolvency. In December, he served lack of understanding about the existence and effect of Policy and the Problem of as a delegate of the International Generalizing,” forthcoming in Insolvency Institute to the arbitration agreements among consumers. The article will the Columbia Journal of Law & UNCITRAL Working Group VI be published in the Maryland Law Review later this year. the Arts, addresses the difficulties meeting in Vienna, Austria, in generalizing about aspects of drafting a model law of personal the copyright system that work— property secured transactions.

12 l St. John’s Law Magazine ON DIRECT

class size accordingly. I’m enormously proud that LC: Not one? we’ve chosen quality over quantity. But I can’t MAS: In the 20 years since graduating from take the credit for that choice. It was a collective law school, I had supervised exactly zero people. decision, just as all of our successes have been Needless to say, in the past six years, I’ve learned collective. Whether it’s our stellar bar exam a lot about being a manager, about budgeting, performance, rising employment outcomes, or about creating a strategic vision, and about record alumni giving, our accomplishments really leading an organization. I still have a lot more to have been a team effort. learn, but it’s been exhilarating and fun. It’s also made me a fan of mid-life career changes. LC: You mentioned that alumni giving with is at record levels. What do you LC: What are your goals for the next five attribute this to? years of your deanship? MAS: About two years ago, I hired Brian MAS: We’re one year into our five-year strategic Woods to head our Office of Development plan, and I’m confident that it provides the and Alumni Relations, and he and his staff— roadmap for St. John’s Law to continue to led by Claire McKeever ’80SVC, ’93L on the thrive. The goal is to continue to improve those Alumni Relations side—have worked tirelessly measures that matter most to our students and to engage our alumni community in the life to their employers. For example, our bar pass of the Law School. Our alumni have always rate is now the fourth highest in New York state, been loyal to alma mater, and now they’re also while our average student debt level is the lowest being extraordinarily generous. The Brennan of any of the state’s 13 private law schools. Family Scholarship Matching Program is just one Perhaps most importantly, our employment example of how our alumni have come together rates are going up every year. If our inputs and to support our students and to ensure that outcomes are improving, our law school is St. John’s Law continues to thrive. improving. And that’s what’s most important.

LC: You still teach a lot. This year, you LC: You’re married and have five kids. taught nearly the entire 1L class either Dean Michael A. How do you balance home and work? Criminal Law or Introduction to Law. Simons Many deans don’t teach at all. Why do MAS: My wife, Karen, and I were high school you continue to? sweethearts and we’re still best friends and In 2014, Michael A. Simons completed partners in everything. We have five wonderful MAS: On a very practical level, teaching his fifth year as dean of the Law kids, and our lives are very full. And I wouldn’t keeps me connected with our students. More School. Backed by the faculty’s vote of want it any other way. I’m very blessed. importantly, though, teaching our students approval, he now continues in this top how to succeed in the profession is our core leadership role. Here Dean Simons sits mission. As a leader, I think it’s important that LC: You and your family are pretty avid down with Associate Academic Dean I’m directly involved in the shared enterprise of Jets’ fans. How do you handle living with Larry Cunningham to reflect on the St. John’s Law. And, I just love teaching. such disappointment year after year? past five years, and to consider what MAS: Ouch. I have to blame my father, Vice lies ahead for a St. John’s Law that’s LC: What has surprised you the most Dean Emeritus Andrew Simons, for that one. steadily on the rise. about being dean? I’ve inherited many things from him—including a love of the law and a devotion to St. John’s. LC: What has been your proudest MAS: One of the happiest surprises has been But, unfortunately, he also bequeathed to me his accomplishment as dean? the tremendous opportunity for professional love of the Jets. Of course, I’ve passed along that growth. When I became dean, I didn’t realize MAS: The six years that I’ve been dean have particular family curse to my children as well. what a significant career change it would be. been a period of tremendous change—in I’d been a practicing lawyer for nine years and a legal education in general, and at St. John’s in faculty member for 11. And I knew a lot about particular. As the number of applicants nationwide LC: Is this going to be the Jets’ year? how a law school operated. But I had never has shrunk, law schools have been faced with a led anything, put together a budget, managed MAS: Let’s put it this way: If the Jets perform choice: quantity or quality. Schools must either enrollment targets, or crafted a strategic plan. In as well as St. John’s Law, they’ll have a very maintain class sizes by digging deeper into the fact, I had never supervised a single person. good year! applicant pool, or maintain quality and reduce

Spring 2015 l 13 ADVANCES

2015 Dean’s Travel Study Program: Ireland

alking the Shankill FROM NEW YORK CITY TO THE HAGUE Road—the scene of one of the greatest atrocities St. John’s Offers J.D. Students of the Troubles in Northern Ireland W during the late a World of Opportunities 20th century—Peter O’Connor ’16 found himself reflecting on the significance of the moment.“It’s one thing to read about Ireland’s troubled past,” he says, “but it’s quite another to visit the sites of so many acts of violence and lawlessness.” O’Connor was one of 15 St. John’s Law students exploring Ireland’s legal system, history, and culture as participants in the 10-day Dean’s Travel Study Program held during the January 2015 intersession. The program is part of a growing suite of opportunities St. John’s J.D. students have to explore diverse legal systems across the globe.

International Practica Students participating in the Law School’s international practica spend a semester working for academic credit at an international organization, a United Nations agency, or an international criminal tribunal. Last semester, L. Todd Morelli ’15 and Colleen Vecchione ’15 worked at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, Netherlands, while Shaun Hiller ’15 worked with NATO’s Allied Command Transformation Staff Element

14 l St. John’s Law Magazine ADVANCES

Europe in Mons, Belgium. “In the NATO In addition to the Rome and Paris experience in scholarly and practical writing Practicum, I interacted with senior legal summer programs, students can participate that prepares them well for the practice of advisors at conferences, briefings, and in summer internships with organizations law. We’re excited to forge new partnerships workshops,” says Hiller. “These distinguished in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. and offer our students access to even more practitioners were personable, engaging, and “My summer internship at the International excellent placements.” very enthusiastic about sharing their work; Criminal Court in The Hague was fascinating,” Hands-on learning also goes global when whether it involved events in the Ukraine, says Ashlee Aguiar ’16. “I met scholars from students in the Transactions in Emerging the negotiation of international agreements, Markets course travel with their professors the laws of armed conflict, or the legal status to Romania, Moldova, or other countries of visiting forces. I learned so much from for meetings with leading policymakers, speaking with them, working with them, businesspeople, and attorneys. And, in the and observing how they handled situations.” classroom at St. John’s, skills courses such as Drafting International Contracts and Academic Exchange Program International Legal Research provide the The slate of global offerings at St. John’s practical tools for a globalizing profession. Law also includes a new academic exchange program with the University of Glasgow Center for International and School of Law. Through the program, Comparative Law St. John’s students spend a semester across the globe and discussed their research Along with these curricular and with them. I also learned about victim co-curricular offerings, the St. John’s Center advocacy before the Court, and explored how for International and Comparative Law— legal systems in different countries function co-directed by Professors Christopher J. and compare with the American system.” Borgen and Peggy McGuinness—serves Interning abroad was also a formative as a focal point for preparing students for experience for Sarah Roe ’15, who worked global practice. “The center stands apart in alongside Lisa Kurbiel ’92 last summer at creating a curriculum designed to study the UNICEF’s Somalia Mission in Nairobi, Kenya. complex legal arrangements and disputes “This wasn’t your typical 2L internship,” to which today’s global economy gives rise,” Sarah observes. “It was an eye-opening look says Richard F. Hans ’93, managing partner at career paths that exist outside private at DLA Piper’s New York office. “Professors studying in historic Glasgow, Scotland. In practice. The United Nations is an incredibly Borgen and McGuinness have forged an return, Glasgow LL.B. students come to influential and complex organization, and my ideal and ever-creative learning environment St. John’s for a year of study and immersion internship gave me unique insight into how that provides their students with insight and in New York City culture and community. it works with a range of legal systems and perspective into the challenges businesses “This exciting program is a win-win norms as it undertakes its global initiatives.” and their lawyers face when dealing with proposition,” says Jeffrey K. Walker, complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions assistant dean for transnational programs. Expanding Opportunities or cross-border disputes. Their students are “Our students experience one of the best Joshua M. Alter ’13, J.D. international emerging from the program uniquely suited comparative law jurisdictions in depth, and programs director for the Law School’s to enter that fray.” the participants from Glasgow study with Office of Transnational Programs, spent our exceptional faculty, right at the epicenter 12 days in Western and Central Europe of international business and law.” Christian recently exploring opportunities to expand Corkery ’15, who spent the fall semester in Glasgow along with Justin Curcio ’15 and John Geager ’15, highly recommends the program to others. “It was the highlight of my St. John’s experience,” he says.

Summer Study Abroad During the summer, St. John’s Law students can spend four weeks immersed in international and comparative law at St. John’s Center Programs and Initiatives Rome and Paris campuses. This past summer, Students engage with the center as members the curriculum included European Union Law, of two international law journals, the St. John’s International and Comparative Perspectives on Journal of International and Comparative Law Law and Religion, and International Art and St. John’s relationships with strategic and the New York International Law Review. Both Cultural Heritage Law. Students also visited partners there. “Our international practica student-run journals feature scholarly articles and the Constitutional Court of Italy and the and global internships are unique in student notes and comments on emergent issues Bibliothéque nationale de France, and toured offering students structured, hands-on of international and comparative law. Members museums, historic sites, and renowned eateries learning under the guidance of supervisory can also work with faculty advisors and journal to complement their coursework. attorneys,” he says. “Participants also gain editors to write a piece for publication.

Spring 2015 l 15 ADVANCES

The center’s Pro Bono for International with leaders in the field of international law Justice Initiative, launched in 2013, involves that I wouldn’t have otherwise had,” says students in projects that promote international Katharine Suominen ’16. “I’ve also found an justice while at the same time fulfilling the invaluable mentor in Professor McGuinness, recent New York State pro bono requirement. who has been everything from an academic As part of the initiative, the center teams with and career advisor to the gracious host of our the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda fall IHP Scholars Dinner. She goes above and to update the Tribunal’s appellate digest, and beyond.” Matthew Freeze ’17 also appreciates works with two non-governmental organizations the support system the program has provided to promote corporate accountability for human during his first year at St. John’s Law.” I’ve rights violations committed outside the United benefited tremendously from the guidance States. The center also conducts research for the of Professor McGuinness and the 2Ls in the Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations. program,” he says. experiential learning.”We live in a world According to Professor McGuinness, “the new where local developments increasingly have initiative gets students working for clients on real Alumni Engagement a global impact,” she says. “Whether you cases, allowing them to hone their skills under In addition to supporting the International work in a law firm, with a human rights the supervision of experienced attorneys.” Honors Program, Yasuhiro Saito joined the organization, or for a corporation, global legal Through the center’s Student Fellows center’s advisory board recently. A noted issues will present themselves. I’m honored Program, St. John’s Law 2Ls and 3Ls work with authority on cross-border litigation, white to be part of a team dedicated to expanding center-affiliated faculty members on research collar criminal investigation, and regulatory opportunities for St. John’s Law students to projects; present and publish work as part enforcement matters, Saito recognizes what explore the law in its global context.” of the center’s Roundtable Series; and take St. John’s Law students gain in learning the law Reflecting on the Law School’s global leadership roles on the center’s projects and from a global perspective. “As lawyers, we’re offerings, Professor Borgen says, “Individually events, including its Global Issues Series and naturally interested in how things work,” he and taken together, our courses, programs, symposia. “Being a student fellow has been a shares. “But when you’re only exposed to one journals, and other initiatives give students a great complement to my international studies,” place, and to one culture, it’s harder to see the deeper understanding of how globalization says Marissa Harrell ’15.”My involvement bigger picture and to be the best problem solver affects the practice of law, and how the law with the center has deepened my research for your clients. You gain perspective and insight can be deployed to address emerging into international topics, introduced me to doing international work. It nurtures curiosity.” global challenges.” international scholars and practitioners, and Saito also gives back to alma mater by As Edward G. Kehoe ’90—a partner at exposed me to the practical application of mentoring students. “My time at St. John’s King & Spalding and a center advisory board international law.” was the beginning of my life here in the United member—notes, in this way, St. John’s Law is Another pillar initiative is the center’s States,” he says. “So I’m happy to work with continuing a proud tradition of educating lawyers International Honors Program, which launched the students. It’s really rewarding for me.” who excel in the field. “International matters this fall thanks in part to the generosity of Saito’s colleague on the center’s advisory involving comparative law, including international Yasuhiro Saito ’92, a founding partner at Saito board, Daphne Vlachojannis ’06, also disputes resolved through international Sorenson Lurie LLP. The five St. John’s Law supports the Law School’s global offerings in arbitration, have increased substantially over students selected for the program plan to diverse ways. As associate legal officer at the the past two decades,” he says. “St. John’s pursue international legal practice. They receive International Criminal Court in The Hague, Law has made extraordinary strides with its a partial or full-tuition scholarship to fund their she supervises St. John’s Law students who global programs, maintaining pace with this studies, and have access to additional stipends are interning at various tribunals. development. This success is a testament to the to fund research, academic travel, and During law school, Vlachojannis was curriculum, to the faculty, and to the students. student teaching. a summer intern at UNICEF, where she And I’m pleased and proud to see our alumni “As an IHP Scholar and as a student fellow, assisted victims of human rights violations. involved in some of the most important cross- I’ve had opportunities to meet and network She appreciates the value of this kind of border matters of our time.”

Law School Welcomes “That IALS chose St. John’s as the inaugural host for this visiting Inaugural IALS Visiting professorship is a testament to the growth of our international law programs and our global reputation,” said Professor Peggy Professor Annika Rudman McGuinness, the center’s co-director. “Professor Rudman is an Professor Annika Rudman of Stellenbosch impressive scholar, and she brings deep expertise in African legal University in South Africa is teaching at systems to St. John’s.” St. John’s Law this semester as the inaugural International Association of Law “It’s particularly fitting to partner with the Wang Family Foundation Schools (IALS) Visiting Professor. in this opportunity,” Dean Michael A. Simons said. “More than 60 years ago, Frank Wang’s father, Kenneth Wang, joined our faculty The visiting professorship is supported, in part, through the generosity shortly after emigrating from China, and he taught international law of IALS President Francis Wang and the Wang Family Foundation, here for the next three decades. We’re pleased to carry on his legacy and is co-sponsored by the St. John’s Center for International and through the many vibrant international law programs at St. John’s.” Comparative Law and the Office of Transnational Programs.

16 l St. John’s Law Magazine TRENDS

BARRETT ON JACKSON: THE BIOGRAPHER AND “THE JACKSON LIST”

rofessor John Q. Barrett remembers what struck him when he first read an opinion by US Supreme Court PJustice Robert H. Jackson: Spectacular writing. Over time, Barrett’s interest in Justice Jackson became deep research, extensive writing, book projects— including Jackson’s biography—and, unexpectedly, a large online audience.

Robert Houghwout Jackson Justice Jackson, who served on the Supreme Court from 1941 until 1954, was one of the finest writers, if not the finest writer, in the Court’s history. His opinions are models of accessibility, candor, lawyerly Jackson List posts are archived, with footnotes and photographs, at thejacksonlist.com. skill, and personal charm. He wrote them himself—he deplored colleagues using law Germany. Jackson and fellow prosecutors And, accidentally, Professor Barrett clerks as ghostwriters. obtained convictions of Nazi leaders for invented “The Jackson List,” a one-way, Jackson’s opinions include enduring conspiring, waging aggressive war, committing private email list. It began when he emailed monuments. To name just three, he wrote war crimes, and committing crimes against Jackson information to friends, who the Court opinion in the Jehovah’s Witnesses humanity. The Nuremberg prosecutors built forwarded the notes on to others. When some flag salute case, West Virginia State Board a vast evidentiary record of Nazi crimes, of these recipients replied back to Professor of Education v. Barnette (1943); dissented including what history came to comprehend as Barrett and asked to be added to his “Jackson in the Japanese-American exclusion case, the Holocaust. Jackson’s Nuremberg opening List,” he realized that he had one. Korematsu v. United States (1944); and and closing arguments are regarded as two of The Jackson List, which is free, grew concurred in the invalidation of President the greatest speeches in history. Nuremberg from there. Professor Barrett now sends Truman’s Korean War seizure of the nation’s today is the root precedent for modern a few short essays each month to tens steel mills, Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. international criminal law and courts. of thousands of subscribers, including v. Sawyer (1952). For all these reasons, Jackson is relevant, many lawyers, federal and state judges, Jackson’s life (1892-1954) was much admired, quoted, and studied. Many visit academics, students, and others around more, however, than judicial opinions. the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown. the world. Jackson List recipients forward Born on a Pennsylvania farm and raised The heart of Buffalo features the Robert H. the notes across their law firms, companies, in western New York, he never attended Jackson US Courthouse. Chief Justice Roberts courts, and communities. And many cite, college. After apprenticing and one year has praised Jackson’s writing. Justice Kagan quote, and praise the Jackson List. For of law school (but no degree), he became has voiced admiration for his independence. example, Hon. Richard G. Kopf, United a lawyer at age 21. He became a star in Justice Scalia calls Jackson his hero. States District Judge for the District of Buffalo, then in Jamestown, New York, Nebraska and a prominent blogger, recently then across New York State and nationally. The Jackson List described the Jackson List as “among the In 1934, Jackson joined the New Deal. A component of Jackson’s prominence best legal history being done in this country. President Franklin Roosevelt nominated today is Professor Barrett’s work. In 2000, It is a treasure.” him, and the Senate confirmed Jackson’s thanks to generous Jackson descendants, he Professor Barrett gets Jackson List appointments, to five offices: Treasury obtained never-seen papers and embarked subscription requests from many people Department Assistant General Counsel on the long-term project of writing Jackson’s each week. “This interest is very gratifying, (1934), Assistant Attorney General (1936), biography. In 2003, Professor Barrett of course,” he says. “I’m lucky to be writing Solicitor General (1938), Attorney General edited and published Jackson’s previously about a life and legacy that interests so many.” (1940), and Supreme Court Justice (1941). unknown, and now acclaimed book, That Jackson List posts are archived at In 1940, when Roosevelt contemplated Man: An Insider’s Portrait of Franklin D. thejacksonlist.com. Or you can find the site retirement, Jackson was a leading Roosevelt (which is also an autobiography). using the online search term “Jackson List.” presidential prospect. He has written numerous articles on Jackson To subscribe to the Jackson List, please email Professor Barrett at [email protected]. And Nuremberg. In April 1945, President and related topics and lectures regularly at Truman recruited Justice Jackson to prosecute Videos of his lectures on Justice Jackson can academic, judicial, and law firm conferences be found on YouTube. Nazi war criminals in Allied-occupied former and to public audiences.

Spring 2015 l 17 CENTER PIECE

THE CENTER FOR LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CONTINUES TO PROVIDE SINGULAR OPPORTUNITIES TO ST. JOHN’S LAW STUDENTS

The law isn’t static. It moves marketplace. Students also benefit from a Law School welcomed His Eminence Edward beyond black letter dictate, suite of complementary coursework in dispute Cardinal Egan, the former Archbishop of resolution and legal writing. New York who passed away in March. He statutory interpretation, and Learning continues outside the classroom presented a talk on “Pope Francis: Where He legal analysis to impact and as students participate in supervised Will Lead Us.” Observing that the “266th animate just about every externships with corporations, law firms, successor of St. Peter” has “captivated unions, and government agencies. They not only the Catholics of the world, but aspect of everyday life. This also engage with labor and employment also devotees of all faiths,” Cardinal Egan view of the law is central law professionals at programs the Center spoke about his longtime friendship and to the mission and work of hosts each year, ranging from international collaboration with the former Cardinal the Center for Labor and conferences and symposia in Dublin, at the Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., the Archbishop University of London, and at Cambridge of Buenos Aires. Reflecting on the reasons Employment Law at St. John’s. University, to distinguished guest speakers at why the conclave elected Pope Francis, Cardinal Egan noted—among other Under the longtime leadership of points—his friend’s reputation as Executive Director David L. Gregory, a “man of prayer who handled the Law School’s Dorothy Day countless, extraordinarily daunting Professor of Law, the Center is situations marvelously well.” He a unique forum where students, went on to observe how Pope practitioners, and scholars come Francis has been received with together to explore the practice and “universal admiration” since his theory of labor and employment election, and has been called “the law. Focusing on the importance, most popular leader in the world.” and the sanctity, of doing good The Center wouldn’t be the work in the world, Professor success it is today without the Gregory says, “the Center strives to ongoing support of dedicated show students, by engagement and alumni who generously fund example, that they can be successful scholarships, hire and mentor practitioners who also give back to The late Cardinal Egan and Professor David L. Gregory with St. John’s Law students students, and serve on the their communities.” Center’s board of advisors and Students build a strong foundation for this the Law School including three chairs of the adjunct faculty. “Our alumni are the work and service through a comprehensive National Labor Relations Board, a Solicitor lifeblood of the Center,” Professor Gregory labor and employment law curriculum that General of the United States, a former EEOC says. “With their partnership, our students includes introductory courses as well as upper chairman, AFL-CIO presidents, and Cesar receive an outstanding education in labor level classes in Employment Discrimination, Chavez, founder of United Farm Workers of and employment law and go on to hold key Labor and Employment Arbitration, Public America. These events have been chronicled positions in the public and private sectors, Sector Labor and Employment Law, ERISA, in the St. John’s Law Review and in other where they have a hand in shaping labor and Pensions and Benefits Law, among notable scholarly publications. and employment law and do good work other offerings. A new course in Protective An anchor of the Center’s programming is that positively impacts the lives of Legislation for Workers reflects the Center’s its Distinguished Annual Lecture organized by countless people.” commitment to evolving the curriculum students from its affiliate, the Labor Relations Robert Nobile ’84, a partner at Seyfarth to meet a changing legal profession and and Employment Law Society. This year, the Shaw who has supported the Center for

18 l St. John’s Law Magazine CENTER PIECE many years, notes that the appreciation is only an excellent mentor and teacher, he recognize Professor Gregory’s numerous mutual.“David Gregory inherited a program teaches by example and encourages us to achievements—and his indelible mark on that offered two courses—Employment think beyond the letter of the law to effect those he has mentored, taught, and worked Discrimination and Labor Law. Under positive change through our legal education. with—was to have people from various his leadership, the program has grown His tutelage, encouragement, and support chapters of his life share stories about him,” significantly and now offers courses in all will be something I remember long past explains Alyssa Zuckerman ’13, the 2012 areas of labor and employment law. It’s, by graduation.” Coca-Cola Refreshments Scholar who helped far, the best and most comprehensive labor Amanda Jaret ’13, who started as a and employment curriculum in the country.” staff attorney for the NLRB this fall after Michael Van Aken ’99, vice president of completing a fellowship with the AFL-CIO, human resources at Coca-Cola Refreshments, also appreciates the guidance she received on also has high praise for Professor Gregory’s her professional path. “My career trajectory work through the Center. “I’ve never met a has been indelibly influenced by my work teacher who cares more about his students with the Center and by Professor Gregory’s after they leave the classroom. He is tireless wisdom and advocacy on my behalf,” she in his pursuit of employment for them, and says. “Between his empowering support he regularly taps into his personal network and encouragement and the comprehensive of former students. I’m grateful for the academic preparation I received through opportunity he has given me to help my the Center, I’ve felt fully prepared for the organize the event as co-president of the fellow alumni.” challenging legal work I’ve done since Labor and Employment Law Society. “Plus, And St. John’s Law students and recent graduating from St. John’s.” we combined marking a milestone with graduates are grateful for this exceptional Ralph Carter ’14 received multiple something that is very important to Professor support system. “My law school experience scholarships for excellence in labor and Gregory—supporting students. In the end, has been enriched by my involvement with employment law at St. John’s, and just we raised over $220,000 in gifts and pledges the Center for Labor and Employment Law,” embarked on his career at Duane Morris LLP. for the Center. It was a great success.” says Sarah Mannix ’15, president of the He also credits the man behind the Center. In his remarks at the event, Dean Michael Labor and Employment Law Society and “Professor Gregory is unrelenting in his A. Simons captured the sentiment in the recipient of the Coca-Cola Refreshments support of St. John’s Law students, and his room—and outside it—with these words: Scholarship for Excellence in Labor and door is always open to those seeking the “For the past 30 years, David Gregory Employment Law. “Professor Gregory is not benefit of his considerable experience,” he has exemplified what it means to be a says. “There are so many of us who owe him law professor. He is a dedicated teacher, so much. He has an uncanny ability to see in a caring mentor, a prolific scholar, and an his students their potential and to show them indefatigable institution builder. He has single- what they can attain and how to get there, handedly created one of the finest labor and even when the student believes that the goal employment law programs in the country. He is something beyond reach.” has worked tirelessly to promote his students In 2013, alumni, faculty, students, and and to launch their careers. His legal expertise friends came together to celebrate Professor is in labor and employment law, but he Gregory and his many accomplishments has lived his professional life by the Biblical at the Center for Labor and Employment command to ‘serve one another through Law. “We thought the best way to love.’ Tonight, we celebrate a true servant.”

National Grid Foundation Establishes Labor and Employment Law Scholarship at St. John’s Law

The scholarship honors the life augmented by the Law School’s and legacy of the late Hon. Basil A. Brennan Family Scholarship Paterson ’48C, ’51L, ’79HON, former Matching Program to provide an chairman of the National Grid annual scholarship award to a Foundation Board of Directors. St. John’s Law student who Paterson distinguished himself personifies the ideals that as a political leader, civil rights Paterson held dear, and who champion, and labor lawyer intends to practice labor and Photo: Rick Kopstein/New York Law Journal Photo: Rick Kopstein/New York during more than 60 years of employment law. The National Grid Foundation service to the people of New The inaugural Basil A. Paterson has established the Basil A. Paterson York State. Memorial Scholarship recipient Memorial Scholarship to benefit The $100,000 grant from the is Eugene Ubawike, Jr. ’15. St. John’s Law students. National Grid Foundation will be

Spring 2015 l 19 Illustration by John Inzetta ’14C

20 l St. John’s Law Magazine REMEMBERING HON. MARIO M. CUOMO ′53C, ′56L, ′75HON

also serving St. John’s as a member of the Cuomo ran for mayor of New York City, “At his core, at his best, St. Thomas More Institute and as a founding but lost in the primary to Edward Koch. he was a philosopher. editor of The Catholic Lawyer. In 1956, he Cuomo was elected lieutenant governor He was a poet. He was graduated cum laude and tied for first place of New York in 1978 and, in 1982, he in his Law School class. was elected New York’s 52nd governor, a an advocate. He was a At the start of his legal career, Cuomo position he was re-elected to in 1986 and crusader. Mario Cuomo served as a confidential law clerk to Hon. 1990 by record margins. Adrian P. Burke of the New York State As the longest serving Democratic was the keynote speaker governor in the modern history of New for our better angels.” York State, Cuomo is credited with a suite of impressive accomplishments, including: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo shared this settling the Coxsackie Correctional Facility compelling remembrance at the funeral uprising peacefully and without fatalities— of his father, esteemed public servant and in sharp contrast to the many lives lost during dedicated St. John’s alumnus Hon. Mario M. the Attica prison riot under Governor Nelson Cuomo ’53C, ’56L, ’75HON. Rockefeller’s administration; leading the Born in 1932 and raised in New York state through two recessions; balancing 12 City, Mario Cuomo was the son of Italian consecutive budgets; revitalizing education; immigrants who owned a grocery store in improving bridges and roadways; investing South Jamaica, Queens. He attended his in public health programs; and devising a neighborhood public elementary school state-wide economic development initiative and St. John’s Preparatory High School in that grew the private sector, created more Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. There, he than half a million jobs, and supported developed a tireless work ethic that he later “In word, action, and the launch of high-tech research facilities. attributed to his hardworking father, who, During Cuomo’s tenure as governor, foreign he said, “bled from the soles of his feet” to spirit, Mario Cuomo investment in New York nearly doubled. provide for his family. He also shaped New York’s judiciary After graduating from St. John’s Prep exemplified all that with appointments to the Court of Appeals in 1949, Cuomo played on the freshman is best in our civic that included the court’s first African- baseball team at St. John’s University. At just American, first Hispanic, first two women, 20 years old, the six foot tall, 190-pound leaders.” and first female chief judge. Among his center fielder signed a contract to play appointees to New York’s highest court for the Brunswick Pirates of the Georgia- — Dean Michael A. Simons were fellow St. John’s Law alumni Vito J. Florida League, a Class-D affiliate. In 81 Titone ’56L, ’84HON, Joseph W. Bellacosa games that season, he hit .244 with 10 Court of Appeals, and then entered private ’59C, ’61L, ’87HON, and Carmen B. doubles, two triples, and one home run. law practice in 1958 with the Brooklyn Ciparick ’67L, ’03HON. But his pro baseball career was cut short firm of Corner, Weisbrod, Froeb & Charles. Cuomo was a gifted orator and among when he was hit in the head by a fastball In addition to practicing law, Cuomo was his most memorable speeches is the keynote and suffered a concussion, an injury he an adjunct professor at St. John’s Law for address he delivered at the Democratic often whimsically tied to his decision to over a decade, teaching legal writing to a National Convention in 1984. Offering a enter New York politics. generation of St. John’s students. contrasting view of what President Ronald Cuomo returned to his studies at He first entered the political arena in Reagan called his “shining city on the hill,” St. John’s, where he met his future wife, 1972 when then-Mayor John Lindsay asked Cuomo depicted a country also suffering Matilda N. Raffa ’54Ed. After graduating Cuomo to help resolve a highly publicized from poverty, homelessness, and fear, stating: summa cum laude in 1953, he went on to housing controversy in Forest Hills, Queens. “A shining city is perhaps all the St. John’s Law, where he earned a St. Thomas The next major milestone in his rise as a President sees from the portico of the White More scholarship and excelled academically. political figure in New York came when House and the veranda of his ranch, where Throughout his law school years, Cuomo then-Governor Hugh L. Carey appointed everyone seems to be doing well. But there’s worked to support his young family, while Cuomo secretary of state in 1975. In 1977, another city, another part to the shining

Spring 2015 l 21 him with the Pietas Medal (1972); an Honorary Doctor of Laws (1975); the Medal of Honor (1981); the President’s Medal (1983); and the International Medal (1989). In 1999, he was honored by the St. John’s Law Review. He returned to campus in 2011 for a day-long program as the Joseph W. Bellacosa Distinguished Jurist-in-Residence. In 2013, the New York Law Journal named Cuomo recipient of its “Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of his career accomplishments and the profound impact he made on the law, in New York’s legal community, and as a celebrated governor. And in May 2014 he was the distinguished guest at the St. John’s Center for International and Comparative Law’s year- end reception, hosted at Willkie. During Cuomo’s visit to the Law School in 2011, Judge Bellacosa—his longtime friend and former faculty colleague who served as dean of the Law School from 2000 to 2004— presented a framed, handwritten letter he received from Cuomo in 1974. In it, Cuomo reflected on a conversation the two had at St. John’s about their respective calls to public service in New York—Cuomo as secretary of state and Bellacosa as chief clerk and counsel to the Court of Appeals. In his characteristic way, Cuomo wondered whether the two might do better starting a private law practice together, and rhetorically queried, “Did it occur to you that we may both be making a city—the part where some people can’t pay for a Drug-Free America. More recently, the mistake?” in reference to their decisions to their mortgages and most young people US Bankruptcy Court in New York appointed accept their respective positions in Albany. can’t afford one. Where students can’t afford Cuomo to mediate the dispute between Judge Bellacosa kept the letter and, 13 years the education they need and middle-class the trustee of Bernard Madoff’s fraudulent later, he read it aloud from the bench the day parents watch the dreams they hold for their investment fund and the owners of the New he was sworn in as an Associate Judge of the children evaporate. In this part of the city York Mets. He remained a prolific writer of New York State Court of Appeals, adding: there are more poor than ever, more families essays and books, and was in demand as a “Obviously, neither of us made a mistake!” in trouble, more and more people who need public speaker. The Cuomo letter now hangs in the library help but can’t find it.” He also remained an avid baseball fan, at St. John’s Law, an enduring memento and Some 15 years later, a survey of scholars and was featured in Ken Burns’ documentary lesson from their alma mater bond. nationwide ranked Cuomo’s convention series, Baseball. Reflecting on his time in the “In word, action, and spirit, Mario address among the best American speeches game as a young man, according to PBS, Cuomo exemplified all that is best in our of the century. Cuomo shared this unique take on the sport: civic leaders,” says Dean Michael A. Simons. Although there was popular support “It is a community activity. You need all “I was fortunate to spend time with him for him to be a presidential candidate in nine people helping one another. I love bunt on a number of occasions, including when 1988 and 1992, Cuomo chose not to run plays. I love the idea of the bunt. I love the he came home to alma mater as our Hon. and, after losing his bid for a fourth term idea of the sacrifice. Even the word is good. Joseph W. Bellacosa Distinguished Jurist-in- as governor, he re-entered private law Giving yourself up for the good of the whole. Residence. He was an eloquent speaker who practice at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in That’s Jeremiah. That’s thousands of years of understood New Yorkers so well because 1995. At Willkie, he served of counsel to the wisdom. You find your own good in the good he was a New Yorker through and through. corporate and financial services department of the whole. You find your own individual As the hardworking child of hardworking and the litigation department, specializing in fulfillment in the success of the community— immigrants, he devoted his life to promoting litigation, corporate transactions, and special the Bible tried to do that and didn’t teach the public good. His work embodied corporate investigations. you. Baseball did.” St. Vincent de Paul’s commitment to the And he continued contributing to the civic Over the years, St. John’s University poor. Cuomo was truly a son of St. John’s good in leadership roles with the Partnership honored Cuomo multiple times, presenting Law and we will miss him.”

22 l St. John’s Law Magazine

SPECIAL TRIBUTES By Thomas M. Cerabino ’81, Co-Chairman, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP As he did wherever he went, the Governor speechwriter, Peter Quinn. She asked began building friendships from day one at whether the Governor knew the background Willkie Farr & Gallagher. He made friends with to the title of Mr. Quinn’s book, “Banished the mail room workers, receptionists, attorneys Children of Eve.” After a pause, Eithne hinted in neighboring offices, and so many others in it came from the hymn Salve Regina. The the Willkie community. Governor stood up and started reciting One such friendship began as soon as the “Hail Holy Queen.” Governor stepped off the elevator on his first Eithne and the Governor became good day. Eithne Quigley, Willkie’s early morning friends, chatting together when the Governor receptionist who now has been at the firm for would arrive at 7 a.m. on a range of topics, 55 years, was the first person to greet him. from what music the Governor should listen For the occasion, Eithne requested the to for inspiration when writing a speech, to Governor be served tea from the firm’s Catholic traditions (a native of Belfast, Eithne best china. The Governor returned her was an expert on the subject). kindness by challenging Eithne to name her We enjoyed the Governor’s wit, anecdotes, assemblyman, congressman, and senator. discussions on philosophy, and friendship over She passed his quiz, and then posited a the course of the 20 years he spent at the firm.

Photo: Rick Kopstein/New York Law Journal Photo: Rick Kopstein/New York question of her own about the Governor’s He is greatly missed.

By Joseph M. Mattone, Sr. ’53C, ’55L, ’94HON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Mattone Group

Mario and I met in our second year at (seven kids); and Mario had a nice, but St. John’s Prep. A long relationship modest home in Holliswood (five kids). developed which lasted for many years (70). When he was finally elected Governor, Although our lives took separate he told a reporter from the New York courses—his in public service, and mine Times, “Tell Joe Mattone I have a bigger in real estate, banking, and development— house (State Mansion) than he does.” we stayed in touch consistently. When the reporter called me, I replied, Fortune favored me, and I was able “Tell the Governor-elect he rents his, to build a large, nice home in Douglaston and I own mine.”

By Joseph Percoco ’00, Executive Deputy Secretary to New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo I met Mario Cuomo when I was a led by example as a man of integrity who sophomore in college, volunteering as an demanded nothing less from his staff and intern in his New York City office. This was supporters. During my brief time in the the beginning of a 27-year professional and private sector, it was Mario Cuomo who personal relationship with a magnificent taught me the subtle adjustments from human being. government work. His superior intellect It was through this special relationship always kept me one step ahead of my peers. that I learned to respect and love the law, and But probably the most important lesson to use it to help those who can’t defend or I learned from him was how to be a great protect themselves. Mario Cuomo and I shared father and family man. No matter how busy roots as sons of Italian-American immigrants our schedule was, Mario Cuomo always who worked hard to provide a better life for made time for his family and for his lovely their children, and he taught me how to adapt bride of 62 years, Matilda Raffa Cuomo. to a world I knew nothing about from my I don’t know if I could have achieved as upbringing. I also learned what it means to be much as I have in the world of government a great public servant, undeterred by political and politics without Mario Cuomo’s winds and steadfast in your beliefs. mentoring. Not a day goes by where I don’t My father passed away when I was think of him and all that he taught me. I 24 years old and, instantly, Mario Cuomo miss him so much. became the father figure in my life. He

Spring 2015 l 23 Representing The Mouse t’s a relationship that spans generations, cultures, borders, and platforms. We associate it with big screen princesses, villains, super heroes, and one particularly adorable mouse. We live its magic up close at a world and in lands designed just for our delight. And we welcome it into our homes through a daily menu of small screen offerings. We all know Disney and have forged wonderful memories on our many connections to it.

Behind the Disney we know and love is one of the world’s leading the Hulk, among other popular characters. In his current position as family entertainment and media enterprises, The Walt Disney Marvel’s vice president of business affairs, Potter is involved primarily Company. Together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, the company with film production. “When filming, the lawyer is in constant is made up of five segments: media networks, parks and resorts, communication with the production crews on location to make sure studio entertainment, consumer products, and interactive media. that everything runs smoothly,” he says. “One minute you’re working And behind the scenes supporting all the work of this successful with representatives of the Screen Actors Guild on a labor issue, and Ientertainment giant is a worldwide legal department that includes the next you’re negotiating with a business owner who’s worried a number of St. John’s Law alumni. about losing money because a film crew is taking over the location. It’s fast-paced work and anything can happen.” Ken Newman ’71 started at Disney in 1995 as vice president and eastern regional counsel and now helps to lead the legal team as Potter appreciates the synergies that developed when Disney acquired associate general counsel and assistant secretary. In this role, he Marvel in 2009. “Disney and Marvel are both about entertainment,” oversees all competition and consumer protection law and compliance he explains. “The target audiences for the end product may be slightly for the entire company. He has also been deeply involved in the different, but the goal of delivering the best content possible is always company’s major mergers and acquisitions, including the purchase of the same.” In addition to sharing “a culture of excellence,” Potter Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. says, the two companies also share legal resources that he draws on as needed, especially with respect to compliance, governance, and “I served as part of the team responsible for integrating these and labor matters. other newly-acquired entities into the Disney family of companies,” Newman says. But he’s quick to point out that joining the family Another successful Disney-affiliated brand is ESPN, a leader in doesn’t come with a loss of identity. “Disney is a brand, ESPN is a multimedia sports programming and entertainment. It’s where you brand, Marvel is a brand, Pixar is a brand, and each and every one will find Lisa Stancati ’85SVC, ’92L working as assistant chief has resonance with people,” he says. “We don’t ‘mousify’ everything. counsel. Stancati left law firm practice to fulfill her dream of working These companies need to stay true to what they do fantastically well. in sports, first with the Women’s Professional Billiard Association You want all the brands to thrive while unifying certain things.” and then with the National Hockey League. At ESPN since 2004, she handles deals with respect to ESPN’s digital media properties, Ryan Potter ’05 has first-hand knowledge of Disney’s approach to and advises on copyright, right of publicity, and privacy law issues. building a robust house of brands. He joined Marvel Entertainment “I work with tremendous teams of people at ESPN,” Stancati says. after a cold call earned him an unpaid internship at the company “We’re constantly striving to protect and grow the ESPN brand, and that is home to Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and to stay true to our mission—namely, ‘To serve sports fans. Anytime.

24 l St. John’s Law Magazine St. John’s Law Alumni are In-House Helping Disney Grow and Thrive Representing The Mouse

Anywhere.’” At the same time, she shares, “we’re mindful that assistant chief counsel at the Walt Disney World Resort. Since joining we’re an extension of the Disney brand and we want our business to the company in 2000, Bowers has been involved in notable projects reflect well on the entire organization.” like the leasing of Celebration—Disney’s first planned community— and the sale of a parcel of land for the new Four Seasons Resort Kevin Closson ’94, vice president of business affairs at the Disney- Orlando. She is currently leading the expansion of the Downtown ABC Television Group, also appreciates the synergies with the larger Disney retail, dining, and entertainment complex to 1.1 million Walt Disney Company as he oversees development and production square feet of retail and restaurant space. deals for original owned, co-produced, and licensed programming at ABC Family. “Working at Disney fosters a collaborative mindset “The work is fast paced, and I’m surrounded by great people,” and a dynamic work environment where you’re looking to make the says Bowers. “And as the Disney brand grows, new opportunities company even stronger without compromising its ethical values.” surface. With the expansion of Downtown Disney, we’re embarking on a retail leasing initiative that is In addition to nurturing its family of brands, unprecedented at Disney. It’s really exciting.” Disney is growing its international business presence. Since joining the company in Like Bowers, Elena Matyas ’96 is employing 2003, assistant general counsel Marea “Disney is a brand, ESPN her expertise in real estate law at Disney as Suozzi ’80 has handled a variety of principal counsel in the company’s real estate litigation in the United States and abroad. is a brand, Marvel is a group. After practicing law at top firms in Her work includes supervising litigation in New York, she joined Disney in 2006. “My the Asia-Pacific region—jurisdictions such brand, Pixar is a brand, primary responsibility is managing Disney’s as Japan, Korea, China, India, and Australia. and each and every one has vast real estate holdings,” Matyas says. “Aside In one of these cases, the Tokyo High Court from the theme park properties you think of upheld the company’s international labor resonance with people.” immediately, I manage the office space that standards against a challenge by a former Disney, ABC, ESPN, and Marvel employees licensee. In another case, arbitrated before — Ken Newman ’71 occupy worldwide, acquisitions in connection the China International Economic and Trade with company expansion, and short term Association Commission, the provisions of leasing for special events and projects.” Disney’s merchandise license agreements were upheld. It was the first time those The challenges and opportunities in these agreements had been challenged in China. initiatives are one and the same, Matyas observes, adding, “The Disney brand is constantly expanding, so lawyers on our legal team Although managing litigation in other countries and across diverse have constant opportunities to tap and grow their expertise.” legal systems and time zones can be challenging, Suozzi enjoys the work and recognizes the end it serves. “Disney is known for With a focus on innovation in entertainment, Disney continues to its creativity and innovation,” she says. “It’s our responsibility in develop its global brand with the help of its legal department. “All the legal department to protect that creativity, innovation, and the of our lawyers need to be—and all our St. John’s lawyers are—fully associated intellectual property rights. These assets are essential to engaged in all aspects of the business units they support,” says Ken the company and its culture.” Newman. “This is practical, feet-on-the-ground lawyering.” It’s also very rewarding work, as Newman notes. “This is a great company to be a While Suozzi helps protect Disney in court, Joyce Bowers ’89 lawyer for. Wherever you go, people know Disney. The name alone puts oversees some of the company’s major US real estate dealings as a smile on their faces. What other company can you say that about?”

Spring 2015 l 25 ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS

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1 l The Alumni Association hosted the Reunion 2014 at Desmond’s Steakhouse in Big Apple Circus on November 22, 2014. Hon. Guy J. Mangano Golf Classic at Manhattan on November 6, 2014. Over 250 The animals, clowns, contortionists, and high the Plandome Country Club on September alumni gathered for an enjoyable time with flyers provided big entertainment under the 22, 2014. A highlight of the day was the friends, faculty members, and Dean Michael big top. It was a treat for all ages made even presentation of the Hon. Guy J. Mangano A. Simons. The class of 1984 even took the sweeter by ample helpings of cotton candy. Award to Richard A. Spehr ’86, managing opportunity to host an impromptu birthday partner Mayer Brown LLP. Over 100 party for a classmate, adding to the fun of 3 l On December 2, 2014, over 80 alumni participants enjoyed the event, which is now the evening. came together for the Nassau Chapter in its 13th year and has raised over $125,000 Holiday Luncheon at the Carltun. After in that time to support the Law School’s The Armed Forces Alumni and Student updating the group about developments James V. Mangano Scholarship fund. Reception was held at the Law School on and initiatives at the Law School, Dean November 11, 2014. Decorated combat Michael A. Simons introduced Professor On October 21, 2014, Donald Ottaunick veteran Joseph V. Moreno ’99, now Mark Movsesian, director of the Center for ’83, a partner at Cole, Schotz, Meisel, special counsel in the white collar defense Law and Religion, who spoke about the Forman & Leonard, P.A., hosted the New and investigations group at Cadwalader, crisis facing Mideast Christians. Jersey Chapter Reception at his firm’s Wickersham & Taft LLP, received this year’s Hackensack, NJ office. Hon. Stanley R. Distinguished Veteran Alumni Award. A 4 l Each year, Dean Michael A. Simons hosts Chelser ’74, United States District Judge for major in the US Army Reserve, Moreno a Bar Passage Reception to celebrate this the District of New Jersey, addressed the 30 has served on active duty as a military important milestone with St. John’s Law attendees, who also had an opportunity to prosecutor. In 2004, he was awarded the graduates. This year’s reception took place network and reconnect with alma mater. Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. on December 3, 2014 at the Warwick New York Hotel in Manhattan, where faculty and 2 l The classes of 1974, 1984, 1989, It was all about family fun when the Alumni alumni joined the recent graduates for the 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009 celebrated Association sponsored an afternoon at the festivities.

26 l St. John’s Law Magazine ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS

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5 l Over 50 alumni enjoyed the scholarship and excelled, graduating first basics, matrimonial law, and federal Westchester Chapter Holiday Luncheon in her evening division magna cum laude. practice, among other offerings. Attendees at the Westchester Hills Country Club on Described by Paras as “passionate about received 16 credits (three ethics, six skills, December 4, 2014. Alumni Association her alma mater,” she has put that zeal and seven practice) for the entire weekend. President Andrea M. Alonso ’78C, ’81L into action as a member of the Alumni welcomed the guests, who mixed and Association Board of Directors and through 9 l This year’s Law Review Alumni mingled with each other and Dean Michael the annual Esterina Giuliani Award. Dean Reception was held on March 3, 2015 at the A. Simons. The attendees also continued Michael A. Simons then presented the John Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. Organized their longtime tradition of collecting toys J. Murphy Award to Steven J. Gartner ’84, by Nina Shreve ’77, the evening celebrated at the event for distribution through the co-chairman of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, the accomplishments of the St. John’s Law St. John’s Bread and Life Program. in recognition of his distinguished service Review students, as noted by Editor-in-Chief to the public, the profession, and the rule Bari Nadworny ’15. Dean Michael A. Simons 6 l The Brooklyn Chapter Holiday Party of law. Reflecting on the reasons for his presented the Law Review Alumni Award to and Toy Drive took place on December 10, professional success, Gartner credited Robert J. Gunther, Jr. ’81C, ’84L, a partner in 2014 at Floyd NY. In addition to enjoying his supportive family and the Willkie Farr the litigation/controversy department and the food, camaraderie, and the indoor bocce partners who gave him “every opportunity intellectual property litigation practice group at court, the group collected more than 500 imaginable” to succeed. “And the third WilmerHale. Gunther has been recognized by toys to donate to the St. John’s Bread and answer to how I got here,” he continued, Chambers USA, Managing Intellectual Property, Life Program for needy children in the “is that I had the privilege of getting my law LMG Life Sciences, and IAM consistently as a St. John’s Parish in Bedford–Stuyvesant. degree from St. John’s.” leading lawyer in the area of patent litigation. Accepting the award, he expressed how proud 7 l On January 30, 2015, over 300 alumni, 8 l The ABI Law Review Alumni he is to be a St. John’s Law graduate, and he faculty, students, and administrators Reception took place on February 5, 2015 encouraged his fellow alumni to support the attended the Alumni Association at the Manhattan offices of Kramer Levin Law School in any way they can. Luncheon at the Hilton New York. After Naftalis & Frankel LLP. Attendees included Alumni Association President Andrea M. Professor G. Ray Warner, the Law School’s Organized by Brian Behar ’84, chapter Alonso ’78C, ’81L welcomed the attendees, associate dean for bankruptcy studies, and president, the Florida Chapter Monthly Rachel R. Paras ’04 accepted the Recent Professor Keith Sharfman. Dinner gathers area alumni together to Graduate Service Award on behalf of her enjoy good food, interesting conversation, good friend, Esterina Giuliani ’06. Now The 2015 Spring CLE Weekend offered and common bonds. To get involved in this counsel at Baker & Hostetler LLP, Giuliani sessions in drafting, appellate practice, IP ongoing event, please contact Behar attended St. John’s Law on an academic law, ethics, employment law, bankruptcy at [email protected].

Spring 2015 l 27 In this new column, we celebrate the traditions that bind the St. John’s Law TRADITIONSfamily. One of our most moving traditions is the hooding ceremony at our annual Commencement Exercises, marking the milestone transition from student to alumnus. While Dean Michael A. Simons traditionally hoods the graduates, he happily turns the honor over to alumni so they can share this special moment with their family members as they take the stage.

28 l St. John’s Law Magazine ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Eugenie Cesar-Fabian General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Palladium Equity Partners, LLC

rowing up in says Cesar-Fabian. “That vote of During the financial crisis, she was Massapequa Park, confidence was very meaningful to me, seconded to Morgan Stanley to assist NY, Eugenie Cesar- and it made my decision easy.” their regulatory inquiries team. With this Fabian ’04—who depth of experience, in 2011, she left G goes by ‘Genie’—was Arriving at St. John’s Law, she found private practice and joined Palladium a very shy kid who didn’t find her herself in good company. “Like me, Equity Partners, LLC as general counsel voice or stand out until she won her many of my classmates had the passion and chief compliance officer. high school’s mock trial competition and the fire to succeed, but didn’t have in her senior year. It was a cathartic financial resources,” Cesar-Fabian “I wouldn’t have had this opportunity, moment. “I loved the creativity and the says. “That’s part of the St. John’s Law this career path, without the support humanity of framing the facts and the story—giving students the opportunity that St. John’s Law gave me,” Cesar- law into a cogent argument,” Cesar- to pull themselves up through hard Fabian says. “Knowing that I could Fabian says. work and their raw intelligence and pursue my studies and start a family drive to achieve.” without being hamstrung by debt As part of the first generation in her gave me peace of mind and a boost in family to attend college, she pursued At St. John’s, Cesar-Fabian quickly confidence.” her budding interest through a course started giving back to the school of undergraduate study that introduced community as a Student Bar Association At Palladium—a private equity firm her to constitutional law, which she representative and recipient of a that invests primarily in founder- enjoyed. Her post-college experience St. John’s summer pro bono fellowship, owned businesses in the US middle as a litigation paralegal at Cadwalader, which she used to volunteer at Her market—Cesar-Fabian enjoys her Wickersham & Taft LLP “sealed the Justice, Inc., representing survivors of work in the fast-paced regulatory deal,” she says, and she decided to domestic violence in family law and environment. “Palladium is dedicated apply to law school. matrimonial matters. to doing business the right way,” she says. “There is also a true commitment Cesar-Fabian is candid about the ups She also excelled academically, earning to diversity here, and a wonderful and downs of her law school search. a place on the St. John’s Law Review, spectrum of voices in our workforce “My financial situation at the time was for which she later served as an articles and in our client base, which I love.” dire,” she shares. “So when I applied, and notes editor. And, at the end of her I asked the schools ‘how can you 3L year, her family grew with the birth Cesar-Fabian is grateful for, and make this work for someone like me, of her first child. regularly draws on, “the fundamentals who can’t attend without substantial of the law” that she learned at financial help’?” After graduation, Cesar-Fabian started St. John’s. And she is happy to her legal career as a litigator in the maintain strong ties to alma mater. Although she was accepted to other securities and professional liability “Hearing from St. John’s Law students New York City law schools, St. John’s practice at Hughes, Hubbard & Reed is a pleasure for me,” she says. “We’re was the only one that made a financial LLP. She then moved to Bingham all in this career together and, like so commitment to her. “With their McCutchen LLP where she began to many St. John’s alumni, I’m here to scholarship offer, St. John’s showed focus on regulatory defense, and rose help. The connection endures.” that they believed I could succeed both to counsel in the securities litigation as a law student and in the profession,” and broker-dealer defense group.

Spring 2015 l 29 CLASS NOTES

1938 1967 District Attorney’s Office to the New York State William C. Fox has been named chairman of the courts, where she served as a judge and court National Automobile Dealers Association. administrator.

1970 Victor J. Rocco has joined Herrick Feinstein LLP Gary Lawson, a partner as chairman of the firm’s white collar defense and at Strasburger & Price, LLP, investigations practice. has established, counseled, and served numerous 1980 nonprofits, including MediSend Alan J. Schwartz has been International, Snowball Express, appointed to the advisory and America’s Huey 091 Foundation. He has council of the Art League of been recognized for his contribution to the Long Island. He was also elected US military, disabled service members, and the president of the Accountant families of military killed while serving our nation, Attorney Networking Group. and is an honorary member of the 160th Special Aviation Army Regiment (“Nightstalkers”) at Fort 1981 Campbell, KY. Charlotte A. Biblow, a partner MARKING A MILESTONE at Farrell Fritz, P.C., received the Long Island Business News Retired Queens practitioner Theodore 1972 Thomas J. Killeen, a partner Leadership in Law Award. Zoob ’38 has been an avid tennis player at Farrell Fritz, P.C., was elected his entire life. The onetime winner of to the board of directors of the the Campbell Soup USTA 90-and-Over Maurer Foundation. Hard Court Championships can now add another notable title to his list— 1982 A recent Corporate Counsel story featured Neil Centenarian. Zoob turned 100 Abrams, assistant general counsel at IBM, who in November. 1973 led a team that earned international recognition Billboard Magazine named Bob Donnelly one for reducing complex contracts for cloud services of the top 50 entertainment lawyers in the music to a simple, two-page document. 1954 industry. He has been a music attorney since 1976 In October the New York and has earned 40 platinum record plaques. Law Journal honored 1983 Roy L. Reardon, a partner Hon. Nicholas C. Maselli was re-elected as Joseph B. Giminaro has been at Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett Mount Pleasant Town Justice. named a partner at Stroock & LLP, as one of its 2014 Lawyers Stroock & Lavan LLP, where Who Lead by Example. He 1974 he manages the firm’s tax also earned a Lifetime Achievement Award for Terrance J. Nolan has been named general certiorari practice group. his 60 years as a respected litigator and counsel of New York University. appellate attorney. Mary Kay Vyskocil, a senior 1975 litigation partner at Simpson 1964 Hon. P. Kevin Castel, United States District Thacher & Bartlett LLP, was The Brooklyn Bar Association presented Judge for the Southern District of New York, selected as a candidate to fill a Bartholomew M. Verdirame with the Hon. delivered remarks at a November Federal Bar vacancy on the New York State Anthony J. Cutrona Award for excellence in the Council event celebrating the 225th Anniversary Court of Appeals. science of jurisprudence and the promotion of of the Federal District Court in New York. Italian-American culture in the legal community. 1984 1977 Robert J. Gunther, Jr., 1966 In October the New York Law a partner in WilmerHale’s Hon. George Marlow received a Lifetime Journal honored Judy Harris litigation/controversy Achievement Award from the Justice Brandeis Kluger, executive director department and a member Law Society. at Sanctuary for Families, as of the intellectual property one of its 2014 Lawyers Who litigation group, was inducted as Alan Silverman is retired and resides with his Lead By Example. She also a Fellow of the American wife, Judi, in South Haven, MI where he serves a earned a Public Service Award in recognition of a College of Trial Lawyers. number of municipal agencies and non-profits. successful career that took her from the Brooklyn

30 l St. John’s Law Magazine CLASS NOTES

Christopher Keegan has joined Beecher Carlson The 2015 edition of Best Lawyers in America named 1992 Insurance Services LLC as head of their cyber Michael B. Zerres, a principal at Blume Donnelly Glenn Katon, legal director at Muslim Advocates, liability practice. In this new role, he will expand Fried Forte Zerres & Molinari P.C., Lawyer of the was quoted in the New York Times article “New the company’s capabilities in cyber liability and Year for plaintiff medical malpractice law in the York City Fights an Appeal by Muslims Who Say technology risk products. Newark, N.J. metropolitan area. They Were Watched.”

Dori A. Kuchinsky is assistant general counsel for 1989 1993 litigation and global privacy at W.R. Grace, where Scott Baron, of Scott Baron & Associates, P.C., has David Banks, founder, president, and CEO of she handles a broad range of litigation matters and been appointed deputy counsel to the president of the Eagle Academy Foundation, has penned his is responsible for the creation and implementation the New York State Court Officers Association. first book, Soar. How Boys Learn, Succeed and of its e-discovery compliance program. Develop Character. Hon. Michael Meyerson serves as the Village of 1985 Atlantic Beach Village Justice. He and classmate Richard D. Cirincione has James M. Wicks, a partner Patrick Bisogno are partners at Bisogno & been elected a managing in the commercial litigation Meyerson, LLP. principal of McNamee, Lochner, department at Farrell Fritz, P.C., Titus & Williams, P.C., where was appointed chair of the US Ruth O’Connor has joined he oversees the firm’s daily District Court for the Eastern McGlinchey Stafford PLLC as operations, finances, and District of New York’s Civil of counsel. She represents strategic initiatives. Litigation Committee. mortgage lenders, servicers, and other financial services 1994 institutions in consumer Lawyers Alliance of New York financial litigation, real estate litigation, and presented its 2014 Cornerstone general commercial litigation. Award to Carolyn Austin, a partner at Arent Fox LLP. The 1991 award recognizes people and Long Island Business institutions that have made News presented extraordinary contributions through pro bono Roy W. Breitenbach, a legal services. partner at Garfunkel Wild, P.C., with its Around 50 Award, 1995 which recognizes professionals Hon. James P. Hoebich has been appointed to dedicated to the success of companies and serve as presiding municipal court judge for the CLASS OF 1985 MINI organizations on Long Island and to the City of New Brunswick, NJ. REUNION wellbeing of their local communities. Gary S. Rosner, a partner at Ritter Chusid, The old study group of Elisa D. Garcia C., Maria J. D’Avanzo was appointed chief ethics LLP, has been appointed to the City of Parkland Helen Dresher Stein, Gail Lolis, and Pia officer at Cushman & Wakefield. Education Advisory Board. Riverso got together recently in Palm Beach. They were joined by their classmate, and Cynthia Licul, senior legal advisor and head of 1996 Garcia’s husband, John Hasluck. the corporate and institutional law practice group Adam J. Gottlieb has formed at the United Nations Development Programme, Adam J. Gottlieb, Attorney at has opened the restaurant Via Vai in Astoria, N.Y. Law, P.C., specializing in trusts 1986 with chef-husband Antonio Morichini. and estates. Hon. Janine A. Barbera-Dalli is a Suffolk County District Court judge. William (“Bill”) Wilson, a partner at Mound Cotton Maureen McCormick has been appointed Wollan & Greengrass, co- 1997 executive assistant district attorney in charge of wrote New Jersey Insurance Elizabeth Tom Arce was intergovernmental relations in the Nassau County Coverage Litigation – 2015: named partner at Liebert District Attorney’s Office. A Practitioner’s Guide, which Cassidy Whitmore, where has been published by the New Jersey Institute she specializes in labor and 1987 for Continuing Legal Education, a division of the employment cases. Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin appointed New Jersey State Bar Association. He also writes at Nancy Waples to serve on the Vermont njinsuranceblog.com. Superior Court.

Spring 2015 l 31 CLASS NOTES

Jazmine Estacio is general counsel for Coach management, commercial finance, corporate law, Brant Hodyno has joined the Law Office of Erik USA, which owns more than 20 companies that and mergers and acquisitions. Severino, where he concentrates his practice on operate scheduled bus routes, motor coach tours, bankruptcy matters. charters, and sightseeing tours throughout the Robert Langdon has joined Simpson Thacher & United States and Canada. Bartlett LLP as a partner in the firm’s mergers and Renee Freimuth has joined the New York acquisition practice group. County Lawyers’ Association as counsel. Monica McGinley has been named the director in charge of investment adviser services at SDDCO Jennifer Pagnillo has been 2005 Regulatory Services LLC. named a partner at Day Pitney Matthew Chase has been promoted to counsel and is co-chair of the firm’s at Latham & Watkins LLP, where he is a member Michael J. Napoleone, a tax-exempt organizations and of the corporate department and the firm’s partner at Richman Greer charitable giving group. investment funds practice group. Professional Association, was included in the 2015 edition of Gary Falkowitz, a managing attorney at Parker Best Lawyers in America. 2001 Waichman LLP, has been appointed a village Isaac Torres has been appointed vice president, prosecutor for the Village of East Hills, NY. assistant general counsel, and corporate secretary 1998 at Carver Federal Savings Bank. He is responsible Kent C. Kolbig has been named The New York Law Journal recently featured for the legal, regulatory, compliance, and a partner at Moses & Singer, LLP, a Q&A with Donna Aldea, who ended a 15- corporate governance functions of the bank. where he works in the business year career as a prosecutor in April 2013 to join reorganization, bankruptcy and Barket, Marion, Epstein & Kearon, LLP as head of James M. Westerlind was promoted to counsel creditors’ rights, and corporate appellate and post-conviction litigation. at Arent Fox LLP, where he works in the firm’s trust groups. complex litigation practice. Dennis Kucica has been named of counsel at Jennifer L. Naeger is a shareholder at Reinhart Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP, where he works in 2002 Boerner Van Deuren s.c. in the firm’s litigation the areas of trusts and estates planning, business Long Island Business News has selected practice and is chair of the firm’s food and succession planning, and elder care law. Kathryn Carney Cole, counsel in the commercial beverage law practice group. litigation department at Farrell Fritz, P.C., as a 40 A recent article in The New Under 40 Award recipient for her leadership in Neil Smith has been elected president of the Yorker, “Before the Law,” business, support of Long Island’s not-for-profit Central New York Bankruptcy Bar Association. featured Paul V. Prestia’s work organizations, and commitment to the community. representing a teen failed by the John Wright is a staff attorney at Pillsbury justice system. Jared A. Jacobson has formed Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. The Law Firm of Jacobson & Rooks, LLC, where he 2006 1999 specializes in healthcare law, Randolph Adler is the co-chair Joseph V. Moreno, special whistleblower/Qui Tam cases, of Dentons’ startup program counsel in the white collar and employment law matters. and a member of the venture defense and investigations technology and emerging group at Cadwalader, Hon. Adam Michelini was elected county court growth companies practice. Wickersham & Taft LLP, has judge for Washington County. He represents companies in all been appointed as a consultant stages of development, with a particular focus on to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he Nishi Rajan wrote and directed The Rajah’s Son & founding entrepreneurs, startups, emerging growth serves on the staff of the new FBI 9/11 Review Princess Labam: An Indian Musical Fairytale, which companies, and small and mid-cap companies. Commission. He helps the commission evaluate appeared at the Medicine Show Theater in New York. the FBI’s performance in addressing the threat of Alexander W. Bogdan, an associate at Hughes domestic and international terrorism. 2004 Hubbard & Reed LLP, received a 2014 Cornerstone Carolyn Caccese, an associate at Salenger, Sack, Award from the Lawyers Alliance of New York in 2000 Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP, was named to the 2014 recognition of extraordinary contributions he made Catia Lewin Kossovsky has New York Super Lawyers Rising Star list. She through pro bono legal services. joined Tucker Arensberg, PC as concentrates her practice on medical malpractice an associate. She is a member cases, with a focus on nursing home incidents. Jaclene D’Agostino, an associate at Farrell Fritz, of the firm’s business and P.C., recently joined the business advisory council finance group and focuses in Heather Harrison, counsel at Farrell Fritz, P.C., for the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. the areas of investment received the Long Island Business News Counsel Award. 32 l St. John’s Law Magazine CLASS NOTES

Todd Gardella is a partner in the litigation practice Martin Sigal is an associate in-house counsel at Michael J. Molina was sworn in as an assistant group at Lazer Aptheker Rosella & Yedid, P.C. Sol Goldman Investments. district attorney in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Victoria Stazio has joined Fennemore Craig, Arshia Hourizadeh is an P.C. as an associate practicing in health care associate at Kaufman In a November story, the Business Insider profiled litigation, professional liability, long-term care, Borgeest & Ryan LLP. the career path of military veteran and newly and catastrophic injury defense. minted assistant district attorney Jonathan K. Yi.

Kathryn M. Zunno has been Jordan Kaufmann, Andrew Lee, Meredith elected to partnership at Masciotti, William Porter, and Maria Stavrakis BakerHostetler, where she is a 2011 have joined the Bronx District Attorney’s office as member of the firm’s litigation Jeannie Elie has joined JP Morgan Chase, where assistant district attorneys. practice group. she works in their anti-money laundering division. Edwar Estrada, Angelie Thomas, Andrew The Portland City Council has Vigliotta have joined the New York City Law 2007 appointed Kiosha Ford to its Department as assistant corporation counsels Frank A. Cavanagh has joined the US Citizen Review Committee. and Karina Jockers has joined as a post- Department of Justice as a trial attorney in the graduate fellow. antitrust division. Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown has Mitra Singh has joined appointed Joseph P. Donnelly IV, Sonia A. McGlinchey Stafford PLLC as an Sam Sroka is an associate at Borah Goldstein Kaczmarzyk, Gregory M. Lasak, Erik Snipas, associate. He handles consumer Altschuler Nahins & Goidel, P.C., where his practice Brenna R. Strype and Jonathan K. Yi assistant financial services litigation, focuses on real estate tax and commercial litigation. district attorneys. with an emphasis on contested mortgage foreclosures, 2012 bankruptcy, and real estate and title issues. Farrell J. Miller is an Marriages associate at Sepe & Christopher Carl Holtz ’11 and Rebecca Michael T. Stanczyk has joined Centolella Lynn O’Mahony, PLLC. Marian Gadzuk D’Elia & Ternes, LLC as a member, practicing in the areas of business, commercial real estate, Francis J. Longobardi ’05 and Valerie Hope Tocci economic development, tax, and healthcare law. Mark Mascolo ’08 and Dina Faiella

2008 Chris Rubino is an associate at Thompson David Charles Pilato ’06 and Lindsay Ann Weaver Jessica Baquet is a partner in Burton PLLC. His practice focuses primarily on Rachel Roseman ’11 and Daniel Merker ’11 the litigation practice group at commercial real estate. Jaspan Schlesinger, LLP. Christine Sammarco ’09 and Corey McIntyre 2013 Natalie Elisha has been named a partner at Rubinstein & Elisha, PLLC, where she concentrates Births her practice on estate planning. Amy Amell ’14, husband Dr. Fredrik Amell, and Andrew Smith has been promoted to assistant big sister Madeleine welcomed Henrik Amell in athletic director at Fordham University. Ian Hayes has joined Creighton, Johnsen & November 2014. Giroux as an associate. Louis J. Bara ’06 and wife Andrea welcomed Louis 2009 in November 2014. Carl Falotico has been promoted to corporation Daniel A. Noste is associate general counsel counsel for the City of Schenectady, N.Y. and assistant vice president at Banco Santander Richard Berrios ’14 and wife Michelle welcomed Zara Solisbel in August 2014. International. Paul Pagano has joined the litigation practice Matthew F. Didora ’04, wife Jamie, and big group of Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP Ethan Smith is an agency attorney at the NYC Human brother Matthew welcomed Dylan in October 2014. as an associate. Resources Administration’s Office of Legal Affairs. Kristin Roschelli ’10 and husband Matthew Nicklos welcomed Marcella Grace in September 2014. 2010 2014 Marc Dombrowski wrote and produced the play Yekaterina Berkovich is an associate at London We’d like to hear from you! Please send your Class Moldavia-on-Hudson, a Halloween-time comedy that Fischer LLP. Notes submissions to Assistant Dean for Alumni Relations Claire C. McKeever ’80SVC, ’93L at was presented at the Roy Arias Stage II in New York. [email protected].

Spring 2015 l 33 IN MEMORIAM

Perez Rosenthal ’37 Billy B. Olive ’53 John J. Palmeri ’64 Hon. John B. Pessala ’78 Pearl B. Corrado ’43 John T. Redmond ’53 John J. McCabe ’66 Daniel T. McCarthy ’79 Charles Zwirn ’46 William M. Spanakos ’53 James Robert Miller ’68 William Tendy ’79 Hon. Louis Fusco ’47 Hon. Mario M. Cuomo ’56 Thomas J. Martin ’69 Edward D. Wilford ’81 Robert R. Caputi ’48 Norman B. Bardales ’58 Walter Patrick Connery ’72 Charles J. Ordine ’82 Andrew L. Hughes ’48 Edward P. Donnellan ’58 Ronald J. Morelli ’73 Barbara A. Ohlig ’82 William J. St. John ’48 Nicholas A. Cassas ’59 Steven Zuntag ’73 Robert J. Bennett ’85 George J. Calimafde ’49 Ernest J. Peace ’59 Stephen J. McGrath ’74 Ann Marie Clemente ’87 A. Charles D’Agostino ’50 John Leonard McCarthy ’60 Robert W. DeVerna ’75 Christopher Dorman ’87 Raymond J. Ellmer ’51 Richard J. Power ’60 Ralph Gansell ’75 William Colomba Clyne ’90 Edward J. Ledogar ’52 Peter J. Thumser ’61 Kevin Kearney ’77 Charlie Gambino ’97

David D. Siegel ’58 Hon. Franklin W. Morton, Jr., ’48, ’85HON St. John’s mourns the loss of David D. St. John’s Law mourns the passing of former New York Siegel ’58, who taught on the Law School’s State Supreme Court Justice Hon. Franklin W. Morton, Jr. full-time faculty and as a visiting professor. After serving with the US Army during World War II, he Most recently, he was Distinguished Professor became the first African-American to hold national office Emeritus at Albany Law School. A giant in New with the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He worked as York civil practice and procedure, Professor a prosecutor before starting his long career on the Siegel was the author of many works of legal bench. As a dedicated alumnus, he served on the commentary on New York law, including the St. John’s Law Alumni Association Board of Directors treatise New York Practice, now in its 5th edition, and the Practice and, later, on the St. John’s University Board of Trustees. St. John’s honored Commentaries on the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules in him with an honorary degree in 1985, and in 1998 he received its highest McKinney’s Consolidated Laws of New York. He will be greatly missed recognition, the Medal of Honor. by the bench, bar, and academy, all of whom were his “students.”

Lorraine Rittenberg ’92HON The St. John’s Law community remembers Lorraine Rittenberg ’92HON, wife of the late Bernard Rittenberg ’88HON, and mother of Suzanne Dyer ’88. She and her husband were successful business pioneers in China. An enduring example of their generous spirit is the Law School’s Rittenberg Library, where their portrait hangs today. As noted when she received her honorary degree from St. John’s in 1992, Lorraine Rittenberg leaves an indelible legacy as a woman who lived a full and fulfilling life and who, “like the Lady of Proverbs,” reached her hands to the poor and extended her arms to the needy.

It’s Never too Early to Make a Plan

“St. John’s Law is a real family atmosphere. These are people you grow up with, grow old with, and can count on. I value my legal education, and planned giving ensures that I can help future generations of St. John’s students have the same great opportunity I had.” —Daniel Scanlon ’83C, ’87L

Like Dan from the Class of 1987, many alumni include St. John’s Law in their estate plans.

To learn more about your planned giving options, please contact Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations Brian J. Woods at (718) 990-5792 or [email protected].

Thank you!

34 l St. John’s Law Magazine Of some 80 practitioners inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers at the 2012 Annual Dinner, only two were from New York City: St. John’s Law graduates George R. Goltzer ’72 and Nicholas M. Cannella ’75 (pictured front row center). Sages of Their Craft St. John’s Law Alumni Raise the Bar as Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers

tticus Finch. Frank Galvin. Perry accomplished, and very interesting people. a Fellow since 1975, also has high praise Mason. Jack McCoy. Patty It’s not about marketing. It’s about friendship for this unique association. “It’s been a Hewes. In the world according to and collegiality.” It’s also a group that is wonderful experience,” he says.”I was A Hollywood, much of the business committed to improving and elevating trial honored to be a regent of the College from of law takes place in a courtroom. But, in reality, practice and the administration of justice. 1988 to 1992, and witnessed first-hand how trial lawyers—those who devote their practice to To meet this mission, the College develops truly dedicated the College is to identifying trying cases before judges and juries—are just a trial advocacy guides and materials for new members of top caliber.” small subset of the practicing bar. practitioners and law students and works to promote trial ethics. Patricia A. Lynn-Ford ’85, a partner at the Lynn And some of the most accomplished members Law Firm, LLP, enjoys a leadership role in the of this relatively small group can be found in ST. JOHN’S LAW ACTL FELLOWS College. “I’ve been a Fellow since 2003,” she the American College of Trial Lawyers. Since its ______says. “I’m now the chair of the Upstate New start in 1950, the College has inducted a select York Region. It’s been an honor and a privilege Peter T. Affatato ’49 few US and Canadian practitioners as Fellows. Emmet J. Agoglia ’58 to be a member of an organization with such Active trial lawyers for at least 15 years, these George N. Arvanitis ’53 talented and well-respected colleagues. The men and women come from all corners of the Nicholas M. Cannella ’75 collegiality associated with membership, and criminal and civil bar to try a range of cases. William F. Cavanaugh, Jr. ’77SVC, ’80L the opportunity to get to know members from Ronald P. Fischetti ’57C, ’61L across the United States and Canada, has There are about 6,000 current College George R. Goltzer ’72 reaffirmed my faith in the profession.” members, a number that amounts to less than Robert J. Gunther, Jr. ’81C, ’84L John J. Houlihan, Jr. ’80 one percent of the trial bar in North America. Many Fellows, like William F. Cavanaugh, Jr. Shawn P. Kelly ’77 It’s an elite fellowship that includes all the Patricia A. Lynn-Ford ’85 ’77SVC, ’80L, co-chair of Patterson Belknap justices of the US Supreme Court and the Henry G. Miller ’52C, ’59L Webb & Tyler LLP, count the induction Supreme Court of Canada. It also includes 15 Roy L. Reardon ’54, ’00HON ceremony and admission to the College as St. John’s Law alumni. Philip G. Spellane ’81 highpoints in their already exceptional careers. David Parker Weeks ’82 “To be included among some of the litigators They share an honor that comes by invitation I admired most as a young lawyer, both for only, and only after a thorough investigation WilmerHale partner Robert J. Gunther, Jr. ’81C, their skills as courtroom advocates and their confirms that they meet the highest standards ’84L, who was inducted in 2014, is proud to personal integrity, is an honor,” he says. “My of courtroom skill, professionalism, ethics, be part of the College. “One can only look at former partner, the late Harold R. Tyler, Jr., and and civility. “It’s gratifying to know that co- the list of Fellows from New York City—great my current partner, Greg Diskant, were elected counsel, adversaries, and courts alike respect trial lawyers like Simon Rifkind, Leon Silverman, as Fellows. Working closely with them over the your professionalism and competence,” Bob Fiske, and St. John’s own Roy Reardon— years, I’ve seen how they exemplify the highest says Nicholas M. Cannella ’75, a partner at and feel humbled to be included in this ideals of the College and the legal profession. Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto who was distinguished organization,” he shares. To have my name appear on a roster of lawyers inducted into the College in 2012. But this that includes the two of them, as well as so isn’t just another bar association, Cannella Henry G. Miller ’52C, ’59L, a partner at many other lawyers of distinction, is something notes. “This is a group of very nice, very Clark, Gagliardi & Miller, P.C. who has been I’ll continue to cherish.”

Spring 2015 l 35

Mission Driven Students in the Child Advocacy Clinic Help Children Fight Deportation

s widely reported, in the last year, tens of thousands a deportation order. In New York, cases on this “rocket docket” are of unaccompanied children have entered the United heard in the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. States illegally from Central America. Most are fleeing poverty, domestic abuse, gang violence, Recognizing that most of these child-respondents lack the resources and other hardships in their native countries of needed to navigate a complicated immigration system on their El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. own, legal service organizations, lawyers, and others have answered A the call to provide pro bono representation and assistance. This Once apprehended at the US border, the minors are placed support net includes the Child Advocacy Clinic at St. John’s Law, in detention facilities temporarily while the Office of Refugee which receives cases from the Safe Passage Project at New York Law Resettlement at the US Department of Health and Human Services School and through the Refugee and Immigrant Rights Litigation tries to reunite them with family members or other sponsors around Clinic run in partnership with Catholic Charities at St. John’s. the country. Under this system, thousands of children have come to New York for deportation proceedings. “This is a humanitarian crisis,” says Jennifer Baum, director of the Child Advocacy Clinic. “Our clinic represents children The typical deportation case can take four to six months to come whose repatriation would place them at risk of abuse, neglect, before a judge. But the surge of cases involving unaccompanied or abandonment in their home country. Pursuing an avenue for Central American children is subject to an Obama administration immigration relief called Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for the mandate to hold an initial hearing within 21 days from the filing of children, our students gain real world litigation skills and experience

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“This is a humanitarian crisis,” says Jennifer Baum, director of the Child Advocacy Clinic. “Our clinic represents children whose repatriation would place them at risk of abuse, neglect, or abandonment in their home country.” the sobering responsibility of most vulnerable. “I think the biggest pursuing the legal rights of at-risk challenge for me was dealing with my children. Without the clinic students, clients’ fear of the courts,” Chanel these unaccompanied minors Smith ’16 says. “They had heard so wouldn’t have lawyers, because there many negative things about what is no right to counsel in immigration happens to undocumented children, proceedings.” so at first they were scared and not as open with us as they could be. But by The St. John’s students found talking with them and their family, we the experience eye-opening and were able to reassure them and make formative. “Before I began working them more comfortable with us and on our clinic cases, I knew about the court process.” the influx of immigrant children coming to the United States and the Stating that the children represented controversy that surrounded it,” says by the clinic “all need a fighting Amanda Carter ’16. “But I had no chance,” student clinician Makoussé idea what the children went through Ilboudo ’16 describes the cross-border to get here, or how complicated journey that her clients endured the process of keeping them here as “inhumane” at times. By sharp can be. From the very beginning we contrast, her recent visit—with other had to learn about this process and students from the clinic—to the prepare for guardianship hearings, Children’s Village in Dobbs Ferry, which included getting our client and Student Clinicians Visit the Children’s Village. NY offered an uplifting view of the his family fingerprinted, conducting temporary care the children receive numerous interviews, drafting affidavits, and serving family members while awaiting more long-term family or foster placements. “The in El Salvador.” grounds are on many well-kept acres where the children live in comfortable cottages, receive medical attention, and go to school,” For Shane Granberg ’16, all the hard work was well worth the she explains, adding, “They even take trips to cultural sites in New effort. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the clinic,” he shares. York City and have birthday parties.” “My team had three clients, and we did our best to help them every step of the way through the twists and turns of the legal process. Ilboudo, who wants to be an immigration lawyer, chose St. John’s We represented them in family court and in immigration court, in because of its clinical legal education program. And she recognizes Manhattan, Queens, and Nassau County. In fact, one of our clients the valuable, hands-on experience she has gained through the Child just had a successful outcome in court, so he’s one step closer to Advocacy Clinic. “Over the course of the semester, I worked with gaining his green card.” translators and obtained documents and evidence from Central America,” she says. “I conducted emotional interviews with children As they advocated for their young clients, the student clinicians and their caregivers, and I appeared before a judge in immigration also learned to navigate the challenges of representing society’s court. I can’t think of a richer or more rewarding opportunity.” St. John’s Announces Immigration Law Post-Graduate Fellowship

Through a generous gift from the Selected annually from a competitive “The Immigration Law Post-graduate Olive L. Reedy Trust—facilitated by pool of graduating St. John’s Law Fellowship fortifies a critical source of its trustees, including John P. Clarke students, the Fellow will work full-time legal assistance for low-income New ’55CBA, ’57L—the Law School has at CMS for one year. She or he will Yorkers, and deepens our commitment established the Immigration Law provide legal services to low-income to carrying out St. John’s Vincentian Post-graduate Fellowship at Catholic immigrants and refugees through the mission,” says Dean Michael A. Simons. Migration Services (CMS). CMS is a Bread and Life Immigration Clinic in “It also offers our graduates an New York not-for-profit committed to Bedford-Stuyvesant, while also assisting invaluable opportunity to gain practical empowering underserved immigrant CMS’ larger clientele throughout the skills and experience while serving the communities in Brooklyn and Queens. Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens. common good.”

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SECOND ACTS

L-R: Robert Lipps, Steve Zelin, Marc Riccio, and David Blitzer Marc Riccio ′98 An Accidental Entrepreneur Hits His Stride t’s been almost 20 years since that gives them access to a variety of Over the next 17 years—as the sports B. Joseph Pine II and James H. sporting, entertainment, culinary, and industry continued to evolve—he handled Gilmore welcomed us to the new fashion events. All of these curated all aspects of team and stadium business Experience Economy, where every experiences are specially designed to help affairs and overall strategic planning. company is in the business of members forge and strengthen business “I was very fortunate to grow as the selling engaging experiences. As relationships. To keep the experiences organization grew,” he says. they explained in the July 1998 intimate and to encourage mixing and Having honed a range of skills and issue of the Harvard Business Review: mingling, LXL limits the number of guests expertise in business and law, in 2013, I“An experience occurs when a company in each member party. “People will pay a Riccio decided it was time to explore new intentionally uses services as the stage, premium if they get a premium value in opportunities and parted with the Jets and goods as props, to engage individual return,” Riccio notes. on very good terms. At the time of his customers in a way that creates a By his own account, Riccio is an departure, he was the longest-tenured memorable event.” “accidental entrepreneur.” Raised in employee on the business side of the Today—with 24/7 connectivity and the New York’s Finger Lakes region, he came organization. information overload that comes with it— downstate to play lacrosse at Hofstra It wasn’t long before he met with LXL people still crave experiences, but not the University. After earning a B.A. in founders David Blitzer, Robert Lipps, and one-size-fits-all variety. Instead, they’re communications, he stayed on at Hofstra Steve Zelin—all successful businessmen— looking for more customized experiences to get his M.B.A. in marketing and to and joined their new venture. “What you that help them explore and express who start a career in marketing and athletic do is important, who you do it with is far they are and what is important to them. advancement there. more important,” says Riccio. In 2015, the Experience Economy has While working at Hofstra, Riccio Since then, he has spent most of met the Age of Personalization. And as enrolled in the evening program at his time building relationships with Marc Riccio ’98 sees it, this meeting has St. John’s Law. “Law school was a great clients and strategic partners. “You’ve created some fertile ground for growing experience for me,” he says. “I always got to be out there every day,” he says. a business. had an interest in the field, and I knew “There’s no special formula. It’s all about Riccio is president and CEO of that a law degree would give me a communicating and listening—a lot of LXL Sports & Lifestyle Entertainment, a significant edge in my career, since I dealt listening.” So far, this approach is paying company on “a mission to fulfill dreams with so many legal issues related to the off. “There are challenges and there’s and aspirations through luxury sports business of pro sports.” no safety net,” Riccio shares. “But I and lifestyle entertainment experiences.” Two years later, Riccio took the next love putting on a great experience and LXL serves an elite business clientele, step on his professional path when he watching people’s surprise and delight. who purchase an annual membership accepted a job with the New York Jets. That’s meaningful.”

Spring 2015 l 39 ENDNOTE New York’s Bravest and Finest FIND COMMON GROUND AT ST. JOHN’S LAW

ost New Yorkers experience that some of the Daniel Denis can tell you a Gallagher Sweeney younger students lack, so thing or two connections develop because about the of that.” Mlongtime rivalry between Returning to school after a New York City’s police and nine-year hiatus, Sweeney says fire departments. Each he felt “very welcome” at year, across a range of St. John’s Law, which has a competitions, the NYPD and proud tradition of educating FDNY go head to head—for police officers, fire fighters, and charity and bragging rights— others who serve and protect in a ‘Battle of the Badges.’ their communities. And he has Despite what goes on excelled as a student, earning outside its four walls, inside membership on the St. John’s St. John’s Law, New York’s Law Review. “I see my law Bravest and New York’s degree as a way of giving Finest find common ground. back,” he says, noting that he Recalling his first weeks hopes to use his legal training as a student in the Law School’s evening it just kept moving me forward.” Catholic to “support the FDNY, the Catholic Church, program, Denis Sweeney ’15 says it didn’t values, proximity to his young family, and or New York City.” take long for him to forge a friendship the school’s strong reputation drew him As he looks ahead to graduation this with classmate Daniel Gallagher ’15. to St. John’s Law, where he has had an spring, Gallagher gives his wife and three Gallagher is a 16-year veteran of the “outstanding experience” while excelling children all the credit for his success at NYPD, where he is a lieutenant assigned academically and taking on student St. John’s. “More than any work or school to the Legal Bureau. With 10 years on the leadership roles. “Working full-time and accomplishments, the thing I‘m most proud FDNY, Sweeney is a lieutenant with Ladder going to school is a delicate balancing of is my family,” he says. He plans to work 35 on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. “It act, and a kinship forms between people with the Legal Bureau for the remainder of was clear from the start that Dan and I trying do that successfully,” Gallagher his time with the NYPD. “The experience have a lot in common,” says Sweeney. shares. “Plus I think that St. John’s attracts is invaluable and tailor-made for me,” “We’re both older students committed genuinely nice people.” Gallagher says. “I get to practice law and to our careers serving New York City, and Among them, Gallagher says, is his still be a police officer.” we’re both serious about our studies.” friend Denis Sweeney. “Denis and I have He also wishes his friend well as Gallagher joined the NYPD soon after definitely developed a special camaraderie,” they move on from St. John’s. “Denis college, but always wanted to go to law he says. “We’ve had lots of classes together is an extremely smart and capable guy, school. “After years of talk, I made a New and enjoy a light-hearted rivalry. Our and I know he will make an excellent Year’s resolution to take the LSAT in 2009,” classmates include other police officers attorney,” says Gallagher. “But don’t he says. “And once I started the process, and court officers. We all have real world tell him I said that.”

40 l St. John’s Law Magazine Events Calendar New York’s The St. John’s Law Alumni Association hosts and participates in many events throughout the year. Bravest and Finest Below are highlights of upcoming events. Please visit our online event calendar at stjohns.edu/law/events for full event details and updates.

May 4, 2015 May 30, 2015 June 15, 2015 Hon. Theodore T. Jones, Jr. ’72, ’07HON Class Reunion 1965 Suffolk Chapter Golf Outing Memorial Golf Outing Honorees: June 2, 2015 September 21, 2015 Janet M. DiFiore ’81 Hon. John E. Sprizzo Reception Hon. Guy J. Mangano Darryl Gibbs ’00 Honoree: Golf Classic Hon. Loretta A. Preska May 8, 2015 November 7-8, 2015 Class Reunion 1975 June 7, 2015 Fall CLE Weekend Law School Commencement May 20, 2015 November 13, 2015 Alumni Association June 10, 2015 Class Reunion 1980, 1985, General Meeting Brooklyn Chapter Spring Reception 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010

You are warmly invited to attend the St. John’s Law Alumni Association’s annual Hon. John E. Sprizzo Reception

Tuesday, June 2, 2015 6:30-8:30 p.m. ______Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse New York, NY

Dean Michael A. Simons will present the Hon. John E. Sprizzo Award to: Hon. Loretta A. Preska Chief Judge United States District Court Southern District of New York NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY NEW YORK

School of Law 8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439

We’re Gearing up for Reunion 2015 Friday, November 13, 2015

Class of 1980 • Class of 1985 • Class of 1990 • Class of 1995 • Class of 2000 • Class of 2005 • Class of 2010

Last year’s reunion was a spectacular success. Come join the fun. Reminisce with old friends, meet new ones, and celebrate alma mater. Keeping our alumni family connected and strong!

Please contact Claire C. McKeever ’80SVC, ’93L at [email protected] or (718) 990-6006 for more information. 44 l St. John’s Law Magazine