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Student Ambassadors
Colin Baker
Career Goal upon Graduation:
I look forward to using my J.D. as a tool for fairness, justice, and equity. I am passionate about my community and serving its most dire needs and interests. My background is in Political Science and Public Administration and with the addition of a degree in law, I aspire to consider how the law interacts with our public institutions and government framework to better achieve shared public goals and objectives.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
Volunteering for the Albany Law School Moot Court Program has been one of my most meaningful experiences thus far at Albany Law School. 1L students are only able to volunteer throughout the entirety of their first year, but during their 2L and 3L years students are able to compete in several different competitions hosted by the Moot Court Program. I served as a Bailiff twice during the Senior Prize Trials Competition, and was honored to have the opportunity to serve as a juror during the final round of the competition. This experience further enhanced my ambition to compete throughout my 2L and 3L year, as well as providing me valuable insight into the concepts of judicial advocacy and practical application of law and procedure.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
Getting involved is the best way to make friends, foster relationships, and learn more about what interests you most. I am sure your parents, friends, advisors, and just about everyone else sharing in this unique experience with you have said the same thing, but it is true! Albany Law School is a collaborative environment, and students truly adhere to that common ideology. Going to events hosted by multi-cultural clubs, joining a sports team such as the Rugby Football Club or Golf Club, or becoming a member of the Student Association/Moot Court are just examples of the plethora of opportunities at Albany Law. I encourage students to take advantage of whatever they may be even slightly interested in because, often times, it leads to lifetime friendships and advantageous opportunities.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
I chose Albany Law School because it was close to home and it offered opportunities within the Capital Region of New York that fit my interests and career aspirations. Making the decision to become a member of the Albany Law School community is something I am immensely proud of. I encourage prospective students to speak to current students about their experiences, and to gain a stronger idea of the opportunities and support present at Albany Law School.
Danielle Crowley
Career Goal upon Graduation:
Upon graduation, I would like to begin my career in the public sector, working within Albany County.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
As part of Albany Law's new student programming, I was a member of the most recent Lean into Success class, a week long summer opportunity through Albany Law that helps new law students get an early start on Law School. This program helped me adjust to the city of Albany before classes started, interact with professors and faculty, and gave me an excellent foundation to begin my Law School Career on, which ultimately helped me to successfully navigate my 1L year.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
Take advantage of every opportunity you may be given. You might not think you will enjoy a certain area of law, class, or activity, but give it a chance and you may find out that you not only love that area of law, but you also gained valuable experience that will help you later on in your legal career.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
Albany Law is a unique community in that the Law School is situated in the capitol of the state, so the entire legal system of New York functions right in downtown Albany. This set up provides for a vast alumni network and unique opportunities for its current students that are not available elsewhere.
Candace Erni
Career Goal upon Graduation:
I am interested in a few practices areas such as business, employment, and healthcare law.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
The Lean into Success Program launched by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Albany Law. This program was an amazing introduction to the this institution. I was given useful tools to succeed as a first-generation law student, and I was able to meet some of my classmates before classes began. I recommend this to all incoming students.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
I found that Albany Law social media accounts give great insight on what this school is like. Seeing the content and opportunities happening in real time was a great research tool that I used.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
As a graduate of UAlbany, I appreciated the connection Albany Law has with the SUNY system. During my application process, I found Albany Law very welcoming and assessable when I wanted to tour, ask questions, or attend information sessions. I saw very early how tight knit this community is and that is something I valued.
Savannah Everson
Career Goal upon Graduation:
General Practice
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
My most meaningful experience thus far has been my field placement with the Attorney General at the Litigation Bureau. It's a great way to gain experience and apply my learning to real life practice. The Litigation Bureau Practicum is beneficial because it comes with a classroom component, instructed by the attorneys you work with in office, so it's a great way to talk about your assignments, ask questions, and learn more about the field.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
My advice to prospective students would be to have an open mind. You may have an idea of what you want to do in the legal field, but that idea may change. The more open minded you are, the more opportunities you open yourself up to. You may stumble upon something you either didn't think you liked, or didn't even know existed. You also never know when the knowledge you gained from something will become relevant again in the future. Stay true to yourself and your interests but don't be afraid to branch out! Every experience is valuable.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
I chose Albany Law because I am originally from Albany. I lived here until I was 15 before I moved to Florida with my family. After graduating from UCF, I knew I wanted to attend a law school that was smaller in size and in an area I was familiar with. Albany Law is also great because it's located right here in NY's capital, meaning there's tons of opportunities just around the corner.
Alexander Fakhouri
Career Goal upon Graduation:
I look forward to pursuing a career in personal injury/ civil litigation where I can have a direct impact on people in my community.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
Hands down the friends and people I have gotten to meet. Getting to know friendly, likeminded people that have had a positive impact on me is something I have come to value greatly. It has opened up opportunities for me such as clubs and job opportunities that I would have never had otherwise.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
I highly recommend pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and experiencing some of the many opportunities Albany Law School has to offer. Although law school is challenging, having strong time management skills will allow you to balance your personal and social life while making a strong commitment to your future.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
I chose Albany Law for a multitude of reasons. Its location in Upstate New York is one that is not only close to my family, but also provides for a great alumni network, especially in the government sector. It also has ample academic and leisure clubs that I have come to really enjoy as well as an atmosphere that pushes you to be your best.
AJ Leandro
Career Goal upon Graduation:
My long-term career goal is to become a trusted advisor to businesses, whether as a partner at a law firm or as an in-house counsel. I envision myself playing a pivotal role in helping businesses navigate legal challenges, make informed decisions, and achieve their strategic objectives.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
Law school has been a transformative experience for me, and one of the most meaningful aspects has been joining both the rugby team and the golf team. Beyond the physical benefits, being a part of these teams has introduced me to a diverse group of law students from different backgrounds and interests. It's been inspiring to see how our shared love for sports has brought us together, creating a strong support system within the law school community. The experience of being part of the rugby and golf teams has taught me that law school is not just about the classroom; it's about embracing the opportunities for personal growth and connection. By engaging in extracurricular activities like sports, I have expanded my network, enhanced my overall well-being, and developed a more holistic approach to my legal education.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
Although the first year of law school will pose many new and difficult challenges, the faculty and upper class students are always available to provide assistance. Use these resources whenever possible! One of the standout features of Albany Law School is its dedicated and accomplished faculty. The professors at Albany Law are not only esteemed academics but also practitioners who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Their expertise and accessibility create an engaging learning environment where students can develop a deep understanding of legal principles and gain practical skills that are essential for future careers in law.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
As a New Jersey resident, my decision to attend Albany Law School was driven by several key factors that I believe make it an excellent choice for prospective students from outside the state. First and foremost, Albany Law School's reputation as a distinguished institution played a significant role in my decision-making process. Its longstanding history, commitment to academic excellence, and strong faculty all contribute to its reputation as a reputable law school. Additionally, Albany Law School's location in Albany, New York, holds strategic advantages for a New Jersey resident like myself. Albany's proximity to the state capital, government agencies, and courts can provide unique opportunities for internships, externships, and networking. Being close to these centers of legal activity allows me to gain exposure to a broader range of legal practices and potential career paths. In conclusion, while I may be a New Jersey resident, the reputation of Albany Law School, its advantageous location, the opportunity to gain exposure to different legal environments, and the supportive community all factored into my decision to attend.
Ariana Leybold
Career Goal upon Graduation:
After graduating from law school, I hope to ultimately work within the realm of corporate/transactional law. If I end up in Germany one day, ever better. During my tenure as an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to move to Berlin and partake in the intensive study of the German language during my freshman year. While there, I fell in love with the language and culture. I seek to be able to continue utilizing my love for language, travel and cultural immersion as an attorney.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
My most meaningful experience thus far has definitely been my time as an intern in the Community Economic Development Clinic. Not only have the clinical directors/professors offered profound mentorship and guidance, the clinic itself serves as a beacon of hope, justice and innovation for the Capital Region.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
I would encourage students to be wholly and unapologetically themselves here. While law school can and should be a tremendous learning curve in terms of learning to think like a lawyer, one's personhood and individuality is one of the most important things to cling to. Law school does not define you, nor does it make you. It simply adds to your already existing being. Be proud to be a part of Albany Law's community of people with diverse thoughts and unique backgrounds.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
I chose Albany Law because it has happily chosen to open the door to people in unique situations and on less than traditional paths. Not only did Albany Law give me the opportunity to be a part of a profound 2-Year JD program, it offered me a shot at attempting admission using a GRE score. This school's offering of such an ambitious and unique approach to doing law school was so compelling for me, that I only applied to Albany Law.
Finn O'Connell
Career Goal upon Graduation:
I aspire to become a personal injury attorney. I want to be able to help people in my career, not corporations. Before I came to Albany Law I worked as a paralegal at an investment management firm. While I am appreciative of my time there, I missed the human connection my work could do. After I graduate, I want to make a positive difference in people's lives.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
Using the career center to help develop my resume, draft cover letters, and practice interview questions. I was able to get my summer 1L internship through the career center. I was asked to stay on at that internship throughout my 2L and am extremely happy to work there. This is all thanks to the great people over at the career center.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
Time management is key. If you prioritize and spend your time wisely, you will have time to complete all your school work, and enjoy your hobbies. The work-life balance is necessary for success as a law student.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
I went to undergrad at SUNY University at Albany. I wanted a chance to come back and learn in the capital region.
Jordan Porter
Career Goal upon Graduation:
I am open to change, but my current goal is to practice in the area of environmental law.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
My most meaningful experience thus far has been starting law school at a non-traditional time. Unlike most students who begin school in the fall semester, I started in the spring. The faculty and staff went above and beyond to make sure students who started in the spring had a smooth integration into the Albany Law community. My cohort only had 20 other students, which allowed me to form tight bonds with my classmates. The small class size also allowed me to easily create meaningful relationships with my professors.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
Law school has a reputation for being a rigorous environment, and while that certainly holds true, it is still important to carve out time to relax and enjoy your hobbies. Spending all of your time focused on schoolwork only leads to burnout. With good time management skills, I promise you can balance hobbies and downtime with school.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
I grew up only an hour away from Albany Law and went to college in the Capital Region. Not only do I love the area, but my entire support system is here. When I decided I wanted to attend law school, the first school I researched was Albany Law. When I came for a tour, everyone in admissions was so welcoming. After learning about the wonderful things this school has to offer, I knew I belonged in this tight-knit community.
Michael Poulopoulos
Career Goal upon Graduation:
Here at the outset of my legal education, I seek a career in Environmental Law with a focus on conservation issues. I'm also looking to gain functional knowledge and experience in wills, estates, and trusts so that I may be of service to both my family and rural community.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
Professionally, I attended a symposium on climate migration that was student organized, produced, and led. It was clear that the staff, administration, and student body supported the efforts in helping this group of students realize their goal. That kind of support and cooperative environment leads to success, as it did for that event. Personally, and as a father of two young boys, I've been asked (repeatedly) when I'm bringing the family to campus. That's a heartening ask, and lets me know that the school appreciates the whole of who I am, and is willing to make space for not only my intellectual pursuits, but my social situation as well.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
Albany Law hosts a level of familiarity within the campus community (faculty, staff, students, etc.) that is unlike any other school or professional environment I've joined. It's a "plus" for the school. In my experiences thus far, that familiarity enables new students to engage with faculty, administration and other students further along in their study at both informal, and more formalized levels. This accessibility is key for 1L students, as it allows them to establish and develop important relationships that can help them navigate and succeed within a new and demanding educational experience.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
The Capital District is my home and community. Since returning to the Albany area after my undergraduate education, I’ve established myself both personally and professionally. As a future member of the legal profession, I look forward to taking a more active role within this community, as well as contributing and giving back in a heightened capacity. Given my established residence, Albany Law School's long-standing and positive presence within the Albany area, and the comprehensive, supportive and encouraging learning environment the school fosters, it is an excellent fit for me to achieve both personal and professional goals.
Michael Reid
Career Goal upon Graduation:
I arrived in Albany expecting to pursue a career in criminal law, but I am excited to explore many different areas of law.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
My most meaningful experience has been experiencing the comradery of the Albany Law community. All of the students have been supportive and helpful inside of the classroom and out. I have met people that will be friends for a lifetime.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
I encourage all prospective students to reach out to current Albany Law students to gain a true insight into the culture of the school. Albany Law students have pride in this school and they would love to tell you why.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
I chose Albany Law because of their dedication to helping students succeed. My first visit to Albany allowed me to meet the faculty and I knew that this is where I wanted to be.
Zachary Reinstein
Career Goal upon Graduation:
My career goals upon graduation are to work at a personal injury firm in NYC.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
My most meaningful experience thus far at Albany Law are the relationships I have created with my professors. All the professors here go above and beyond to form personal relationships with their students. The professors are all more than willing to take time out of their busy schedules to meet with you for any questions or concerns you may have.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
Albany Law has a very small, but tight knit community. As someone who has always gone to larger institutions, I never have had the ability to truly understand the benefits one receives by going to a smaller institution. Albany Law forces you to form relationships with people you might not have before coming to law school.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
I chose Albany Law because of the admissions staff. The admissions staff were the first people I was introduced to at Albany Law. The way they welcomed me to the school and answered all of my families and I questions was extremely beneficial. The admissions staff left a lasting impression on me and was one of the deciding factors of why I chose Albany Law.
Brooke Riscica
Career Goal upon Graduation:
Although I am not entirely sure what area of law I would like to practice as of right now, my end goal is to secure a job that allows me to help others and feel fulfilled at the end of my day. As a 1L, I am very new to the law school experience, but I am looking forward to taking advantage of the many opportunities available to us as Albany Law students, such as spending time in one of our clinics and doing pro bono work for my first year elective class.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
During orientation week, I volunteered with some of my peers at In Our Own Voices Inc. and it was the best way to end orientation week. We got to chat with one another about our lives outside of law school while working together to help the Albany Community. We laughed, we learned more about each other, but most importantly, we experienced all of this while helping others. Some of the people I volunteered with are now some of my closest friends.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
The next three years are going to be some of the hardest years of your life, so do yourself a favor and choose a law school that feels like home. There are a lot of important things to consider when deciding where to go to law school, but my best advice is, if you have that "this is my place" gut feeling, listen. Your experience in law school is all about what you make of it, so choose a school where you can see yourself growing. The professors, faculty, and students will quickly become your family at this school, so if you are someone who benefits from the support of a warm and welcoming community, Albany Law is your school. Whether it be TA making time to meet with you for 10 minutes between their classes, or a faculty member giving you a blanket when you are cold, every person on this campus genuinely wants to help you succeed. Albany Law is unique in that the school sits in our capital district. There are countless internship opportunities available to Albany Law students, and in your later years, job opportunities. The school has a very well-known moot court program with many different competitions that take place throughout the year. The judges of these competitions are all lawyers- sometimes even judges- who work in the Albany area and they are eager to connect students with opportunities. One of my professors told my class that the two finalists in one of the moot court competitions last year were offered jobs on the spot by the judge of their competition, who works as a judge in Albany. These esteemed members of the Albany Legal Community are frequently on campus judging competitions and attending events.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
Before becoming a student here, I attended several events, each of which left me feeling like I found my home away from home. No other school came close to Albany when measuring the things that meant the most in my decision. I traveled hundreds of miles doing my due diligence, but no matter where I visited, my heart always brought me back to Albany; you simply cannot fake the genuine sense of community that flows through these halls. No matter how tired I am, I leave this campus every day knowing that I made the right choice. Albany Law school is my home away from home.
Cambria Trimaldi
Career Goal upon Graduation:
My career goal after graduation is to pass the bar and work at a family law firm where I can make a positive impact on individuals and families during important and often challenging times in their lives.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
The most meaningful experience so far was joining the community service opportunity that was offered during my orientation. During the community service, I was able to see a different perspective on communities located in Albany New York. I believe it is important as law students, to join in these community service opportunities because it gives students the chance to make an impact on the community.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
Albany Law offers many different opportunities for future law students. One being their alumni network. Albany Law has a strong alumni network which can be beneficial for career opportunity’s and for networking. Albany Law also has smaller class sizes which can lead to more personalized attention from professors. Additionally, Albany Law offers extracurricular activities such as moot court, law review, student bar association, and clubs. Having a large amount of extra-circulars gives students different opportunities that could potentially align with their interests.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
I chose Albany Law because of the sense of community I experienced from the faculty and students. Feeling wanted and supported even before making my seat deposit made me feel that Albany Law was the right choice. Having a supportive and inclusive community during your legal education, can profoundly impact your overall experience, academic success, and future career opportunities. Albany Law's commitment to fostering a supportive environment was shown before coming to the law school and now even more as a law student here.
Gracie Westerfield
Career Goal upon Graduation:
When I was accepted to Albany Law, I had blinders on to pursue family law with my background in domestic violence advocacy. Now that I have experienced the groundwork of my 1L year, I am interested in many facets of law including business-related courses. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take a multitude of classes to help expand my interests in internships and professional opportunities moving forward.
What has been your most meaningful experience thus far?
Getting involved on campus has been the most beneficial learning experience for me to discover the talents of my peers in a mock trial competition and be a part of the process as a witness. I have been able to work closely with my roommates during my 1L and peer mentor to gather different approaches toward one common goal-success. Because I built these strong relationships with involved individuals, my experience in and out of the classroom is more personable and inspiring.
What insight can you give prospective students about Albany Law?
Do not second-guess yourself. Enter each classroom with a mindset of confidence and curiosity. Aim to get 1% better each day by applying yourself and utilizing your resources such as office hours, meetings with teacher's assistants, networking with professionals, and checking in on classmates. The professors want to see you strive for success and will encourage you to prepare, participate, and prosper.
Why did you choose Albany Law?
Albany Law is known for its intimate academic setting with many ways to get involved in the community. I was attracted to the smaller class size of the spring start program and got to know each of the students in my section. I appreciated the broad range of classes that I would be able to take and the guidance that was provided to me every step of the way. From orientation to networking opportunities, I am reassured that I belong in this welcoming community and that there are avenues for me to make a mark.