Celebrating the Class of 2025 at Albany Law School's 174th Commencement

A group of more than 200 graduates, their families, and the Albany Law School community gathered at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on May 16, 2025 to celebrate their accomplishments at Albany Law School’s 174th Commencement. 

The 216 graduates—187 Juris Doctor, 20 Master of Science, and 9 LL.M—crossed the stage and began the next step in their careers. Albany Law School’s 19th President and Dean Cinnamon P. Carlarne offered the graduates the following advice.

“Today, as always, I have three simple but important messages for you. First, amidst all the chaos and hope that accompanies exams, commencement, the bar exam, and the start of your legal careers, I hope that you will pause to reflect on all that you have accomplished and all of the people who have supported you along the way, and I hope you will remember the importance of being kind.,” she said. “Second, as you take your degree – and a law degree is a very powerful degree – as you take this powerful degree out into the world, remember that institutions of higher education and, in particular, law schools are anchor institutions in our democracy. You represent the power of a legal education. As you leave the halls of Albany Law School and begin your legal careers, you are the architects and the guardians of the rule of law.  It is incumbent on you to defend the rule of law – even and, especially, when it is hard. Third, I hope you will be ambitious and that you will embrace the audacity of hope and the importance of courage.”

Commencement keynote speaker, The Honorable Lillian Wan ’00, Associate Justice, New York State Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department, addressed the graduates and shared stories of her journey to the bench—including historic accomplishments such as being the first Asian American woman appointed to the Appellate Division in New York State as well as the first Asian American to be elected to the Supreme Court, Kings County and first Asian American woman to serve on the New York State Court of Claims when appointed in 2018.

“I am often asked what advice I have to impart to lawyers - and I often have to tell people to get out of their own way! You have to put yourself out there.  You have to find and lean on your mentors.  Fill out the judicial application.  Join a Bar Association, and be active in a Committee; get out there and meet other judges and lawyers.  You need to resist the urge to go home after work and just put your pajamas on to watch Netflix.  And stop giving me reasons for why it shouldn’t be you- and start thinking why not you? Apply for a position that you don’t think you’re qualified for.  Because I guarantee that there is a person more unqualified than you are, who doesn’t have that concern. And will get the job that you don’t apply for.  What’s the worst thing that happens?  You don’t get the position.  But even if you don’t get the position, maybe you will be thought of for the next position that comes along.  And if you don’t succeed the first time, keep coming back and do it again!” 

Justice Wan detailed how she never expected to be a judge, even as she stood before them in her early years as a trial attorney and court-attorney referee. But, when an opportunity came her way, with support and encouragement from her mentors, she jumped at the chance. 

“I am a firm believer that our court system, our judiciary, needs to reflect the communities and the people we serve.  Diversity on the bench and at our counsel table increases public trust, confidence and the appearance of fairness in our courts. I also know that if I just do my job to the best of my ability that I open up new paths and possibilities for those coming after me," she said. "I now have the privilege of being part of new attorney admissions ceremonies at the Appellate Division, the very place where I was admitted to the practice of law more than 24 years ago.  And the increasing diversity of the class that is being admitted is thrilling.  It is critical that our nation’s children see people who resemble them performing all of the essential work in our court system so they know what the possibilities are for them- from the judges, to the court officers, to the court clerks, to the court interpreters, and to the attorneys.”

Following the conferring of degrees, Class President Ashlyn Henrichs addressed the class.

“While there may come a day when we forget the feelings and experiences that law school has given us, much like we promptly forgot about the Rule Against Perpetuities after the 1L property final (sorry Professor Reyhan), I hope you hold on to the growth and accomplishment that brought you here. Graduating law school is no small feat—take the time to truly celebrate it. It is really easy to compare yourself to those around you—especially at a school as small as Albany—or Smallbany as I have come to learn it is better known as,” she said. “But I hope each and every one of you understands the amazing qualities that you possess and bring to the legal field. The kinds of differences that we have helps all of us. The legal field truly needs all kinds of kinds- from criminal defense and prosecutors, to transactional law and IP lawyers, and those who will pave the way for the ever-changing legal world with their innovative research and writing- we need you all, and I have seen you all at this school. I simply cannot wait to see all of the amazing things that you will accomplish and sincerely hope that the only comparison you ever make is to who you were yesterday."

Henrichs also presented the 2025 Friend of the Class Award to John Collins, Student Services Center Advisor.

Benjamin Wolf ’04, President of the Albany Law School National Alumni Association, then addressed the graduates—and Albany Law’s newest alumni.

“Our Alumni Association is more than just a network; it’s a living testament to the bond we share with Albany Law School. As graduates, you now carry a special honor and a responsibility—to uphold the legacy of excellence and service that defines this institution. In a world that is constantly evolving, our commitment to this alma mater remains a powerful and lasting connection,” he said. “Remember, as members of the National Alumni Association, you have a voice in shaping the future of our school. Your ideas, involvement, and contributions are essential as we work together to advance the mission of Albany Law School and its community. As you step into the world as lawyers, government leaders, executives, and influencers, I encourage you to pay it forward. Stay connected to your alma mater, share your successes, and offer mentorship and opportunities to the next generation.”
Dean Carlarne also shared the faculty award winners for the 2024-25 academic year.

Excellence in Scholarship
Professor Zhaoyi Li

Excellence in Service
Professor Kanika Johar

Excellence in Teaching
Professor J. Stephen Clark
 

Link to Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCeoeS