Testimonials

“The reason I chose Albany Law originally was due to it being in the Capital Region where the state agencies and state legislature are located,” she said. “Aside from the great legal education, the location alone gave me the ability to network and meet alumni of Albany Law who are working on policy. That exposure was very beneficial early in my career.”

“Albany Law enhanced my existing interest in environmental law. Located in New York’s capital, it is the epicenter of action for people passionate about clean energy and environmental issues. Albany offers a wealth of opportunities in state government, interest groups and the private sector.”

“Albany Law School was terrific because, first of all, the professors and my fellow students created an intellectual environment that provided an opportunity to think about the intersection of the law and social issues in ways that I hadn’t previously contemplated. And with school in the state capital, I had a chance to see the intersection of legal theory, advocacy, and public policy development up close.”

“[The clinic] was hands-down the most important experience I had in law school. Working directly with survivors, learning the court system, and collaborating with other attorneys—that one year gave me the practical experience that set me up for my first job out of law school. I was meeting real clients, preparing for real hearings, learning directly from judges and attorneys. It was overwhelming. But I was ready. That’s what Albany Law gave me—the confidence and ability to step into complex work from day one.”

“What drew me to Albany Law School was its rich heritage and deep roots as the oldest independent law school in the country. That legacy, its history and intellectual tradition, was something I had always been drawn to.”

“As a 2L, I was going to court with clients. That challenged me on many levels and solidified my belief in the work of advocacy. I was representing people [with HIV/AIDs] who were discriminated against by dentists or doctors who refused treatment. It was a time when misunderstanding was rampant and ignorance of the disease led to much harm. My time in the clinic was when it all clicked for me.”

“When I was in law school, I definitely remember how valuable it was to learn from all the alumni who came in to meet with students. After directly benefiting from the advice of alumni who participated in events and made time to connect with students, it just makes sense for to me to pay that forward,”

“I wouldn’t have been a lawyer if I didn’t go to Albany Law School, and because I am a lawyer, it allowed me to do things that I dreamed about doing all my life, and doing it in a way that dealt with people that needed me. … And that’s all I wanted to do. I just wanted to be needed.”

“I’ve always loved helping others learn. And at Albany Law, I’ve learned that mentorship is how you build a stronger community, one that lasts far beyond graduation.”

“Of all of the opportunities Albany Law School provided, the hands-on experience doing legal work—as in the legal writing skills and trial skills courses—proved most useful in my chosen career. In trials class, I learned to anticipate counter arguments and think on my feet. I had taken forensics in high school, so I had some experience in the power of tone, stance, and inflection, but Professor Shanks helped me channel that into my trial skills.”