From the President and Dean

This year’s Albany Law magazine is a tremendous collection of stories that highlight the amazing and important work being done by our students, faculty, alumni, staff, and friends. This issue also serves as an opportunity for us to reflect on the last few years—moments that surprised us, tested us, and ultimately, strengthened us—and look to the future of our beloved institution.

As you likely know, I am in my final year of service as President and Dean of Albany Law School. Serving in this position has been nothing short of an honor. Our law school is in a great place and we are well positioned for our next leader to build on our success with fresh energy, perspective, and experience.

I’m here to tell you that Albany Law’s future is bright.

In this issue, you’ll meet three recent graduates, Rory Butler ’20, Addie Lancaster ’21, and Louis Grasso ’21, who all found work in Anchorage, Alaska. They uprooted their lives, homes, pets, and families to check out somewhere completely new to each of them. The best part? They’ve created their own Albany Law network hundreds of miles from campus.

You’ll also hear from 10 pioneering women in the legal world, many of whom are the first to hold their current position. To name a few: Judge Zainab Chaudhry ’98 following her historic appointment to the New York State Court of Claims. Judge Lillian Wan ’00 shares what it means to her to be the first woman or Asian American in three different judicial seats. Hon. Shirley Troutman ’85, the newest Associate Judge on the New York State Court of Appeals, offers her career insight and wisdom. She is the second Black woman to hold this position. We were also privileged to honor her earlier this year with a Kate Stoneman Award.

And in the spirit of reflection, we connected with several alumni—ranging from Class of 2022 graduates to a law firm partner—who shared how their time with The Justice Center impacted them and for those further along in their careers, how clinical legal education shaped them as a legal professional.

Beyond these great stories, you’ll find highlights of many in-person campus events held throughout the year. I can’t begin to express how wonderful it has been to gather together and revive our best Albany Law traditions. We had more than 500 attendees for Reunion 2022. We presented our Kate Stoneman awardees their honors in person and had them on campus for several events to connect with our students, faculty, and staff. We had a fantastic Commencement ceremony featuring our accomplished, humble, and wise speaker, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins ’88. And of course, several summer outings, student events, and our inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion week.

We have so much to be proud of. While this is my last magazine as President and Dean, I will not be a stranger to this great school. I look forward to supporting, learning from, and cheering on our next leader and seeing many of you on and off campus in the future.

Thank you.

Alicia Ouellette ’94
President and Dean