Community and Collaboration
鈥淣YLS changed my life. My connections have become more like family. In fact, they are family! Every time I return to the campus, I am reminded of my journey. I am where I am today because of all that I have gained, and I am proud to give back at every opportunity!鈥�
Mary Kaye Holmes 鈥�19
鈥淣YLS gave me a top-notch legal education that forever shaped the way I view the world. The skills I developed at the School have served and will continue to serve me in good stead throughout my career.鈥�
Abby Friedman 鈥�14
鈥淣YLS gave me the opportunity to prove myself on the world鈥檚 stage. I learned how to think, and I learned I belong in every room! Plus, I met my spouse here!鈥�
Jacqueline Martinez 鈥�14
鈥淐ollaboration means sharing your strengths on a project with others and having the humility and courage to let others shine and share their strengths. NYLS helped shape this view; while in the part-time evening program, I met hard-working people who held down day jobs and raised families while earning a law degree. It takes a special kind of passion to pull that off.鈥�
Letisha Gary 鈥�19
鈥淐ommunity includes faculty, administration, and students. The closeness of the School was what surprised me most, particularly for evening students like myself. I was on a journey with many challenges鈥攁ttending the Evening program as a 40-year-old while working a demanding full-time job and being a husband and parent to three young children. There were days when I did not know if I could make things work. Thanks to the NYLS community, from Dean Crowell to my professors and fellow students, I got the push and support to keep going over four years. I am forever grateful to NYLS and the people who make the School a true community.鈥�
Kevin Timson 鈥�14
鈥淥ne of the most defining moments in my legal journey was when NYLS readmitted me in 2009 after I faced a setback in my initial semester in 2008. That failure could've ended my dream, but instead, it became the catalyst for my growth. As a Haitian immigrant and first-generation law student, that second chance was instrumental in realizing my version of the American dream. Support from professors, staff, and fellow students encouraged me to transform my setback into a foundation for success. The relationships I built at NYLS shaped both my professional and personal development, providing a constant source of inspiration. Now, with over 11 years of experience鈥攆rom a prosecutorial role to my current position as Senior Counsel in the tech industry鈥擨 credit much of my success to NYLS's support. It was a combination of persistence, grit, and the School's belief in my potential that enabled me to thrive. I am proud to be an NYLS alumna and grateful to all who contributed to my journey.鈥�
Marly Marcellus-Laurent 鈥�12
鈥淣YLS allowed me to enter in 1990 and graduate in 1992. I needed to get going in a second career. It was very hard. There were no corners cut. Sink or swim, and that is how it should be. Passed the bar first try. I have had a 32+ yearlong career. NYLS gave me everything I needed and now I can ride off into the sunset and go for a third career. Favorite professors were many. If anyone wants encouragement, reach out. What I learned? 'Always look for the side where justice falls.' Or as Drummond said in Inherit the Wind, 'If it's a lie, show it up for what it is.' I'm an actor now, so it's appropriate. Life is short, carpe diem. One more for the road. Never stop fighting; worst case, you come in second.鈥�
Steve Gabe 鈥�92
鈥淚n 1991, I was asked by the Legal Writing Department to construct a curriculum for an upper-level writing elective course in Drafting Legislation. I was so pleased when my curriculum was adopted and I was able to teach it as an adjunct for many years. I added a motto to my course鈥擜t NYLS, we don鈥檛 just study the law鈥e change it!鈥�
Professor Anne Marie Santangelo
鈥淣YLS is more than just a law school in Tribeca; it鈥檚 where students get the opportunity to forge great memories and lifelong friendships. It is where people from across the country with diverse backgrounds come together to become New York lawyers, despite living outside New York or embarking on unique paths. NYLS is known not only for its commitment to practical legal education but also for shaping lawyers driven to make a difference in the lives of others in countless ways. NYLS is many things, but it will always be a special place for many of us.鈥�
James Barney 鈥�04
鈥淐ommunity has always been vital to me because so many people contributed to my growth. Law school was a new and daunting experience鈥攏o one in my family had gone before me. I had to rely on the support of peers and professors, which was incredibly rewarding. It鈥檚 important to me to pay it forward. I've attended BLSA events, hired students during my time at Disney, and maintained relationships with those I studied with鈥攂onds that have lasted over 20 years. Now, as a staff and faculty member, I鈥檓 committed to continuing that investment in our students.鈥�
Lynnore Thames 鈥�04
鈥淐ommunity at 91福利社 is something that stays with you long after graduation. I still remember those late nights in the office during moot court and mock trials, coming up with nicknames with my peers. The bond we formed culminated in popping champagne outside the Law School after our last 3L exams, and even sharing a drink with our professor. That sense of connection has endured鈥攚e still travel together to celebrate milestones, such as a classmate's 60th birthday. In my legal practice, I once appeared before a magistrate only to realize that every lawyer in the room, including the magistrate, was a fellow NYLS graduate. This community is truly a lifelong network.鈥�
E. Drew Britcher 鈥�84
鈥淎s a student, 91福利社 was amazing because it celebrated our strengths, nurtured our growth, and helped us build lasting connections. Now, I love working with my former classmates on executive boards, collaborating with them as clients, and reaching out for advice. Even after graduation, I truly lean on this incredible community, and we continue to thrive together.鈥�
Zaniah Maynor 鈥�19
鈥淚 was in my second week as a 1L when 9/11 happened. Most students were already in school or on their way when the first plane hit. None of our lives would ever be the same. Our friendships, careers, and lives were greatly shaped by the days and weeks following 9/11. We will never forget, and we will always have our NYLS bond.鈥�
Christine Rafin n茅e Wawrynek 鈥�04
鈥淪tudents connect with an incredible community鈥攑rofessors, staff, and fellow students, all willing to provide support. Members of the NYLS community are the people who will walk alongside you through the highs and lows, and I encourage students to lean on them. The professional relationships students build here are crucial not just to their success in law school, but to their growth as a person and as a future legal professional.鈥�
Associate Dean Ella Mae S. Estrada
If you have a story to tell, we鈥檇 love to hear it. Submit your experience and let鈥檚 continue to build a stronger, more connected NYLS community鈥攖ogether.
Office of Institutional Advancement 听鈥� 听T 212.431.2800 听鈥� 听E [email protected]