Fordham University School of Law

A team from Fordham's Institute on Religion, Law and Lawyer's Work (IRLLW) traveled to Brazil this summer to participate in Genfest. Genfest is a global event that brings together people of different convictions, ethnicities, and cultures who share the vision of a more united world. IRLLW Director Endy Moraes hosted a workshop focusing on major human rights topics, specifically the environment, immigration, and education to rights. Fordham Law alumnus Gregory E. Louis '09 presented a "spark changer" TED-style talk on public interest issues, particularly housing and community lawyering. The IRLLW team also hosted a panel on peace and human rights. It was moderated by Moraes and featured high-level speakers including Louis; Dr. Reynaldo Soares da Fonseca, judge at the Superior Tribunal de Justiça, the highest court in Brazil for federal cases; and Sandra Taya, president of the Brazilian Institute on Education to Rights and Fraternity, which has trained more than 2,000 teens on their constitutional rights. Fordham Law Adjunct Professor Yazmine Nichols '20 and Fordham Law student Lea Vallone '25 co-led a seminar on international human rights and social justice concepts. The team wrapped up their time in Brazil with a panel discussion with Socorro Guedes Moura, a judge from the Court of Appeals from the state of Amazonas, as moderator, and Gilberto Cabett Júnior, a prosecutor from the city of Guaratinguetá, São Paulo; Amandio De Souza Gavinier, president of the subsection of the BAR association in Guaratinguetá, São Paulo; and Claudia Aparecida de Araujo, judge at the city of Guaratinguetá, São Paulo, as panelists.

McGill University Professor Adelle Blackett—who spearheaded critical pedagogical initiatives at the Canadian institution, including the development of a critical race theory course and teaching Slavery and the Law as a specialized topic course—will be lending her expertise to Fordham Law School. At Fordham, Blackett will teach Slavery and the Law: Comparative and International Perspectives in her role as the William Hughes Mulligan Distinguished Visiting Professor during the fall 2024 semester.

On the latest episode of Fordham Law’s Bite-Sized Business Law Podcast, William Jannace, assistant professor at the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, and Josh Lipsky, senior director of the GeoEconomics Center at Atlantic Council, join host Prof. Amy Martella '07 to discuss the "sixth domain" of modern warfare, the private sector. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/enWEB4xE

Fordham Law School’s annual Public Service Day, organized by the Public Interest Resource Center, takes place this weekend. Members of the incoming class can now sign up for one of this year’s 10 service projects—check your email for more details and how to register. Registration closes on Friday, Aug. 16 at 1pm. Public Service Day brings together first-year and returning students to volunteer the Saturday before the fall semester begins, encouraging them to live the school’s motto of working “in the service of others.”

As refugees poured into New York City last year, Fordham Law faculty, students, and alumni stepped up to help, providing desperately needed assistance, legal and otherwise, to asylum seekers arriving in search of a better life. Learn how in this Fordham Lawyer Magazine story:

Fordham Law's newest Realizing Excellence and Access in the Law (REAL) Scholars have arrived on campus to kick off their pre-orientation programming. This year's cohort is made up of 22 students from the incoming 1L class. The REAL Scholars Program aims to help students feel prepared, confident, and welcomed into the Fordham Law community weeks before first-year J.D. orientation begins in mid-August by providing early exposure to important intellectual, academic, professional, wellness, and social skills needed to be successful in law school and beyond. During this time, the new scholars participate in simulated classes, build community with fellow students, and meet faculty, senior staff, and upper-class students.

This morning, my executive staff met with Fordham University School of Law School Real Scholars. When we expand opportunities for and support students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, we ensure our office represents the community we serve.

Fordham Law alumnus Walter O’Malley ’30 worked his way up from leading the legal department of the “emerging powerhouse” Brooklyn Dodgers to eventually becoming its owner. He was the Dodgers’ vice president and secretary when the team signed Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in major league baseball, and is most famous for relocating the team from Brooklyn to Los Angeles as president. Now, O’Malley’s collection of historic documents and photographs are available to scholars, researchers, and authors at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Read more about O’Malley and the impressive archive that offers great insight into Major League Baseball during his leadership: https://lnkd.in/enQe5Ujx All photos courtesy of walteromalley.com

Donyea James ’26: “This summer I worked as a legal intern at Sanctuary for Families, working with the organization’s Matrimonial & Economic Justice Project, specifically in the housing and public benefits group. I admired the diversity of the range of services Sanctuary for Families provides for survivors of gender-based violence in New York, free of charge. Since working here, I can see how every staff member here goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the clients. This opportunity enlightened me to how attorneys navigate housing court and the process of litigation, as well as how an attorney keeps the client’s best interest at the forefront while doing the best they can to be a fierce advocate.” #futurefordhamlawyers https://lnkd.in/eeGE9taa

Students in Fordham Law School’s Rule of Law Clinic had a hand in drafting new legislation introduced in the New York State Senate to reform the state’s gubernatorial succession policies. Fordham Law Dean Emeritus John D. Feerick ’61, who co-teaches the clinic with Senior Fellow John Rogan ’14, said, “Adoption of their recommendations would elevate the executive succession provisions of the New York State Constitution, making them a national model in addressing problems that go to the heart of state government.”