Welcome to Syracuse Law!
We invite you to explore the unique opportunities and services available to our law students:
- Seven in-house Clinical Programs http://www.law.syr.edu/academics/clinicaleducation/index.aspx
- Nine nationally-recognized interdisciplinary learning centers and institutes:
- Burton Blatt Institute: Centers of Innovation on Disability
- Center for Indigenous Law, Governance, and Citizenship
- Disability Law and Policy Program
- Family Law and Social Policy
- Global Law and Practice
- Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism
- Institute for the Study of the Judiciary, Politics, and the Media
- Property, Citizenship, and Social Entrepreneurism
- Technology Commercialization Law In-house legal clinics and externship programs that provide real world experience — before you graduate
- Joint degree opportunities that allow you to complete a J.D. and specialized master’s degree from one of Syracuse University’s top-ranked programs in just three years
- Merit and need-based financial aid programs
- An Office of Student Life with an energetic staff dedicated to assisting law students with academic and personal counseling, bar preparation, community engagement initiatives, wellness and student activities
- An Office of Professional Development and Career Opportunities staffed by attorneys with expertise in diverse areas of the law
- Five student-run journals and publications
- More than 9,000 alumni in all 50 states and 23 foreign countries
Check out what our student ambassadors said when asked why they chose Syracuse Law to pursue their legal studies. Feel free to email the students below to get your questions answered.
College of Law Student Ambassadors
|
Don Anque
First Year Student
San Diego, CA
University of California, Riverside
Interested in public interest and international law
Cold Case Initiative volunteer
daanque@syr.edu
“I decided to attend Syracuse Law because of the opportunities to study under brilliant professors who have prosecuted international war criminals and have questioned hegemony in their legal writings. I also felt that the Admissions Office and the Office of Student Life invested a large amount of time helping prospective students. This level of care means a lot when considering a move across the U.S. The combination of engaging teachers and the welcoming atmosphere helps when the demands of a legal education are so high. The workload can be difficult, but I cannot imagine a more rewarding career or a better environment than Syraucse Law."
|
|
Sarah Benczik
Second Year Student
Plymouth, IN
Valparaiso University
Interested in international law
sabenczi@syr.edu
“I chose Syracuse for its outstanding reputation in international law. Syracuse has many opportunities to gain practical experience working on current issues of international law and security through its institutes and joint programs with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. I wanted to get into issues in international law as a first year student, and Syracuse provides that opportunity through elective courses, opportunities to attend conferences and moot court competitions, and active international law and security student organizations."
|
|
Daniel Blanchard
First Year Student
Philadelphia, PA
University of Pennsylvania
dlblan01@syr.edu
“I chose Syracuse Law because of the amazing dual degree programs the school offers. The interdisciplinary opportunities afforded to College of Law students are reflective of the cooperative nature of the school as a whole. Here at Syracuse Law, every student is a part of a special community of learners, educators, practitioners and community activists. It is this spirit of openness and active learning that not only drew me to the College of Law but has challenged me in the most rewarding way since becoming a member of the Syracuse University family."
|
|
Camille Castro
Second Year Student
Liverpool, NY
Boston College
Interested in health and elder law
cmcastro@syr.edu
“I chose Syracuse Law for the extensive academic and professional opportunities available during my three years at law school, (such as the Clinic, externships, and joint-degree programs). I was also impressed with the sense of community among the student body, and the extensive participation in community service and student organizations. I felt that Syracuse Law would give me the resources to develop a well-rounded background for my legal career.”
|
|
Jessica Caterina
First Year Student
New York City, NY
Bennington College
Interested in family and estate law
jrcateri@syr.edu
“I chose Syracuse Law because of its strong national reputation. I feel as though the name will follow me anywhere I choose to practice, which is a freedom a lot of other schools can't offer. I am proud to be part of such a nationally recognized University. I previously worked at a large New York City based firm, and when I chose Syracuse, I received enthusiastic support and encouragement from partners who's opinions I hold in high regard."
|
Kristen Nykoel Dinardo
Second Year Student  Springfield, IL
Tulane University
Interested in international and human rights law
“Syracuse Law was my choice because it’s a small, close-knit community. It’s close to the big city without the big city stressors and expenses. It has a great international law program, and I was really impressed with the clinical programs. I also really like the opportunity to work with people like Professor Crane, who was the Chief Prosecutor for the Human Rights Tribunal in Sierra Leone. I also think that it’s great that we can work together with other schools at Syracuse University, like the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and the Newhouse School of Communications.”
|
Emily Edler 
Second Year Student
Maryville, TN
Maryville College
Interested in international studies and estate law
eaedler@syr.edu
“I initially chose Syracuse Law School because I wanted to study international law. Syracuse Law has a Global Law Institute where it’s possible to do a joint degree program with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in three years. While visiting the campus, I was impressed by the friendly atmosphere at the law school and found people in the community to be welcoming and helpful.” |
Gregory Eriksen
Second Year Student
Pine Bush, NY
Middlebury College
Interested in legislation and policy
gderikse@syr.edu
“I chose Syracuse Law because the certificate and joint degree programs fit perfectly with my interests. I was also attracted to the fact that Syracuse has an excellent reputation both in New York State and throughout the country. Now that I am here, I am impressed that my professors are so friendly, enthusiastic, and accessible and that my classmates are supportive and down-to-Earth." |
|
Sovereign Hager
First Year Student
Albuquerque, NM
University of New Mexico
Interested in human rights law Schager@syr.edu
"Syracuse University College of Law was my choice for law school because of its numerous interdisciplinary course offerings and certificate programs. The law school works closely with other academic programs to offer students unrivaled preparation for a specialized career. At Syracuse, law students are exposed to many areas of practice right away. Successful and dedicated alumni are a consistent presence on campus, speaking to students about where our studies can lead us. The administration and faculty work closely with students to map out the most effective course of study. With this kind of support, students are able to take advantage of a wide variety of opportunities across Syracuse University and beyond." |
|
Patrick Halligan
Third Year Student
East China, MI
University of Detroit Mercy
Interested in tax law, estate planning, and corporate law
Managing Editor of the Syracuse Journal of International Law and Commerce
prhallig@syr.edu
“Syracuse University College of Law is a nationally known law school that boasts progressive facilities, expansive researching opportunities, acclaimed journals, first class trial teams and a faculty that is top-notch. I came to Syracuse to open my mind to new ideas and to open doors to future job opportunities. Most of all, I chose Syracuse because it's the perfect fit for me."
|
|
Elizabeth Hoffman
Third Year Student
Ithaca, NY
Syracuse University
Interested in criminal law
eahoffma@syr.edu
“Syracuse University has become a home to me. Law school can become stressful and when I was deciding which school to attend, I was immediately drawn to how comfortable I was at SU College of Law. My time here has been a rewarding educational experience and I could not be happier with my choice to attend law school here."
|
|
Bryan Jacobson
Third Year Student
Highland Park, IL
Syracuse University
Interested in commercial litigation
Brywen1@comcast.net
“Syracuse University has an amazing campus, great professors, and intelligent, well-rounded people. The course offerings are ample and allow you to experience the areas of law you are interested in while learning the necessary fundamentals of being a successful attorney. Great Division I sports also unite the school as orange men and women whether you are in the law school or another area of study!”
|
|
Louis Jim
Second Year Student
Hicksville, NY
American University
Interested in constitutional, criminal and National security law
lojim@syr.edu
“I was looking for a law school that was a perfect fit. After living in a big city (D.C.) for seven years after graduating from college, and growing up in a smaller town, Syracuse was the perfect middle ground. It’s a city where I can meet new people and an intimate community where I can feel at home. The law school’s well-known National security program was a big draw as well. I met with Professor David Crane, former Chief Prosecutor for the Sierra Leone Court, when I visited the school. He told me of Syracuse Law’s numerous initiatives in the field of National security law. I knew that Syracuse Law was the perfect place for me to gain an academic background in National security law, and to gain first-hand experience in legal work by participating in the law school’s clinics and externship programs. Most importantly, it was the welcome I received from the faculty, staff, and students, when I visited the law school three months before I even applied. I felt right at home despite never having been to Central New York before. I knew that I would have no problem calling Syracuse Law my home for the next three years.”
|
|
Michael A. Kaplan
First Year Student
Huntingdon Valley, PA
Temple University
Interested in trial advocacy and military law
makapl02@syr.edu
“My primary area of interest is in litigation and trial advocacy. My goal is to join the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) office of one of the branches of the military following my graduation from law school. The College of Law has an outstanding National Security and Counterterrorism Law certificate program, a nationally ranked trial team, and is embedded within one of the finest Universities in the country. These factors, as well as the distinguished faculty and the extensive alumni network made the Syracuse University College of Law the ideal place for me."
|
Ravi Patel
Second Year Student  Littleton, CO University of Colorado at Boulder Interested in intellectual property and entertainment law rjpate01@syr.edu
“I chose Syracuse Law for the numerous joint degree options that allow me to make the most of my experience here and tailor my degree to make myself more marketable once I graduate. I was also drawn to Syracuse because of its campus environment and helpful resources. I found the faculty very helpful and accomplished and they are always willing to help. The school has a far reaching alumni network that is still strongly tied to the University. Overall, I was impressed with the pride everyone takes in the institution and it made me want to be part of this school."
|
Jennifer Pautz
Third Year Student  Cary, NC
Elon University Interested in government and non-profit law Pursuing a joint degree with the Maxwell School in Public Administration jmpautz@syr.edu"I chose Syracuse because of the connection to a bigger university which allows you to enrich your law education through various joint degree programs so you can expand your studies. In addition, being part of a larger university provides exciting opportunities such as lecture series and other organizations that you can get involved with."
|
Jane F. Raven
Second Year Student
Plymouth, MI
Albion College
“I chose SU College of Law because of the variety, extent, and accessibility of its resources. The College of Law is associated with a prestigious research university, it offers many attractive joint degree opportunities, and within the law school students can participate in clinics and externships. The network of devoted alumni in prestigious positions around the country, coupled with the support of the Offices of Professional Development and Student Life assure that I will put my degree to work in a field which most interests me.”
|
Kristin Sahagian
First Year Student
Bolton, MA
Bates College
“I knew when I applied that the Syracuse University College of Law was where I wanted to spend my three years of legal study. With the clinical programs, a top-ranked trial and appellate advocacy program, an international summer internship program in London, and prestigious joint degree program options, SU College of Law stood out to me from among other law schools. As a first year law student, I have the opportunity to be in a legal research and writing class specifically for students interested in international law. I hope to pursue this field of law further, studying under the law school's well respected professors to gain a greater understanding of the laws that govern international interactions."
|
Kyle J. Somers
Third Year Student
Hatfield, PA
University of Delaware
Pursuing a joint degree in Media Management from the
Newhouse School
Editor-in-Chief, Syracuse Law Review
Graduate Assistant, Institute for the Study of the Judiciary, Politics, and
the Media
“The joint degree opportunities, reputation of Syracuse University and the friendly students made me decide to attend Syracuse Law.”
|
Alison M. Taroli
Second Year Student
Dallas, PA
King's College
Interested in intellectual property and patent law
“Syracuse Law was my top choice because I wanted a school where I was not just a number. Syracuse faculty are leading scholars in their respective fields, and they go out of their way to make sure you receive the personal attention you need to excel."
|
Shelley Thompson
First Year Student
Santa Barbara, CA
University of Redlands
“First and foremost I wanted to leave California and live in a location with seasons. When I came to visit Syracuse Law, the students were friendly and seemed to be hardworking but relaxed. Another big factor for me was the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary study in one of the other top graduate programs on campus."
|
Jessica Trombetta
First Year Student  Camillus, NY
Cornell University
Interested in labor and employment, health, and immigration law
“I chose Syracuse Law for several reasons. Syracuse Law is viewed as its own community within the greater Syracuse University. This University-wide involvement affords students an opportunity to partake in several joint degree programs and other activities. Syracuse Law is also very hands on. Through the clinical and externship programs, your three years do not have to be spent solely in a classroom. Syracuse Law students have many opportunities to expand and apply their knowledge in a real-world legal environment."
|
Mohammad Obaid Uddin
Second Year Student
Fairfax, VA
George Mason University
Interested in property, corporate, and intellectual property law
Associate Editor of Science & Technology Journal and
the Journal of International Law & Commerce
President of the Muslim Law Student Association (MLSA)
“I chose Syracuse Law because the professors here are leading scholars in their respective fields. I knew that the student to teacher ratio would allow me to get to know my professors on a personal basis, and their perspective into the various fields of law would be extremely insightful for me in determining the legal path I would want to pursue once I graduated."
|