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
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Sarah Benczik
First 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."
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Camille Castro
First 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.”
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Sam A. Davis
First Year Student
Boston, MA
University of Massachusetts
Interested in intellectual property and entertainment law
“The major reasons I chose Syracuse were because of its national reputation for academic excellence and its large alumni network. In addition, the clinical programs and joint degree programs are very competitive.”
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Kristen Nykoel Dinardo
First 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.”
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| Emily Edler
First 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
First 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." |
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Jennifer Frank
Third Year Student
South Burlington, VT
Drexel University
Interested in patent prosecution
jdfrank@syr.edu
“My cousin attended Syracuse Law and graduated in 2006. He participated in Professor Hagelin’s Technology Commercialization Center, earned the Law Technology and Management Certificate, and found it an excellent learning experience. He told me about this
program and certificate, and it seemed unique. This convinced me to apply and then attend Syracuse Law. Through the program, I have
made valuable networking connections, as well as learned about intellectual property, business valuation, marketing, and technology transfer skills.”
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Patrick Halligan
Second Year Student
East China, MI
University of Detroit Mercy
Interested in estate planning, corporate, and international law
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."
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Elizabeth Hoffman
Second 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."
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Bryan Jacobson
Second 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!”
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Louis Jim
First 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.”
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Raquel Laude
Third Year Student
Rochester, NY
SUNY Geneseo
Interested in corporate law
Student attorney in the Securities Arbitration/Consumer Clinic
rblaude@syr.edu
“I chose Syracuse Law because of the wide range of hands-on, practical opportunities available. There are numerous clinics in different legal fields where students can work with real clients under the supervision of a practicing attorney. The law journals and moot court competitions are great opportunities to get out of the classroom and define yourself. I also enjoy the Syracuse and Finger Lakes area of New York because it offers so many ways to relax and have fun.”
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Lee Miller
Third Year Student
The Johns Hopkins University
Interested in environmental law and American Indian law
Involved with the Center for Indigenous Law and Governance.
“I came because of how friendly Syracuse is! It’s a mid-sized University in a mid-sized city, which are advantages given my interests. Since being here, I’ve been impressed with how the professors go out of their way to share their expertise outside of class. It can be almost one-on-one learning if you seize the opportunity to ask questions of these professors who are experts in their fields. Many of the professors are continuing practitioners and I see a great willingness for them to share their experiences. I have also noticed that Syracuse alums are really unique in their ability to network and to share their knowledge. They are always coming back to the College of Law to volunteer their time to speak to us, to serve as judges and jurors for moot court competitions, and to help out with various student organizations.”
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Olatokunbo B. Olaniyan
Third Year Student
Tacoma, WA
“I chose Syracuse because of the value the school places on training and educating law students in trial advocacy. The National trial team is highly ranked and the students get to learn everything that goes into being a real trial attorney while in law school."
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Ravi Patel
First 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."
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Jennifer Pautz
Second Year Student  Cary, NC
Elon University Interested in government and non-profit 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."
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Manish Pradhan
Third Year Student
Morganville, NJ  Emory University Interested in National security and Constitutional law Pursuing a joint degree with the Maxwell School in Public Administration Will complete a certificate with the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT) mmpradha@syr.edu
“The biggest thing about Syracuse that stood out for me was how friendly and accommodating the admissions staff and the students were. I felt right at home when I came to Syracuse to visit, and I have made lifelong friendships with many of my classmates. When you attend SU College of Law, you're not just another student, you become part of a family."
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Jane F. Raven
First 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.”
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Kyle J. Somers
Second Year Student
Hatfield, PA
University of Delaware
Pursuing a joint degree with Media Management
Graduate assistant with the 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.”
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Alison M. Taroli
First 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."
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Vivek Thiagarajan
Second Year Student
DeWitt, NY
Grove City College
Pursuing a joint degree with the Maxwell School in Public Administration
“I chose Syracuse University College of Law because it was close to home and because it
offers many opportunities such as a joint degrees and student organizations so that you can
get involved."
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Daniel Yoo
Second Year Student
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco State University
Interested in intellectual property and health law
“I eventually chose Syracuse Law because the professors, students, and administrators expressed a personal and genuine interest in my legal education as I was exploring my law school options. Many of the professors here are highly regarded in their respective fields, and are also very accessible to the students. With the law school's national reputation and connections, I have had the privlege of networking with attorneys on the West Coast. I am very satisfied with the well-rounded legal education and experience I have acquired so far at Syracuse Law."
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Noah Young
Second Year Student
New York City, NY
New York University
Insterested in commercial real estate law
“My interest in Syracuse University College of Law stemmed from the notoriety of the faculty. Most of the faculty are leaders or pioneers in their respective areas of expertise, and I felt (and still do) that the legal education I would receive would be on par with the best law schools in the country."
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