Mariah Almonte is a rising 2L at the College of Law and a MA dual degree candidate with the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs. She is originally from Sloatsburg, NY and attended Seton Hall University for undergrad where she majored in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. While at Syracuse Law, she has been involved with the Syracuse Public Interest Network (SPIN) and is serving on the Executive Board as Community Program Director. Additionally, she is serving on the Pro Bono Advisory Board as the Student Director of the Talk to a Lawyer Clinic and will be serving as an Associate Articles Editor for the Journal of International Law and Commerce. Mariah is currently working as a summer intern with Mental Hygiene Legal Service for the First Judicial Department and maintains an interest in both Criminal and Civil Defense. She is so excited to meet all of you and cannot wait to see what this year has in store!
Shannon Armstrong is a rising 2L at the College of Law. She is originally from Richmond, Virginia and attended North Carolina State University for undergrad, where she studied Biology. While at Syracuse Law, she has been a part of the Criminal Law Society and participated in the Hancock Estabrook First-Year Oral Advocacy Competition. She interned with the DOJ Office of Immigration Litigation-Appellate Section during her 1L summer.
Matthew Barroner is a rising 2L at the College of Law. He is originally from Tampa, Florida, and received his B.S. in Political Science from Florida State University. Matthew currently serves as the 2L Representative for the Federalist Society and the President of the newly formed Catholic Law Students Association. This summer he worked at a small law firm dealing in personal injury law and criminal defense. He is excited to begin pursuing his Certificate of Advanced Studies in National Security and Counter-terrorism Law. Outside of law school, Matthew enjoys photography, classical music and hiking.
My name is Moneeka Brar and I am a current rising 2L at SUCOL. I was born and raised in California and attended UC Santa Barbara, where I received a BA in History. My name is Moneeka Brar and I am a current rising 2L at SUCOL. I was born and raised in California and attended UC Santa Barbara, where I received a BA in History. In law school, some of my activities and interests include being a class senator for the Student Bar Association, traveling, and trying different restaurants.
My name is Jordan Broadbent! I am a rising 2L here at SUCOL! I went to undergrad at the University of Rhode Island and studied political science and sociology. Here at SUCOL, I am also pursuing a certificate in National Security and Counter-Terrorism. I am also involved in the Mental Wellness Society and the Syracuse Law Animal Legal Defense Fund. This summer I worked at the Northwestern District Attorneys office in Massachuttes, where I grew up! This upcoming fall semester I will participate in the Veterans Clinic here at Syracuse Law! Outside law school, I love to hike, run, do yoga and be outside!
My name is Alexandra Casey, and I am a rising 2L at the College of Law. I am originally from Lake Placid, NY and attended Davidson College where I graduated with a BA in Psychology. I also hold a MA in Bioethics from Wake Forest University. At SUCOL I am involved in the National Women’s Law Student Association, the Syracuse Journal of Science and Technology and the Syracuse Animal Legal Defense Fund. I spent my 1L summer working at Harris Beach PLLC in Rochester, NY. I look forward to meeting you all during orientation!
My name is Jacqueline Chilbert. I am a rising 2L at the SUCOL and I have just begun my MPA dual degree program with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. I am from the Syracuse area and hold a BS in Management and Legal Studies from St. John Fisher College. I am a member of the Honors Advocacy Society, Alternate Dispute Resolution Division. I work at a gymnastics center part time where I help run Summer Camp and I will be spending my 1L summer with the Law Office of Robert Carter as law clerk learning about real estate transactions.
My name is Briana Clayton , and I was born and raised in Syracuse. I graduated from SUNY Albany with a major in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice and Psychology. I survived my 1L year and I am now a dual-degree student with Newhouse in Public Relations. I hope to have a long career in entertainment law, working in-house for a corporation in the entertainment industry.
Kaitlyn Crobar is a rising 2L at the College of Law. She is originally from Central Square, NY and attended Ithaca College for undergrad where she obtained a BA in Politics and a BS in Chemistry. While at Syracuse Law, Kaitlyn has been involved with the Student Bar Association as a 1L class senator, the Women’s Law Student Association, Phi Alpha Delta, and will serve as the Vice-President of the Intellectual Property Law Society for the upcoming academic year. Kaitlyn is participating in the DCEx Program this summer where she is working at the American Chemistry Council and will be participating in the Innovation Law Center during her 2L year.
My name is Gabriel Diaz a rising 2L at the College of Law. I am from Uncasville, Connecticut a small town known for it's casino The Mohegan Sun. I attended a Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), where I played NCAA soccer. I received my Bachelors of Arts (BA) in political science in 3 years from SCSU. At SCSU I created an International Soccer Clinic for under privileged kids that has run in South Africa, Ectudador, Guyana, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Peru. While at Syracuse Law, I have worked as a Student Ambassador, and I am a member of the Corporate & International Law Societies and the American Bar Association as well as serving on the Syracuse Journal of International Law and Commerce as Associate Editor. I am currently interning at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center Office of the General Council for the summer. This fall I will be interning with Syracuse University Office of Athletic Compliance.
Hannah Gabbard is a rising 2L at Syracuse University College of Law and a MAIR dual degree candidate at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She was raised in El Paso, Texas and graduated from Loyola University Chicago where she studied Global & International Affairs and Political Science. At Syracuse Law, Hannah has been involved in Impunity Watch News, serving as a News Reporter and Lead Editor. This summer, Hannah is interning at the US Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Texas and working as a Research Assistant with a University of Texas at El Paso national security professor.
Jake Gellerstein is a rising 2L at the College of Law. He is originally from Huntington, NY and attended undergrad at Baruch College. While at Syracuse Law, he has been involved in several activities, including the American Constitutional Society, CCJI, the Student Bar Association, and the International Law Society. He is also working towards earning a Certificate of Advanced Study in National Security and Counterterrorism Law. Over the summer, he interned with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. He is looking forward to his 2L year and meeting all of you at orientation. Get some rest this summer, you’ll need it!
Gaity Hashimi is a 3L at the College of Law. Her journey to Syracuse is quite unique. She grew up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and graduated from the University of Toronto in Canada with a major in Finance and Economics. After working as a financial analyst, she decided she wanted to go to law school to pursue a career that she would be passionate about. She decided on Syracuse College of Law because of its variety of course offerings and externships, extensive alumni network, and tight-knit community. At SUCOL, Gaity is a Student Ambassador, Alumni Editor of the Syracuse Law Review, and Travis H.D. Lewin Advocacy Honor Society member. She also spent a semester externing in New York City with a Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of New York. She has enjoyed the challenging practice and study of law, and forming significant connections with her peers, faculty, and alumni. She hopes the incoming students will enjoy Orientation Week and make the most of the next three amazing years ahead of them!
My name is Dominique Kelly. I'm originally from Kingston, Jamaica but I've lived in Fort Lauderdale, FL for most of my life. I am a member of the Black Law Students Association, I serve as a Law Ambassador for the College of Law, and I am Treasurer for the Student Bar Association. In my free time I enjoy eating good food and going to local Syracuse events/festivals. One piece of advice I would offer is to make decisions that make sense for you and not because of others, these next few years are going to be about you and your future.
My name is Allison Kowalczyk. I was born and raised in Florida and consider St. Petersburg, Florida home. St. Pete is consistently voted one of the best beaches in the U.S. and has one of the largest Pride Parades on the east coast every June! I have a Bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of South Florida – Saint Petersburg. I came to law school because it is my dream to work directly with sports teams, athletes, and regulating bodies and help them reach goals across all areas of their business by leveraging my legal and business background. I came to SUCOL because of the Sports and Entertainment curricular program, which acts as a guide for those of us interested in gaining specific legal knowledge in that field. When I am not studying or in class I love being outdoors, working on projects or cars, and spending time with my family, including my girlfriend and two pups, Aspen and Apple. At home in Florida, much of my free-time is spent boating, swimming, or paddle boarding with my family.
Victoria Lezette is a rising 2L at the College of Law. She is originally from Rochester, NY and graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Before law school, Victoria worked as an advocate for victims of domestic violence in Ontario County. At Syracuse Law, she is vice-president of the Mental Wellness Society and is a member of the Family Law Society and Phi Alpha Delta. This summer she is an intern at the Monroe County District Attorney's Office and she is an intern at the Title IX Office at Rochester Institute of Technology.
My name is Kimberly Manas. I am from Montgomery, AL and received my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from the University of West Florida. Prior to going to law school, I worked for the Alabama National Guard as an admin/supply NCO and FEMA as a logistic specialist. This summer, I interned at the CFTC in Washington, D.C. I love music festivals, brunch, and Ja Rule—you know, millennial stuff.
My name is John Mercurio. I am a rising 2L at the College of Law. I am originally from Baldwinsville, NY which is a suburb about 20 minutes outside of Syracuse. I attended Temple University in Philadelphia, PA for undergrad where I double majored in Criminal Justice and Psychology. While at Syracuse I have been involved in the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) and will be the 2L Representative for the 2019-2020 academic year. During my 1L summer I worked as a judicial intern for the Honorable Thérèse Wiley Dancks at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. Also, in Spring 2020 I will be participating in the DC Externship program. Outside of law school I enjoy attending concerts, playing and watching sports, hiking, and photography!
Hello I’m Alexis Mitchell-Dugan and I am from Cortland, New York. I was raised in a military household, so I have lived all over the United States and Europe, so I have many places I call home. I attended Syracuse University for undergrad where I studied Psychology. I am currently a 3L here at SUCOL where I am the president of Family Law Society and I manage the social media accounts for SUCOL’s chapter of Animal Legal Defense Fund. I am also a member of Phi Alpha Delta, V.I.S.I.O.N and also serve as a SUCOL ambassador. During my 1L summer I interned in a firm in Temple, Texas and worked closely with a supervising attorney in family law and estate planning. This summer I took time to prepare for the bar, since I am a Pro Bono Scholar and will be taking the February bar.
Sharon Otasowie is a rising 2L at the college of law. She is originally from Nigeria and grew up in Southern California (LA area). She attended UC Santa Barbara for undergrad, where she studied Political Science and Global Studies. While at Syracuse Law, she has been involved in work with the in the Admissions Office as a Student Ambassador, a member of BLSA, and will serve as class Senator this upcoming year with the Student Bar Association. This summer, she worked in the chambers of the Honorable Brenda K. Sannes at the US District Court for the Northern District of New York. In addition, Sharon was recently accepted into the United States Air Force Graduate Law Program, preparing and paving the way for her career as a Judge Advocate General upon graduation. Her ultimate goal is to work in the fields of International Law, Security, & Diplomacy.
Hello! My name is Frances Rivera Reyes and I am a 2L at SUCOL. I am originally from Puerto Rico. I attended the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras (IUPI!), where I majored in Accounting and Human Resource Management. After graduating in 2012, I worked at EY, a Big Four audit firm, for around 4 years until I decided I needed a change. If you want to chat, have any questions or need a break from speaking English, feel free to reach out! My interests include labor and employment law, corporate law, property law, and financial services. I am in SBA and part of the LALSA e-board. I am also a member of Phi Alpha Delta, WLSA, and Law Ambassadors. This summer I had the opportunity of participating in the LondonEx Program. If you want to chat, have any questions or need a break from speaking English, feel free to reach out!
Hi my name is Jordan Spicer, a rising 2L here at SUCOL. I’m from Jupiter, FL and graduated with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Florida State University. My entire family is originally from Syracuse so I’ve been been born and bred to bleed orange! My passions for certain areas of the law vary greatly but I am especially excited to further study criminal justice through our legal coursework involving criminal law. I currently hold the secretary and treasurer position of the Food and Beverage Law Student Association. I am also an active member in National Women’s Law Student Association and SUCOL’s division of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International.
Joseph Tantillo is a rising 2L at the College of Law. He is originally from Buffalo, New York. He completed his undergraduate studies at The University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he majored in International Relations. After college, he completed his master’s degree at The University of Oxford in England, where he majored in Criminology and Criminal Justice. At SUCOL, Joseph is the Vice President for the International Law Society, the Social Media Chair for the American Constitution Society, and a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. He won the 1L Hancock Estabrook Oral Advocacy Competition last spring. Joseph worked for the Erie County Surrogate’s Court in Buffalo, New York during his 1L summer. He also enjoys photography and watching Buffalo sports teams.
Greetings my name is Marissa L. Thomas a 2L from Durham, North Carolina. I attended a HBCU for undergrad and coming to Syracuse was my first time moving away from home. I am a joint degree student at Newhouse in the Public Relations program. I’m an avid couponer so you can always find me at the grocery store and if you ever need a coupon, I’m happy to share.
My name is Meredith Wallen. I graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in Political Science and Legal Studies. I am an upcoming 2L and have been working at the Attorney General's office in Syracuse for the Sex Offender Management Bureau over the summer. I am mostly interested in working in Entertainment Law or Employment and Labor Law, but am interested in Criminal Law as well. I enjoy hiking and exercising in my free time, especially hot yoga. I was born in Charlotte, NC and hope to end up in either Nashville or NYC upon graduation.
