News

1L Tiffany Johnson and 3L Andrew Patterson Selected for Tully Rinckey Foundation’s Military Scholarships

(Syracuse, NY – March 27, 2024) The Tully Rinckey Foundation, the philanthropic initiative of Tully Rinckey PLLC, has selected 1L Tiffany Johnson and 3L Andrew Patterson as the inaugural recipients of the Foundation’s Military Scholarships. The scholarship rewards College of Law students who have or are serving in the military or reserves.

Johnson is a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, the 1L Representative to the College’s Military & Veterans Law Society, and a Staff Writer for Impunity Watch News, the media branch of the College of Law’s Journal of Global Rights & Organizations.

“I am honored and grateful to accept the scholarship from Tully Rinckey. As a first-year law student balancing active military service, I am committed to excelling in my studies and representing the values of both the military and the legal profession with integrity and dedication. Thank you once again for this invaluable opportunity,” says Johnson.

Graig Cortelyou, Global Chief Operating Officer of Tully Rinckey noted that Johnson was selected due to “her plans to use her legal accomplishments to address broader social issues impacting veterans and their families. She plans to participate as a student attorney in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic in her second year, advocating for the military community. Her background as both a civil service employee of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a U.S. Navy Reservist not only motivates her but also makes her suited to strengthening her commitment to the military community.”

Patterson, a former U.S. Army Captain, is a Student Attorney in the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, a Member of the Military and Veterans Law Society, and a current VA work-study student.

“The scholarship validates the hard work being done by myself, the staff, and other student-attorneys at the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic. My application was honest, and I feel satisfaction that it was selected among a highly qualified field of applicants.  I am especially proud to be among the first recipients of the Tully Rinckey Foundation Military scholarship and I intend to pay it forward with continued support of my fellow Veterans. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to the Tully Rinckey Foundation for their continued support of legal education in the Veteran community. Thank you,” says Patterson. 

“Andrew discovered firsthand the positive outcomes that are generated when veterans understand the underlying process of accessing the benefits they have rightfully earned. Following service in Afghanistan as a Lieutenant, and as a Captain in the Army Reserve, he aims to become an accredited Veteran Service Officer and help his fellow troops work through trauma together,” says Mathew Tully, Founding Partner of Tully Rinckey.

The Tully Rinckey Foundation plans to add other New York state law schools to the scholarship program, further emphasizing their commitment to veterans.

“Our firm believes our service extends beyond the courtroom and into the communities where we work. Supporting the military, veterans, and their families is an important cause that Tully Rinckey backs in many ways, including the Military Scholarship,” says Mathew Tully. “We are honored and humbled to review the stellar applications from the College of Law students, and it was difficult to select two recipients. Tiffany and Andrew are leaders who will make an impact on the legal profession and our society.”

Among Tully Rinckey’s veteran-focused outreach programs are sponsorship of the annual Veterans in Economic Transition Conference (VETCON) in Albany, N.Y., and Turkeys for Veterans where they partner with local supermarkets throughout New York State to give free turkeys to veterans during the holiday season. The College of Law is a partner in the distribution of Turkeys for Veterans in Syracuse.

“The College of Law thanks the Tully Rinckey Foundation for their support of our military and veteran students. Tiffany and Andrew are well-deserving recipients who are actively engaged in the local veteran community and will continue to give back to veterans after law school,” says Professor Beth Kubala, executive director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic.

College of Law to Add Housing Clinic for Fall 2024

The Syracuse University College of Law is adding a Housing Clinic to its clinical legal education offerings beginning in the Fall 2024 semester.

The Housing Clinic will operate in partnership with Legal Services of Central New York and the Legal Aid Society to provide representation to low-income tenants in eviction, housing conditions, and other rental housing-related matters. Students in the clinic, working under the supervision of clinic director Professor Gary Pieples, will handle all aspects of clients’ cases, including interviewing and counseling, investigation, negotiation, pleading and motion practice, courtroom advocacy, and real estate procedure.

“The Housing Clinic will bring much-needed representation to an underserved population dealing with profound living condition issues,” says Dean Craig M. Boise. “At the same time, our students will be gaining practical legal skills essential to a legal career and a priority in the College of Law curriculum.”

“Housing cases move quickly and are tried almost immediately, providing students with multiple opportunities during the semester to see a case through to resolution—from the initial interview and filing of motions to settlement or trial, including appearing in Syracuse City Court,” says Pieples. “The Housing Clinic also provides students another opportunity to explore public interest law as a career.”

The Housing Clinic is underwritten by a grant from Legal Services of Central New York and the Legal Aid Society, which received additional New York State funding under the Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act.

The College of Law now offers students a choice of seven legal clinics: the Bankruptcy Clinic, the Betty & Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic, the Criminal Defense Clinic, the Disability Rights Clinic, the Housing Clinic, the Sherman F. Levey ’57, L’59 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, and the Transactional Law Clinic. 

College of Law Adds Constitutional and International Law Scholar Leigha Crout as Associate Professor of Law

(Syracuse, NY – March 18, 2024) Syracuse University College of Law has hired constitutional and international law scholar Leigha Crout as Associate Professor of Law. Starting in Fall 2024, she will teach Constitutional Law, Torts, and other courses.

Crout is currently a Rule of Law Fellowship at the Neukom Center for the Rule of Law at Stanford Law School. She has also held academic positions at the University of Wisconsin School of Law (William H. Hastie Fellow), Columbia Law School (visiting scholar), University of Oxford’s China, Law, and Development Project (research associate), Peking University (Senior C.V. Star Lecturer at the School of Transnational Law), and the Cornell Center on the Death Penalty Worldwide (research and advocacy assistant.)

Her primary research is focused on Constitutional Law, Participation & Resistance, and International Law & Transnational Legal Networks (including the Legal Profession & Transnational Networks of Resistance and Authoritarianism, Private International Law & Human Rights.)

“Professor Crout brings a deep knowledge of constitutional law and international law to our law school. She examines law and constitutions comparatively to better understand threats to democracy and the rise of authoritarianism,” says Dean Craig M. Boise. “I believe our students will find her perspectives engaging and thought-provoking as she brings a timely teaching and research focus to Syracuse Law.”

She has the article “The Consent of the Governed: Resistance as Constituent Power” forthcoming in the Washington Law Review. Crout has previously published articles in the Asian Comparative Law Journal, Asian Law Bulletin, Indiana International and Comparative Law Review, and the Notre Dame Journal of International and Comparative Law.

“The College of Law has a stellar reputation in the fields of constitutional law, international, law, and human rights law. I look forward to joining the esteemed faculty and thought-leaders in these areas and engaging with students who are passionate about these areas of law,” says Crout.

Crout received a B.S. in public policy and a B.A. in history from the University of Charleston, a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School, an LL.M. in civil and international human rights law from the University of Notre Dame Law School Klau Center, and a master’s in international development from Cornell University. Crout is a Ph.D. candidate at King’s College London.

Crout is admitted to the Illinois State Bar.

CEO Adds Law to 30 Years of Business Experience As He Looks Towards Next Chapter

Headshot of Marc Stern

Marc Stern L’27 is the CEO of Bessemer Trust, a wealth management firm based in New York City. On any given day he might be meeting with a client in Florida, then jump on a plane to see colleagues in California before heading back East. But, no matter where his work takes him, he is most assuredly spending nights and weekends studying through the Syracuse University College of Law JDinteractive (JDi) program.

“I’m amazed at the breadth and depth of knowledge of my classmates working in fascinating jobs all over the world,” he explains. “It’s a great diversity of individuals in various stages of their careers bringing different life experiences. Everyone who has committed to the JDi program has the clarity of knowing why they are there.

Marc Stern L’27

A graduate of the Wharton School with a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from the University of Virginia, Stern has worked in management consulting, strategic planning and wealth management for 30-plus years. And, while he’s not ready for retirement, Stern recently began thinking about what he might do next.

“Rather than retire and golf or go to the beach, I want to find a way to make a difference,” he explains. “I’ve always been intrigued by the law. I work with general counsel every day and see the tremendous impact lawyers have with their clear thinking, careful analysis of complex situations and ability to communicate and weigh different perspectives. So, eventually I think I’d like to combine my business experience with the law to do some good.”

Marc in a classroom during the January 2024 residency in Syracuse
Marc (far right) watches a classmate present during the January 2024 residency in Syracuse

Stern is considering two possible retirement strategies—mediation/arbitration or working to assist nonprofits. He’s certain that using his business experience in either of these areas would be enhanced by formal legal training.

“I figured it was now or never,” says Stern, who is the third oldest student in his JDi cohort. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s about my desire to continue to learn, learn, learn.”

He was drawn to Syracuse’s JDi program for the flexibility of live online and asynchronous classes, as well as six required in-person, week-long residencies. “It’s rigorous, challenging and inspiring but also manageable,” he says, noting that he has visited campus twice so far for residencies on Legal Foundations, an introductory boot camp of sorts that all incoming students attend; and Legal Applications, which introduces practical skills like writing legal memos and negotiating settlements.

Marc and classmates have lunch at Salt City Market during the January 2024 residency in Syracuse
Marc and classmates have lunch at Salt City Market during the January 2024 residency in Syracuse

Stern credits outstanding faculty, like Professor of Law, Nina Kohn, who teaches Tort Law, for the quality of the program. “She’s a force of nature and a remarkable thinker,” he says. “Every minute in class has a purpose. Zoom doesn’t lead to an impersonal experience. You’d better be there, and you’d better be ready because the professor is going to call on you. One of my classmates said, ‘If you don’t come out of there knowing torts, then you weren’t paying attention.’”

The camaraderie among his cohort is another benefit of the JDi program. “I’m amazed at the breadth and depth of knowledge of my classmates working in fascinating jobs all over the world,” he explains. “It’s a great diversity of individuals in various stages of their careers bringing different life experiences. Everyone who has committed to the JDi program has the clarity of knowing why they are there. And, it’s a supportive environment, too, where you might respond in class and someone will write, ‘Good Answer!’ in the Zoom chat.”

Marc an dclassmates connect over Dinosaur BBQ during their very first residency in August, 2024
Marc and classmates connect over Dinosaur BBQ during their very first residency in August 2024

Now completing his first year of the hybrid online program, Stern is pleased with his decision to pursue the JDi program.

“You give as much as you get, but don’t think for a minute that ‘hybrid’ means there are any shortcuts. It’s intense work, and you’d better be fully present and prepared,” he says. “I am grateful for the vision that Syracuse Law had a few years back that made this program possible. If the JDi program didn’t exist, I don’t think I could exist in law school. But now, I look forward to seeing where this experience leads me.”

Full-Time U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Fits in Part-Time Study of Law Through JDi Program

Joseph Creager sits at a laptop and smiles

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Joseph Creager L’26 has been interested in the law since taking courses in criminal and constitutional law in high school. But after graduating, he decided to major in graphic design in a traditional college program. It wasn’t for him, so, after working as a freelancer and at a few other jobs, he joined the Army in 2013, serving as an infantryman for his first five years of service.

It was when Creager joined the Army that he started seriously considering his future and what he might like to do after he left the military. In 2018, he reclassed to be an Army paralegal and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from an online program through Colorado Technical University in 2020. Shortly after, he started studying to take the LSATs and apply to law schools. By that time, Creager had moved into a role as a senior paralegal. He knew that his full-time commitment to the Army, along with his responsibilities to his wife and two children would make adding law school a challenge, but he was eager to try. Knowing that his experience with his online bachelor’s degree had been successful, he chose to enroll in the JDinteractive (JDi) program at Syracuse University College of Law.

Creager chatting with a classmate during the January 2024 residency

“The JDi program is flexible. If an active-duty soldier can make it work, I think anyone can,” says Creager, who credits two JAG officers, Maj. Jonathan Womack and Maj. Alexander Hernandez, with encouraging him to pursue his legal ambitions.

He started the program in 2022 while preparing to transfer from Ft. Liberty in North Carolina to Ft. Drum in Upstate New York. In fact, he made the move just 48 hours after his first final exams. “I will say that without this online program, it would be impossible. But, anytime I talk to someone about it, I make a point to emphasize that ‘online’ and ‘flexible’ does not mean ‘easy.’ The JDi program is challenging. You must put in the work if you expect to succeed,” he says.

“It is amazing how many professionals out there are looking to expand their knowledge with a legal education or change careers altogether. I’m glad to be a part of it. Syracuse Law’s JDi program has set the bar high for the future of online legal education.”

Joseph Creager L’26

Creager is completing his course work on a part-time basis, as the JDi program allows students to take as many as seven years to complete their law degrees. At present, Creager is on course to graduate in 2026. And, while he enjoys his classes, he has also attended a number of required in-person residency programs on legal topics at the Syracuse University campus. His favorite has been a residency on trial advocacy presented by Professor of Law Todd Berger, and he also credits Lou Lou Delmarsh, previously the program advisor for JDi (currently the interim director of student experience), and Stephanie Rinko, coordinator for the JDi program, for “making the residencies a great experience.”

Creager listens in the classroom to Professor Berger lecture during the January 2023 residency
Creager (far left) listens intently to College of Law Professor Todd Berger, teaching trial advocacy during the January 2024 professional skills residency in Syracuse.

He has received final approval to participate in an externship with the Army’s Office of the Special Trial Counsel at Ft. Drum this summer. His hard work has also earned him a place as a member of the Travis H.D. Lewin Advocacy Honor Society’s Virtual Advocacy Division.

“I have made some good friends with a variety of experiences throughout this program,” says Creager, who intends to be a practicing attorney one day. “It is amazing how many professionals out there are looking to expand their knowledge with a legal education or change careers altogether. I’m glad to be a part of it. Syracuse Law’s JDi program has set the bar high for the future of online legal education.”

University Professor David Driesen Pens Opinion Article: The Supreme Court granted Trump amnesty it has no power to give

University Professor David Driesen recently wrote the opinion article “The Supreme Court granted Trump amnesty it has no power to give” in The Hill in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v Anderson.

Driesen writes: The Supreme Court’s opinion contradicts the 14th Amendment and the clear intent of its drafters. The court expressed concern that allowing states to enforce Section 3 could result in differing views on whether a particular person engaged in insurrection. But that is a less serious constitutional concern than subjecting the Constitution to the dangers that come with the court’s amnesty. The court could have solved that issue by simply ordering Trump off the ballot in all 50 states.

“Quite Strange” – Professor Gregory Germain on Trump Hush Money Trial

Professor Gregory Germain recently spoke with Salon on Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial.

In the article, Germain says it is “quite strange” that Trump is being charged with a cover-up but not the crime itself.

“The D.A. has very strong evidence that Trump was trying to cover up the payment,” he said. “Whether his reason for the cover up was to hide a campaign finance crime, or to avoid personal or political embarrassment rather than to cover up a crime, is the main weakness in the case” that prosecutors will have to address at trial.

As to Trump employing the advice-of-counsel defense, “whether lawyer advice is an excuse depends on what the defendant knew and intended,” says Germain.

College of Law’s JDinteractive Program Recognized by The Princeton Review as One of the Best Online J.D. Programs

A JDinteractive student studies at a computer in a large conference room.

The Princeton Review (TPR) has recognized Syracuse University College of Law’s JDinteractive (JDi) hybrid online J.D. program as one of the seven best Online J.D. programs in their 2024 rankings. Of the seven schools ranked, five are ABA-approved (including Syracuse University College of Law) meaning graduates are eligible for the bar exam in most jurisdictions.

The JDi program is celebrating its fifth anniversary this spring.  With 110 graduates and approximately 250 current students in the program, it is one of the original and most well-established online programs in the country.

“We are seeing our JDi graduates take on new challenges, change career paths, and contribute to their communities,” says Dean Craig M. Boise. “Our innovative hybrid program has provided them with the knowledge, tools, and experiences to succeed, however they use their law degree.”

Students sit around a large oval table at JetBlue
JDinteractive students went to JetBlue headquarters in New York City during a Residency in August 2023 to discuss asset finance.

JDi is an adaptable, year-round program that is ideal for students who are employed full-time, have parental commitments, are involved in their community, need to travel often or have other time obligations or geographic constraints.

Classes are taught by the same faculty as the on-campus J.D. program with equally rigorous academic standards through a combination of live and self-paced online class sessions. Six residencies held on the Syracuse University campus or sites worldwide provide an opportunity to connect with classmates, faculty, and alumni, and all students complete an externship in their local community. Students can also participate in law clinics, journals, advocacy competitions, and other activities.

“The JDinteractive program is breaking barriers by making a high-quality legal education more accessible,” says Professor Shannon Gardner, Associate Dean for Online Education. “Students who otherwise would not be able to pursue a legal education due to work, family, or other commitments can fulfill their goal of becoming a lawyer through this transformative program.”

Students take a selfie together in front of a JetBlue sign.
JDinteractive students take a selfie together at JetBlue headquarters during a residency.

According to TPR, the ranking is “based on feedback from real students, our lists and rankings help applicants find schools where they will be a fit academically, socially, and financially.”

Professor Nina Kohn on ProPublica’s Article on the Public Guardianship System: “There’s a profound lack of monitoring by the courts.”

Professor Nina Kohn provided perspective to MarketWatch on the public guardianship system covered in the recent ProPublica news story “Bedbugs, Rats and No Heat: How One Woman Endured a Decade of Neglect in New York’s Guardianship System”.

Speaking to MarketWatch about the story, Kohn said “We really have no idea how common [cases of abuse] are, because there is a woeful lack of data about what is going on. We have known for decades that vulnerable people are placed in guardianships and then courts fail to engage in any meaningful monitoring of those arrangements to make sure that they are actually protected.”

Kohn continues that the blame is “a profound lack of monitoring for much of the problem. And that’s on the courts.”

Kohn served as the Uniform Law Commission Reporter for the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act.