ALUMNI ALUMNI PROFILE
1988
48
Filippo P. Fantozzi LLM ‘20
FILIPPO FANTOZZI is from Florence, Italy. As he grew up surrounded by nature in the Italian countryside, Filippo explains that he “witnessed firsthand the severe impacts of the current ecological crisis, from the collapse of biodiversity and the progressive disappearance of species, to increasing temperatures and water scarcity. As I attended a policy-making project hosted by my high school in 2012, I ultimately realized that the law could prove to be a powerful tool against the environmental challenges that are affecting our generation. These considerations pushed me to pursue a legal career focused on environmental issues.” Filippo went on to obtain a law degree in Italy at the University of Florence, as well as a law degree in France at Sorbonne Law School. He participated in a five-year intensive program aimed at orienting future lawyers towards international and European legal practice. It was after these degrees and several internships focused on environmental law—as well as years of pro bono legal experiences and activism in the climate justice field—that Filippo reached the conclusion that an additional year of in-depth legal analysis on climate issues would be particularly beneficial. Filippo notes that, “the number of LLM programs expressly focusing on climate change is still rather limited, and the renowned environmental specialization offered by Haub Law is among the best in the world. That is why I committed myself to pursue a full scholarship for the LLM program in Environmental Law—Energy and Climate Change law track—at Haub Law.” As far as his actual experience, Filippo says that the LLM program exceeded all his expectations. “I loved the opportunity to expand my legal education by debating and sharing different viewpoints with so many amazing, inspiring people. I especially appreciated the liberty I had in choosing my own specific areas of specialization in the field of climate gover-
H A U B L AW A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E
“The number of LLM programs expressly focusing on climate change is still rather limited, and the renowned environmental specialization offered by Haub Law is among the best in the world." nance.” What also sticks out to Filippo is that “everyone was extremely welcoming. The genuine sense of belonging and the community spirit that I experienced during my first day at Haub Law accompanied me for the academic year. I bonded immediately with my fellow LLM colleagues, and many of us are still regularly in touch, strengthening both friend-
ships and professional collaborations. Additionally, every member of the faculty at Haub Law that I had the opportunity to meet somehow enriched or challenged my perspectives in a very constructive way. I am particularly grateful to Professor Smita Narula, an outstanding and inspiring voice in the Law School community. She relies on a unique methodology perfectly merging academia and activism, focusing on both the environmental implications and the hidden human costs of the global decision-making process.” Filippo graduated summa cum laude in 2020 from Haub Law, achieving the goal he set out for himself. Today Filippo is the Junior Legal Associate at the Climate Litigation Network | Urgenda. He explains that: “[b]ased in the Netherlands, the Urgenda Foundation made history by securing the first ruling ever which forced a State to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions: in 2019, the Dutch Supreme Court found that the government’s failure to sufficiently reduce greenhouse gas emissions constituted a violation of human rights. The Climate Litigation Network is supporting people and organizations around the world seeking to hold their governments accountable for their climate inaction.” Filippo really enjoys exploring the intersection between climate science and the law. “The opportunity to engage with committed activists and experts from all over the world is also invaluable. Moreover, it is extremely rewarding to be part of a team of passionate lawyers that are so proactively engaged in orienting and interpreting the law in a way that can help overcome the existential threat of climate change.” As far as advice for current and future students, Filippo notes that, “[a]s the climate crisis worsens, the current generation of legal practitioners is often struggling between choosing a more traditional career and fulfilling an almost visceral need to be part of the change that we so urgently need. Following an unconventional path can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding. That is why I believe that engaging in pro bono legal projects and grassroot activities can be a first, fundamental step in understanding how we can use our legal skills to better serve—and ultimately help achieve—the goals of climate justice.” n
Carolyn Cunningham received the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County’s 2020 Green Seal Award on December 1, 2020 in recognition of her decades of contributions to protecting our county’s environment and future. The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian Life) appointed Margherita L. DiManni as the company’s Deputy General Counsel. WWBA President Angela Giannini was selected as the recipient of the 2020 NYSBA Attorney Professionalism Award. Susan Vallario was named the new chair of Ramapo College of New Jersey, the school announced on Monday. Read more here.
1989 Nancy Grasso Barry was named the Chief of Operations of the Unified Court System.
was nominated by Governor Andrew Cuomo and later confirmed by the state Senate. Anthony Pirrotti, Jr. was appointed Chairman of the Ninth Judicial District Return to Jury Committee by the Administrative Judge for the Ninth Judicial District, Hon. Kathie Davidson.
1991 Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the appointment of Joan Schmidt as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Westchester County Legislator Lyndon Williams is now a Mount Vernon city judge following his appointment by Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. Judge Lyndon Williams was honored with an Award for Distinguished Service by the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
1992 Jeff Delaney was recognized as Lawyer of the Year in Energy Law in the Best Lawyers publication. Maya van Rossum , Delaware Riverkeeper and Founder of “Green Amendments for the Generations,” was selected by the River Network as a “2020 River Hero”—read more here.
1993 Robert J. Waine has joined the law firm of Rothman Gordon.
1990
Mount Vernon City Judge Adrian Armstrong is one of the newest judges of the state Court of Claims —read more here. Judge Armstrong
William N. DeVito was promoted to co-managing attorney in 2017. In the last year, he received the Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America, Patriot’s Path Council at the Legal Services Award Dinner. Angelina Galiteva (JD ’93, LLM ’94) was officially elected as the Chair of the CAISO Board. Angelina is the first woman Chair in the history of the Agency. The California Independent System Operator Board of Directors governs the dispatch and policies of all of California’s electric utilities. Angelina is very appreciative to Richard Ottinger for his mentorship and support, along with the Law School. Angelina was previously profiled at length in our 2019 alumni magazine—you can read more about her Pace experience and amazing accomplishments here.
SPRING 2021
49