Perspectives: Spring 2016

W E S T E R N N E W E N G L A N D U N I V E R S I T Y S C H O O L O F L AW

SPRING 2016

Perspectives The

Future of

Law School

The Dean takes a look at obstacles and opportunities.

in this issue

Evolving Curriculum Focuses On Professional Skills

41st Annual School of Law Basketball Tournament

Alumni Offer Students and Grads a Foot in the Door

Dear Alumni/ae and Friends, For the past several years, you’ve been reading a great deal about changes taking place in legal education and the legal profession. Our feature story examines some of the major trends in legal education over the last decade and how they affect our vision for the future of Western New England University School of Law. While this article looks forward, much of this issue focuses on bonds formed in the past. Increasingly, we are hearing from alumni about their own mini-reunions inspired by lifelong bonds of friendship.

We are happy to share a story about a group of alumnae and colleagues working in appellate law who have formed a unique group. Called the “Appealing Women,” the group offers a valuable platform for members to brainstorm, support, and celebrate their professional challenges and achievements.

I think it will inspire you to form similar alliances within your own practice areas.

Indeed, we all know friendships formed in law school can be among the strongest.

That is the case in our profile on David Brink ’85 and Fred Smith Jr. ’86, whose friendship led to a professional partnership spanning two decades.

Many major firms in New England have a strong affinity to Western New England University thanks to our alumni in their ranks. Our story on Bacon Wilson, P.C. Cantor Colburn LLP, and Halloran & Sage LLP serves as a testament to the high regard these firms hold for our graduates and students, whom they frequently hire as staff, externs, or summer associates.

Looking forward, I anticipate that our current students will extend our alumni connections even further. Alex Mazzella 2L, the focus of our Student Spotlight, is already a seasoned international traveler looking to work in international law when he completes his combined JD/MBA studies. No sooner was Alex finished with our winter session in Israel program on Comparative Law, then he was on a flight to Milan, where he will be undertaking a prestigious internship at the city’s U.S. Consulate. I look forward to checking in with Alex in the years to come to see where his education has taken him.

In many cases, I don’t have to look far beyond the walls of the Blake Law Center to know where our alumni have landed. Our faculty profile celebrates one of our own, 2001 graduate Pat Newcombe, associate dean for library and information resources and associate professor of law. One of Pat’s many initiatives at the Law Library has been greater outreach to alumni. Ours is the only Law Library in western Massachusetts and I expect that you will continue to view this outstanding facility as a lifelong professional resource.

I hope this issue of Perspectives will encourage you to maintain those important bonds with classmates and faculty and to share your own stories of these special connections with us.

Sincerely,

Eric Gouvin Dean and Professor of Law

The

Future of

Law School

Dean Eric Gouvin discusses how we are successfully navigating the current climate and strategizing for the future.

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contents SPRING 2016

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW

Perspectives Perspectives is a publication of Western New England University School of Law ERIC GOUVIN Dean and Professor of Law

BARBARA MOFFAT Vice President for Marketing and External Affairs

MARY MCLEAN ORSZULAK G’10 Editor

JUDY CURRAN PAT GAGNON ALEXANDRA L. LYMAN BA’12 MARY MCLEAN ORSZULAK G’10 KIM ROEDER DEIDRE SWORDS BA’05 VARIOUS FACULTY/STUDENT CONTRIBUTORS Writers

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BRIAN FITZGERALD BARBARA MOFFAT KATHERINE PAPPAS G’98 KIM ROEDER DEBORAH PORTER SAVOIE

IN FOCUS:

Meet Barb Munro ’09 and the Appellate Attorneys in the “Appealing Women” Group

Proofreading

KIM ROEDER Alumni Notes Editor and Faculty Notes Editor

DEBORAH CHAPPELL Creative Director

30 also in this issue

LENARD DESIGN GROUP Design & Production

AM LITHOGRAPHY Printing

ALUMNI PROFILE:

Rick Smith ’86 and David Brink ’85

PAUL SCHNAITTACHER Principal Photography

BRIAN ZELASKO Additional Photography

ALUMNI BOARD REPORT

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Evolving Curriculum Brings Professional Skills into the School of Law

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Opportunity Knocks: Alumni Give Students and Grads a Foot in the Door

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H O W T O C O N TA C T U S Dean’s Office 413-782-1413 Eric Gouvin eric.gouvin@law.wne.edu

DEVELOPMENT REPORT

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FALL SPEAKERS SERIES

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Institute for Legislative and Governmental Affairs

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FACULTY PROFILE: Pat Newcombe ’01, associate dean for library and information resources and associate professor of law

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Law Development 413-796-2316 Robert Ziomek robert.ziomek@wne.edu

FACULTY AND STAFF NOTES

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CAMPUS UPDATE

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Law Alumni Relations 413-782-1311 Kim Roeder kim.roeder@wne.edu

41st Basketball Tourney

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ALUMNI NEWS

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Mini-Law School Frames Legal Issues for Non-lawyers

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ALUMNI NOTES

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:

IN MEMORIAM

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Alex Mazzella 2L

ALUMNI BENEFITS

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Admissions 413-782-1406 Amy Mangione amangione@law.wne.edu

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Career Services 413-782-1416 Paula Zimmer pzimmer@law.wne.edu Student Records 413-782-1402 Terese Chenier terese.chenier@law.wne.edu Law Library 413-782-1616 Pat Newcombe pnewcombe@law.wne.edu Faculty Members Call 413-782-3111 and ask for specific faculty member.

Main Fax Number 413-796-2067

Visit Perspectives alumni magazine online at www.law.wne.edu/alumni

Mailing Address 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684

The

Future of

Law School

The Dean takes a look at obstacles and opportunities.

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feature

FEATURE By Dean Eric J. Gouvin

One of my favorite parts of being dean is connecting with alumni. I often find that lawyers I talk to, however, think law school today is essentially the same as it was when they graduated, whether that was five, ten, twenty, or fifty years ago. As other articles in this issue of Perspectives about our curricular innovations and library offerings demonstrate, that is a misconception. There are big changes underway in legal education and there have been for quite some time. Western New England University School of Law stands at the forefront making strategic innovations to adapt to the changing environment.

Where we are now Most members of the legal profession are somewhat aware of the changes facing law schools, but let me sketch out some details for you. Since 2004, there has been a steady decline in the number of law school applicants (with a brief upward blip in 2009-2011). In 2003-04, the total number of law school applicants reached a high water mark of 100,600. In 2014-15, by contrast, a total of 55,700 students applied nationwide. Added to that, in 2004 there were 190 ABA approved law schools and today there are 202. That works out to a decrease in the total applicant pool of 45% over that period, with a 6.3% increase in the number of law schools.

We were not caught off guard by this. In fact we have been planning for it since the trend became obvious.

With the full support of the University’s president and the Board of Trustees we have reimagined the JD Program as a smaller, more personal, more practicefocused program while at the same time adding an LLM program and a MS for non-lawyers to our offerings in order to use our re-sources to best effect. Admittedly, much of this innovation is prompted by changing market dynamics, but the changes are also grounded in sound programmatic considerations.

Reasonable minds can differ about the cause of the decline in law school applicants. Some say it is a natural market correction for an industry where the supply of new lawyers has exceeded the demand for new lawyers

for a number of years. According to this view, greater transparency in employment data has resulted in many would-be students deciding that law school is a bad investment of money and time.

Another view posits that we are in the midst of a sea change in the legal profession and that law schools have not kept pace with the realities of modern legal practice—and are therefore in danger of becoming obsolete. I examine each of these critiques in turn.

1. The “Bad Investment” Critique This view purports to focus on a “return on investment” (ROI) analysis in which a prospective law student needs to assess both (1) the costs of attending and (2) the lifetime benefits accruing from the attainment of a J.D., and then determine whether the investment of (1) to receive a pay-off of (2) is the most productive way to invest resources. While this holds intuitive appeal, there are serious shortcomings to this approach since both the cost and the benefit assessments in the ROI analysis are difficult for prospective applicants to make accurately.

Determining the costs of attending law school is not an easy task. The annual tuition figured stated on a school’s admission materials anchors the prospective applicant’s analysis of how much the degree will cost, but most law schools offer significant merit scholarships that bring the tuition cost down considerably for the typical student. At Western

New England, our listed tuition is $39,450 per year, but 79% of the class received scholarships. The average scholarship was about $18,500, which makes the average tuition cost about $21,000. That is an extremely fair value. Because the net price after scholarships is difficult to communicate to a specific student a priori, the full stated tuition becomes the focus of cost.

In another era, high price was a proxy for quality—the “Chivas Regal Effect.” Indeed, schools feared that a low price would be perceived as indicating low quality. Today, applicants crave transparency in pricing, and place a very high value on affordability.

To counter the “sticker price” anchoring problem, therefore, several schools have re-set their tuition, reducing their stated tuition by a significant percentage. While not cutting tuition, Western New England has frozen law school tuition since 2014-15 through the 2017-18 school year. We have one of the lowest listed tuitions for private law schools in the Northeast.

In addition to tuition, an applicant ought to consider cost of living expenses and opportunity costs. While critics focus on tuition costs, these other costs are significant and vary considerably based on the local cost of living and the applicant’s other employment prospects. Regarding opportunity costs, a computer science graduate, with a job offer right out of college paying in the mid-60s might conclude that attending law school is a poor trade-off. On the other hand, for a (Continued next page)

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feature humanities major currently working as a barista, the investment in a law degree might make a lot of sense.

While “costs” are hard to assess, the “benefit” side of the equation is also hard to pin down. The idea of “benefit” is quite quite and should include not finanonly broadbroad and should include not only financial remuneration, but reputational cial remuneration, but reputational benebenefits, psychic income, and other fits, psychic income, and other hard hard to to quantify positive rewards. quantify positive rewards.

TheThe ROIROI analyanalysis, however, something that sis, however, needsneeds something that can can be measured the obvious meabe measured and and the obvious measurable surable salary upon gradua“benefit”“benefit” is salaryisupon graduation. tion.For the applicant trying to assess the For the trying to assess the benefit sideapplicant of the ROI analysis, the availbenefit sideinformation of the ROI suffers analysis,from the aavailable wage seriable wage information from the a serious problem: the data suffers only covers ous only Actual coverssalary the first problem: job out ofthe lawdata school. first of law school.

Actual salary data job overout time is much different—and data over time is much different—and higher—yet prospective applicants plug higher—yet prospective applicants the first job salary number into the plug ROI the into the ROI as iffirst it isjob thesalary returnnumber over a lifetime. as ifInit addition, is the return over a lifetime. wages vary from place In addition, wages vary place to place, with employers in from bigger cities to place, paying with employers in bigger cities typically higher wages, which typically paying higher wages, whichlook makes law schools in those places makes law schools in those places like they provide a better ROI. Yet alook like they a better ROI. Yet athan dollar in provide one locale may go further dollar in in one locale locale. may goTaking furthercost than a dollar another of aliving dollarinto in another Taking cost of account,locale. a graduate earning, living into account, a graduate say, $50,000 in Springfield mayearning, be doing say, in Springfield may be doing just $50,000 fine whereas a graduate getting just fine whereas a graduate $60,000 in San Francisco will getting have trouble $60,000 in rent.

San Francisco will have trouble paying the Unfortunately, the ROI paying the rent.

Unfortunately, ROIfor discussions on the Web rarely the adjust discussions the Web rarely adjust for local cost of on living. localAlthough cost of living. the blogosphere has decided theisblogosphere has decided thatAlthough law school a bad investment, more that law school a bad investment, more systematic and is rigorous analysis shows systematic and on rigorous analysis that the return investment canshows actually that the return investment canby actually be quite good. on A research paper be quite good.

A research paper Professors Michael Simkovic andbyFrank Professors Michaelthat Simkovic and Frank McIntyre showed given current McIntyre showed thatthe given current tuition levels, at both median and the tuition levels, atannual both the medianlevel, and the 25th percentile earnings law 25th percentile annual earnings level, law graduates enjoyed earnings premiums graduates enjoyed sufficient earnings to premiums over their careers justify over their law careers sufficient to justify attending school.

For most law school attending For most graduates,law theschool. net present valuelaw of aschool law graduates, the net presentitsvalue law degree typically exceeds cost of byahundegree exceeds its cost bymean hundreds oftypically thousands of dollars.

The dreds thousands of dollars. mean annualofearnings premium of a The law degree annual earnings premium of 2012 a law dollars, degree is approximately $53,300 in is approximately in pre-tax 2012 dollars, and they estimate$53,300 the mean and they estimate the mean pre-tax 4 ◆

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lifetime value of a law degree as approximately $1 million.

One important contribution to the legal education debate from the “bad investment” camp, however, is undeniable: in the economic disaster of 20072011, many recent law graduates could not find jobs (they were not alone, as new teachers, PhDs, veterinarians, and others found themselves with big educational debt and dim job prospects) and some were further disappointed to find that they really did not know how to practice law either. We have made great strides in closing that gap. In the past few years, we have added courses in law practice management; both a general course and an intensive simulation course. We have worked to develop writing and skills instruction throughout the curriculum. We have added new clinics (discussed in this issue) and externships and now every student must take six credits of experiential learning to graduate. We have implemented a pro bono requirement designed to get students out in to the community to use and develop their legal skills. We have sought out ways to get the bar involved in our program, such as with the new Introduction to the Legal Profession course.

2. The “Sea Change” Critique Another view of legal education’s problems says the world is in the midst of a sea change in the provision of legal services and law schools have not kept pace with the realities of practice in the 21st century.

In a nutshell, these critics argue that like many other service providers, information brokers, and intellectual property dealers in the old economic order (e.g., travel agents, car dealers, the postal service, newspapers, music sellers, and bookstores) the practice of law is being fundamentally changed by information technology and the Internet. From the traditional notion of lawyering being a made-to-fit, each-clientis-unique proposition (i.e., “bespoke” legal work), these critics maintain that the provision of legal services is moving toward commoditization, where the bread-andbutter output of lawyers is now just a download away.

This technological onslaught is

P E R S P E C T I V E S

FEATURE By B Eric J. Gouvin

“

In the past few years we have added courses in law practice management, both a general course and an intensive simulation course. We have worked to develop writing and skills instruction throughout the curriculum.”

—Dean Eric Gouvin

but This one technological piece of a larger tsunamiisof onslaught change includes but one which piece of a largerwidespread tsunami of access legalincludes information by clients, change to which widespread the routinization of many legal tasks, access to legal information by clients, demands by clients for more the routinization of many legalcontrol tasks, of legal service delivery, and the demands by clients for more control emergence of andelivery, increasingly comof legal service and the petitive marketplace with non-lawyers emergence of an increasingly comproviding services that were once the petitive marketplace with non-lawyers province attorneys. restructurprovidingofservices thatThis were once the ing in theofway legal services are province attorneys.

This restructurdelivered all lawyers ing in the affects way legal servicesand arelaw firms—regardless size, geographic delivered affects alloflawyers and law location, and substantive area. firms—regardless of size,practice geographic In thisand new world, thepractice critics area. location, substantive argue, the new “lawyer” needs to know In this world, the critics more just law. They to argue,than the “lawyer” needsneed to know know finance managemore than justand law.project They need to ment negotiation and manage“domain know and finance and project knowledge” about theirand clients’ busiment and negotiation “domain ness.

In this about view, law knowledge” theirschools clients’ need busito do more interdisciplinary ness.

In thiswith view, law schools need work, leadership training, technology to do more with interdisciplinary training and the realities law pracwork, leadership training,oftechnology tice as aand business.

At Western training the realities of lawNew pracEngland have offered joint detice as a we business.

At Western New grees forwe many Wejoint havedejoint England haveyears. offered degrees law and social busigrees forinmany years.

We work, have joint ness, regional degrees in law planning, and socialengineering work, busimanagement, organizational leadness, regional and planning, engineering ership.

Law always happens in a conmanagement, and organizational leadtext andLaw it isalways truly important ership. happens for in anew conlawyers appreciate that and detext and to it is truly important fortonew velop expertise in domain lawyers to appreciate that knowledge and to derelevant to theirinlegal work.knowledge velop expertise domain The sea change critique relevant to their legal work. is correct in pointing that in the new world The sea out change critique is correct of legal services some jobsnew thatworld were in pointing out that in the once performed lawyers of legal services by some jobs are thatnow were being handled bybynon-lawyers. once performed lawyers are These now non-lawyers to know moreThese being handledwant by non-lawyers. about the lawwant without goingmore through non-lawyers to know the entire degree. going Many through law about the J.D. law without

schools, Western the entireincluding J.D. degree.

ManyNew law England, are now providing master’s schools, including Western New degrees whose work England,for arenon-lawyers now providing master’s involves legal matters onwhose a regular degrees for non-lawyers work basis, such asmatters HR directors, compliinvolves legal on a regular ance police officers, basis,professionals, such as HR directors, complieducators, health organization adminance professionals, police officers, istrators, others. educators,and health organization adminWhile and the sea change critique is istrators, others. correct onthe some declaraWhile sea things, changeits critique is tion thaton lawyering is dead greatly correct some things, itsisdeclaraexaggerated.

Certainly thereiscan be tion that lawyering is dead greatly no doubt thatCertainly document assembly exaggerated. there can be systems, service outsourcers, no doubt legal that document assembly computer processes, information systems, legal serviceand outsourcers, technology have transformed law computer processes, and information practice.

Legal that can be technology havework transformed law systematized, rules-based, practice. Legalwhich work is that can be routine, or algorithmic and will systematized, which is can, rules-based, be, commoditized.

These services will routine, or algorithmic can, and will be primarily to high-volume, be,profitable commoditized.

These services will low-cost providers.

That said, be profitable primarily to being high-volume, even if many legal matters become low-cost providers.

That being said, commoditized, clients will still need even if many legal matters become help making sense of them.

In need financommoditized, clients will still cial customers can In buy and helpservices, making sense of them. finansell from homecan on buy theirand cial securities services, customers laptops, but many financial sell securities frompeople home use on their advisors to help plan a strategy and laptops, but many people use financial evaluate advisors plans. to help plan a strategy and The commodification threat also evaluate plans. failsThe to take into account threat of the also reality commodification of how human dealofwith serifails to take intobeings account the reality ous problems. longdeal as real of how human As beings withhuman seribeings confrontAslegal they ous problems. longproblems as real human will seekconfront counsellegal for advice andthey guidbeings problems ance fromcounsel others.for It will be extremely will seek advice and guidunlikely forothers. these types ance from It will of belegal extremely practices to these be outsourced to India unlikely for types of legal or made obsolete by technology. practices to be outsourced to India When theobsolete government is threatening or made by technology. to takethe away a person’sisliberty or When government threatening child oraway whenaaperson’s family isliberty fallingor to take

apart, people do not want to child ormost when a family is falling show in court with software apart, up most people do anot want to package an iPad, rather will show up and in court withbut a software prefer theand assistance skilled will legal package an iPad, of buta rather professional. prefer the assistance of a skilled legal While both of these critiques merit professional. careful consideration, the end, merit neiWhile both of theseincritiques ther carries the day. The badend, investcareful consideration, in the neiment critiquethe does much ther carries day.not Thehave badas investempirical support itshave promoters ment critique doesasnot as much claim, though the changes it has empirical support as its promoters spurred in bringing more practiceclaim, though the changes it has focused instruction lawpracticeschools spurred in bringing to more has beeninstruction valuable. The seaschools change focused to law argument makes important points but has been valuable.

The sea change seems overstated.

There arepoints opportuargument makes important but nities the horizon that are willopportubenefit seemson overstated.

There the School Law andthat give nities on theofhorizon willcause benefit for the optimism.

School of Law and give cause for optimism.

What the future holds What the future holds Legal education has weathered a Legal education hasthe weathered a difficult storm over past 10 years, difficult overfrom the past 10 years, but it is storm emerging the maelbut it isstronger emerging the Several maelstrom thanfrom before. strom stronger than before.

Several trends give me reason for optimism. trends give me optimism.

If you would likereason a moreforcomplete If you would likebullish a morecase complete treatment of the for law treatment of the bullish case for law schools, I recommend an article schools,byI recommend an article written our own Professor Rene written by our titled own Professor Rene Reich-Graefe’s “Keep Calm and Reich-Graefe’s titled “Keep Calm and Carry On” in the Georgetown Journal Carry On”Ethics. in theOne Georgetown of Legal can pointJournal to sevof Legal Ethics.

One canlegal pointeducato several trends that suggest eral trends thatto suggest legalcontinue education will return vigor and tionthrive. will return to vigor and continue to to thrive.

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Demographic trends: Several broad demographic trends provide opportunities for legal education. First, there was an explosion of new law schools and new law graduates in the early 1970s. In the 1963-64 academic year, 135 ABA approved law schools awarded 9,638 law degrees; 15 years later, during the 197879 academic year, 167 ABA approved law schools awarded 33,317 law degrees, an increase of 345%. The leading edge of that huge wave of baby-boomer lawyers is now at or near traditional retirement age. By some estimates, over the next 10 years the current annual retirement rate of lawyers will double; over the next 15 years, it will triple. The exit from the profession will create new jobs.

Second, the general population of the country is continuing to grow and those new people will need legal services. According to the latest census data, the population will increase by over 100 million people (i.e., by one third) through 2060. Assuming that national demand for legal services is going to increase by about one third over current levels during that same period, the legal profession (and law schools) will benefit.

Third, the U.S. economy is standing at the doorstep of two gigantic intergenerational shifts in wealth. The so-called “great transfer” from the “greatest generation” to the “baby boomers” will see a transfer of approximately $12 trillion in assets and the even larger “greater transfer” from the baby boomers to “generation x” will be about $30 trillion in assets and will continue until about 2050. These events will certainly generate demand for estate planning services, tax advice, and elder law. They also will result in new business formation and property transfers.

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When the government is threatening to take away a person’s liberty or child, or when a family is falling apart, most people do not want to show up in court with a software package and an iPad, but rather will prefer the assistance of a skilled legal professional.”

Cultural trends: Two major cultural trends can be viewed as opportunities for the School of Law. While there have been well-documented negative changes at the nation’s elite law firms (colloquially called “BigLaw”), the School’s primary focus has always been on “retail” lawyering— general-practice legal services, such as real estate, landlord/tenant, family law, estates planning, elder law, business planning, criminal law, healthcare, closely-held businesses, trial practice, and tax. These practices involve personal contact between attorneys and their clients and the provision of specific, tailored legal advice from a trusted advisor.

Second, our culture is very legalistic; the volume of “law” in our society never shrinks, it always grows. Examples are easy to find of current legal issues that did not even exist 25 years ago: Internet Law in all its facets, GPS technology, cloud computing, digital music, digital photography, homeland security, drones, genetic technology, biotechnology, driverless cars, long-term care, and the list goes on.

1L class ever started law school in U.S. law schools—52,488 students. The entering class in the fall of 2015 was about 37,000 students, a decrease of almost 30%. Fewer graduates going after more jobs will improve the placement picture considerably.

Technological trends: The School is already actively engaged in distance learning through the online LLM program. We have learned how to provide these courses effectively and can leverage that knowledge in new areas, such as the recently-approved MS in Elder Law and Estate Planning. As we shift toward “teaching law” instead of just “teaching lawyers,” we can build on the lessons learned to extend our distance education efforts into other degrees that can be delivered online. Technology will constantly change and challenge established legal structures. We must seize this inevitable change as an opportunity instead of fearing it as a threat. The speed of technological change will require never-ending adaptation.

Conclusion Economic trends: The economic forces currently affecting the law school market will eventually even out. Recent labor market studies predict that full-time legal jobs will exceed the number of law school graduates in the coming years. These studies find that the number of law jobs will continue to grow, as they always have, and that the current market overreaction will correct itself.

The increasing number of jobs available will coincide with graduating classes of J.D.s that have been getting significantly smaller year over year for the past five years. In the fall of 2011, the largest

Legal education is changing and Western New England University School of Law has been making innovative changes to adapt to the times. The world will always need lawyers. This law school has been educating members of the profession for nearly 100 years and I am confident it will be here for the next 100 years. ◆

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ALUMNI BOARD By Kim Roeder

Law Alumni Association Board of Directors Ready to Serve The School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors has discovered a new sense of purpose under the leadership of President Marcy Spratt ’09. She has effectively led the Board in honoring our renewed

alumni board

commitment and creating a solid foundation for the future success of the School of Law Alumni Association.

“Since the spring of 2015, the Board has been hard at work in finetuning its structure and creating programming focused on building a more engaged alumni community with stronger ties to the School of Law. Though we are still in the early stages of this transition, we have made great strides in achieving our goals and I am very optimistic about the future direction of the Association.”

—Marcy Spratt ’09

One of the central goals of the Board is to engage our distinguished alumni. Whether you’re at a First Tuesday event, a President’s Alumni Reception, Homecoming, or a School of Law Alumni Association gathering, the Board invites you to attend one of these events and learn more about our endeavors.

Members also encourage you to volunteer your time and talent. Become a class agent, an event host, or even serve on a committee as a first step toward becoming a Board member.

“The Board is entering an exciting new era of engagement and participation. We seek members with energy, original ideas, and a presence about themselves. The Board is an extension of the School and, in that way, our members represent it in their places of employment and their communities. We are thrilled with the recent new Board member appointments and continue to look for the best of the best Western New England law alumni.” —Marc Strange ’04 Marc Strange, chair of the Nominations Committee, has worked diligently on recruiting new members that are immediately engaged with the Board. One such member, Stephen Button ’06, who recently joined the Board, has already devoted his efforts to adapting our governing documents to fit the Board’s future direction. Stephen’s dedication was not overlooked, and the Board was pleased to elect him to the position of President-elect at our winter meeting. He looks forward to supporting Marcy in the current efforts of the Board.

One new and notable change is the addition of a the Law Faculty Alumni Committee chaired by law faculty member Tina Cafaro ’95. The committee is designed to increase the participation of faculty members in alumni activities and provide a direct connection. John Fitzgerald II will serve as the alumni board representative to this faculty committee. John currently serves on the Communications Committee of the Alumni Association Board. This committee is chaired by Linda Fakhoury ’04.

"The recent creation of the School of Law Faculty Alumni Committee will allow collaboration with the Alumni Association in order to work together to expand the contact and exposure between the two groups. We are looking forward to enhancing this area of communication and providing an additional connection to the School of Law." —Linda Fakhoury ’04 Linda will also be active in constructing this new avenue of communication between alumni and law faculty.

The Law Alumni Association and the Board of Directors look forward to serving you and continuing to build a more engaged alumni community. Join the LinkedIn page or Facebook group for weekly updates on alumni and Board members hope to connect with you at one of our events soon. ◆

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Evolving Curriculum Brings Professional Skills into the School of Law xhibiting grace under pressure, thinking on one’s feet, and mastering the art of persuasion are skills that come with being a successful lawyer. Some may say those skills are learned on the job after much trial and error, but at Western New England University, innovative additions to the curriculum are giving our students opportunities to learn professional skills long before graduation.

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Intensive First-year Courses

Professor Julie Steiner

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Starting last year, all members of the 1L entering class begin the year with the Introduction to Law course.

This four-day intensive class familiarizes students with legal pedagogy, offers strategies for learning the law, introduces important legal concepts, and provides a transition to the 1L classroom. In Dean Gouvin’s words, “it gives students an ‘intellectual toolbox’ for success in law school.”

Professor Julie Steiner teaches the course. From her perspective, “it reflects our commitment to provide a holistic, student-centered experience to our entering first-year class. The course helps smooth what might otherwise be an abrupt and potentially anxiety-provoking transition to law school. It provides a solid conceptual foundation, and a welcoming environment to begin a successful learning process.”

Introduction to Law involves a combination of teaching techniques: lecture, Socratic method, PowerPoints, quizzes using interactive “clicker” technology, and small group exercises. Course topics include an overview about what to expect in law school, how to prepare for class and exams, an introduction to the legal system, techniques of legal analysis, and doctrines like stare decisis, states of mind, burdens of proof, and standards of review.

“Professor Steiner’s course was a great transition for new law students,” said Sophia Castillo 1L. “It encompassed the basic tools necessary for law school and placed all entering students on an even playing field. Being both a first-year student and an undergraduate senior at the same time through the 3+3

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Law Program, I found the course helpful in transitioning my thinking from undergraduate to law student. The introductory course eased the anxieties of the usual ‘Paper Chase’ expectations of the first year of law school and provided a good foundation to build on. It is a Sophia Castillo 1L great way to prepare students for law school.”

In the spring, first-year students get to see how lessons learned in their courses are used in a real-world setting through the Introduction to the Legal Profession course. In this innovative week-long simulation introduced in 2015, student “law firms” handle a simulated legal matter, with practicing lawyers, mostly alumni, providing guidance as “senior partners.”

Developed and taught by Dean Gouvin, the course includes two sessions per day over four days. The students spend the first session with Dean Gouvin talking about big ideas like ethics, negotiation, and counseling, and the second session working in law firms of six to eight students headed by two members of the bar.

The simulation involves a business relationship that has hit a bump in the road. Both sides have legitimate issues and need legal assistance. The class is split in half so each half represents one side of the deal. The

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CURRICULUM By Mary McLean Orszulak G’10

firms intake the client, develop a strategy for dealing with the matter, negotiate a resolution, and write a letter counseling the client on how to proceed. All of this is done under the supervision of seasoned practicing lawyers who are the law firms’ senior partners.

Dean Gouvin’s direction to the senior partners is to handle the simulated file as if it were a new matter that has just come in to their office. He said, “I want the senior partners to lead the students through the thought process: are we competent to take the matter? Do we want to take the matter? Who is the client? Do we have a conflict? Can we earn a fee?

How will we proceed?”

Stefan Sjoberg 1L found the course to be extremely beneficial in understanding the attorneyclient relationship. “I learned an extensive amount about law during my first semester, but representing a ‘client’ for the purposes of this course was an experience that cannot be learned from a textbook,” he said.

“The breakout sessions allowed students to interact and learn from attorneys who may have negotiated similar cases,” he said. “The majority of students want to pursue careers as attorneys. This course created an environment where students could gain valuable advice and wisdom from the attorneys.

They took time out of their busy schedules to help teach and mentor the law students. The students really appreciated that.”

In addition to the new first year courses, the School of Law has been developing new electives to bridge the gap between law school and practice, including two law practice management courses. It has also created incentives for faculty to include writing and skills instruction in courses across the curriculum. In addition, the School has enhanced the externship program and have added new clinics.

In the Criminal Defense Practicum students work as student defense attorneys at the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) representing indigent clients within the Hampden County District Courts. Students in the Practicum have an opportunity to practice in any District Court case, which includes a mix of both misdemeanors and felonies.

The Discrimination Clinic is run by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Students have the opportunity to work on cases alleging discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Students experience the basics of conducting litigation in an administrative forum and are afforded the opportunity to improve their writing, reasoning, analysis, and argumentation skills.

Students in the Elder Law Clinic represent elders in a range of matters. Representation includes planning for incapacity with powers of attorney and heathcare proxies, planning for the disposition of property at death via joint ownership, beneficiary designation, and simple wills, and planning for eligibility for public benefits for long-term care.

Students in the Mediation Clinic mediate family law cases at the Hampden Probate and Family Court. The clinic includes observing and learning the court process, including involvement in the screening process in conjunction with the mediation and training.

Legal education has evolved to take professional education much more seriously. Teaching legal theory is crucial—without it law students would have no conceptual map of the legal world—but theory alone is not enough. The Western New England University curricular changes reflect the School of Law’s commitment to finding the right mix of theory and practice to make our program a model for professional education.◆

New Clinical Offerings Beth Cohen, associate dean of academic affairs, noted that “we are committed to providing opportunities for practical lawyering and career development from day one. Through our externship and clinic offerings students develop clear career goals, become better prepared for legal practice, and gain insight into the profession. The School provides a diverse array of opportunities to build lawyering skills in a variety of practice areas.”

There is no better way to develop lawyering skills in an academic setting than through clinics. The School has offered a number of clinics for several years, including the Small Business Clinic, the Criminal Prosecution Clinic, the International Human Rights Clinic, the Legal Services Clinic, and the Real Estate Practicum. This spring it expanded those offerings with four new clinics.

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Stefan Sjoberg 1L with Dean Eric Gouvin

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alumni

Barb Munro ’09 leads western Massachusetts appellate professionals to find common ground over dinner, dialogue, and SCOTUS road trips.

“Appealing Women”

ppellate work can be grueling and isolating with victories hard won and losses heartfelt. Seven years ago, Attorney Barb Munro ’09 sat down to lunch with three female colleagues. Finding common bonds and support, they walked away with a compelling idea: form a social network for appellate attorneys. Calling themselves the Appealing Women (A.W. for short), the group created an informal platform to meet over monthly dinners to share challenges and celebrate accomplishments.

A

AT BARB’S SIDE FROM THE START was her best friend from law school, Attorney Molly Ryan Strehorn ’09. “Not only did Barb create this group, but she has one of the most unprecedented success rates as an appellate attorney,” says Molly. “I have witnessed her devote 100% of herself to her practice, so even if the law and facts are not on her side, she will make a hell of an argument.”

Molly credits Barb’s facility for uniting people as the impetus for the group. “She has an ability to rally people, organize and unify, in a way I have never seen before,” Molly explains. “She pulled together local attorneys— some, like Attorney Bonnie Allen, with much more experience than we had—and said, ‘Meet us on this night, at this restaurant.’ And people came because Barb told them to.

Then they returned because of the connections.”

Today the group has grown to 13 members, including Professors of Law Jeanne Kaiser ’93 and Myra Orlen, Barb’s former moot court team coaches. Other members include Attorneys Bonnie Allen ’93, Madeline Weaver Blanchette ’08, Sarah Dolven ’98, Laura Edmonds ’97, Kathryn Foster ’09, Elaine Fronhofer, Xiomara Hernandez, Jessica LaClair, and Ines McGillion.

In addition to teaching and research, Myra, who recommended Barb for the appellate panel after she graduated, continues to take on appellate cases. “The networking that the group does provides the opportunity to

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learn from others and to provide support to them,” she says. “Participants in the group can share past experiences and learn from those of others.”

Currently content to keep the group intimate, Barb says it benefits from its 13 unique personalities. “Yet, one of the main things that we like about the group is that it is small and we are all like-minded,” she says.

As the group has evolved, Barb says it has become like a virtual law firm through which members could brainstorm. “All of us were solo practitioners and a majority of us worked out of our homes, so we quickly came to realize how each of us felt the same in that the nature of our work was very isolating,” she recalls. “While some members actually work together such as Sarah and Elaine and Maddy and Katie, essentially, we all became office mates when we went to dinner, so we could bounce ideas off of each other.”

The members created a Yahoo group listserv that sees daily use. “We always get at least one response immediately, if not more,” says Barb.

Beyond dinners, the group has organized road trips surrounding their favorite topic: Appeals Court. Members have traveled twice to Washington, DC, to hear oral arguments at the Supreme Court. Last year, Barb and four members rented a house and wrote to the Supreme Court Marshall to get reserved seating. “Scored!” exclaims Barb.

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ALUMNI GROUPS By Mary McLean Orszulak G’10

The Appealing Women Group gathers for a monthly dinner: (Back row, L to R) Laura Edmonds ’97, Molly Ryan Strehorn ’09, Myra Orlen, Katie Foster ’09, and Jeanne Kaiser ’93.

(Front row, L to R ) Sarah Dolven ’98, Barb Munro ’09, Bonnie Allen ’93, and Maddy Weaver Blanchette ’08.

“Three of the women got up at the crack of dawn the first day and managed to get in to see the arguments after standing in line for hours. The next day, the five of us went and had reserved seating in the attorney section. We were on Cloud Nine—it doesn’t get old!”

This past fall offered another opportunity for the Appealing Women to see one of their High Court “rock stars.” “Xiomara discovered that Justice Sotomayor, our inspiration, was coming to Springfield to talk,” says Barb. “Several of us got tickets to the dinner and the talk and we ended up in the front row, dead center. She is truly an amazing person.”

Looking at the amazing women among her own group, Molly sees it as a “virtual water cooler.” “We are a small com-

“

munity that supports each other unconditionally,” says Molly.

“Recently, A.W. member Laura Edmonds had a big win when a client of hers, Ronjon Cameron, who was wrongfully convicted and spent 12 years in jail, was exonerated through DNA evidence. She worked for six years to make that happen. We celebrated her accomplishments at our monthly dinner and that made me really happy in a very personal way.”

Barb concurs: “I know that I am a better attorney for knowing these women. When I see the compassion and dedication they have for their clients, it inspires me to be a better attorney.” ◆

There are so many times when you just keep losing and the system is unfair and you wonder what the point of it all is—and then you talk to someone in the group. They pick you up, support you, and remind you that the work we do is important. We might not be able to change the system, but if we can change one client’s life, then that’s good enough and that’s a victory in itself. I cannot imagine doing this job without these women.”

—Attorney Barb Munro ’09

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alumni

opportunity

School of Law Alumni Give Students knocks: and Grads a Foot in the Door

With practical lawyering skills incorporated into their classroom and clinical experiences, Western New England University School of Law students stand ready to answer when opportunities come knocking. Fortunately for them, alumni looking for hardworking, tenacious summer and permanent hires are eager to help them gain a foothold into several of the region’s largest firms, including Bacon Wilson P.C., Halloran & Sage LLP, and Cantor Colburn LLP.

“

In addition to intellectual talent, Western New England students tend to also have strong soft skills, such as common sense, practical thinking, and relating well with others. In my practice, which is predominantly transactional, many of my corporate and banking clients want to be able to relate to their attorney in a very practical and nonacademic way.

”

Standing (L to R) Jonathan A. Breton ’13, Benjamin M. Coyle ’03, Mark J. Beglane ’78, Kenneth J. Albano ’85, Donna L. Wexler ’87. Seated (L to R) Kathryn S. Crouss ’12, Jeffrey I. Fialky ’94, and Daniel M. McKellick ’14.

—Attorney Jeff Fialky ’94 Bacon Wilson, P.C.

Bacon Wilson, P.C. The law firm of Bacon Wilson, P.C., has strong ties to Western New England and is among our top regional employers. The firm regularly recruits at the University for both law clerks and associates.

Jeff Fialky ’94 works at the firm as a transactional, corporate, banking, and commercial real estate attorney. He credits the School of Law for helping him attain a substantial career by providing an education that instilled practical lawyering skills.

“In addition to intellectual talent, Western New England students tend to also have strong soft skills, such as common sense, practical thinking, and relating well with others,” Fialky explains. “In my practice, which is predominantly transactional, many of my corporate and banking clients want to be able to relate to their attorney in a very practical and non-academic way.”

Bacon Wilson P.C. views its law clerk program as a mutually advantageous opportunity. The firm greatly benefits by having bright, energetic law clerks willing to work hard on challenging assignments.

In return, law clerks are treated as lawyers-in-the-making and gain the valuable experience that comes with that process.

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By Alex Lyman BA’12

Standing (L to R): William S. Wilson II ’96, Casey D. O’Connell ’12, Kevin M. Roche ’87, and Peter R. Meggers ’11.

Seated (L to R): Vincent A. Liberti Jr. ’92, and Brad N. Malicki ’00.

“

Halloran & Sage LLP

We get them involved in the practice of law as quickly as possible. If I have a first-year associate, I’ll take him or her to court with me immediately.

We give the students their own office, phone, and computer.

They are assigned projects from the different partners’ areas of the law to get as much experience as they can.

Summer associates are encouraged to get involved in anything that interests them and to interact with everyone in the firm from the youngest associates to the most experienced partners.

”

Halloran & Sage LLP is a diverse firm specializing in litigation and transactional law.

Kevin Roche ’87, who works mainly as an insurance litigator, an area of law requiring strict attention to detail, feels that the School of Law prepared him to be a good trial lawyer. Now, he teaches and mentors University students who have earned summer associate positions at the firm. Halloran & Sage LLP aims to offer students a well-rounded experience that gives them a taste for different areas of the law.

“We get them involved in the practice of law as quickly as possible,” says Roche. “If I have a first-year associate, I’ll take him or her to court with me immediately. We give the students their own office, phone, and computer. They are assigned projects from the different partners and areas of the law to get as much experience as they can. Summer associates are encouraged to get involved in anything that interests them and to interact with everyone in the firm from the youngest associates to the most experienced partners.”

Roche says that Western New England students tend to be more engaging, hardworking, and contribute to a diverse culture, all of which are vital assets to a career in law.

For students who do well in the associate program, there may well be a job offer waiting for them from Halloran & Sage LLP at the end of the summer. Many School of Law students have used this opportunity to launch their careers after passing the bar.

—Attorney Kevin M. Roche ’87 Halloran & Sage LLP

(Continued next page)

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Standing (L to R): George A. Pelletier Jr. ’97, Christopher J. Whalley ’07, James J. Merrick Jr. ’97, Amy J. Bizon-Copp ’97, James Wimpe ’09, Steven M. Coyle ’93, Charles F. O’Brien ’97, and Tasia E. Hansen ’13. Sitting (L to R): J. Michael Buchanan ’05, Ph.D., Andrew C. Ryan ’97, Philmore H. Colburn II ’91, William J. Cass ’88. Not pictured: Pamela J. Curbelo ’91, Marisa Dubuc ’00, and Richard H. Kosakowski ’90.

Cantor Colburn LLP Cantor Colburn LLP focuses on intellectual property law and the protection of patents. While it has hired Western New England graduates, it is unique in that many of its current employees are actually attending the School of Law while simultaneously working full-time. This is the case because patent law attorneys need both a law and engineering education in order to fully comprehend the work they are being asked to do.

Bill Cass ’88 got his degree in engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a course load that did not cover the writing aspect that is so vital in law school. Cass says that his professors at the School of Law not only made the transition to

law school a smooth one, but also were constantly available for help with subject matter and taught him how to approach writing assignments. As highly as he thinks of his own educational experience, Cass is equally impressed with School of Law students.

“I think the advantage of hiring a Western New England graduate is that they are dedicated and hardworking, and their legal education is grounded in practicality,” notes Cass. “That’s great because the real practice of law is more on the practical side, and not so theoretical. No one can walk out of law school and know what to expect, but the University’s students seem to adapt well.”

Cass says the most important aspect or hiring interns or patent agents is to have them jump right in and give them exposure so that they can see the entire scope of the industry. ◆

“

I think the advantage of a Western New England graduate is that they are dedicated and hardworking, and their legal education is grounded in practicality. That’s great because the real practice of law is more on the practical side, and not so theoretical. No one can walk out of law school and know what to expect, but the University’s students seem to adapt well.

”

—Attorney William J. Cass, Cantor Colburn LLP

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DEVELOPMENT REPORT By Deidre Swords

development

The Fund for Western New England University: The Foundation of the School of Law’s Fundraising Efforts

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Each year, grateful alumni make gifts to The Fund for Western New England University in support of the School of Law. These gifts, whether for the School of Law’s greatest need—or for student aid or the Law Library—ensure that the School can keep providing an innovative, professional legal education.

Greatest Need Unrestricted gifts to the School of Law’s greatest need designation are crucial. Gifts to this designation allow the School of Law to respond to urgent priorities and new opportunities. By increasing unrestricted funding, the School of Law will enhance its ability to admit the right students, offer advanced programming, and provide the resources necessary to deliver an educational experience that will transform students into competent, values-driven legal professionals.

Anthony Drago '88 and his family: wife Deirdre, and his children Tyler and Darcy

‰ In 1989, one year after graduation, Anthony Drago ’88 made his first gift to The Fund for Western New England University in support of the School of Law. “When I graduated and started practicing law, I quickly realized that I learned a lot at Western New England,” says Anthony.

“The professors had prepared me to think like an attorney and gave me the tools to be effective at my work,” he says.

“Thanks to the proper education I received at Western New England University, I am able to solve problems quickly and efficiently.”

Since then, Anthony has been a loyal donor to The Fund for Western New England University. “I support the School of Law financially on a consistent basis because the education I received made me who I am today,” he says. “I try to remember that without my education, I would not be where I am now. I like to give back to my alma maters so I can help others reach their goals in life.” Today, Anthony lives in Wakefield, MA, with his wife, Deirdre, daughter, Darcy, and son, Tyler, and works as an immigration lawyer. His firm, Anthony Drago, Jr. P.C. is a Boston-based multiservice law firm providing legal services in all areas of U.S. Immigration Law. The Fund for Western New England University is the foundation of the School of Law’s fundraising efforts.

By making a gift to The Fund, alumni like Anthonly become partners in educating the next generation of Western New England University lawyers.

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Student Aid The financial burden of attending law school can be significant, which is why providing student aid for law students is a top priority. Gifts to Student Aid allow the School of Law to offer a program that is both affordable and provides an attractive return on investment.

Library For students, the School of Law’s library is an active partner in student legal education. Support of the School of Law’s library fund enables the library to acquire digital resources and books, maintain the existing collection, and continue research efforts.

The Fund for Western New England University allows alumni to partner with the School of Law to have an immeasurable influence in the lives of our students.

For Anthony, supporting the School of Law has been an important priority. “I think giving is a very individual thing. If people appreciate the education they receive and want to help others get the same quality education, they will know that it is important to give back,” he says. ◆

To make a gift today, contact Deidre Swords, associate director of annual giving, at 413 782-1335 or deidre.swords@wne.edu.

You can also give online at www.wne.edu/thefund.

Western New England University Advancement Division 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684

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FALL SPEAKERS SHOWCASE By Alex Lyman BA’12 The Clason Speaker Series and the Center for Gender & Sexuality Studies This past fall the Clason Speaker Series and the Center for Gender & Sexuality Studies collaborated to bring a variety to speakers to campus who addressed current issues pertaining to race, gender, and sexuality.

September 22, 2015

October 13, 2015

October 26, 2015

Katharine B. Silbaugh

C. Thomas Brown

Dr. Christina M. Greer

Professor of Law, Boston University

Senior Associate, Ropes & Gray

Professor of Political Science, Fordham University

“Reactive to Proactive: Title IX’s Unrealized Capacity to Prevent Campus Sexual Assault”

“Litigating Marriage Equality: A Law Firm Attorney’s Role in Obergefell v. Hodges”

“Universities seem to be putting many more resources into addressing sexual assaults that have already occurred than they are to prevent sexual assaults from occurring. What I’m arguing is that Title IX was a statute intended to create equal conditions in educational institutions for men and women, and that a statute that’s designed to ensure sex equality on college campuses would certainly concern itself as much with providing colleges and universities with incentives to prevent sexual assaults as it does with addressing sexual assaults that already occurred. Further, I am positing that the post-assault focus doesn’t reflect any intentional theory about how to remedy sexual inequality. Its just a unintended consequence of borrowing Title VII precedence with Title IX context.”

“There are a lot of different streams of thinking about marriage equality that came together at once. There’s the line of cases that have focused on the question of the dignity of gay and lesbian persons and their relationships, or of their rights as members of society. There’s a range of questions that have risen around marriage. What are the rights and limitations of entry into marriage? One of the really compelling things to me was how surprisingly well we became set up by confluence of these cases. Cases which, in total, really said that marriage is a critical and fundamental autonomous choice that people make about the ordering of their life and government interference with that is not acceptable, absent of really compelling justifications.”

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“Race, Gender, and American Democracy” “What we are experiencing in trying to translate why we need to be vigilant in voting isn’t new, it’s just newly documented. The behaviors aren’t new. But the fact that everyone has a video camera is. But moving forward it has to be a multipronged approach. I obviously subscribe to electoral politics. But I do think that protest politics lead to policy changes because we can vote people in and out of office. Protest politics make certain things show up on an agenda that otherwise wouldn’t. The fact that there was one question in a Democratic debate about the Black Lives Matter movement lets us know that protest politics has entered into political realm and may one day enter into policy in certain ways.”

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SPEAKERS SHOWCASE

Did you know that many of the School of Law’s Speaker Series presentations are recorded and posted on the Digital Commons webpage?

To view full lectures, visit http://digitalcommons.law.wne.edu/ and select Lectures and Presentations.

Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to hear perspectives from rising scholars and legal professionals about the most current issues facing the law community.

Color of Law Roundtable The Color of Law Roundtable brings local professionals to speak candidly about their legal education and career, as well as inspire and encourage current students.

October 1, 2015

Rishi K. Desai ’09 Director of the Business Law Department Shah & Associates, P.C.

“You need to get into the habit of pitching yourself and be able to explain who you are in two sentences. You also need to learn how to carry yourself. I graduated from law school in 2009, when the job market was very challenging. One of the most helpful pieces of advice I can give is to plug into your natural network. Connect with anyone who you may know whenever you are home through family or organizations. My dad knew someone at Temple who said, ‘I know someone who you should meet,’ and that led to my first job. You should also have a super clean version of your résumé at all times so someone can easily forward it.”

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International Ambition: Alex Mazzella 2L Sees the World Through Western New England University

By Alex Lyman BA’12

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Alex Mazzella 2L

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When Alex Mazzella 2L considers his future in business and law, he doesn’t see himself changing a city, state, or nation. He seeks to have an impact on a global scale, an aspiration that is increasingly critical as our cultures and relations become more intertwined.

Originally, as an undergraduate student at the University majoring in General Business with a concentration in International Business, Alex planned to pursue an MBA to further his business career. But as he became interested in the study of law and the idea of a more wellrounded education, he took advantage of the combined JD/MBA degree program. Alex views the program as a way to not only challenge himself, but to prepare him to enter a career in law and business at full acceleration.

As he hopes to build a career in international business and the field of law, particularly in the soccer industry, Alex has already secured a solid foundation in international practices. In addition to taking part in the School of Law’s winter session trip to Israel, Alex also landed a prestigious internship with the U.S. Consulate in Milan for the semester. He was inspired by the daughter of a family friend who had recently completed a similar internship. After researching and submitting his applications, Alex was offered positions in Milan, Florence, Rome, and the Vatican City. However, it was the Milan posting that most interested him.

Coming from a large Italian family, Alex sees the benefit of international experience and knowledge.

“My mom is from Italy, and I’ve visited family there, which has really broadened my perspective to what it is like to be part of multiple cultures,” he explained. “We live in a global environment today, and I believe that having some sort of understanding and respect to another’s culture

and ways can only benefit someone, especially someone like me, who seeks to work on an international scale.”

While expanding his breadth and depth of experience abroad, Alex has also worked to expand his involvement in the University community. His love of sports led him to become athletics director of the Student Bar Association and to be charged with organizing the 41st Annual Western New England University School of Law Basketball Invitational, a solid experience in planning and running a largescale event. Alex is also on the executive board of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, where he spent significant energy on executing a fundraising banquet to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

He has also found a unique way to give back to the School of Law by taking on its social media accounts. He has worked on developing methods to improve outreach to potential and current students, as well as alumni.

While working in this position, he had the opportunity to collaborate with Dean Eric Gouvin to resurrect the respected Lex Brevis newspaper.

He considers working on Lex Brevis to be one of the most difficult challenges he has encountered. Despite having no experience in running a newspaper, Alex’s ability to learn quickly on the job helped him successfully rebuild the publication from scratch with the support of a dedicated staff and Editor-in-Chief Amara Ridley.

Alex says his varied experiences at the School have not only enriched his education and worldview, but also build upon his strengths and identify weaknesses in a productive way. But as is often the case at Western New England, it’s the people that make attending law school a more exceptional endeavor.

“The thing that makes this law school special is the new connections and relationships that I have made,” said Alex. “I have met so many new friends and can say for sure that I will have lasting relationships with each of them. There are so many ambitious individuals here, and the people around me help motivate me to become better and reach new levels that I never knew that I was capable of reaching.” ◆

Outside and inside the Supreme Court in Jerusalem and standing at the entrance to the Milan Cathedral.

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INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS By Professor Arthur D. Wolf, Director SUMMARY OF EVENTS FOR FALL 2015

The Legislative Institute hosted three major events during the fall 2015 semester. We first celebrated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which Congress established as a national holiday several years ago. This year, we focused on the citizenship aspect of the holiday by hosting a naturalization ceremony in which foreign nationals became citizens of the United States. The new citizens included immigrants from Armenia, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, India, Iraq, Jamaica, Latvia, Nepal, The Netherlands, South Korea, and Ukraine. ‰ Dean Eric Gouvin opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks.

‰ The Institute also hosted a hearing of the Joint Committee

He observed that the “great strength of our country is its ability to attract new citizens from all around the world, who come for their own personal reasons, but who contribute their talents, culture, and values to enrich our country as a whole.”

Federal Magistrate Judge Katherine (Katy) Robertson ’90 presided at the formal proceeding in our Pellegrini Moot Court Room. We also invited several other graduates to participate in the program. Attorney Kathryn (Katie) Foster ’09 sang America the Beautiful and The Star Spangled Banner, a role she reprised from her graduation in 2009.

Attorney Phyllis Ryan ’81, the principal speaker, offered congratulatory remarks, words of encouragement, and a challenge to be a fine citizen. Having been born in Italy, she told the poignant story of her father bringing the family to America to begin new lives. Emphasizing the joy and opportunities that flowed from coming here, Attorney Ryan stressed to the new citizens the importance of taking advantage of those opportunities and of being a devoted citizen to their families, to their communities, and to their country.

on the Judiciary of the Massachusetts Legislature, which

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conducts most of its hearings through committees composed of members of both houses. Senator William N. Brownsberger, senate chair, and Representative John V. Fernandes, the house chair, presided at the hearing.

The Joint Committee heard testimony on a variety of bills relating to criminal justice, human rights, and other topics, including a bill sponsored by Representative John Velis (Democrat, Westfield) that seeks to prevent persons from misrepresenting their receiving military honors and exploiting that misrepresentation.

After the United States Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the Federal Stolen Valor Act, Rep. Velis introduced his bill so that state law could fill the gap left by the Court’s decision in a constitutionally permissible manner.

For two hours, the Joint Committee heard testimony on three bills relating to human rights: S. 877, which addresses civil remedies for certain human rights violations, and two companion bills, S. 1116 and H. R. 1530, providing civil and criminal remedies for female genital mutilation (FGM). Passage of these bills is essential for the advancement of human rights in the Commonwealth.

Four years ago, the United States Supreme Court decided Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co., 133 S.Ct. 1659 (2012), which left critical gaps in the enforcement of human rights in the United States. The Massachusetts Legislature has been a leader in advancing human rights, the subject of these bills.

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Photos (L to R) The Institute hosted a naturalization ceremony in which foreign nationals became citizens of the United States; State Representative Angelo Puppolo Jr. ’01 speaks at the hearing of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary of the Massachusetts Legislature; and Jennifer Weekley and Jessica Scouten, students in Professor Lauren Carasik’s Human Rights Clinic.

‰ Last Spring Professor Wolf offered a course in International

Human Rights in which he asked his students to address a simulated civil action involving FGM, the focus of S. 1116 and H. R. 1530.

In addition, our Human Rights Clinic under the supervision of Professor Lauren Carasik has worked on legislation to expand the reach of certain human rights norms in part by extending the statute of limitations for several such claims, including torture, crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes. That bill, S. 877, was on the Committee docket.

Jennifer Weekley and Jessica Scouten, who were students in Professor Carasik’s Human Rights Clinic, testified at the hearing in support of S. 877. Their testimony was highly persuasive, scholarly, and compelling, filled with factual and legal support for expanding the reach of human rights through the passage of S. 877. Professor Wolf also testified on the three human rights bills.

‰ Finally , the Institute hosted the 20th Anniversary of our annual Supreme Court Review Conference. Professor Emeritus Leora Harpaz (pictured right), who founded the review conference, participated in this year’s review as she has for 20 years. On Page 9 of its Winter 2015 edition, this magazine published a summary of the conference. ◆

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P E R S P E C T I V E S

Faculty in Focus

FACULTY IN FOCUS By Mary McLean Orszulak G’10

CLASS ACT: Pat Newcombe is Helping to Redefine the Expanding Role of Law Librarians

T

oday more than ever, a critical part of legal education occurs under the guidance of law librarians.

Associate Dean Pat Newcombe ’01 has taken that role even further, stepping out of the stacks and into the classroom as an associate professor of law at Western New England University.

“Law librarians have a long tradition of providing instruction in law schools,” explains Pat. “This tradition encompasses bibliographic instruction, information literacy instruction, and informal instruction that occurs regularly at the reference desk. Many library directors and law librarians teach law school courses primarily in legal research skills. These courses consist both of stand-alone research courses and those that integrate research with writing instruction.”

Such courses, she says, are offered in recognition of the need for more intensive legal research instruction throughout law school and the growing emphasis on skills training driven by the curricular reform movement. According to Pat, in 83 of the 205 ABA-approved law schools, legal research and writing (LRW) classes are taught in combination by LRW faculty and librarians.

The increasing number of law librarians who hold J.D. degrees has helped open the door to such opportunities. Pat earned her law degree from Western New England in 2001. She also holds an M.S.L.I.S. from the Pratt Institute, an M.A. from George Washington University, and a B.A. from University of Massachusetts.

She began her career focusing on her interests in the law and library science in Washington, DC, where many private firms employed librarians and corporate and government librarian positions were plentiful. When she moved to western Massachusetts in 1995, Pat found a different landscape and focused her career in academia, joining the staff at the School of Law Library.

Her first foray into teaching was at Bay Path University, where she taught for seven years in the paralegal program. “I enjoyed working with the nontraditional students in the Saturday program and also taught some traditional classes,” recalls Pat. “That experience led me to teaching online at the University of Rhode Island in the School of Library and Information Science from 2007-2012.”

When Pat became the associate dean at the School of Law in 2011, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Beth Cohen invited her to teach. Since then, she has taught Advanced Research, Advanced Lawyering Skills, and Lawyering Skills, a course taught

by Beth that had been Pat’s favorite as a JD student.

Last year, she and Beth joined forces to bring legal education to the masses. They developed a program called Mini-Law School, focusing on areas of interest to the public. Now offering its third installment this April/May, the program has been a resounding success (Read more on page 34).

Pat is also active in scholarship in a wide variety of topics.

Since 2002, she has been writing and revising the chapter on “Legal Citation Form” in the treatise Fundamentals of Legal Research. One of the most rewarding ways Pat has found to apply her legal education is by volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate of Hampden County (CASA). “As a CASA volunteer I am appointed by a judge to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes,” says Pat. As with all her experiences, Pat views her volunteerism as yet another learning and teaching opportunity. “Being a CASA gives me invaluable insight into the inner workings of the legal system—a different and unique vantage point that also helps inform my teaching,” she says. ◆

Pictured (L to R): Liza Rosenof, Irene Burkhard, Kathy Layer, Donna Laviolette, Pat Newcombe, Nicole Belbin, Karen Andros, and Renee Rastorfe. Not pictured: Artie Berns.

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faculty notes Our faculty members inspire students through their important contributions to the body of legal scholarship.

They are active in academic, legal, and other professional organizations and serve the greater good through pro bono work.

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Peter Adomeit, professor of law, was appointed by Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy as chair of the Connecticut State Employees Retirement Commission.

Erin Buzuvis, professor of law and director of the Center for Gender & Sexuality Studies, participated in a debate in September on “Title IX and the Constitution: Current Controversies” with Christina Hoff Sommers at Christopher Newport University in Virginia. She presented “Managing the Risk of Liability to Students Disciplined for Sexual Assault” in October at the Association of Title IX Administrators annual conference in Philadelphia. Professor Buzuvis also presented “As Who They Really Are: Expanding Opportunities for Transgender Athletes to Compete in Youth

and Scholastic Sports” at the Journal of Law and Inequality’s symposium on LGBT inclusion in sports at the University of Minnesota School of Law last November. Also in November, Professor Buzuvis participated in a debate, with Heather McDonald from the Manhattan Institute, at Harvard Law School on Title IX’s applications to campus sexual assault. In January, she copresented “Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics” at the NCAA Convention in San Antonio.

Eric Gouvin, dean and professor of law, was a featured panelist at the Association of American Law Schools’ (AALS) annual meeting in New York City on January 7, 2016. The Panel title was “Innovations in Transactional Law and Skills Pedagogy.” At the same conference, he was appointed to the Executive Committee of the AALS Section on Agency, Partnership, LLCs & Unincorporated Associations. Dean Gouvin, together with the Honorable Kenneth Neiman, presented the first class of the Western New England University Mini-Law School in the spring with a session on “Legal Analysis and Legal Reasoning.”

Barbara Noah, professor of law, gave a presentation at Quinnipiac University School of Law during the Symposium on End-of-Life Law, last November. She also gave a presentation at the Risk Update for Physicians at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield in November.

Myra Orlen, associate professor of legal research and writing and director of academic success programs, copresented in September to the New England Consortium of Legal Writing Professors Conference on “Emphasizing Legal Writing Skills in an Academic Success Setting to Maximize Student Potential.”

P E R S P E C T I V E S

FACULTY & STAFF NOTES By Kim Roeder

René Reich-Graefe, professor of law, presented his current research on vulnerability theory and corporate governance titled “Vulnerability, Ultra-Precariat and Calculative Trust” during the 8th ClassCrits Conference held at the University of Tennessee College of Law in October. At a faculty workshop organized by Suffolk University Law School in January, Professor ReichGraefe presented another work in progress titled “Dependent On the kindness of Strangers: Corporate Boards and Calculative Trust.”

on Comparative Law and Section on Defamation and Privacy Law during the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Law Schools in January 2016. She also presented “National Security and Civil Liberties: Surveillance and Democracy,” at the Mini-Law School at Western New England University in November.

And Professor Setty was a discussant for “Remedial Grace Periods as Judicial Strategy” at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Comparative Law in October.

She was elected chair of the Section on National Security Law of the Association of American Law Schools from January 2016 to January 2017.

{

Faculty and Staff in the News Western New England University faculty members are sought out by the media to provide context to world and national news and events or about their scholarship and legal work. Their contributions help to inform and educate beyond their classroom teaching and professional affiliations.

Erin Buzuvis 09/02/15

After Caitlyn Jenner, New Civil Rights Battleground

The 74 Media, Inc.

10/05/15

High Schools Mishandling Sexual Assault

Huffington Post

10/15/15

Campus Rape and Legal Victories

WESM

10/30/15

Center for Gender & Sexuality Studies

LGBT Weekly

11/05/15

Sexual Assault

myinforms.com

11/06/15

Amicus Briefs Support Transgender Student

Seattle Gay News

11/06/15

Clery Act Unfair to Accused Students

The Morning Call

11/07/15

Clery Act Unfair to Accused Students

The Morning Call

12/02/15

Trigger Warning Skepticism

InsideHigherEd.com

12/17/15

Tough Love or Abuse

InsideHigherEd.com

12/27/15

Due Process in UMass Sexual Misconduct Case

Daily Hampshire Gazette

Lauren Carasik 11/10/15

Haiti’s Election: Hardly a Victory for Democracy

The Hill

Harris Freeman

Sudha Setty, professor of law and associate dean for Faculty Development & Intellectual Life, was awarded the 2015 Trailblazer Award by the South Asian Bar Association of Connecticut last September. She was a moderator and discussant for “Comparative Perspectives on Privacy Law,” at the Joint Program of the Section

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Julie E. Steiner professor of law, was an invited panelist at the Massachusetts Tree Wardens’ and Foresters’ Association 103rd Annual Conference held in Sturbridge, MA, in January. Professor Steiner joined a panel of three seasoned Massachusetts Tree Wardens to discuss the statutory authority for tree wardens in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to answer questions about their authority and potential municipal liability. Their panel was titled: “The Public Shade Tree Law, M.G.L. Chapter 87.”

09/01/15

NLRB Ruling on Third-Party Employers

ProgramBusiness.com

12/08/15

Menards’ Managers to Lose if Unions Form

The Chronicle of Higher Education

12/09/15

Menards’ Threatens Managers if Union Forms

La Crosse Tribune

Eric Gouvin 11/11/15

Cash vs. Credit Pricing

Westernmassnews.com

12/15/15

Attorneys Grapple with Stress

BusinessWest

Robert Statchen 01/13/16

Health New England says Trinity Health Too Similar MassLive

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CampusUPDATE

By Judy Curran

The SMART House

College of Engineering Students Finish Strong in Solar Decathlon Competitions

W

estern New England University students and faculty participated in two separate U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlons, including the U.S Department of Energy Solar Decathlon in October 2015 and the inaugural Solar Decathlon Latin America and Caribbean competition held in December. The University partnered with international schools as part of its strategic focus on internationalization.

Western New England University, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, and Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana teamed up their first U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon to create the EASI House, a modular house designed for the climate of New England. The 680 square-foot, two-bedroom, single-bathroom house is designed to be affordable for an average two-person family. The final judging was held in Irvine, CA, where the EASI house took First Place in Affordability and Second Place in Energy Balance.

Solar Decathlon House

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In December, Team PANAMASS, a team of students and faculty from Western New England University and Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, entered the SMART house, an 800 square-foot, fully solar-powered home which embodies five characteristics in its design: Sustainable, Modular, Recyclable, Aesthetic, and Tropical. The SMART house took First Place in Energy Efficiency and Third Place in Energy Balance in the decathlon which was held in Cali, Colombia.

“These are very significant awards” said Dr. Kenneth Lee, chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who championed the project. “We were able to construct a full-size house out of recycled shipping containers and demonstrate that it can be both energy-efficient and self-sufficient.”

The competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Colombian government, challenges university student teams around the world to design and build sustainable houses based on innovation and clean energy technologies.

P E R S P E C T I V E S

University Law Students Excel in American Bar Association Competition The art of negotiation was on full display when Western New England University hosted the American Bar Association (ABA) Region 1 Negotiation Competition held November 14-15, 2015. This annual competition gives law students an opportunity to sharpen their lawyering skills to negotiate a series of complex legal problems.

Over the two-day intense competition, 20 regional teams of two students each went head to head to present arguments to 11 panels of judges.

Western New England University entered the competition with three teams and by the end of the weekend the Western New England team of Emily Dubuc 3L and Christopher Rousseau 3L came in third place and was invited by the American Bar Association to compete in the National Negotiation Competition in San Diego, in February 2016, where they finished eighth in the country.

campus TRANSF

DIS ER TI

AW

TION NC

Third-place winners Dubuc and Rousseau went on to compete in the National Negotiation Competition in San Diego

ARD

Great News for Transfer Students with an Associate’s Degree— New Transfer Distinctions Scholarships Announced Western New England University is pleased to announce a new Transfer Distinction Award. The $13,000 Transfer Distinction Award scholarship is automatically awarded to any student with an associate’s degree from an accredited institution.

In addition, Students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa at their community college and have a 3.00 or higher composite GPA can receive an additional $2,000 per year, guaranteeing awards totaling $15,000.

To learn more, visit www.wne.edu/transferstudents

Ellis Among “26 Most Powerful Women Engineers” Dr. Heidi Ellis, professor of Computer Science and Information Technology, was recently included on Business Insider’s 2016 list of the 26 most powerful women engineers leading important technologies at their companies or pioneering new initiatives. The list included women engineers from a variety of companies, including Intel, Google, Amazon, Apple, and Oracle. Dr. Ellis has taught at Western New England University since 2009. She has been a contributor to many important open-source software projects for more than a decade. Ellis is a founding member of a project called Foss2Serve, which helps encourage more students to participate in HFOSS by educating faculty. She’s also working with Red Hat to expand its Professors’ Open Source Software Experience. Dr. Ellis is a founding member of the Humanitarian Free and Open Source Software (HFOSS), through which students write free, open-source software for projects that improve the human condition, such as apps that help during natural disasters and track disease outbreaks.

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Western New England University

hosts 41st

Annual

Basketball Invitational

By Alex Lyman BA’12

The 41st Annual Basketball Invitational saw a mix of old and new faces at the increasingly popular weekend tournament held February 19-21. The event, hosted by the Western New England Student Bar Association, has become a tradition as the nation’s largest and longest running law school-only basketball tournament. Once again, participants continued to be challenged by the competitiveness of the tournament and the high quality of the players.

Jeremy Saint Laurent 2L

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For the second year in a row, a rookie team made a big impression in the men’s division. Duke Law beat Pace Law Alumni to win the championship in their first-ever appearance in the tournament. Duke Law was the second straight first-time team to win the tournament following Rutgers Law, who won in its first appearance last year. On the women’s side, Syracuse Law upset the defending champions from Suffolk Law. The teams from the Western New England University School of Law brought their competitive game up a level this year. In the men’s division, there were two law student teams and an alumni team. The Blue team went 3-1 in the preliminary rounds to earn the number eight seed in the eight-team playoff on Sunday. Then they lost to top seeded and eventual champion Duke. The Gold team was up against a tough schedule and fought hard, despite not being able to come up with a win in the preliminary round. The Alumni team represented well at 2-2, but were eliminated before the playoff on Sunday. The Western New England Women recorded a 1-2 record in the preliminary round, after not winning a game in the last two years, and earned the number three seed in the four-team women’s playoff. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by eventual champion Syracuse women in the semifinals of Sunday’s playoff.

“Overall, the 41st Annual Tournament was another great success,” said Student Bar Association Treasurer Steve LaMonica 3L. ◆

P E R S P E C T I V E S

“

THE WOMEN’S TEAM

All of the players had a great time competing and bonding not only with their other teammates, but also with all of the competitors. That relationship building is what makes this tournament special and unique, and there really is nothing like it.”

THE BLUE TEAM

THE ALUMNI TEAM

THE GOLD TEAM

—Student Bar Association Treasurer Steve LaMonica 3L

Arielle Aikens 2L

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Firm Foundation:

By Patricia Gagnon

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P E R S P E C T I V E S

ALUMNI PROFILE Rick Smith ’86 and Dave Brink ’85

{

The friendship between Rick Smith ’86 and Dave Brink ’85 began when they met as law students at Western New England. They were juggling their studies, multiple part-time jobs, and both worked as law clerks for the Springfield firm of Ryan & White, P.C. Rick performed work for the Corporate and Real Estate Departments and Dave was in Litigation. They sat across from each other at a large table in the firm’s law library, spending countless hours discussing the law and a million other topics. It was during these conversations that they first contemplated starting their own firm after graduation.

“Despite our growing friendship, we did have moments of disagreement,” recalls Dave.

“You see, I am a bit of a slob when it comes to my workspace. Rick is annoyingly organized. One day, I was writing an appellate brief on our shared library table. As I wrote, I started taking up more and more space on the table (with books, photocopies, notes, etc.).

Rick finally had enough. He found a yardstick and measured off his half of the table. From that day forward there was a clear ‘line of demarcation’ drawn through the middle of the table, kind of like North and South Korea.”

Rick recalls how different they were back then, too. “I remember falling asleep on a couch in the Law Library while Dave and other students were studying nearby. I woke up and looked at Dave, who was still sitting and studying. He put his book down and looked at me with disgust and said ‘three hours.’ That explains one of the major differences between us. Dave used the Library at all times for its intended purpose.”

Their memories of Western New England are fond ones, of quality legal education, favorite classes with Professors Fred Royal and Bruce Miller, and a wonderful group of friends. “I shake my head when other lawyers talk about how awful and cutthroat law school was for them,” says Dave. “Our group supported one another and shared a lot of good times.”

Upon graduation in 1985, Dave accepted a position with what was then a large Boston litigation firm called Gallagher & Gallagher. Rick returned to his home in Quincy, MA, where he worked for a well-respected sole practitioner named Thomas Byrnes. They had already decided to join forces down the line and had

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a target date of five years when they would turn 30. It ultimately took six years, but on February 4, 1991 Smith & Brink, P.C. was open for business.

“Once again we found ourselves sitting across the table from one another,” Dave remembers. “Actually, it was my parents’ old dining room table that they had donated to our fledgling enterprise. Our one-room office was on Hancock Street in North Quincy in a building that was so old it had been a hospital during the Civil War.” They had no money, employees, or clients. After a few weeks, however, work started to come through the door. They survived on Ramen noodles and by keeping their expenses as low as possible. “I believe our gross revenue for 1991 was less than $51,000,” says Dave.

Today, Smith & Brink, P.C., the law firm they founded, represents clients in a myriad of complex litigation in offices located in eight cities across the United States. It’s a business litigation firm concentrating in providing counsel to insurance companies on issues related to insurance fraud and white-collar crimes.

They have aggressively represented insurers in Federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) resulting in recoveries in the tens of millions of dollars, involving Insurance Coverage, Class Action and Bad Faith litigation. Their lawyers have tried hundreds of cases in both Federal and State Courts and they have successfully handled more than 100 appeals. They have gained a national perspective by representing insurers and financial institutions in courts around the country, especially Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts,

Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Their attorneys currently provide advice to over 35 insurance carriers.

Both acknowledge their differences as individuals—which caused a literal line to be drawn at that Ryan & White table—is what has made their law firm and friendship so strong. Rick’s financial skills and discipline made it possible for their organization to grow in the early years and allowed Dave to concentrate on client development and honing his skills as a civil litigator. “While we were law clerks, I remember my first day being told by one of the veteran attorneys that ‘Brink gives 110 percent on a bad day,’ says Rick. “That was probably in 1985, and it was as true then as it is now.”

Across tables and across time, Dave says their friendship has made all the difference.

“There is no question in my mind that I would not be where I am now had I not attended Western New England University and met Rick Smith,” Dave says.

“The Western New England professors introduced me to the law in a way that made me want to learn more,” he continues. “And my friendship with Rick gave me the courage to become an entrepreneur. I cannot imagine sitting alone in a new office waiting for the phone to ring. Having Rick as a law partner was invaluable when we were starting. We were constantly discussing issues that arose in our practice. What billing software should we be using? How should I structure my closing argument in a jury trial? Should we buy a ping pong table for the office basement?

Come to think of it, the ping pong table may have been our most useful purchase in those early years.” ◆

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alumni news

WASHINGTON DC (Top photo L-R) Dean Gouvin at the Washington, DC alumni reception with Spencer Naake ’10, Stephanie Duclair ’09, and Aimee Griffen ’03.

(Middle photo L-R) Zev Hechtman ’07, Professor Tina Caferro ’95, and Stephanie Schatter ’07.

NEW YORK CITY (Bottom photo L-R) Alumni gather near Times Square for NYC reception. MIchael Borg ’88, John Lizzul ’79, Dean Eric Gouvin, Carmel Caramagna ’84, and Stan Cohen ’76.

Reception Roundup: Washington, New York, and Boston ‰ President Anthony S. Caprio hosted two alumni receptions in the fall. Alumni from both the undergraduate and graduate programs attended a reception in the heart of Washington, DC. In the shadow of the National Monument, alumni, including Spencer Naake ’10 and Ilene Fine ’07, enjoyed delicious food, great company, and a view of DC at night from DuPont Circle. Several School of Law faculty also attended, including Dean Eric Gouvin and Professors Tina Cafaro ’95, Fred Royal, Barbara Noah and Jeanne Kaiser ’93. “The President's reception is always a fantastic event for law alumni in the Washington, DC area,” said Spencer. “This year it was especially great to see a strong law faculty presence and enjoyable to speak with others that are committed to the future of Western New England.”

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‰ In November, alumni from the New York area gathered near Times Square at the Terrace Club. President Caprio enjoyed having his photograph taken with several young alumni.

Alumni such as Navid Ansari ’05 spent time catching up with Dean Gouvin. Michael Borg ’88, a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors made the rounds with the law alumni like Kathleen Tonkovich ’11 and Adam Zahn ’13 encouraging them to find ways to get involved with either the School of Law or the association.

‰ Next on the calendar was the Boston President’s Reception in February. Once again, several law faculty came out to the event to greet alumni. Barbara Noah, Renee Reich-Graefe, Bruce Miller, and Peter Adomeit joined former students like Evan Bjorklund ’13 at the Ritz Carlton in Boston Commons for the evening.

Minding Their Manners: Alumni Join Students for Etiquette Lunch In September, alumni joined the incoming law class for the annual etiquette lunch.

Guest speaker Mandie LeBeau of Pardon Me, Inc., an etiquette expert, walked alumni, students, and faculty through the meal with notes on everything from how to place your fork and knife to indicate that you were done to how to pass the salt and pepper. “This type of event is invaluable for students,” said Talia Gee’ 10. “It allows students to get to know alumni and learn about their experiences.” The School of Law has many opportunities like this throughout the year.

Alumni are encouraged to volunteer their time. Participating in those first few business events that involve dining with your colleagues, clients, and prospective employers can be intimidating, “said Marcy Spratt ’09.

“I was happy to help break the ice for our students and get a refresher myself on appropriate etiquette, which can be forgotten or overlooked along the way.”

Keep informed about speakers, events, and other news from the School of Law by visiting www.law.wne.edu. For news about the Law Alumni Association, visit

www.law.wne.edu/alumni P E R S P E C T I V E S

ALUMNI NEWS By Kim Roeder

Join us on

Updated several times a week, the School of Law LinkedIn page features articles and information about our alumni, law school events, and current students. Finding us is easy—search Western New England University School of Law.

Alumni Connect on First Tuesdays First Tuesdays started up for the spring in February with an evening in Hartford at Rooftop 120. Over 30 alumni showed up for the happy hour and networking event.

Host Kristen Haseney ’08 made the arrangements with the restaurant in Glastonbury and did her part to reach out to the Hartford area alumni. “We were delighted to have so many alumni come out for the event,” said Kim Roeder, associate director of alumni relations.

“Our Hartford alumni are enthusiastic!”

Recent graduates Kristen Brierly ’13 and Katie Pirie ’13 joined the crowd of over 30 law alumni at the First Tuesday February event.

Alumni and Friends Enjoy “Bark in the Park” Get Together

Another outreach event included alumni and their furry companions. Bark in the Park featured a morning outing at the new Agawam Dog Park for alumni and their dogs. The dogs had a chance to play, have their pictures taken with their owners, and enjoy a goody bag of Western New England School of Law swag. Will McCarthy ’97 and his dog, Moab, Michele Feinstein ’84 and her dog, Missy, and Grace Taylor ‘94 and her dog, Annie, were amoung the attendees.

(Above) Michele Feninstein ’84 and Missy.

(At left) Will McCarthy ’97, and his pal, Moab.

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David L. Smith ’83

By Alex Lyman BA’12

Mini-Law School Frames Legal Issues for Non-lawyers

“ The Honorable Kenneth Neiman, Magistrate Judge (ret.), U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, moderated lectures on Federal Income Taxes, Criminal Law, Employment Discrimination, and National Security.

After five weeks, you won't be a lawyer, but you will be able to better understand laws that have an effect on your life. And unlike traditional law school,

” —Professor Beth Cohen

there are no tests or homework.

Western New England University once again translated the complexities of law to students and citizens without a legal background through its second session of the Mini-Law School. Held weekly from October 20-November 17, 2015, Mini-Law School offered a diverse selection of lectures taught by the law faculty with the goal of providing practical knowledge to help participants better understand areas of law relevant to their own lives.

Mini-Law School started with an introductory lesson taught by Dean Eric Gouvin that offered an inside view of law school and the courts. In the second week, Professor Bill Metzger taught The Law of Federal Income Taxes: Does It Have to Be So Complicated? for those concerned about the upcoming tax season. Professor Bridgette Baldwin explained Search and Seizure Law in the realm of Criminal Law. Challenging Inequality in the Workplace: An Overview of Employment

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Discrimination Protections was discussed by gender and sexuality discrimination expert and Professor of Law Erin Buzuvis. The fall session concluded with a lecture on National Security and Civil Liberties: Surveillance and Democracy presented by Professor Sudha Setty.

The Mini-Law School is cochaired by Beth Cohen, associate dean for Academic Affairs, and Pat Newcombe ’01, associate dean for Library and Information Resources. Both feel it is important to share a basic knowledge of law in practice with the public.

“Individuals interested in becoming better informed and engaging in stimulating dialogue will find this program rewarding,” Newcombe said. “No legal knowledge is necessary, just a curious mind.”

Due to the success and popularity of the program, the Mini-Law School will be offered for the third time.

The spring session begins this month with a focus on gender and sexuality in law. ◆

P E R S P E C T I V E S

alumni notes

SPRING 2016

REUNION YEAR

1975 Wanted: Class Agent

Rodino Jr. Society. The Society awarded Judge Bottinelli its prestigious Humanitarian Achievement Award last fall.

1976

Hon. Sheila A. DiTullio was re-elected without opposition to the Erie County (NY) Court in November 2015. She has served in this position since 1995.

Class Agent Gary Thomas gary@wealthtechnology.com

1977 Class Agent Marty Martin marty_martin@martinlegalhelp.com Hyman Darling, chair of the estate planning and elder law department of Bacon Wilson, was selected as one of the 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers in October.

The town of Wilbraham, MA appointed Stephen M. Reilly Jr. as the town attorney in September 2015.

1978 Wanted: Class Agent

1979 Wanted: Class Agent For the eighth year in a row, Paul Nicolai was named one of the Best Lawyers in America in commercial litigation. Paul founded Nicolai Law Group in 1988, which is located in Springfield.

1980 Wanted: Class Agent Hon. Terry Paul Bottinelli, J.S.C. was recognized for his numerous years of service to the New Jersey bench, bar, and community by the Seton Hall School of Law’s Peter W.

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Spectrum Health Systems, elected David Felper as its board chair in October. David is a partner with Bowditch & Dewey in Worcester, MA.

1981 Class Agent Bill Stevens wstevens@sssattorneys.com Hon. Mike Roberts was sworn in as a District Court judge for Maine in November 2015. Judge Roberts served as a deputy district attorney in Bangor, ME since 1983 before being tapped by Governor Paul LePage for the bench.

Maureen Platt Temchin and Earl Temchin welcomed their first grandchild. Grandson Noah was born in October 2015.

1982 Class Agent Tina S. Page Tina.page@comcast.net Confirmed in December, Barry Drew is the new commissioner for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

Building for future generations, Richard Perry helped erect a handbuilt covered bridge on his property in Connecticut last fall as a conservation project. Built by architect Arnold Grafton, the bridge rests on two dry stone abutments on either side of Richard’s pond.

Haynes ’83 Smith ’83 Roger Wade was featured in an article last September in Barrons. The article was part of its online Advisor Profile series.

1983 Class Agents: Maureen Burns meb@pellegrinolawfirm.com Ellen Teller eteller@frac.org A partner in the Hartford law firm of Howard, Kohn, Sprague & Fitzgerald, LLP, Thomas P. Cella was selected for inclusion in the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for personal injury litigation.

Brian K. Haynes of Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, was selected for inclusion in the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

David L. Smith joined McNees’ Intellectual Property Practice Group last November. He works in the firm’s Harrisburg, PA office.

Michael J. Stebbins was appointed city attorney for Gulf Breeze, FL.

Dineen ’84

1984 Class Agent Ina Forman aliforman@aol.com Former Hampden County prosecutor Elizabeth Dineen was recently selected to serve as the acting director for the YWCA of Western Massachusetts. She is also currently the president-elect for the Hampden County Bar Association. She’s currently with Robinson Donnovan.

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REUNION YEAR

Jim Czapiga ’94 President and CEO, CATIC Rocky Hill, CT

Albano ’85

Where are they now?

You just recently took your position at CATIC, a title insurance underwriting company. What has the transition been like not only working for a new company, but also as president and CEO? “Joining CATIC has been very challenging and rewarding at the same time. I've had a great deal to learn about the company, the culture, and its operations. CATIC has a great foundation and wonderful people, and I'm going to build on that foundation. Right now, I am working with my senior management team to learn as much as I can about the company and align our strategies to our company goals.

I am working with each department on a daily basis (sales, claims, underwriting, operations, etc.) to figure out ways to better serve our customers, who are attorney agents.”

How has having both a law degree from Western New England and a finance degree elevated and impacted your career?

“Having a law degree from the School of Law has allowed me to develop a way of addressing business issues with logic and seeing both sides of an issue. Having a law degree and working in business has a lot of upsides, as law school teaches you to think critically and see all sides or an issue, and to use available information to make a sound business decision.”

How has the industry changed since you first began?

“The title insurance industry has changed a great deal since I joined the field in 1995. Back then we were still giving attorney agents carbon forms to type up their title policies!

Technology has allowed the industry to deliver its products and services in a more efficient manner and move to a mostly paperless process. As a result of the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, the creation of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and the implementation of the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rules, the industry has evolved into a much bigger partnership with lenders, realtors, and agents.

In the past, the title industry more or less played a supporting role in the lending and conveyance world but over the last few years, it's played a very important role in education not only to its agents, but also realtors and lenders on the new laws and processes shaping our industry. I have been very proud at how we stepped up as an industry to educate all stakeholders in this new environment. The American Land Title Association (ALTA) has also played a key role by passing a series of best practices.”

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Peterson-Magnum ’88

1985

1988

Wanted: Class Agent

Class Agent Michael Borg mborg@SRBLLP.com

A senior partner with Bacon and Wilson, P.C., Kenneth J. Albano was honored with the Esteemed Service Award from Behavioral Health Network, Inc. in recognition of his more than 20 years of service on its board of directors.

Francis X Wright Jr. was re-elected to a sixth term as alderman in Melrose, MA. He also continues to serve as the City Solicitor for the City of Somerville, MA.

Drexel University appointed Cicely Peterson-Magnum as the executive director of the Dana and David Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships.

Cicely will oversee the development of a facility that has catalyzed Drexel’s civic engagement with its surrounding community, encouraging innovative collaboration among students, faculty, and local residents.

1986

1989

Class Agent Judith Jones jonesjh@aetna.com

Wanted: Class Agent

Frank Riccardi was named vice president, chief compliance and privacy officer for Cone Health in Greensboro, NC. Prior to this, Frank was the chief compliance and privacy officer for the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Health System in Richmond, VA.

1987 Class Agent Marc Gaffrey mgaffrey@hoaglandlongo.com Marc S. Gaffrey is a senior partner with the New Brunswick, NJ based firm of Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Rutgers University, teaching Constitutional Law. We welcome Marc as the new class agent for the Class of 1987. Send your latest news to him at mgaffrey@hoaglandlongo.com.

Brian D. Harrington was named a director of the board of Freedom Credit Union.

Brian is an attorney and deputy regional director in the Springfield office of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

1990 Class Agent Kathleen Porter kporter@rc.com Edward P. Hourihan Jr. of Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC was selected for the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

1991 Wanted: Class Agent A former All-state lineman, Eugene Edwards was inducted into the Danbury (CT) High School Athletic Hall of Fame in October. Eugene played both baseball and football for Danbury High School.

P E R S P E C T I V E S

alumni notes

SPRING 2016

Edwards ’91

Hourihan ’90

Carol C. Olech joined the firm of Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC in New York.

1992 Wanted: Class Agent

1993 Class Agents: Katie Stone-Harrington Bharrington5207@comcast.net Holly Lemieux hlemieux@lynchlynch.com Theresa S. Finnegan was honored at the 14th Annual Red Mass for the Diocese of Springfield.

Dr. Charles S. Ryan was recognized as a Stony Brook University Distinguished Alumni. He received his Ph.D. in Oral Biology and Pathology from Stony Brook University in 1990.

Charles is the General Counsel for Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Ryan ’93

Michelle Stover, a claim specialist in the Major Case Unit at Berkley MidAtlantic Group in Harriburg, PA, was admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Marwan Zubi of Nicolai Law Group, P.C. was named as one of the Best Lawyers in America for 2015.

1995 Wanted: Class Agent Scott Camassar was recently made partner for The Law Firm of Stephen M. Reck and Scott D. Camassar, LLC in North Stonington, CT. John A. Miller, an attorney with Bond, Schoeneck & King, was selected for The Best Lawyers in America 2016.

1996 Wanted: Class Agent

1994 Wanted: Class Agent Karyl Carrasquilla is now the Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the state of Connecticut.

Greenfield law firm Stobierski & Stobierski has made John P. Connor of Hadley, MA, a partner. John’s areas of concentration are in civil litigation and personal injury.

James M. Czapiga was appointed president and chief executive officer for CATIC, which is a major operating subsidiary of its parent holding company, CATIC Financial, Inc.

S P R I N G

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The Honorable Patrick Sabbs was confirmed as a Springfield District Court Judge in December. Prior to his confirmation, Judge Sabbs worked in the Hampden County District Attorney’s office for 18 years.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly honored Susan Fentin during its annual Top Women of Law event held in October 2015 in Boston. The Top Women of Law program celebrates the outstanding achievements made by women in the legal profession.

1997

Miller ’95

Kenealy ’98

1998 Wanted: Class Agent John Kenealy has taken a position with Fidelity National Financial, Inc., as vice president and district manager of Chicago Title Insurance Company in Syracuse NY. He is managing the Syracuse and Oswego branches.

1999 Class Agent Rebecca Mitchell Proakisbeck28@yahoo.com Gina Barry was named one of Massachusetts Super Lawyers for 2015.

Gina is with Bacon Wilson and works with estate planning and probate, elder law, and residential real estate.

2000

Puppolo ’01

Angelo J. Puppolo Jr. (Dem.), a Massachusetts State Representative who represents parts of Springfield, East Longmeadow, and Wilbraham, has been named Springfield UNICO Person of the Year for 2015. He was honored for exemplifying UNICO’s principles of unity, neighborliness, integrity, charity, and opportunity.

He was also lauded for honoring his Italian American heritage as a member of the greater Springfield community.

2002 Wanted: Class Agent Adam Basch of Bacon Wilson was named one of the 2015 Massachusetts Rising Stars by New England Super Lawyers magazine. He works in construction litigation, business litigation, and personal injury.

Class Agent Jim Winston james@jameswinstonlaw.com

Captain John M. Hale was honored as part of the 14th annual Red Mass of the Diocese of Springfield last October.

Stephen J. Phillips was honored at the 14th annual Red Mass for the Diocese of Springfield in October 2015.

2003

2001 Class Agent Jenny Desch jenny.desch@yorkcountygov.com Christopher J. Ward was elected as the 2015-16 Barnstable County Bar Association president. He was also selected as one of the 2015 New England Super Lawyers. Chris is a partner in the Trusts and Estates Department of LaTanzi, Spaulding & Landreth, PC.

Class Agent Karen Romano Karen161@msn.com Benjamin Coyle was named as one of the 2015 Massachusetts Rising Stars. Benjamin is an attorney with Bacon Wilson.

Jennifer Cunningham and her husband, Jason Hunt, welcomed a baby girl, Sierra Corrine, in May 2015.

(Continued next page)

Class Agent Michael Blanchard Michael.blanchard@bingham.com

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Alison Jameson LLM ’10 Attorney, Office of Integrity and Compliance, FBI Washington, DC.

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Western New England University School of Law

REUNION YEAR Szawlowski ’09

Where are they now?

After serving in the military as a logistics officer and achieving the rank of colonel, you retired in 2008 and started working for the FBI. What is your role there?

“At the FBI, I am ‘professional staff,’ an attorney in the Office of Integrity and Compliance. I work on legal compliance issues internal to the FBI. My LLM brought me back into ‘thinking like a lawyer’ after several years of not working in the legal field. It also gave me recent ‘legal experience’ on my résumé.”

How beneficial was it to have the online option for the LLM program?

“It was most interesting to be in class with students from all over the U.S. and from varied backgrounds. Everyone knew everyone else’s ‘story’ as the professors almost always had us introduce ourselves and tell about our backgrounds when we started a new class. It was insightful to hear my classmates bring their experiences to the table. Most were from the private sector and my background had been primarily with the Federal government legal practice, so it was interesting from the public/private point of view as well.

Earning the LLM while still living in Germany also allowed me to transition from my non-legal work at Special Operations Command-Europe where I worked as a contract analyst. I was then able to search for legal positions in the U.S. as I prepared to repatriate after eight years living and working in Germany with a recent legal credential.”

What was your experience like in the LLM program?

“I felt that I had GREAT individualized attention in my online classes. The classes were small, there was significant opportunity for participation, I could email with my professors between classes, and I felt distinctly that I was ‘known’ to my professors and classmates. I really had no idea what it would be like before I started, but I soon found that I valued, enjoyed, and looked forward to my class sessions. I quickly learned the personalities of my professors and enjoyed all of them! I found the content of my LLM immediately practical.”

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2004

2008

Class Agent Linda Fakhoury ldfakhoury@gmail.com

Class Agents: Kendra Berardi Kendra.berardi@gmail.com Michelle Hummer mhummer@ofalaw.com

Monsignor John Bonzagni was appointed as pastor of three Catholic churches in the Berkshires last fall. Monsignor Bonzagni also serves as the Judicial Vicar overseeing the Tribunal of the Diocese of Springfield.

Running the New York City Marathon in November, Stephanie Woods raised $4,500 for Doctors Without Borders. She principal attorney at her firm, Woods Law Office, LLC.

2005 Class Agent Kelly Cooper Miller kelleycoopermiller@mac.com Renee Miller-Mizia joined Dechert LLP in November 2015 as its chief marketing officer.

Renee was formerly with Alvarez & Marsal Global Forensic and Dispute Services.

2006 Class Agent Julia Lentini Marquis juliaklentini@gmail.com David Hoyle was promoted to the position of member at Hawthorne, Ackerly & Dorrance, and LLC in December 2015. David was also named one of the 2015 Connecticut and New England Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in the area of probate and estates.

2007 Class Agents: Kelly Koch Kellykoch32@gmail.com Stephanie Schlatter sschlatter@hotmail.com Chief Matthew Reed retired from South Windsor, CT’s police force after serving 27 years with the department, the last five as chief. Matthew now serves as a labor attorney at Metzger Lazarek and Plumb of Hartford.

Attorney L. Alexandra Hogan of the Springfield firm of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. was selected to serve on the Emerging Insolvency Professionals subcommittee of the American Bankruptcy Institute.

Spencer A. Stone joined the Business and Finance Department and the Real Estate Practice Group of Murtha Cullina LLP, where he represents clients in commercial and corporate law.

Michael Viscosi was appointed to the position of assistant city court judge for Johnstown, NY.

2009 Class Agent John Bandeian jbandeian@gmail.com Scott M. Berg was named president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield in December 2015.

Joseph Szawlowski and Kara Merz were married on June 13, 2015. Joseph is employed at Szawlowski Potato Farms Inc., in Hatfield, MA.

2010 Wanted: Class Agent Nicholas Antenucci was promoted to the position Of Counsel with Wilson Esler in Albany, NY. James Harrington of Polito & Quinn was honored as one of the Connecticut Law Tribune’s New Leaders of Law Award recipients.

P E R S P E C T I V E S

alumni notes

SPRING 2016

Stone ’08

Bonzagni ’04

Berg ’09

2011

2013

Class Agents: Julie McKenna Julie.mckejd2@gmail.com Maren Law Maren.law@gmail.com

Class Agent Amber Gould Amber.m.gould@gmail.com

Whitney Abel and her husband Chris welcomed a baby daughter, Alessia Michele, in March 2015.

Katrina V. Anop joined Grove Law Office LLC in western Massachusetts as an associate attorney.

Attorney Thomas R. Reidy of Bacon Wilson was named as a 2015 Massachusetts Rising Star by the New England Super Lawyers magazine.

2012 Welcome to Erika Scibelli as the new class agent for Class of 2012. Send her your news at Erika.scibelli@gmail.com.

Attorney Casey O’Connell of Halloran & Sage, was selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers’ 2015 Rising Stars list. In addition, Casey was selected as one of the Connecticut Law Tribune’s New Leaders of the Law for 2015.

Reidy ’11

Coli ’15

After serving in town government for 10 years, Will Reichelt was elected to the office of Mayor of West Springfield last fall.

2014 Wanted: Class Agent

In Memoriam The magazine has received notice of the deaths of the following members of the School of Law family.

Erica Reynolds joined the firm of Costello Valente & Gentry, P.C., in Brattleboro, VT. Eric C. Schwenker has joined McPhillips, Fitzgerald and Cullum LLP of Glens Falls, NY. Eric previously clerked for the Warren County Supreme Court in New York.

2015 Wanted: Class Agent Sarah Coli joined PIA Management Services Inc. in East Greenbush, NY in its Government and Industry Affairs Department.

Joseph C. Casden ’58 Terry Austin Foley ’76 Ann M. Gibbons ’58 Paul K. Harrington ’91 Judith Ives Johannsen ’97 James “Jimmy” McEwan ’72 BSBA/’77 JD Col. John K. Moroney ’80 Dr. Mary E. O’Leary ’66 George Zimmerman ’87

We are always interested in hearing from you. If you have news of career advancement or change, professional accomplishments or activities, marriages, births, changes in address, or any other news, please share it with us. Email: kim.roeder@wne.edu

Become a Class Agent If you are interested in serving as a Class Agent, please contact Kim Roeder at kim.roeder@wne.edu or visit the School of Law Alumni Class Agent webpage in the “Get Involved” section.

S P R I N G

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LAW ALUMNI

Benefits & Services

As an alumnus/a of Western New England University School of Law, the following benefits and services are available to you: The Alumni Healthful Living Center (AHLC) Law alumni are welcome to use the facilities of the AHLC free of charge.

Popular amenities include the fitness center, pool, and track. For details, call 413-782-1518.

Alumni Association ID Card The Alumni Association ID allows alumni to use the resources on campus, including the Law Library and the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

For details, call 413-782-1311 or email kim.roeder@wne.edu.

Alumni Finder and Alumni Website Use our website to receive news from the School, access library resources, or find other Western New England University School of Law alums through our “Alumni Finder” feature. List your contact information and use the Alumni Finder online tool to search for fellow alums by different criteria such as state, grad year, or area of practice. Visit www.law.wne.edu/alumni.

Continuing Legal Education Programs Our highly successful CLE programs in conjunction with the Massachusetts Bar Association have covered topics ranging from probating an estate to trying OUI cases. All alums get a discounted rate of $80. For details, visit www.law.wne.edu.

Career Services Alumni seeking career advice or offering employment can take advantage of the services of the Office of Career Services. The office assists with résumé writing, employment correspondence, interviewing preparation, career decision-making, and job search strategy. Through the online Intercollegiate Job Bank, alums have access to job listings from law schools across the country.

The office can also coordinate reciprocity of job postings with over 50 law schools. Contact Career Services at jobpost@law.wne.edu or 413-782-1416.

Networking and Referrals Networking opportunities for alumni include many area receptions, “First Tuesdays,” and other events such as Homecoming. These events allow you to network and reconnect with classmates and faculty. In addition, the alumni finder feature on the website is a great resource when looking for a colleague to refer a case to. Visit www.law.alumni.edu/alumni.

Alumni of the School of Law receive the full-color Perspectives magazine twice a year, the Law School Digest newsletter two times a year, and The Law School Minute, the Dean’s email, throughout the year.

JD Course Auditing For a nominal fee, JD courses in the School of Law may be audited on a space-available basis with the permission of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs by an alumnus/a who has completed the JD degree at Western New England University School of Law. Call 413-782-1402 or visit www.law.wne.edu/alumni.

Transcript Requests Law transcripts are issued by the Student Records Office at the School of Law. For more information, call the Student Records Office at 413-782-1402 or fax your request to 413-796-2067.

Replacing a Diploma If your diploma is lost or damaged, you can replace it by calling Student Administrative Services at 800-325-1122 ext. 2080.

(A $50 service fee is required.)

The University Bookstore There’s no better way to proudly display your law school connection than with a shirt or memento from the University Bookstore. For more information, call 413-782-1284 or visit www.wne.bkstr.com.

Insurance Discounts As a graduate of Western New England University, you may qualify for a special group discount on your auto, home, and renter’s insurance. For details, call 413-782-1311 or visit www.law.wne.edu/alumni.

D’Amour Library

Western New England Law Review

The D’Amour Library serves as a valuable resource for alumni undertaking professional research or expanding their personal reading enjoyment. Alumni I.D. card required. Call 413-782-1535 or visit http://libraries.wne.edu.

Law Review is now electronic!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: www.law.wne.edu/lawreview

Volume 37, Issue 1 was published in spring 2015.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND LAW REVIEW

School of Law Library Free access to western Massachusetts’ only academic law library is an outstanding alumni resource. For hours or information, call 413-782-1457 or visit the School of Law website at www.law.wne.edu/library.

Law alums are allowed immediate access to the Law Library on weekdays until 7:00 p.m. For library use on the weekend or after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, alums must have an Access Card to enter the building. To obtain an Access Card, free of charge, complete the Library Access Form (available online at www.law.wne.edu/alumni or at the Public Safety Office) and bring it to the Public Safety Office, along with an Alumni Association ID Card and a photo ID, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Once obtained, the Access Card will provide access to the building on subsequent visits.

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Alumni Publications

w w w . l a w . w n e . e d u

1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield MA 01119-2684 or call 413-782-1463.

Learn more about alumni benefits and services.

www.law.wne.edu/alumni The Office of Law Alumni Relations serves as a resource to our members, committees, and regional chapters. Feel free to contact Kim Roeder at 413-782-1311 with questions about benefits, events, or volunteer opportunities.

P E R S P E C T I V E S

giving You will never meet the person whose life you’ll change, but they’ll remember you forever.

A planned gift today can change the life of a deserving law student tomorrow.

Whatever your age or means, it’s never too early to plan a gift to Western New England University.

Come explore how a commitment through your estate can benefit you and the School of Law that made such an impact on your life.

visit law.wne.edu To make a gift today, contact Deidre Swords, Associate Director of Annual Giving 413-782-1335 or deidre.swords@wne.edu.

Western New England University Advancement Division 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage

PA I D Springfield, MA Permit No. 896

Office of Alumni Relations 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684 www.law.wne.edu

Law Calendar / SPRING 2016 MAY 2016 3

FIRST TUESDAY - BOSTON

7

Yankees vs. Red Sox in Yankee Stadium Alumni Reception and game

21

Alumni Association Board Meeting Blake Law Center

22

2016 Commencement Ceremony

JUNE 2016 7

FIRST TUESDAY - Location TBA

28

Boston Food Tour (spots limited)

AUGUST 2016 2

FIRST TUESDAY - Location TBA

SEPTEMBER 2016 23

HOMECOMING: Alumni Recognition Reception Springfield Museums

24

HOMECOMING: Alumni and Students of Color Dinner. LaQuinta Inn and Suites in Springfield

{ visit law.wne.edu