Incoming Law School Class Receives Warm Welcome at Campus Convocation

The incoming class includes a mix of recent college graduates and those who migrated to law from a wide range of professions, including media, accounting, entrepreneurship, investment banking, not-for-profit organizations, and the military. Convocation speakers welcomed students to a thriving, tight-knit community.

“I hope you realize the students sitting next to you and whom you have met today are quickly becoming your friends, and they will become your colleagues, your support group, and eventually your legal network,” Vice Dean and Centennial Professor of Law Miriam Baer said. “We professors and administrators also like to think we are part of that network, because we are your mentors and often will be your strongest cheerleaders. But without question, your classmates are your greatest assets here at Brooklyn Law School.”

The incoming class enjoyed refreshments and light bites in the dining hall before the convocation program got underway.

The incoming class enjoyed refreshments and light bites in the dining hall before the convocation program got underway.

“It was crisis mode, and it was like a law school exam,” Riegel said. She phoned Jerome Leitner, her former Brooklyn Law School tort Professor, who summoned a colleague, Professor Richard Farrell. Before Riegel knew it, she had Leitner and Farrell on the line, brainstorming on research methodology and plotting out her next steps. Although both these professors from nearly 30 years ago have passed away, the community spirit remains, says Riegel, an attorney in Rosenberg & Estis’ litigation department.

“That’s what Brooklyn Law is about,” Riegel said. “And then you get to the larger community of alumni…we take care of our own, we’ve been there, we’ve all benefited from this incredible community here, and it’s all about giving back.”

Professor of Law Steven Dean urged students to consider public service, telling the story of a Liberian asylum seeker who taught him unexpected lessons about courage and the role of racism in tax law.

President and Joseph Crea Dean Michael T. Cahill wrapped the evening, telling students that the law is a “profession of hope,” with serving others, especially those who are marginalized, and conveying a sense of respect, civility, and inclusiveness in communications among its key tenets.

Joining the incoming class were Jacob and Joshua Dana, two brothers in a set of triplets, from Hewlett, N.Y. Living in New York City and family tradition (their dad is a lawyer) prompted their entry to Brooklyn Law.

While they anticipate some friendly brotherly competition during Law School, “We’re rooting for each other to succeed,” Jacob Dana said.