Diversity at Albany Law School: 2013-14

DIVERSITY AT

www.albanylaw.edu

ALBANY LAW SCHOOL cultivating a diverse and inte

STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

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has a deep commitment to ellectually vibrant community.

AND AROUND THE WORLD.

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At Albany Law diversity is evident, both in our faculty and our student body.

Our professors have a genuine interest in your future. Open-door policies are the norm, making faculty highly accessible.

“We are committed to ensuring for all students an experience that values and reflects a global view of diversity. As a native of South Africa and a world traveler, I personally care deeply about this issue.�

Penny Andrews, President & Dean, Albany Law School

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Professor Stephen Clark writes on interstate and international recognition of same-sex unions.

Professor Clark and his partner have been registered “reciprocal beneficiaries” under the law of Hawaii since 1998.

SELECTED PUBLISHED WORKS INCLUDE:

From Cape Town to Kabul: Reconsidering Women’s Human Rights, President and Dean Penelope (Penny) Andrews Was Dred Scott Decided Correctly? Rethinking Slavery, the Constitution and the Coming of the Civil War, Professor Paul Finkelman The Station, a chapter in After the Storm: Black Intellectuals Explore the Meaning of Hurricane Katrina, Professor Anthony Paul Farley Two Steps Removed: The Paradox of Diversity Discourse for Women of Color in Law Teaching, Professor Donna Young Sandra Day O’Connor’s Position on Discrimination, Professor Stephen Gottlieb Equal Opportunity, Individual Liberty and Meritocracy in Education: Reinforcing Structures of Privilege and Inequality, Professor Christian Sundquist

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With more than 30 student organizations, there is a place for everyone. Many groups work for social change through public forums, publish articles or sponsor and host well-known speakers.

Others may donate their time for legal research for a group in need, solicit pro bono legal help, or raise funds for a specific cause.

Albany Law School’s Black Law Students Association sponsors active recruitment efforts, guest lecturers, a film series and academic support programs. Members participate in regional and national BLSA activities and in community programs designed to broaden minority awareness and provide role models for community minorities.

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SOME OF OUR STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:

(Membership is open to all students.)

Asian and Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Cardozo Legal Society

“The law school has been very accommodating and inclusive when it comes to the needs of its students. The Muslim students here are made to feel comfortable and welcome, as are all the students who practice religion.”

Zainab Rizvi ’14

Hellenic Society Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA) The Women’s Law Caucus

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STU D E N T B O D Y

594 Students

50% Women

50% Men

14% Minority Enrollment

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SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS

The Mentor Program pairs first-year students with second- and third-year mentors, who provide guidance during the rigorous first year of law school. Alumni mentors—including law firm partners and judges—are also available to mentor students and graduates.

Albany County Bar Association’s Diversity Internship Program seeks to increase private sector work experience for students of color, specifically to work in law firms and corporate legal departments in their second and third years. An $1,800 stipend is provided for this 10-week internship.

The Language Project is a pro bono program where multi-lingual law students provide free translation/interpretation services to clients of our Law Clinic & Justice Center and other public-interest organizations in the Capital Region.

The Swyer Academic Success Program provides academic assistance to students in group and individual settings. Conducted by faculty and students, the program helps first-year students prepare for exams, understand legal reasoning and synthesize case analyses. Writing workshops and basic skills training are provided.

Counseling Services and referrals are provided by the Offices of Student Affairs and Diversity Affairs to all students with academic, career and personal issues.

Bar Preparation Curriculum offers a customized, for credit, graded preparation course during the third year of law school.

Bar Exam Mentoring Program provides thirdyear students assistance with study tips, test procedures, and general concerns regarding the exam. Students who are interested in participating will be assigned to a faculty mentor—who will offer guidance and support from the beginning of the Bar Review course through the last day of the bar exam. The program also includes speakers from the Board of Law Examiners, a judge from the New York Court of Appeals and alumni presenting on various topics.

Pershia M. Wilkins, the Director of Multi-cultural Affairs, ensures that Albany Law School is a safe place for all students.

To learn more about our supportive community visit albanylawdiversity.wordpress.com

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Our alumni are successful, yet accessible.

They work across the country and overseas in every branch of the legal profession. They continually give back, helping students gain internships and jobs, and by serving as mentors.

Kate Stoneman was denied access to the Bar on the account of her gender. She petitioned the legislature and paved the way for all women to become lawyers. Albany Law School celebrates her courage and tenacity with the annual Kate Stoneman Day, where we present the Kate Stoneman Award to individuals who seek change and expand opportunities for women.

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PIONEERS OF ALBANY LAW SCHOOL

Kate Stoneman, 1898—first female graduate, first woman admitted to the New York State Bar Hon. James Campbell Matthews, 1870— first African-American graduate, first AfricanAmerican judge in New York State Myer Nussbaum, 1877—first Jewish graduate Kozu Senzaburo, 1877—first Asian graduate Amara Cavalcanti, 1881—first Latino graduate, became Chief Justice of Brazil’s Superior Court Alinton Telle, 1881—first Native American graduate

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2013-2014 8 0 N E W S C O T L A N D AV E N U E A L B A N Y, N E W Y O R K 1 2 2 0 8 - 3 4 9 4 W W W. A L B A N Y L AW. E D U

Office of Admissions Phone: 518-445-2326 www.albanylaw.edu/admissions admissions@albanylaw.edu