20 TH E C LA S S OF
b
J U R I S D O CTO R D E G R E E C A N D I D AT E S
C O LU M B I A L AW S C H O O L N EW YO R K C ITY
* Graduated October 21, 2020 ** Graduated February 10, 2021 *** Candidates June 30, 2021—New York Pro Bono Scholars † Candidates October 20, 2021
C O LU M B I A LA W S C H O O L
The Degree Candidates of the Class of 2021
1
J U R I S D O CTO R D E G R E E C A N D I D AT E S
T H E C LA S S O F 2 0 21
2
Claire Zena Abbadi Valerie Achille Kerim Kaya Aksoy Steven Alquesta Sara A. Al-Saadi** Derek Adam Andersen Nolan Kobuke Anderson Benjamin Apfel Eitan Arom Raymond Arroyo Yesenia Arroyo Oluwatumise Asebiomo Priya Asokan Brigitte Aziza Atchekzai Jake Atkins Ida Ethiopia Ayalew*** Alexander Harris Babcock Michael Paul Bannon Emily Grace Barber Jessica Dennise Barragan Naomi Bates Reuben R. Bauer Joel Beacher Joshua W. Bean Matt Beckwith Cole Tyler Beecher Natalie Behr Tal Abraham Ben-Moshe Rachel Dahlia Bercovitz David Maxwell Berman Courtney M. Bibbs Michelle Bigony Jake Blecher Ben Bleiberg Michaela Bolden Susanna Kate Booth Brittany A. Brady Samantha Ilana Braver Sabrina Bremer Adam Bresgi Jaime Leigh Brosnan Kyle S. Buchoff Noah Bunnell Andrey Burin
Lili Gordon Burns Erin Callahan*** Nicholas “Cole” Campbell Isabelle Mary Canaan Alex Canzoneri Jimmy Cao Jordan Carpenter Hunter Lee Carrell Nicole Casey Robert Casty Nicholas J. Celli Jennifer Chan Nisha Chandra Lauren Leung Chang Kelley Changfong-Hagen Jessie Grace Chao Benjamin Chasan Deling Chen Wang Chen Grace Dahyon Choi Joanne Woori Choi Sung Won Choi Brett Christensen Jeremy Chu Warren Chu Jeeyoon Chung Timothy S. Chung Emily L. Claffey*** Matthew Q. Clarida Daniel L. Clayman John S. Clayton Connor Clerkin Matthew C. Clifford Olivia R. Coates Sydney Nicole Cogswell Avanthi Mishael Cole Austin E. Collier Riley C. Collins Colin J. Conroy Kori Cooper Benjamin Nicholas Costanza Ben Covington Peter Jay Cramer Jacqueline Cummings
** Graduated February 10, 2021 *** Candidate June 30, 2021—New York Pro Bono Scholars
J U R I S D O CTO R D E G R E E C A N D I D AT E S Charlotte Rose Geaghan-Breiner Nataliia A. Gillespie Alisha Goel Sophia Evangeline Goh Yi Qing Rebecca Darin Goldberg Ilana Gomez Michelle Gomez-Reichman Brenda Gonzalez Rueda James Gordon Shanelle I. Gordon Margaret N. Gould Greg Graham Marielle Paloma Greenblatt Zachary A. Gross Eddie Grove Josué Guerra Henry Guerra-Orozco An Guo Amay Gupta Sana Gupta Hannah Gutenplan Henry Hagen James A.C. Hallam Laura Lau Harder Ian Matthew Harris Courtney Danielle Hauck*** Robert Henry Rust Hawkins Victoria N. Hay Morris Hedaya Rory Beth Heller Ian Hesterly Nicola Susette Hill Ruth Hirsch Megan Hirsh Lawrence Z. Ho Marc Jay Hoch Tara Hofbauer Stephen Hogan-Mitchell Darren Hon Meyer Renee Horne Thomas Zachary Horton Justin J. Hsuan Bijun Huang Qifan Huang
** Graduated February 10, 2021 *** Candidate June 30, 2021—New York Pro Bono Scholars
C O LU M B I A LA W S C H O O L
Nick Cunha Clare Sydnor Curran Cortnay Cymrot Benjamin Dale Bryant Alan Davis Jasmine Morgan De Cock Chelsi Michelle DeTurk Carina Kathleen Devairakkam-Brown Matthew Karl Dial Christopher S. Dinkel Sandro Dinobile Ross J. Dispenza Brett Allen Donaldson Sara Doudar James Drueckhammer Eli Dubin Kristen Angell Dupard Madeleine Eleanor Durbin Haris Adnan Durrani Alina Dvorovenko Chi-Emeka Elizabeth Egwuagu David Holding Eil Jennifer El-Fakir Alon Elhanan Jacob Bryce Elkin Sarah Elnahal Louis-Gabriel Étienne Lee Enriquez-Sarano Emily J. Eslinger Benjamin E. Feiner Alexander Fields Deandra Fike Alec Matthew Fisher Shirley Foo Katharine Friel Mengzhou “Melissa” Fu Alexander Fung Jack Furness Robert Bernard Gaines Nicolás Quaid Galván Michael Gao Kate Garber Angie Garcia Katherine Nallely Garcia**
3
J U R I S D O CTO R D E G R E E C A N D I D AT E S
T H E C LA S S O F 2 0 21
4
Hillary Hubley Isaac Ginsberg Hudis Marcus Sándor Hunter Brady Huynh Andrew Ryan Iwanicki Arash S. Jam Freya R. Jamison Tyler Thomas Jankauskas Chaitnya Bhanu Jayanti Hanna Jeon Kanger Jin Khara Michelle John Thea Laneise John Brian B. Johnson Tené N. Johnson Dominique S. Jones Young Joon Joo Alexander Britt Jordan Nia Joyner Parth Vijay Kalaria*** Zachary Kaplan Claudia Kassner Maya Barr Katalan Joshua A. Katz Sara Louise Kaufhardt Isabella J. Kendrick Abigail Owens Kertzman Aroosa Khokher Borna Khoshand Artem Khrapko Bobby Kim Dale Kim Eddie Bumkeun Kim Ellen Y. Kim Joshua Kim Joyce J. Kim Karen K. Kim Moses Kim Jeremy Carlton King Emilie Klovning Robert Koehler Cheng Jun Koh Mitchell A. Kohles Hannah Koo
*** Candidate June 30, 2021—New York Pro Bono Scholars
Jacob Kornman Randy Kreider Susannah “Suz” Kroeber Kodjo Elikem Amoa Kumi Michael J. Kutz Oliver O. Kwon Tiffany Lam Daphne Lambadariou Taylor Larson Hanna M. Lauritzen Jenna Rae Lauter Bou Lee Connie J. Lee Michelle Eugenia Lee Yong Jun David Lee Michael Kurt Lenker Andrew Lent Marc X. Leong Eli Levin Madison Rose Levin Tzvi Levitin Jenny Li*** Siyao Li Marcus Liang Jordan David Lieberman Hyung Bin Daniel Lim Jessica Y. Lim Allison Lin Olivia Lin Ayana Michele Lindsey Yilong Liu Yuwei Liu Daniel F. Loud Callen Lowell Matthew Loy Roger Lu Meghan M. Lucas Emely Marie Luna Prakriti Luthra Ahmed N. Mabruk Claire Carson MacLachlan Ilana Madorsky Nika Ariana Madyoon Anthony Mahmud
J U R I S D O CTO R D E G R E E C A N D I D AT E S Basil Oswald Alexei Laurent Owen James Oys Daniel Joel Palacios Sneha K. Pandya Claire Jung Hyun Park Jenny Park Seojin Park Gregory J. Parker Pooja Mrunal Patel Vinay Dipak Patel Mary Kate Patterson Sarah Elizabeth Patterson Samir Paul Maxwell Pearl Erica R. Pedersen Elie Peltz Harlea Alexandra Perdue Sarah Antonia Perez** Amira Perryman Kelly A. Petrillo Mai-Lee Picard Stephen James Piotrkowski Nicholas Joseph Tomlan Pokas Ryan Christian Polk Claire Michele Postman Susannah Grace Price Shuxin Qian Adi Radhakrishnan Prathyum Ramesh William Reed Lauren N. Reisig Julia Rigal*** Jean-Baptiste Rioual Michelle Ritter Spencer Slate Robbins Josh Robinett Matthew Alexander Robinson Evan Rocher Lorena Rodriguez Jennifer Marie Romero Tarek Roshdy Hannah S. Rosner Natalie Marissa Roy
** Graduated February 10, 2021 *** Candidate June 30, 2021—New York Pro Bono Scholars
C O LU M B I A LA W S C H O O L
Joshua Evan Malkin Cristobal Abel Mancillas Shannon Rose Marcoux Morgan Johnson Marmaro John J. Martin José Jesús Martínez III Christopher J. Mawyer David Cheng McKinley Katelyn McNelis David E. Mehl Alak Mehta Kim Mejía-Cuéllar Yerv Melkonyan Daihui Meng Aviel Menter Alyson R. Merlin Carlissa M Milord Sangil Min Chelsea K. Minuche Gabriel Mohr Mariel V. Mok Nicole Molee Cameron Francis Molis Ricardo Morales Harry John Morgan Mie K. Morikubo Danny Na Sangbo Nam Sherwin J. Nam Karen I. Neugroschl Ikechi Ngwangwa Yang Ni Shana Frieda Nissan Udodilim Njideka Odera Nnamdi Conrad Dhruv Noronha Chinyere Ngozi Obi Chika Onyinye Ojukwu Ayomide Oluwapelumi Omobo P. Pauline Oostdyk Elizabeth Orem Magdalena Oropeza*** Sarah Danielle Ortlip-Sommers Sebastian Osborn Tomiye Jenna Oshita
5
J U R I S D O CTO R D E G R E E C A N D I D AT E S
T H E C LA S S O F 2 0 21
6
Jackson Rubinowitz Daniel Ruzi Karla A. Saenz Karam Jawad Abdulsalam Salameh Joshua Samuel Jacob Ray Santangelo Sankeerth Tirumala V. Saradhi Samuel T. Schaffer* Jordan M. Schiff Joshua N. Schilowitz Corey Schoellkopf *** Elon Schmidt Swartz Nicholas Selden Neil Bhargav Setlur Andrew Sgarro Bastian Shah Natasha D. Shah Roderick Sheng Claire Sheridan Marina Shew Catherine Shu Jake Sidransky Sana A. Singh Samantha Smart George Franklin Smith IV Gregory Smith Andrew Smolich Brian A. Snow Elliot Charles Spector Daniel M. Spicehandler Ezra Spiro Wilson Stamm Connor Vignali Steelberg J. Cory Steinberg Ethan Stern Megan Sullivan Casey Perrin Sumner Andrew Sun Patrick Sun Aparna Sundaram Christopher E. Sundquist Taylor Andrew Sutton Corinna Miriam Svarlien Daniel R. Sweeney
Julia Thais Szinovatz* Yoshihito Tada Serena Meral Taj Aileen Tan Christian Taylor Tatum Niusha Tavassoli Ashley A. Taylor Ayelet Meryl Tbeile Kathleen Donovan Telfer Shavonne Hui Si Teo Jacob Austin Todd Sara Tofighbakhsh Michael I. Topol Andrew Bernard Toporoff Samuel Truesdell Mengyi Tu Lydia Jane Turnage Chizoba D. Ukairo*** Alondra Esmeralda Urbina Luis Angel Valle Lauren Amelia Varga Archana Rao Petero Vasa Clark Vaughn Adam Voron John Mason Waddill Christine Wang Wicy Wang Jacquelyn Watson Yi Wei Marie E. Weisfeiler Sara Barbara Weiss Leo G. Weissburg Samuel Elliott Weitzman Alexander Chan Werner Jack Weymer Jillian Marie Williams Woodworth B. Winmill Kelsey Rose Wiseman Jacquiley Wong Caleb Woods Hastings Woolston Cindy Wu Geoffrey Xiao Wendy Q. Xiao
* Graduated October 21, 2020 *** Candidate June 30, 2021—New York Pro Bono Scholars
J U R I S D O CTO R D E G R E E C A N D I D AT E S Annie Xie Qiran “Anna” Xie Fiona Xin Duan Xu Anita Nicole Haithcox Yandle Junguk Yi Hannah W. Yindra John Yu Qijia “Janna” Yu Kate Yurkovsky Jiahua Zeng
Barry Zhang Silver Xingxin Zhang Yiqun Amber Zhang Zhihao “Amy” Zhang Hedwig Zheng Lanlie Zheng Lingeng Zhuang Patrick John Zinck*** Erica Zou Tanner Zumwalt
EX E C U T I V E M A ST E R O F LAW S I N G LO B A L B U S I N E S S LAW D E G R E E C A N D I D AT E S Fengchang Liu* Carolina Nery Selders* Semen Shevchenko* Xin Ye*
M A ST E R O F LAW S D E G R E E C A N D I D AT E S Bruno Acevedo Nevfel Akkasoglu Sara Fouad Almohamadi Sania Anwar† Xiang Ao† Muhammad Awais Arshad Nahal N. Bahri Lori Baitarian Sea Hee Bang Justin C. Barnes Neta Battat Dorea K. Batté Marc Baumberger Fatima Bazzi Krishna Bhatia Tadd C. Blair Madeleine Bléhaut William P. Breslin Pichrotanak Bunthan Stefano Castoldi Claire Caton Daniel H.Y. Chan
Chan Yi Cheng Fei Chen Jhen Shih Chen Seok Choi† Chua Rui Kang Ryan Ali Dawud David Taylor Dayton Jr. Jiayi Deng Yang Deng Lucía Falcón Rotem B. Fix Dimitris Fthenakis Rosario Grima Algora Benjamin Guillon Fahira Hasic` Maiko Hayakawa Keisuke Hayashi Juliana Henriques Daiki Higashide† Wan-Ting Huang Yelim Hyon Ryoichi Inoue
* Graduated October 21, 2020 *** Candidate June 30, 2021—New York Pro Bono Scholars † Candidate October 20, 2021
C O LU M B I A LA W S C H O O L
Maria Botero* Winnie Chan* Naomi Chen* Qi Fu* Sanjay Jhanwar*
7
M A ST E R O F LAW S D E G R E E C A N D I D AT E S
T H E C LA S S O F 2 0 21
8
Sunghwan Jeon Luyi Jiao Amr Jomaa Ippei Kawase Lune Klappe Genki Koshiishi Mia Kot Anirudh Lekhi† Ana Lenard Julie Li Joey Lim Link Lin† Jianchen Liu Shenglan Liu† Ying Liu Estelle Lu Felice Fu-An Lu Shuaidong Lu† Tal Maman Antonio Ceasar R. Manila Kathleen McFarland Devranjan Mishra Yukiko Nakazawa Manon Oiknine Niva Orion Weiyan Ou† Apollonia Persianis† Anna Rainsford
Kelly Rodriguez Joaquín Rojas-May Carrasco† Federico Sacchi Beata Anoush Safari† Hiroyuki Saga Elsa Sayag Wanqin Shen Xueqi Shen Tianyu Sun Cheng-Yu Tan Rebecca Tan Moran Tepman Caroline Cordula Rahel Louise Thomas Vanessa Tsang Lena van der Staaij† Kedar S. Vishwanathan Kevin M. Walker Luying Wang Qi Wang Yifan “Wilson” Wang Nir Weintraub Jason P.H. Wong† Nadav Yafit Li Yang Yunke Yao Yuchun Zhang†
G R A D U AT I O N C O M M I T T E E C O - C H A I R S Austin E. Collier ’21 Chizoba D. Ukairo ’21 Lune Klappe ’21 LL.M.
† Candidate October 20, 2021
A Special Tribute to the Class of 2021: the Class Gift
Each year at commencement, members of Columbia Law School’s graduating class present a class gift to the Law School as they transition from students to alumni—a tradition since the late 1990s to support the students who will follow in their footsteps. Class gift co-chairs and committee members work diligently throughout the spring to engage all of their classmates in this effort, which consistently results in a tremendous annual class participation rate. Unfortunately, this year, as last year, the pandemic rendered this effort impossible. Acknowledging the fortitude, flexibility, ingenuity, and compassion of the Law School’s Class of 2021 during its challenging final year, Columbia Law alumnus Mozelle Thompson CC ’76, SIPA ’79, LAW ’81—the second African American to serve as commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission—has made a gift “in honor of every member of the Columbia Law School Class of 2021.”
T H E C LA S S O F 2 0 21
10
“I recognize these are unique times that require innovative responses. I also know these are difficult times for our students—especially those from underserved communities,” said Thompson. “My hope is that this gift will help the Class of 2021 know that they are not invisible and will serve as a beacon from someone who came 40 years before them. I have long believed in the strong bond that exists between Columbia Law alumni and students. I want them to know that I believe in them, and they should believe in themselves. They should aim high because their futures will be bright. I am excited to see how they will impact the world!” This gift will help alleviate the unanticipated financial needs of current and future Columbia Law students that have been brought on by the global crisis.
Alumni Advice
To help celebrate this year’s graduating class, alumni leaders who generously serve on this year’s reunion committees share their advice with the newest members of the Columbia Law School alumni network. Here are some examples of their words of wisdom.
“If you choose private practice rather than public service, always make time for pro bono work. It is not only an aspect of your ethical responsibilities, but a most fulfilling activity.” —MARK A. JACOBY ’66
“Get the best experience you can early on: Become a good and trusted counselor first, and then take the path that will bring you the most joy. If you do the latter first, you are less likely to have the rewarding career you deserve.” —ALFRED G. FELIU CC ’78, LAW ’81
T H E C LA S S O F 2 0 21
“Find something you love to do. Do not be so influenced by the prestige of the position that you are engaged in work that you do not look forward to do.” —ARTHUR S. KAUFMAN CC ’68, LAW ’71
12
“This pandemic will pass. When it does there will be new opportunities that didn’t exist before. . . . In a long career as a lawyer, there will be many twists and turns and numerous phases. This year is a challenge. Be flexible. Make the best of the opportunity you have, and keep the long perspective in mind.” —JOHN J. KERR ’76
“The law, and how it is practiced, has changed so much since we all graduated—and us old fogies have no clue how fast, or how, it will change—so this is not specific advice, but general career advice: Work hard, but draw some boundaries. Show excitement or eagerness, even when you’re overwhelmed, but don’t hesitate to ask questions. Apply critical thinking—always, whatever you do. Aim to be a lifelong learner. . . . Maintain cordial relationships with everyone—but always try to find a couple people who will have your back.” —BARBARA WAGNER SIPA ’80, LAW ’81
“A commitment to excellence is likely what got you to and through Columbia Law School. This is not the time to abandon it or rest on your laurels! Sticking to that commitment in the years following law school is the foundation to a successful career either in or outside the law.” —SCOT T A. BARSHAY ’91
—LAURA PULA COOK ’81
“You have more power over your future than you think. Take ownership of your career, and don’t settle for others determining your success or fulfillment.” —NOBUHISA ISHIZUKA CC ’82,
“Never turn down an opportunity to learn something new. Career paths take strange and unexpected turns, and chance moments can lead you to the thing you love to do most. Be open to the possibilities.” —NICOLAS B OURTIN ’96
LAW ’86
“The world will change in many ways, but the qualities of a good lawyer won’t. Be open to new technology and approaches, but maintain the essential attributes that those you admire have always demonstrated.” —JONATHAN L. WALCOFF ’86
“Build an emotional bank that can support you on your rainy days. Get a personal board of directors who can help you identify your blind spots.” —CLAUDIA M. MARMOLEJO ’96 LL.M.
C O LU M B I A LA W S C H O O L
“Start networking, now and never stop. . . . I don’t mean just when you need a job. I mean make connections, reach out, initiate contacts, have lunch, give updates, find mentors, keep in touch with former colleagues and classmates and even professors, and tend these relationships so that you have them when you need them.”
13
T H E C LA S S O F 2 0 21
14
“Be flexible, and adapt to change. You will find yourself in work environments, situations, etc., that evolve over time; when you find yourself in those situations, rather than resisting or trying to preserve the status quo, think about ways you can adapt your strengths and ways of working to those changes and see them as an opportunity to step up and accelerate your growth.” —IRIS S. CHEN ’01
“Listen and learn from others . . . particularly to your clients. While you’ve been skillfully trained to issue spot, always listen to what your client ultimately wants to achieve and work to bridge the gap and deal make as opposed to deal break.” —ALIA TUTOR ’01
“Don’t follow the crowd; follow your heart. Make sure what you are doing serves your answer to the question, ‘Why did you go to law school?’” —DAVID G. BRUDER ’01
“Remember that you are each other’s greatest resource at every stage of your careers. Be sure to remain, at a minimum, professional contacts and, at best, friends—if not even family. When you can help, please do. And when you need help, don’t hesitate to ask each other first. . . . You are there to help one another as classmates, even if you all end up in many different directions.” —ANDREA C. SAAVEDRA ’06
“Maintain the friendships you made at law school. They are the ones that were made without agenda, are real, and will be by your side in the future.” —NANDINI KHAITAN ’11 LL.M.
C LA S S G I F T 2 0 21
* Member of the Harlan Fiske Stone Society
C O LU M B I A LA W S C H O O L
Messages From Development and Alumni Relations and the Columbia Law School Association
15
Dear Members of the Class of 2021, With your graduation from Columbia Law School, you join the ranks of judges, corporate attorneys, public defenders, CEOs, world leaders, and alumni in countless other roles who are making their mark on the world. I know you have just begun to make yours. One of the special things about Columbia Law is the vibrancy of our alumni community. You are now part of an extended family comprising 28,000 Law School graduates. As you navigate your professional career, this global network can be a valuable source of guidance and support. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity by making personal connections and attending alumni events. Of course, you will also have the chance to give back in many ways. Please consider nurturing the legal careers of future students and graduates through mentorship. You can also contribute by volunteering for class reunion celebrations, serving on an alumni board or council, and becoming a loyal donor to the Law School.
T H E C LA S S O F 2 0 21
16
Congratulations on your impressive and hard-earned accomplishment in the face of extraordinary challenges. I wish you every success, personally and professionally, on the road ahead. Warmly,
Ryan D. Cairns
Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations
Dear Members of the Class of 2021, Congratulations on your graduation from Columbia Law School. As the newest members of our alumni community, I welcome you. For we all share a special bond—a bond that links us with Columbia Law alumni across the generations. Columbia Law quite literally transformed my life. As rewarding as my three years in law school were, the 30 years since my graduation have been an incredible journey. Wherever your path may take you, I hope you will remain engaged as a member of our Columbia Law family. A key part of our mission at the association is to create opportunities to nurture your relationships with fellow alumni. Please consider joining us for events, sharing personal and professional updates, and serving on our board one day.
As a Columbia Law graduate, you are among the very best. We at the Columbia Law School Association will be there with you and for you every step of the way. My warmest wishes as you enter the next stage of what I know will be a promising career. Sincerely,
Rudy Carmenaty ’90
President, Columbia Law School Association Board of Directors
C O LU M B I A LA W S C H O O L
This past year, we lost one of our own, the incomparable Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’59. Justice Ginsburg once observed, “Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” Words of encouragement, but more than that, words that affirm our common humanity—which is what the law is at its best.
17
C LA S S G I F T 2 0 21
T H E C LA S S O F 2 0 21
C O LU M B I A LA W S C H O O L
18
18
* Member of the Harlan Fiske Stone Society