Fordham Lawyer Magazine – Spring 2025

Bold
Leadership,
Boundless
Energy

Meet Joseph Landau,
Fordham Law’s
Dynamic New Dean

Teaching teens how to use the law to advocate for themselves and their communities

Fordham and the Vallones: A family tradition of leadership and public service in New York City

Spring 2025

Howie Roseman holding Super Bowl trophy on the field surrounded by the Philadelphia Eagles team after their big win

SNAPSHOT

The Architect of the Eagles’ Big Win Quarterback Jalen Hurts may have taken home the Most Valuable Player award in the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, but Fordham Law graduate Howie Roseman ’00 is widely hailed as the mastermind behind the Eagles’ championship roster. His journey with the franchise began in 2000 when, fresh out of Fordham Law School, he joined as an unpaid 24-year-old intern. Rising through the ranks of the Eagles’ football operations and scouting departments, he ultimately became the team’s executive vice president and general manager. A two-time NFL Executive of the Year, Roseman has earned a reputation as a “wizard” for his savvy dealmaking and strategic vision, which proved instrumental in assembling the Eagles’ title-winning squad. Above, Roseman hoists the Lombardi Trophy as the Eagles celebrate their Super Bowl triumph.

Photo: Associated Press

Fordham Lawyer Table of Contents Spring 2025

Spring 2025

Diana Imbert-Hodges and Craig Shepherd smiling side by side in front of glass railing with artwork behind them

Diana Imbert-Hodges ’19 (left) and Craig Shepherd ’19 (right), founders of Defying Legal Gravity. Read the article

Features

Bold Leadership, Boundless Energy

Meet Dean Joseph Landau, the visionary new leader guiding Fordham Law into its next chapter

Teaching Teens the Power of the Law

Diana Imbert-Hodges ’19 and Craig Shepherd ’19 are equipping high schoolers with the tools to advocate for themselves and their communities

A Family Affair

For four generations, Fordham has inspired members of the Vallone family to make their mark on New York City

Departments

From the Dean

The Docket

Notable news from alumni

In Their Element

Professor Jennifer Gordon’s vibrant office reflects her scholarly interests and her passions

#FutureFordhamLawyers

These law students are making an impact at Fordham Law School and beyond

From the FLAA President

Brenda L. Gill ’95 is leading with purpose

Around the Law School

Newsworthy events of the year

Class Notes

Snapshot

The Fordham lawyer who changed baseball

Cover photo by Chris Taggart

From the Dean

Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future

abstract illustration of lady liberty with digital symbols and vibrant colors in the background

The Fordham mission is clear: to prepare students not only for the challenges of the legal profession but also to lead with integrity, resilience, discernment, and vision in a rapidly changing world. As I approach the end of my first year as dean, I am energized by the progress we’ve made and inspired by the collective efforts of our community so that Fordham Law remains a beacon of excellence in legal education and a force for good in the profession and society.

Throughout the year, I have been working closely with our faculty and staff professionals to shape and communicate our goals, and we have the plans to achieve them. Meeting these goals will require decisive action, unrelenting determination, resilience, and a steadfast willingness to do the hard work that is necessary to take Fordham to even greater heights.

Read Full Article

THE Docket

News of note from Fordham Law alumni

Kyu Young (Mike) Paek holding his daughter

Kyu Young (Mike) Paek ’08 and his daughter at his swearing-in ceremony

Blazing a Path to the Bankruptcy Bench

By Sejla Rizvic

Kyu Young (Mike) Paek ’08, confirmed as a United States bankruptcy judge for the Southern District of New York in July 2024, first discovered his passion for bankruptcy law as a Fordham Law student. Interning for bankruptcy judge Arthur Gonzalez ’82 during the summer between his first and second year, he had the opportunity to work on two of the biggest bankruptcy cases in history, Enron and WorldCom.

When Paek returned to Fordham in the fall, he took every bankruptcy course he could, including one taught by Professor Susan Block-Lieb. “She taught a Chapter 11 course which really got me excited about pursuing a career in bankruptcy,” says Paek.

Read Full Article

Joseph Landau wearing a dark suit stands on an outdoor balcony at night, with city buildings and illuminated windows in the background.

Bold Leadership, Boundless Energy

Meet Joseph Landau,
Fordham Law’s
Dynamic New Dean

A distinguished scholar, an inspiring teacher, and a visionary leader, Dean Joseph Landau is propelling Fordham Law School into a new era. As he wraps up his first year on the job, he has already left an indelible mark on the Fordham Law community. With his indefatigable drive, he is focused on shaping the future of legal education, positioning Fordham as a leader in the profession, and fostering an environment where every student can thrive and succeed.

By Christopher Hann

Read Full Article

A diverse group of young adults standing on a staircase with a glass railing in a modern building.

Diana Imbert-Hodges ’19 (bottom, center) and Craig Shepherd ’19 (bottom, right) with their students at Fordham Law School

Teaching Teens the Power of the Law

Defying Legal Gravity, a nonprofit started by Diana Imbert-Hodges ’19 and Craig Shepherd ’19, teaches New York City high schoolers to fall in love with the law—and empowers communities along the way.

By Paula Derrow | Photos by chris taggart

Read Full Article

A Family Affair

In an office, an older man in a suit jacket sits at a desk holding a framed photo, while a younger woman in a black suit stands behind him. The background features a framed portrait of another man, a scales of justice emblem, and various other framed documents and decorative objects on shelves and the wall.

For four generations, Fordham has inspired members of the Vallone family to make their mark on New York City.

By Elizabeth Moore

Above: Lea Vallone ’25 with her grandfather Peter F. Vallone Sr., FCRH ’56, LAW ’59, who is holding a photo of his father, Charles J. Vallone ’28. On the wall is a photo of Lea’s father, the late Paul Vallone FCRH ’89.

Photo by Robert Essel

Read Full Article

IN THEIR ELEMENT

Jennifer Gordon

IN THEIR ELEMENT

Photos by Chris Taggart

BY Elizabeth Moore

Professor Jennifer Gordon’s seventh-floor office is a tribute to her work on behalf of immigrants and refugees, including collectibles from her world travels to meet with immigrant workers. It is also a snapshot of the former MacArthur Fellow’s 21-year career at Fordham Law School, where she teaches courses on immigration, workers’ rights, and legislation and regulation, writes scholarship with a real-world impact, and holds the John D. Feerick Chair.

Gordon’s light-filled office overlooks Lincoln Center and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, which she says often breaks the ice when students come to meet with her. “This is so calming,” she says of her office of 10 years. “I love this. It allows me to connect with people on a human level before we connect on a work level.”

Read Full Article

#Future Fordham Lawyers

These law students are ready to create a real-world impact in ways that make the Law School community, New York City, and the world better.

Justin Chaljub ’25

Bridging Law and Business

Law school can be competitive, but it has been refreshing to be part of a student body that looks out for and is genuinely invested in everyone’s success. During my 1L and 2L years, I was deeply involved in the Dispute Resolution Society (as a negotiations competitor), the Latin American Law Students Association (as fundraising chair), and the Journal of Corporate & Financial Law. Each of these activities helped me learn new skills and build a lasting sense of community. Last summer, I was a law clerk in the New York City office of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. I gained real experience in “Big Law” and had the opportunity to work with experienced attorneys. It also provided tangible context for what I was learning in the classroom, and it helped refine my direction toward a career in law and business. Following graduation, I am excited to join Debevoise as an associate. I am interested in transactional practice areas that utilize my business background, such as mergers and acquisitions and real estate. Long-term, I would love to have a career in sports, whether it be firm-side, league-side, or team-side, among other paths.

Read Full Article

Leading with Purpose

A Q&A with FLAA President Brenda L. Gill ’95

For Brenda L. Gill, the first person of color to serve as Fordham Law Alumni Association (FLAA) president in its 100-year history, Fordham Law is a source of enormous pride and community. Recently named partner at Dunnington Bartholow & Miller LLP, where her practice focuses on technology transactions, Gill brings 30 years of experience in corporate law, technology, and data privacy to this new role. In this Q&A, she reflects on what Fordham Law meant to her as a first-generation law student, her role in founding the Alumni Attorneys of Color affinity group, and her plans to invigorate engagement with the FLAA and implement its new Strategic Plan.

By Josh Friedland

Read Full Article

Around the Law School

read the full stories and more at news.law.fordham.edu

NEW FACES

Four New Faculty Members Join Fordham Law

Doni Bloomfield
Associate Professor of Law

Doni Bloomfield works in the areas of intellectual property, antitrust, and health law. His recent scholarship has studied the relationship between market competition and supply resilience, the application of export controls to biosecurity risks, and the intersection of FDA and patent law. Bloomfield was previously a senior research associate at Johns Hopkins University, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School, and a biotechnology reporter at Bloomberg News.

Mariam Hinds
Clinical Professor of Law

Mariam Hinds is an expert on criminal law, criminal procedure, and race and joins Fordham as clinical associate professor of law in the Criminal Defense Clinic. Hinds was previously a practitioner-in-residence and acting co-director of the Criminal Justice Clinic at American University Washington College of Law. She also taught a seminar on Criminal Defense Theory and Practice and the ethical, legal, and practical dimensions of criminal defense practice.

Gowri Krishna ’06
Clinical Professor of Law

Gowri Krishna ’06 is a clinical educator with a strong focus on economic, racial, and social justice. She has maintained a focus on confronting the country’s widening wealth gap and addressing threats to immigrants’ and workers’ rights, and she is an expert on immigrant-owned worker cooperatives. Krishna was previously a professor of law and the founding director and supervising attorney of the Nonprofit and Small Business Clinic at New York Law School.

Ela Leshem
Associate Professor of Law

Ela Leshem is a legal theorist who teaches and writes about the property and personhood status of human bodies, nation states, animals, fetuses, venerated objects, and artificial intelligence. Previously, she was a fellow at the Senate Judiciary Committee and clerked for Chief Judge David Barron of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Leshem earned her B.A. and J.D. from Yale, and her doctorate and master’s degree at Oxford.

Read Full Article

Class Notes

January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024

’51

The New Yorker released a short documentary, “Frank,” celebrating the late Frank Lucianna. The documentary details his day-to-day life, professional history, and passing. His daughters, Diane and Nancy Lucianna, also graduated from Fordham Law in 1981 and 1986 respectively.

’57

Professor Constantine N. Katsoris was honored with Fordham University’s 60-year Bene Merenti Medal at the University Convocation on March 3, 2024.

’59

At 91 years old, Thomas Mui graduated with a master’s degree in political science from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He enrolled more than 70 years previously and elected not to complete his required thesis at the time in order to attend Fordham Law. He practiced law for over 60 years.

Valerie White was included on City & State’s NY 50 Over 50 Age Disruptor list in recognition of those who have dedicated their lives to making New York a better place.

’97

Jill Heitler Blomberg celebrated her 25th year with Schoonmaker, George, Blomberg, Bryniczka & Welsh PC. She specializes in high net worth divorce, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and child custody cases.

Palmina Fava was recognized in Lawdragon’s annual 500 Leading Litigators in America list for 2025. She was also individually recognized in Global Investigations Review 2024 GIR 30 list.

Lillian Grossbard joined the partnership at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.

Ritha Pierre was recognized at the Fordham Law School BLSA Alumni Trailblazer Celebration on February 21, 2024. She was also promoted to general counsel of Riseboro Community Partnership, Inc.

Michal Shinnar was named “among the most influential and respected practitioners in the employment law sector in Maryland” in the Daily Record’s 2023 Employment Law Power list. She was also named to the Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch list for her work in labor and employment law.

Daniel Tyrrell joined Bressler, Amery & Ross P.C. as counsel in commercial litigation.

Robert Vacchiano was elevated to counsel at Riker Danzig LLP.

Read Full Article

SNAPSHOT

The Fordham Lawyer Who Changed Baseball The Yankees’ 2024 World Series loss to the Dodgers was a devastating blow, but even the most die-hard fans among Fordham Law’s alumni might respect a historic Fordham connection. Walter O’Malley ’30, the controversial owner of the Dodgers who famously—or infamously—relocated the team from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1957, was a Fordham Law graduate. In 2024, his archive was donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, now accessible for the first time to scholars, researchers, and authors. Below: O’Malley and Brooklyn Dodgers Manager Walter Alston at Ebbets Field on Opening Day in 1952.

(Sports Studio Photos/Getty Images)

O’Malley and Brooklyn Dodgers manager Walter Alston at Ebbets Field on Opening Day in 1952

Masthead

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fordhamlawyer@law.fordham.edu

Fordham Lawyer
Attn: Communications Office
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Dean

Joseph Landau

Editorial Board

Vera Tkachuk
Assistant Dean, Fordham Law School, and AVP for External Relations, Fordham University

I. Bennett Capers
Associate Dean for Research

Ornela Ramaj Rudovic
Director of Alumni Relations

Editor-In-Chief

Josh Friedland

Creative Director

Robert Yasharian

Director, Marketing and Communications

Elizabeth Moore

The Fordham Law School Annual Fund Advertisement

Celebrating 25 Years

For 25 years, students from Fordham Law have traveled every summer to Ireland as part of the School’s Belfast/Dublin Program. Founded in 2001, just three years after the Good Friday Agreement brought an end to the decades-long sectarian armed conflict between British loyalists and Irish nationalists in Northern Ireland, the program has served as an extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to learn the law, meet with legal and political dignitaries, and understand the complexities of international law and conflict resolution firsthand.

large group of students smiling outside on grassy hilltop

large group of students in front of hall building; large group of students in art museum; 4 males outside in front of brick arches

group faculty photo in Fordham Law court room; three students in black robs and wigs; students in front of Legal Education Centre

students in front of police service wall mural; large group of students on stairs

large group in front of white building with columns; large group of students in front of artwork displayed in museum

Thanks for reading our spring 2025 issue!

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