Who We
Know Is
Who You’ll
Know
At Fordham Law, our network is deep and wide. People in our sphere make things happen—from judges administering justice, to big law partners advocating for clients; from lawyers crusading for the underserved, to entrepreneurs cultivating businesses. We nurture long-term relationships and support the members of our Fordham family throughout the journey.
Meet the
Fordham Family
Fordham Family
From Academics to Activists and Everything in Between
Because we know many of the most influential professionals, legal and otherwise, from New York City to the far-flung corners of the planet, you will get to know them too. Together you will share ideas, learning opportunities, and job placements, gaining a clear competitive advantage that will sustain you throughout your legal career.
Sepehr Shahshahani
Associate Professor of Law
“Fordham Law is a great place to learn the law. The faculty are top experts, and the students are both practical and intellectually curious, which creates a vibrant classroom environment. We geek out about the finer points of the law, but we don’t lose sight of how it all matters to people’s lives.”
Kim Coopersmith
Class of 1984, Chairperson of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
“My path to being a lawyer began with a strong legal education—and I can’t help but note the role of women in my education. I should have appreciated how amazing it was in 1981 that two of my four first-year professors were women. I wish I could do law school again… the gift of practicing law is that you’re doing something incredibly interesting all the time.”
Julie Suk
Professor of Law
“At every pivotal moment our democracy has faced over the past few years, the community of scholars, teachers, and students at Fordham Law School has come together to understand and confront the issues through a supportive dialogue. The best thing about Fordham Law is how much the faculty and students care about working hard to get things right during these challenging times.”
Khadijah Sharif-Drinkard
Class of 1997, Senior Vice President, Business Affairs,
ABC News
ABC News
“As a student, I participated in a litigation skills clinic, where I learned to focus on meeting the needs of my clients and communicating with them in a manner that was direct and sensitive. Fordham Law helped me hone these skills, and my professors provided invaluable guidance and support. Fordham Law is an incredible and robust community of educators and scholars who left an indelible impression on me, and I believe that their investment in me has certainly paid off.”
Stephen Cugliari
Class of 2019, Director, Corporate Development and Legal,
Blade Urban Air Mobility
“My professors at Fordham Law encouraged me to focus on what I really wanted to do. There was a tremendous amount of freedom in that; I felt like I could take the classes I wanted to, versus the ones that would help me pass the bar exam. Those classes and the other skills allowed me to be part of the deal team that took our company public. Even when I’m doing something not explicitly related to law, I feel like my legal education serves me well.”
Michael Fitzpatrick
Class of 2012, Chief Privacy Officer, City of New York
“It’s extremely gratifying to be involved in work that builds trust with New Yorkers on how the city is collecting, sharing, using, and protecting identifying information. Fordham Law’s practitioner-focused approach laid a strong foundation for my current work.”
Grissel Seijo
Class of 2006, Senior Director, Counsel, Employment Law,
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery
“Fordham is a very inclusive school. Its motto, ‘In the Service of Others,’ is more than just words; it’s how we conduct our lives—integrating ethics into everything from moot court competitions to our assignments. It was a financial struggle for me to afford law school, but the community came together to help me find a path to attend. The folks at Fordham are ridiculously special.”
Matthew Diller
Dean and Paul Fuller Professor of Law
“People turn to lawyers for help with some of the most difficult and important issues they will face. Fordham helps you develop the creative skills you will need to make a real difference in people’s lives. The law is a service profession, and Fordham Law is a service-oriented school.”
Dianna Lam
Class of 2022, Evening Division, Assistant Vice President, Blackstone
“Attending Fordham Law School had been a dream of mine since my junior year of undergrad, so when I received my acceptance letter, I was elated. As a mother of two with a full-time day job, I knew that an evening program would be the only program I could afford myself to pursue. It is a privilege to be a part of the Evening Division, and I am so grateful Fordham Law provides opportunities for working parents.”
Hon. Denny Chin
Class of 1978, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit,
Adjunct Professor, Fordham Law School, and Co-Director, Center on
Asian Americans and the Law
Adjunct Professor, Fordham Law School, and Co-Director, Center on
Asian Americans and the Law
“I owe so much to Fordham Law School. Fordham taught me the law and how to think and act like a lawyer. It taught me the importance of decency, honesty, and hard work, and the importance of service to the public. I am a better judge because of what I learned at Fordham.”
Abdulai Turay
Class of 2022, Law Clerk at Covington & Burling LLP
“My parents always placed a high value on education, and I always thought of law school as a way to empower myself and others. After speaking with my mentor, a Fordham Law alum, it became clear to me that Fordham provided the best opportunity for my professional growth. Since attending Fordham, I’ve been able to learn from some of the most amazing professors and peers. These lessons will stick with me throughout the entirety of my legal career.”