October 11, 2011
A panel of leading practitioners addressed students, alumni and
faculty at the Law School’s recent Management Lawyers’ Colloquium.
Now in its 15th year, and co-hosted by the
Labor Relations and Employment Law Society and
Center for Labor and Employment Law, the event exemplifies the
Law School’s commitment to providing a dynamic and engaging forum
where students, practitioners and scholars come together to explore
the practice and theory of labor and employment law. Panelists
included:
- Jennifer Cavanaugh – JetBlue Airways Corporation
- Zachary D. Fasman – Paul Hastings LLP
- John P. Furfaro – Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
LLP
- Jared A. Jacobson – Jared Jacobson Law, LLC
- Barry Peek – Meyer, Suozzi, English and Klein P.C.
- Ana C. Shields ’03 – Jackson Lewis LLP
After Ana Shields took the audience through a day in the life of
a management-side attorney, John Furfaro offered practical advice
rooted in years of experience representing employers, noting that
successful employment lawyers are well versed in many areas of the
law. Barry Peek then discussed a range of labor-side legal issues,
as well as his path to becoming a labor lawyer. Jared Jacobson
added perspective with his views on solo practice and the
importance of balancing work and family life. Speaking on the
immense value of mentorship, panelist Zachary Fasman recalled how
his labor law professor shaped his future as an employment
attorney. Continuing the dialogue, Jennifer Cavanaugh shared that
her experience as a law student, summer associate and junior
associate shaped her current career as in-house counsel.
Photo Gallery
A highlight of the evening was the awarding of the Jackson Lewis
Scholarship for Excellence in Labor and Employment Law in Memory of
Alan C. Becker. Initiated by Law School alumni Craig Roberts ’97,
Christopher Valentino ’00 and Ana Shields ’03 of Jackson Lewis LLP,
this partial tuition academic merit scholarship is given annually
to an outstanding 2L intent on a career in labor and employment
law. Jackson Lewis generously funds the award in memory of late
partner Alan C. Becker. Introducing the award, Craig Roberts
commended Alan Becker’s dedication to mentorship, family values and
ethical behavior. “Alan Becker’s fundamental decency and goodness
resonated through a life well lived that sets the tone for this
Colloquium each and every year,” said
David L. Gregory, St. John’s Dorothy Day Professor of Law and
Director of its Center for Labor and Employment Law. This year’s
award recipient, Michael Harary ’13, is also an Anthony L. Pedretti
Labor and Employment Law Scholar and a Junior Fellow of the Center
for Labor and Employment Law.
Before the evening closed, students had an opportunity to meet and
talk with distinguished labor and employment law practitioners,
including Richard Zuckerman, former Chair of the New York State Bar
Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section, Karen Fernbach ’77,
Acting Regional Director for Region 2 of the National Labor
Relations Board, and Anthony Giustino ’90, Law Offices of Louis D.
Stober, Jr., L.L.C. “The Management Colloquium has become a pivotal
event at St. John’s Law School,” said Melissa Schneer, president of
the Labor Relations and Employment Law Society. “It inspires
students to get involved with labor and employment law, and it
provides students with crucial insight for securing employment
during the summer or after graduation. It’s one of the best
events St. John’s has to offer.”