November 05, 2012
On Tuesday, October 23, 2012, the
Center for Law and Religion and the Career
Development Office co-hosted a panel at the Law School on
“Careers in Law and Religion.” Panelists included Elizabeth K.
Cassidy of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom,
Maureen Liccione of Jaspan Schlesinger LLP,
Keith Sharfman of St. John’s School of Law, Amardeep Singh of
The Sikh Coalition, and Diana Verm of The Becket Fund for Religious
Liberty. The panelists, who work as litigators, academics, and
policy advisers, brought a wide range of experience and perspective
to the dialogue.
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After discussing their professional backgrounds, the panelists
spoke about the current state of law and religion and the variety
of practice areas in the field. Liccione discussed religious
accommodation issues in zoning law and municipal litigation.
Sharfman commented on religious issues in estate planning, land
use, matrimonial law, and labor law, as well as his own service on
a beth din, or Jewish arbitration panel. Cassidy shared her
perspective on emerging religious freedom issues in Europe. Verm
offered an overview of her work at The Becket Fund, including the
representation of clients alleging violations of their religious
freedom. Singh discussed his work on behalf of clients in religious
discrimination suits.
The speakers also offered advice for students interested in a
career in the field. Most of the panelists built careers in other
areas of legal practice before shifting their professional focus to
law and religion. They encouraged students to get involved in law
and religion issues and practice through pro bono work or
internships, sharing that The Becket Fund and The Sikh Coalition ―
both staffed by people of all faiths ― currently have internship
and externship positions available for law students. As Singh put
it, “The thing that binds [us] is an unwavering commitment to the
right of religious freedom.” Reflecting on the program,
Larry Cunningham, the Law School’s Associate Dean for Student
Services, said: "Events like the Law and Religion careers panel
provide students with important opportunities to discover a career
path and network with professionals in the field. This event, in
particular, demonstrates how our academic centers are helping
students navigate their path to the profession."