November 5, 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.
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."