St. John’s Law Education Sets Leigh Pisane Cortez ‘00 Apart

Leigh Pisane Cortez knows what makes St. John’s Law unique. That unique education has provided her with a multitude of career opportunities, including her current role as an associate in Dechert’s global finance practice. 

Pisane Cortez grew up on Long Island in a tight-knit, blended family. Her parents were overjoyed and supportive when she announced she would be the first in her family to attend law school. 

“I remember my dad being so excited and proud,” she reflects. “He was with me when I received my acceptance letter to 
St. John’s Law, and later, my dad accompanied me on school tours and visits. On my tour of St. John’s, he said, ‘This is where you belong.’ Hearing him say that confirmed that St. John’s Law was the right place for me.” 

As a first-generation law student, the supportive community and expansive alumni network solidified her decision to attend 
St. John’s. “The Law School has a reputation for a tremendous alumni base, unmatched bar preparation, and a rigorous legal education that prepares students for practice. If it wasn’t for the excellent professors, supportive student body, and the practical knowledge I gained in law school, I wouldn't have been as prepared for my legal career.” 

One of Pisane Cortez’s supportive classmates, Natasha Aljalian ‘99, unlocked a world of opportunity for her.  

“I didn’t realize the importance of joining St. John’s Law Review, so I hadn't submitted an article by the deadline,” she recalls. “Natasha, the editor in chief at the time, called me over a holiday break to tell me that she didn’t receive my article and asked me to submit. She explained to me that being a member of Law Review could help catapult my career trajectory. I spent the entire break writing an article, and thanks in part to Natasha’s support, I made Law Review and earned a big law job in a leading firm right out of law school.” 

The unique opportunities, supportive network, and rigorous legal education at St. John’s Law set her apart throughout her career. “My experience at St. John’s Law allowed me to grow from a young woman with a fresh idealistic perspective into someone who can think on their feet, voice their opinions, and stand out in the profession,” she says. “I can proudly say that I chose the right law school.”