Last week, CUNY School of Law welcomed 226 new aspiring public interest lawyers to its halls, kicking off an energizing orientation week filled with community building, skill development, and inspiration from faculty, alumni, and staff.
Dean Sudha Setty set an encouraging tone in her welcome address, emphasizing the school’s supportive community:
“You have the skills, knowledge, and drive to be an amazing lawyer. That is what our admissions team saw when you all applied to school here. That is why you are here. And I’m going to say it again: You have the skills, knowledge, and drive to be an amazing lawyer.
“I say this again because law school is sometimes really hard, and there may be moments where you doubt that, where you think to yourself, why am I here? Can I do this?
“So I’ll say it a third time. You have the skills, knowledge, and drive to be an amazing lawyer. We are here to support you in that journey. We are here to help and you have each other and this community to help build you.”
She urged students to be compassionate and kind, even when it’s challenging, as they navigate law school and eventually represent clients facing difficult circumstances.
Dr. Joanne Hyppolite, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, emphasized the importance of storytelling and affirming students’ identities and experiences: “I’m really interested in storytelling, especially the way it’s used to affirm students’ identities and their experiences. It’s an approach that’s at the intersection of my work.” She then led students in an exercise that saw nearly half stand and identify themselves as the first in their families to pursue a professional degree, while others stood as caregivers and parents.
She also highlighted the core values of the Student Affairs and Enrollment Management division: “The three things that I would like to believe that you can expect from us are community, communication, and collaboration. When we talk about community, we’re talking about the ecosystem of the law school, of which every single one of you is now a part.”
The week’s packed schedule included a range of activities designed to integrate students into the CUNY Law community. They enjoyed welcoming breakfasts, free professional headshots, an alumni panel, and a faculty panel where professors shared wisdom they wish they had known as law students. A Student Activities Fair introduced the various clubs and organizations available, while a Racial Social Justice Orientation aligned with the school’s social justice mission.
The faculty panel offered invaluable insights to the incoming class, with professors sharing personal experiences and advice. Professor Chaumtoli Huq emphasized the importance of building relationships with professors and peers, reflecting on her own journey as a first-generation law student. Professor Jared Trujillo stressed the value of networking and finding one’s community within the legal profession, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Professor Lynn Lu encouraged students to stay open to new experiences and passions, reminding them that their legal education can lead to diverse and fulfilling career paths beyond traditional practice.
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs David Baluarte highlighted the school’s unique curriculum, noting that students would dig into doctrinal areas in ways that no other law students in the country would: “You’re going to be learning those doctrinal areas from a critical perspective. You’re going to identify the weaknesses in the law, try to be creative about how you, as lawyers, can address the challenges in the law. And you’re learning the skills of lawyering. Already, you’ve got this running start to be a critical social justice lawyer with the skills to deliver to your communities. And that’s an incredibly special thing.”
Students also participated in court orientation, preparing them for the practical aspects of legal work. Throughout the week, they had opportunities to connect with various departments and student resource providers, ensuring they’re aware of the support systems available throughout their law school journey.
The CUNY Law community eagerly anticipates the contributions and accomplishments of its newest members and stands ready to offer support — whether that’s sharing a favorite study spot, passing on the student discounts at FoodCellar and Birch Coffee, or, if someone looks a little lost, helping them find the Community Room.