Distinguished Lawyers and Alumni Honored at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law’s 29th Annual Law Leadership Dinner
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University honored three distinguished leaders of the legal community, as well as outstanding alumni, during its 29th Annual Law Leadership Dinner, held at the Westchester Country Club on March 14, 2024. More than 240 alumni, faculty, students, elected officials and members of the judiciary, and distinguished lawyers attended the celebration, raising vital funds in support of student scholarships, faculty research, and innovative programs.
The Law Leadership Dinner, first held in 1995, is the signature fundraiser for Haub Law and provides the setting for the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award, which honors individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the legal community. Additionally, the Shining Star Award recognizes up-and-coming Haub Law alumni in all areas of legal practice who have made significant contributions to the profession, their organizations, and the community early in their careers. This year, the Law School introduced the Visionary of Justice Award, created to honor individuals who raise awareness about human rights concerns, and/or motivate the initiation of social justice efforts within their communities.
This year’s Master of Ceremonies was Board of Visitors member and alumna Susan E. Galvao ’93, Co-Managing Partner, Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt, LLP. Both Horace E. Anderson, Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and Pace University President Marvin Krislov, gave remarks, speaking of the important role that Pace University and the Law School play in supporting our communities, producing leaders, improving access to justice, renewing our commitment to the mental wellbeing of our students, and making a difference. Significantly, Dean Anderson noted the tremendous growth the Law School continues to have – hiring four new professors, once again having our Environmental Law program ranked as #1 in the nation, and our top-tier trial advocacy program’s continued successes as they wrap up another record year.
The 2024 Visionary of Justice Award was presented by Linda Markowitz ’89, Partner, Rosenthal & Markowitz, LLP, to Cindy Kanusher, Esq., Executive Director of the Pace Women’s Justice Center. Cindy Kanusher has been with PWJC for over 25 years and during her tenure it has grown into a highly respected, multi-faceted legal services and training center serving over 3000 victims and survivors of interpersonal violence annually. Cindy was selected for this prestigious award because she exemplifies what an advocate, mentor, and leader stands for, and because she has dedicated her career to assisting victims of domestic violence, and to providing representation to the underrepresented. After accepting the award, during her inspirational and very personal speech, Cindy discussed the impactful work of the Pace Women’s Justice Center, sharing how her own experiences as a child have inspired her life-long commitment to pursuing justice for women and their families.
This year, two Haub Law alumni and top lawyers were recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. Haub Law Professor Leslie Y. Garfield Tenzer presented the first award to Paul Humphreys ’09, Partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US, LLP. Professor Tenzer taught Paul when he was a student at Haub Law and, during the presentation, proudly detailed his growth as a law student to the consummate professional that he is now, emphasizing his demonstrated commitment to going above and beyond to support Haub Law students on their professional journeys Paul’s law practice focuses on cross-border public and private M&A, private equity transactions, venture capital, and general corporate governance. He makes a positive impact in his field with an ongoing commitment to DE&I and LGBTQ+ initiatives as well. Notably, Paul has remained involved with Haub Law since graduating, serving on the Law School’s Board of Visitors, volunteering with the Center for Career and Professional Development, and as a generous donor in support of the school’s mission.
The second Distinguished Service Award was presented by Haub Law Board of Visitors Member and former Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Christopher B. Fisher ’94, Partner, Cuddy & Feder, LLP to Anthony B. Gioffre III ’94, Managing Partner, Cuddy & Feder LLP. During his heartfelt presentation of the award, Chris shared his 30-year personal and professional journey with Tony, from Haub Law classmates, to law firm partners and family friends, highlighting Tony’s leadership in successfully advocating for major land development projects in Westchester County. Tony has been a key member of Cuddy & Feder’s Management Committee for over a decade and is a highly accomplished land use attorney, representing national developers, retailers, religious institutions, and individuals before municipal and state land use, zoning, and environmental agencies across the region. He has also appeared on City & State’s Westchester Power 100 list for two consecutive years, highlighting his influential role in Westchester. Importantly, Tony is deeply involved in his community. During his speech, Tony, who is also a blackbelt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, shared the impact that the Sandy Hook shooting had on he and his family who live in the small Newtown, Connecticut community. The tragedy inspired his role and involvement in the not-for-profit organization, Blackbelts for Butterflies, an organization devoted to promoting awareness and acceptance for autism, created in memory of one of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School.
An early highlight of the Law Leadership dinner was Dean Anderon’s presentation of the 2024 Shining Star Awards to: Leigh Ellis ’15, Assistant Professor at Creighton University School of Law; Colin Myers ’21, Corporate Associate, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; Scott Wenzel ’17, Senior Associate, Yankwitt LLP; and Venesha White ’22, Associate, Dorf Nelson & Zauderer. Dean Horace Anderson noted the importance of the presentation of the Shining Star Award. “This award reflects not just the impressive trajectory of their careers but recognizes each of them as a shining example among our Haub Law graduates and an inspiration to future generations.”
The 2024 Law Leadership Awards Dinner was made possible in large part to a number of generous sponsors, which you can view in the event program.
