In Memoriam: Professor Vanessa H. Merton, 1949 - 2024

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University mourns the passing of Professor Vanessa H. Merton – a brilliant and deeply committed professor, a legend in the legal profession, a life-long advocate for human rights, and a friend and mentor to many. Professor Merton passed away peacefully in the company of her loving family on July 15, 2024 following a valiant battle with cancer.

Professor Merton began her legal education career at New York University School of Law, and was a founding faculty member of CUNY Law School, and a Mellon and National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow. She joined Haub Law’s faculty in 1989 and served as Associate Dean for Clinical Education and Executive Director of John Jay Legal Services, while creating and teaching clinics in Access to Health Care and Prosecution of Domestic Violence, and innovative programs aimed at providing legal services to those in need.

In 2005, Professor Merton founded the Pace Immigration Justice Clinic and served as its Executive Director until earlier this year. In this role she was a steadfast advocate for her clients and a role model for our students — providing representation on applications for asylum or family-based status, in removal proceedings at state and federal detention facilities, and on petitions for crime victims and juvenile immigrants.

Her commitment to her cause was truly admirable, demonstrated through her incredible work ethic, her investments in her students, and her personal involvement in the community. She assisted travelers detained at airports under the 2017 Trump Executive Orders, spent spring breaks volunteering at immigrant detention centers on the southern border, and established a 200-student emergency operation to assist people affected by 9/11. She was also a passionate advocate for protecting the rights of all American voters. But perhaps Vanessa’s greatest legacy has been as a teacher and mentor to generations of Haub Law students, many of whom she inspired to pursue careers in immigration justice or as public interest lawyers.

“Vanessa was not only the visionary leader of John Jay Legal Services and our Immigration Justice Clinic, she was a legendary legal expert, an advocate for her clients, and a mentor to countless lawyers in our region who stand in the breach for the underrepresented and underserved,” said Haub Law Dean Horace E. Anderson. “Her altruistic spirit and tireless dedication to serving others has left an indelible mark not only on the Law School, but broadly in the community.”

Learn more about the remarkable life and career of Professor Merton in her digital Festschrift.

Those interested in sending a gift are encouraged to make a contribution in her name to support the Vanessa Merton Immigration Justice Fellowship established by her family to continue her legendary work in the Pace Immigration Justice Clinic.

The Law School will hold an on-campus Tribute and Memorial Service honoring Professor Merton on September 12 at 6:00 p.m. All faculty, staff, alumni and friends are invited to join us in this celebration of her extraordinary life and career. To ensure space for what is sure to be a widely-attended event, please RSVP HERE so that we may plan accordingly.