Success Stories

Tareian King came to New York on a one-way ticket from New Orleans, Louisiana. As a Posse Scholar, she received a full tuition scholarship to Bard College in Dutchess County, New York. Tareian recalls, “[w]hen I landed in New York City, it was night time and I had a chance to see the city lit up. It was massive and I had never seen anything like it. In that moment, I fully believed if I could make it to NYC, I could make it anywhere. For the first time, I actually felt proud of myself. Out of 200 students, I was one of ten chosen for this opportunity. As a senior in high school, I knew that I was interested in international law and Africa. I also knew that New Orleans was not the ideal place to land a career in that sector. I sacrificed everything I knew and loved in New Orleans to chase my international law career.”

Tareian acknowledges that things were not easy in New York. It was a tough transition from her life in New Orleans and she regularly experienced racism. Despite the hardships, Tareian made a commitment to herself that she would not return to New Orleans empty handed. “I wanted young girls in New Orleans to know that they could go as far as they wanted and that they could be successful. They could dream outside of Louisiana --while still loving where they came from and respecting their culture.”

During her junior year at Bard College, Tareian was selected to participate in The Bard Globalization and International Affairs, a program that allowed her to intern at The Global Poverty Project during the day and take international affairs classes during the evening in New York City. During the spring semester, she was awarded the Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship which sponsored her international law  studies at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa.

Tareian returned to New York during her senior year to finish her studies at Bard. She focused on her thesis, “For Better or For Worse: An Exploration of Law and Black Identity in America.” “After receiving my degree from Bard, I felt that I accomplished my personal goal.  I left a blueprint that allowed little Black girls in New Orleans to see that with hard work and perseverance, they could go far. Nevertheless, my career goals had only just begun.”

When Tareian graduated from Bard, she felt she had two options: apply to law school or move to Paris. “I chose Paris. Besides obvious reasons, I thought it was the strategic choice. I knew I would go into international law and French would be a necessity for the geographical areas I was interested in. Additionally, I would be an attractive applicant to international organizations and American law firms abroad. I found a job that provided me an apartment, paid for me to attend French school, paid for my monthly transportation and also gave me a monthly allowance.”  After Tareian was fluent in French, she decided to return to the United States and prepare for the LSAT. “I wanted to find a law school that made sense for me – community was important to me. Haub Law made the most sense. As a southern woman, I especially loved that there was a campus with grass and not just a building in the middle of NYC.” 

During her time at Haub Law, Tareian had a variety of interesting opportunities and experiences – many of which she self-created. “Upon entering law school, I knew exactly what fields of law I wanted to concentrate on. Africa and international law were always my goal. I spent my 1L summer working for DLA Piper’s partner in Senegal. I paid for Linkedin premium and wrote outside of my network. I landed an interview and it went very well. During my 2L year, I applied for an externship at the Senegalese Mission to the United Nations. Having work experience in Senegal enabled me to do a strong interview, and they accepted my application. For my 2L summer, I found a job post for a research position for the Africa Department of the Council on Foreign Relations. Although it was not legal, I did not hesitate to apply because I understood the intersectionality between international relations, affairs and law. I also was confident that I could bring a lot to the table within CFR’s Africa department which mostly focused on Nigeria.” At the same time, Tareian was applying to other positions to expand her set of skills in the legal arena. She ended up landing both the CFR position and one with the Open Society Foundation. Although CFR was based in Washington, DC and the Open Society Foundation economic development position in New York – due to the pandemic, both were virtual. “I worked constantly, but in hindsight it was one of the most rewarding experiences.”

Currently based in Dakar, Senegal, Tareian has been met with success. “The virtual classes made it possible for me to do law school from abroad. I made the decision to move because it made the most sense for me from a personal and professional standpoint. I am trying hard to build myself as a phenomenal international attorney and my focus is to get the skills that will make an actual impact. Working for DLA Piper’s partner in Senegal has provided me exposure to mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, and transactional work all relating to Africa. It has been a great experience and I have the opportunity to continue with them after graduation if I wish.”

Not just a recent law school graduate, Tareian is also an entrepreneur. “I have an agribusiness in Senegal and I run an e-commerce business, Nolafrique, which supports local artisans throughout Africa. Additionally, with my business partners throughout Africa who are international lawyers, project managers, economists, and more, we co-founded an investment consulting firm, The Africa Wealth Alliance. My current project involves building a private equity online platform that connects local businesses in Africa to international investors.  Working in international law while being an entrepreneur means that I am always busy. Thankfully, I have a dynamic team that helps with all of the projects, this allows me to focus and be 100% present in whatever I am doing.”

Tareian notes that the pandemic has brought some uncertainty with it. “It is important for me to have options. I have come so far, and the journey has been hard and long – I have spent the last nine years running after an international law career. Sacrificing my culture, my family, and my finances. I refuse to allow the global pandemic to hinder me from having opportunities post-graduation. Even if it means using my legal education on my own international projects, I will use my law degree. I have never allowed anything to get in my way of my goals, and I certainly will not start now.”

Please enjoy this special father-daughter commencement Q&A with Steven Epstein ‘92 and Alexis Epstein ‘21 in honor of Alexis's graduation from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University.

Q: Steven, your daughter graduated from your alma mater, Haub Law, how did you feel once she decided to pursue law and now that she is graduating? 

A: I was thrilled that Alexis chose the law and especially Pace as her pathway to make a difference in the lives of others and help improve the world we all live in. It is the size of her heart, her desire to succeed, and her intelligence that empowers her to help others. Becoming a lawyer and now a public defender was a perfect pathway to make a difference in the lives of others. How much more proud can a father be than of that.

Q: Alexis, did your father’s career as a lawyer inspire you to attend law school?

A: Absolutely, I grew up watching him. I would go to court with him all the time when I was younger to watch him in action in the courtroom. I saw the impact he made in people’s lives and learned that I too wanted a career where I could make that difference in someone’s life. I believe that being able to see the reality of what it takes to be a lawyer before coming to law school helped me in deciding whether law was the career for me. My decision to come to Pace was impacted by my father’s experience because he was able to tell me about what opportunities there were before even visiting. Ultimately, I chose Pace because of the number of public interest opportunities and I knew that was something I wanted to go into.

Q: Alexis, how was your experience at Haub Law?

A: My experience was great! I went down the criminal justice path so I took a number of Professor Dorfman’s classes such as Criminal Procedure and New York Criminal Procedure. Both classes were very helpful when it came to interviewing and I always enjoyed his classes. He has also become a mentor for me outside the classroom, which I have greatly appreciated. I also took Professor Mushlin’s Prisoners’ Rights class, which is something I’ve always been passionate about and really enjoyed his class. My last year I was fortunate enough to be in the Criminal Defense Clinic where we represented clients and were able to do so much as students under the practice order. To be able to apply what you’ve learned in a clinic setting was extremely valuable and helped me in securing my post graduate job. Lastly, I was heavily involved in the advocacy program, which solidified that I wanted to do litigation.  

Q: Steven, briefly, can you talk about your career and continued involvement with Pace?

A: I am a founding partner of Barket, Epstein, Kearon, Aldea & LoTurco, LLP and head of the firm’s DWI and Vehicular Crimes group. I have also been an adjunct professor at Haub Law for over 22 years teaching trial advocacy. During that time, I have also been coaching trial teams that compete at various trial competitions representing the School. Most recently, I opened The Steven Epstein DWI Defense Institute, which is an educational program designed to teach lawyers how to defend DWI cases. And, all Haub Law alumni receive a 15% discount on tuition!

Q: Alexis, what are your post-Pace career plans?

A: I have accepted a position as an Assistant Public Defender with the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. 

Q: Steven, what would your advice be for future or current law students?

A: There is nothing in this life that is worthwhile that comes easily. The most rewarding things in life take the most amount of work. So find what it is you want, do not let anyone or anything get in your way of accomplishing it and most importantly work as hard as you can to accomplish that goal.

A Commencement Q&A with 2021 Haub Law Graduate Laura Schwartz

What do you remember from your first day of law school at Pace? 

I remember a mix of emotions on the first day of law school – I was nervous, excited, and a little intimidated. My first class was torts with Professor McLaughlin, who wasted no time before diving into the Socratic method. As someone who is inherently shy, I thought to myself “what I have I gotten myself into?” I think I spent the rest of the day perfecting my case briefs for the next class. Needless to say, torts was one of my favorite subjects and I no longer shy away from speaking up.

What experiences throughout your time at Haub Law did you find most impactful?

My law school journey was probably unlike that of most of my peers. My mom passed away very suddenly at the beginning of my 2L year, and I was not sure how I was going to put one foot in front of the other. However, with the help of Dean D’Agostino, my professors, and my friends, I was able to get back on track and succeed. Through the kindness of the Haub Law community, I gained the comfort and confidence needed to graduate on time, with high honors, and a forthcoming publication in next year’s Pace Law Review journal. That experience has truly impacted the trajectory of my career, and will be something I look back on fondly for the rest of my life.

What are your post-law school career plans?

I am currently working in the derivatives group at Shearman & Sterling LLP, which I hope is the beginning of a long and fruitful career in the financial services industry.

What would your advice be for any incoming or current law students?

Keep your eye on the prize. Law school can be very demanding; it requires a high level of dedication, focus, and preparation. However, through hard work and having the right attitude, it is an extremely rewarding experience.

How would you sum up your feelings about graduating from Haub Law?

Bittersweet. I have really come to enjoy my time as a law student, but I am excited to see what the future holds!

What brought you to law school?

I started my own events business after working in hospitality for many years. Having my own business allowed me the freedom to consider what it is I really wanted to do, not just what I could do. I got my paralegal certificate from Hofstra and began work in the torts department of the MTA. It was a litmus test for me – how would I handle the shift to office work and was the legal world one I would enjoy – and I sure did!

The other push for me personally was a national ideological shift that I never expected. DOMA passed. I was in high school during the Matthew Shephard tragedy, and felt that my orientation was a burden on society that I should work to mitigate. After DOMA, it was the first time that I felt like maybe it was okay to be out and proud. I felt like a whole person.

Then, there was the passage of the ACA. I never forgot what it was like being denied medical care due to the lack of insurance coverage and being denied insurance coverage because I was diagnosed as diabetic at 16 – before I could even seek my own coverage.

These two decisions – DOMA and the ACA – allowed me to get married and obtain insurance through my spouse. My life dramatically changed due to legislation and court cases – and I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I feel that when you are blessed – you should spread those blessings. When I looked around and saw other populations that were still persecuted in the law – I knew that it was important that I get the education needed to change the system for them as well.

Why did you choose Haub Law?

I had a colleague at the MTA who graduated from Haub Law. She is a stellar attorney and so when she said I should apply, I did. From the outset, even though I applied, I was hesitant to go.

When I arrived on campus, Cathy Alexander and the admissions staff really changed my mind. She was thoughtful and kind; she did not “sell” the school, but presented the benefits. However, if I am being honest here, what really did it for me was the day I arrived. It was hot and I was a sweaty mess. My phone was dead, and I was stressed out. Before I began my campus tour, Cathy offered me a beverage – and honestly, that is what did it. She offered me a little bottle of San Pellegrino. Her simple, but kind gesture coupled with my previous work in Italian hospitality had me in love with this beverage – and somehow, this seemingly insignificant offer made me feel like Cathy really understood me.

Which professors have made the largest impact on you?  

Well this is a loaded question since I haven’t graduated yet, but each one has been stellar in a way that I love.

Professor Michael Mushlin – if you have to take a 9:00 in the morning civil procedure class then his should be the one you hope to take!  Professor Noa Ben-Asher was amazing for Torts and although I did not take her family law course (I wish I had more time!), she wrote an essay on the SCOTUS bestowing civil rights that really sticks with me. Professor Alexander Greenawalt – I have taken the bulk of my classes with this Professor because of how much I appreciated the classes he taught. To this day, International Criminal Law is one of my favorite classes ever. I could speak endlessly on this topic, but never with the same authority as Professor Greenawalt. Professor Margot Pollans – I was not at all interested in property law, until Professor Pollans. She took us down a deep dive into how interesting and important property and distribution is to our system. Professor Leslie Garfield Tenzer brings a passion that is infectious and that passion really makes you want to learn. Professor Bridget Crawford – I do not even know where to begin. Her classes are amazing. Her teaching is amazing. Really though, it is the genuine interest in every student that is striking. Some people pay lip service to “contact me anytime” – and others mean it. She is one of those individuals. She makes herself a true resource and I think that is so rare. Professor Van Krikorian – he is one of the funniest people I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. He is a subtle joker, but pay attention for the jokes and you will have an endlessly great time. Professor Tom McDonnell is the kindest and most patient person. His breadth of knowledge is so impressive and the fact that he puts so much into every class is not lost on me. I appreciate that his passions run along the same lines as my own, as well. Professor Vanessa Merton is so diligent about giving you the tools you need to succeed. She believes you to be a worthy advocate and pushes you to that end. Her hard work is something to emulate, and her motivation seems to track with my own. I feel vastly more prepared to enter the job market because of the connections she has made between my education and putting that education in motion. Also, although he was not technically a professor of mine – I want to add Professor Lou Fasulo. The advocacy program at Haub Law is outstanding. Professor Fasulo has crafted a program that makes ferocious advocates out of any who participate. It is one thing to learn the substance of the law – it is another to wield that power with might. Professor Fasulo arms us with the skills to really bring the fight where we determine the fight needs to be. Truly, there are facets of each one of my professors that I would love to pull forward with me.

How has the pandemic changed your law school experience?

Remote learning has been different. I think it was just another challenge to overcome. It excites me on some levels because it has forced the profession to accelerate the adoption of technology. Although commuting back and forth was a little pain, I do miss being on campus, however I have appreciated being able to sleep a bit later. I will say that several professors (notably Professor Crawford!) have been incredibly diligent in mitigating the impact. It has shown and once again aids in the gratitude I feel for choosing Haub Law.

What do you plan to do post law school?

I am currently at a smaller Trusts and Estates firm in Brooklyn, and if all goes as according to plan, I will be there for a good while. However, I will never turn my nose up to an opportunity and if I could choose one that speaks to me: I jokingly say that I would like to take Judge Judy’s place, but it is only a half joke. I feel like access to small claims is a mystery to most. It is a powerful tool that the masses have at their disposal to effectuate justice on a personal level and I would love to be part of an organization that helps demystify that process to those who need it.

What are some of your hobbies outside of law school?

I love to cook, and I love to play games. Video games. Card games. Board games. I love to travel – meet new people, learn new cultures and explore new less traveled areas.