Patricia (Tricia) Feighan ‘94 and her daughter, Michelle, a current 2L at Haub Law, have deep family ties to Pace. “My father, Philip B. Blank, was Associate Dean for External Affairs and Professor of Law at what was then known as Pace University School of Law,” said Tricia. “He was a huge advocate for the Law School and for women to pursue legal careers. He encouraged me early on to pursue my dream of following in his footsteps.” Deciding to attend Haub Law was a natural choice for Tricia. She was working full-time and while she wanted to pursue her dream of the law, she also needed to continue working. “Haub Law was known to have a great part-time program with many night classes and the location was ideal. I knew if I attended Haub Law, I would have a solid foundation to begin my law career.”
While it was at an early age that Tricia started thinking about going to law school, the decision came a bit later to her daughter, Michelle. “As a history major in my undergraduate studies, I had a strong interest in American History,” said Michelle. “I developed an appreciation for the American justice system and enjoyed learning about how the development of our country shaped our laws and the U.S. Constitution. I also took note of the attorneys throughout history who brought about positive change to our world through their careers. I noticed how a legal degree could advance someone’s skills and knowledge, and also give them the ability to bring positive change to people’s lives. While my mother’s career as an attorney had made me consider law school, my interest in my studies was ultimately why I decided to pursue a legal career. Once I took an interest in attending law school, my mother was extremely excited for me. The strong family affiliation with Pace was a bonus for me once I decided to pursue a law degree. Between that, and the positive experiences I had heard of students who did attend Haub Law, I was confident that I would receive a high-quality education to prepare me for my future legal career.”
Thus far, Michelle’s law school experience has been an extremely positive one. “I have truly enjoyed my classes and am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such intelligent and experienced professors. I have spent the past year interning as a law clerk at an immigration law firm, which has provided me with valuable hands-on experience working at a small firm. However, having taken an interest in criminal law classes throughout my 2L year, I have recently accepted an offer as an intern with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for this upcoming summer. I feel that the education I am receiving and the experiences I have had in and out of the classroom are preparing me well for my legal career.”
Looking back, Tricia had a similarly positive experience during her time at Haub Law. “I was working during the day, attending law school at night, and I had my first two children while I was in law school. Haub Law allowed me, as a working mother, to be able to fulfill my dream of being an attorney. After a number of years practicing post-law school, I decided to leverage my technical undergraduate degree in addition to my law degree. Having graduated college from Pace University with a Bachelor of Science in computer science, I was eligible to take the patent bar. I am a registered patent attorney with the USPTO and employed by IBM as an IP law attorney. I am currently Counsel and Manager of a patent department.”
For both Tricia and Michelle, attending the same law school has played such a positive role in both of their lives and careers. “My mother has truly supported me along the way and helped me pursue this path,” said Michelle. “When deciding which school to attend, I had the chance to listen to her experiences as a student at Haub Law and understand how this school helped her get to where she is today. She was a strong influence on my decision to choose Haub Law. Now, as a 2L, I enjoy talking to her about my current classes and sharing my experiences. We even discuss professors that we now both have had the opportunity to learn from. I am truly grateful to get to share this part of my life with my mother, it has been a very special experience for both of us.”
For Tricia, life has come full circle with her daughter attending Haub Law, albeit a bit bittersweet. “I think so highly of Pace and was so excited when Michelle decided to attend the same law school that I did, but also that my father was so proud to work at for so many years,” said Tricia. “Although my father passed away while I was in college, I know he was watching over me as I pursued my dream and I want Michelle to know that I will always be cheering her on and encouraging her, just as my father did for me. I graduated from law school on my father’s birthday. I know in my heart he is so proud to see Michelle and I have carried on the family legal legacy and even more proud we both attended Pace, a school he believed in, was dedicated to and was so passionate about.”
Growing up in a first-generation Italian household, 3L Stella Capparelli learned perseverance and grit from her parents, who immigrated from Italy. From an early age, she understood that not everyone has the opportunity to attend college or law school, and she was determined to make the most of the opportunities she had.
University of Colorado Law School Dean and Provost's Professor of Law Lolita Buckner Inniss, and Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Professor Bridget J. Crawford have announced the release of their new book, “Social Movements and the Law: Talking About Black Lives Matter and #MeToo.”
Elisabeth Haub School of Law Professor Bennett Gershman speaks to New York Magazine Intelligencer about the legal implications of a potential win or loss for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.