In a recent essay published by Harvard Law School’s Bill of Health, Pace Haub Law Professor Lauren Breslow and co-author Vanessa Smith call for stronger ethical and legal safeguards to protect genomic data from misuse, particularly when children and vulnerable communities contribute DNA for research purposes. The authors highlight recent reporting that pediatric DNA data shared for adolescent brain development research was later exploited to support racist “race science” claims, underscoring how systems built for public-health advancement can be co-opted for harmful and stigmatizing ends. Drawing on the Belmont Report’s core principles of respect, beneficence, and justice — as well as past research transgressions like the Havasupai Tribe case — they argue that genomic research must be governed with heightened oversight and an assumption that bad actors will seek to exploit shared data repositories. “Precisely because so much genetic data is now collected, stored, and shared, the Times account raises the specter of a broader ethical vulnerability in genomic science: data systems built for beneficial research can be exploited for purposes to which volunteers who contributed their DNA did not agree,” write Breslow and Smith.
First-Generation Trailblazer: Remila Jasharllari’s Path to Success at Haub Law
Growing up in a modest family in Eastern Europe, hard work wasn’t just a value for Remila Jasharllari ’25—it was a way of life. “My parents did not have the luxury of college degrees, but they gave me something even greater: the passion for education and learning, and the belief that I could dream bigger than I ever thought,” shared Remila. “As the first in my family to pursue a degree beyond high school, every step felt monumental – graduating college, receiving my acceptance letter from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, and walking into my first class. It was not always an easy journey, and I had my own moments of doubt, but I will always honor where I came from while creating opportunities for those who come after me.”
Remila’s journey at Haub Law has been shaped by transformative experiences that challenged and inspired her to grow both personally and professionally. “There are so many opportunities for growth at Haub Law and I took advantage of every that could provide me with hands-on experience in the legal practice,” said Remila. She participated in both the Federal Judicial Honors Program and the State Judicial Externship offered at Haub Law. “Both programs offered me a rare glimpse into the judiciary and provided me invaluable insights into judicial decision-making.”
In addition to these experiences, Remila also served on the Board of the Pace Law Review, which she describes as both impactful and empowering. “Working alongside my fellow students to publish cutting-edge legal scholarship was extremely meaningful. It fostered my leadership abilities while sharpening my legal research and writing skills.” Remila’s desire to give back to the Haub Law community also led her to serve as a Dean’s Scholar for both Contracts and Civil Procedure. “As a Dean’s Scholar I was able to deepen my understanding of the subjects at hand while providing a meaningful opportunity to give back to the fantastic Haub Law student community. All of these experiences not only shaped my legal education but also instilled in me the confidence and resilience to pursue a meaningful career in law.”
In addition to these hands-on learning opportunities, Remila feels the courseload at Haub Law allows students to sharpen their analytical skills while also exploring areas of interest in preparation for specific career paths. “At Haub Law, I took classes such as Investment Advisors Law & Compliance, Corporate Governance, Negotiations, Secured Transactions, Corporate Finance, receiving a solid foundation on corporate law. Each class brings the excitement of uncovering how corporations are built, governed, and transformed through deals and regulations. I had the opportunity to analyze the successes and failures of real-world transactions, gaining insights into the delicate balance of strategy, compliance, and client interests.” Remila also remains grateful for the mentorship she received from faculty, alumni, and other fellow students at Haub Law. “Whether it was guidance on finding a job opportunity or expanding my understanding of the law, these relationships provided me with invaluable support. They equipped me with the skills and confidence necessary to successfully transition into the legal profession, leaving a lasting impact on both my education and career journey.”
Remila’s dedication has paid off. She is set to graduate in May 2025 as part of the part-time program and will join Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP as an associate in the fall, pending bar admission. She looks forward to this amazing opportunity and is particularly excited to explore the intricacies of transactional law. “Transactional law creates value and is always forward looking. I am eager to be part of that at Arnold & Porter.”
As a first-generation immigrant student, Remila acknowledges the challenges of navigating unfamiliar territory. She credits Haub Law’s Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) with lightening that burden. “Whether it was career advice, refining my interview skills, or finding job opportunities, the CCPD was instrumental in lightening that burden, providing me with unwavering support every step of the way. The support system at Pace is truly remarkable- it made me feel like I was never navigating this journey alone.”
Looking back, Remila reflects with gratitude on her time at Haub Law. “Haub Law believed in me right from the start. Without the generous financial support from the school, I do not think I would have been able to attend law school. Haub Law is a school that values its students and invests in their future, and I am the living proof of that commitment. The part-time program was another blessing, offering me the flexibility to balance my responsibilities while pursuing my studies. I am deeply grateful for the like-minded, inspiring students I’ve met along the way – connections that have turned into lifelong relationships. Haub Law didn’t just shape my career; it gave me a sense of belonging and a community I will cherish forever.”
More from Pace
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that Achinthi Vithanage, Executive Director of the Environmental Law Program and Professor of Law for Designated Service in Environmental Law at Pace Haub Law, was named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Environmental Lawyers: The Green 500. Professor Vithanage has been recognized on this list five times since the publication of the inaugural Lawdragon 500 Leading Environmental & Energy Lawyers list in 2021.
Law Professor Bennett Gershman provides expert legal analysis to amNewYork on the distinction between New York City’s corporation counsel and chief counsel. Gershman explains that while the Law Department represents the city in litigation, the chief counsel serves as the mayor’s personal legal adviser, operating under attorney-client privilege on sensitive policy and legal matters— and New York Metropolitan Magazine has the story.