Fluent in three languages and trained as a classical ballerina, Isabella D'Alesio moved from Italy to New York to complete her bachelor's degree. After spending some time as a paralegal at a large international law firm, her decision to pursue a career in law was solidified. Now a 1L at Haub Law, Isabella hopes to begin a legal career in the international/environmental law field. Learn more about Isabella, her path to law school, and her experience at Haub Law in this student spotlight.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I was born and raised in Livorno, a city by the coast of Tuscany. I moved to New York for my Bachelor's degree at Fordham five years ago, where I pursued a degree in International Political Economy and a minor degree in Business Administration and French. All my family still lives in Italy, except for my brother and me – my brother also lives in New York. I am the first person in my family to go to Law School and the first woman to pursue a higher education. Both my father, Antonio, and my mother, Stefania, live in Livorno. We are all extremely close and always work together as a team. My family is extremely supportive of my choice to go to Law School – even though it is tough for us to be apart, they support my goals and believe in my aspirations. I would not be where I am today without them.

What inspired you to attend law school?

Since I can remember I have always had a passion for the practice of law, my main inspiration has been the work of international organizations. I have always had a burning interest in the work of the United Nations and its diplomatic relations between different countries, political systems, laws and cultures.

How did you make sure that you wanted to pursue a career in law?

To understand if law was something I was passionate about, after my bachelor ’s degree, I worked for a year at an International Law Firm in New York as a paralegal. I quickly understood that law was the path I wanted to take, and here I am! Due to Student Visa regulations, I am not allowed to work for the first two semesters of Law School, but I am eager and excited to start applying the material I am learning in the legal field.

What about Haub Law stands out to you?

There is such a high level of inclusion and camaraderie at the school that all students and faculty have with each other. Since the first days, I felt extremely comfortable and at ease, something that is rare for a law student, especially in their first year.

There is such a high level of inclusion and camaraderie at the school that all students and faculty have with each other. Since the first days, I felt extremely comfortable and at ease, something that is rare for a law student, especially in their first year.

Talk to me about your professors so far at Haub Law.

I have had a wonderful experience with my first semester professors. They expect a lot from us as law students, and although it can be demanding and stressful, it is extremely rewarding. The professor that has been the most inspiring figure for me in this first semester is my Civil Procedure professor, Michael Mushlin. His passion for the course and his dedication to his students has been remarkable. Civil Procedure is not by any means an easy class, but his enthusiasm has inspired me to dedicate myself to the law even further.

Have you thought about your goals after law school?

I hope to pursue a legal career in the International/Environmental field. I am fortunate enough to be able to speak Italian, English, and French. My dream is to work for an international organization or law firm and be able to use my legal experience together with my fluency in languages.

What are some of your hobbies outside of law school?

Growing up I spent all of my free time in the dance world, I was a classical ballerina for 17 years and continued classical and modern dance through College. Dancing, playing the piano and my love for music is still one of my favorite things to dedicate my free time to. When we don’t have too much law reading for class, which is very rare, I enjoy reading books from Isabel Allende. I also adore cooking and baking.

What would your advice be for current or future law students?

Believe in yourself. It is not going to be easy, but never doubt that you have the ability to make your dreams come true. It is not a bad thing to set high goals and standards for yourself, but remember to celebrate and be proud of every accomplishment, even if small.

As an Honors College ambassador, Orientation Leader, PaceBound student ambassador, President of Setter Stage with ties to Universal Pictures at Pace and Filipino Youth International, Richmond Landicho ’20 certainly stays busy. He also recently completed two internships at NBCUniversal: one as an integrated marketing intern and another as a Late Night digital platforms intern. Not to mention his current position as a social media and digital content specialist with Design and Source Labs. Whew!

It was that fast-paced environment rife with opportunity that ultimately led Landicho to choose Pace. “I love the ambitious culture that the [University] fosters, especially within the Lubin School of Business,” he told us. “I am constantly inspired by the accomplishments of my friends and fellow peers, and thus, motivated to find my own success.”

Originally an arts and entertainment management major, Landicho switched to advertising and integrated marketing communications because it combined his creative flair with his logistical and business-oriented mindset, something that really appealed to him. “Whether I’m doing primary research for a project or thinking of a logo for a brand, I’m able to think laterally and vertically. I’ve always loved art growing up, and with marketing, I’m able to use my graphic design skills for the artistic, branding component of marketing, which is really amazing.”

It comes as no surprise that he’s worked as a mentor for countless students given the breadth of his skills, but it isn’t an easy task by any means. “It’s important for mentors to offer advice and share their experiences without forcing the decisions of the mentee,” Landicho explained, having cultivated his leadership skills over time. “I sometimes think mentors act as a flashlight in the dark, so that their mentee can find their own path to success.”

His personal creed, “No glory in the process,” is also a strong influence in his mentorship style. For him, it means that, “Even though the actions and efforts to accomplish a certain goal are often difficult and go unrewarded or unnoticed, keep on pushing through to meet that sense of glory in the end.”

That sort of humble mentality began to take shape during his time at NBCUniversal. “One time during my internship, I had no idea how to get started on a task. Being a stubborn new intern, I figured I would try my best to do the project without reaching out for help. It was a big mistake.”

Landicho realized he’d completed the task incorrectly and was very hard on himself for it, but his supervisor saw this as a teaching moment. “They reminded me to have a sense of humility in everything that I do. I learned that it’s completely okay to ask questions, and that not everyone knows everything all at once. I’m grateful for that experience, because now I don’t fear failure.”

Another highlight—this time when he worked for the Late Night team—was when he got a chance to tour the set where they film Saturday Night Live. “I remember at that moment how in awe I was that I was actually working for the shows that I’ve loved growing up, and that I was now doing work that actually contributed to those shows.”

Landicho certainly has a bright future ahead of him—one that he works hard to cultivate every day, much like this black belt in taekwondo, an immense achievement earned with the same dedication he pays to all the projects he works on. We can’t wait to see what he achieves next!

Pace University’s Lienhard School of Nursing student, Celeste Fetter, will be running the Boston Marathon on April 18, 2022, as part of the Brigham and Women's Stepping Strong Team. As a senior nursing student, aspiring trauma nurse, and New Englander, Celeste was inspired to take on the challenge of running this marathon in support of Gillian Reny, who was one of the 39 critically injured patients during the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing.

Running has always been a passion of Celeste’s; she competed in her first marathon in May 2021, but she strives to run the Boston Marathon for something more than just meeting her personal goals. Training for marathons has impacted how Celeste views nursing because of the many health benefits running can provide. She follows the rules of “practice what you preach.” While training for this marathon, Celeste follows a strict routine, “​​It takes an immense amount of self-discipline to wake up on a Saturday or Sunday morning and complete a long run, which is anywhere from 12 - 22 miles. At the peak of training, I usually run around 50 - 70 miles a week. Once I’m running, it's enjoyable, but often getting out the door is the hardest part.”

In gratitude to the Brigham, the Reny family established The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation to help other trauma patients like Gillian regain their strength and ability to step strong once again. As a future trauma nurse, Celeste was inspired by the Brigham’s efforts to save Gillian and the many other survivors from the Boston Marathon Bombing. “I am fundraising to help the Brigham turn tragedy to hope for civilian and military heroes who have suffered devastating traumatic injuries.” The center has raised more than $24 million for trauma research and care.

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Celeste has always been drawn to trauma nursing, which is why it is her dream to become a flight nurse in the military. During her sophomore year, she shadowed the helicopter flight medic team in Wallkill, NY. “This experience opened my eyes to trauma care as a whole. Nurses were confidently making decisions and keeping their patients alive, all while being high in the sky. Every day as a trauma nurse is different, and one must adapt and respond to new situations. It’s challenging yet so rewarding when a patient is stabilized after a critical situation. This is what I look forward to in my future trauma career.”

As a dedicated and hardworking student, Celeste has completed clinical rotations at VA Hudson Valley Hospital, New York-Presbyterian, Penn Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) apartments in Manhattan, and Montefiore/Weiler Hospital in the Bronx. “Each placement has been unique and broadened my scope of practice,” said Celeste.

Along with becoming a trauma flight nurse for the military, Celeste's goals do not end there; she hopes to receive her master's degree ​​and become a family nurse practitioner (FNP). Celeste is the perfect example of Pace’s motto of opportunitas. Celeste acknowledged that “The most beneficial aspect of the Pace nursing program has been the diversity of clinical settings I have participated in.”

Celeste plans to continue running post-graduation in the hopes of completing more marathons and fundraising for the Brigham Stepping Strong Team. The Pace Community can get involved by joining the Brigham Stepping Strong Marathon Team and by donating to her fundraiser.

Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Professors Karl S. Coplan, Shelby D. Green, Katrina Fischer Kuh, Smita Narula, Karl R. Rábago (former professor), and Radina Valova, announce the release of their book “Climate Change Law: An Introduction" published by Edward Elgar Publishing.

Professor Katrina Fischer Kuh explains that literacy in the law of climate change will empower lawyers, policymakers, and concerned citizens working to help respond to the climate emergency, and that the book scaffolds reader understanding, quickly introducing core legal terms and concepts to allow readers to understand the key legal debates and obstacles presently shaping society's mitigation efforts.

The authors used years of their research and experience to introduce readers to key terms, concepts, and legal principles in the field of climate change law. Climate change touches nearly every field of law. Since it is so trans-substantive, the authors discussed climate change law in numerous contexts, including international climate change treaties, climate mitigation, energy law, subnational climate adaptation, climate change litigation, international human rights law and climate change, private climate change actors, and individual ethics. After reading “Climate Change Law” the authors hope readers will be introduced to both the basics of climate change law and to current legal questions and debates. Professor Karl Coplan notes that the book is meant for lawyers, law students, policy makers, and climate activists who want an accessible introduction to the legal tools available to address climate change.

The primer is timely as climate change continues to impact public health, safety, and prosperity. Further, climate change law is all the more pressing in the context of a possible 4℃ temperature rise, which is about 2℃ higher than traditional predictions. “What I hope readers will take away from the book is that just as we have the technologies to address climate change, we have the policy tools to address climate change as well, and it is imperative that we put them to work,” said book co-author, Professor Karl Coplan. Professor Radina Valova notes, “[c]limate law is a vast subject area with many branches, each of which has its own legal, regulatory, and policy intricacies. I hope that readers will take away from this book an understanding of the fundamental legal and policy principles of climate change law, as well as future opportunities and challenges.”

The book has received critical acclaim by noted environmental law and climate change experts, including Michael B. Gerrard, Andrew Sabin Professor of Professional Practice, Founder and Director of Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School, and renowned environmental lawyer. He noted that, “[b]oth lawyers and non-lawyers often ask me what to read for a concise introduction to the U.S. and international laws that are relevant to climate change. Now I have something to enthusiastically recommend. This book is a terrific primer on a complex and rapidly evolving area of law. It shows how courts, legislatures, and executives are addressing (or not) one of humanity's greatest challenges. Even experts will find it a useful refresher.”

Professor Katrina Fischer Kuh sat down for a question and answer series on the book. Watch it below.