Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems recently organized an event which hosted Emilie Nasseh, a prominent New York City-based lawyer specializing in privacy law and compliance, as a guest speaker.

The event and conversation, held in Seidenberg’s Design Factory space, were moderated by Seidenberg’s Interim Dean, Dr. Li-Chiou Chen, and then moved into an interactive session with students. With her extensive experience in the technology, finance, and retail sectors, Emilie has collaborated with corporations in both the United States and France to enhance their privacy and cybersecurity programs, and has worked with companies like Meta, Capital One, Yum Brands, Kimberly-Clark, Ipsen, and Proskauer. Emilie’s expertise includes privacy regulations, cybersecurity, and the evolving field of AI compliance, while she also engages in thought leadership through her blog, Legally Brunette.

The event was yet another example of Seidenberg’s commitment to connecting Pace students’ classroom education to real world experience, as students had an opportunity to explore how their technical skills could align with legal careers. Emilie’s insights illuminated the various interesting opportunities at the juncture of law and technology, and her discussions with Dean Chen and the students ranged from tech roles in legal contexts to artificial intelligence, and to the convergence of cybersecurity and legal frameworks—a particularly timely topic as Seidenberg recently launched its new BS in Cybersecurity program. The program, designed to address growing industry demands, equips students with hands-on learning and interdisciplinary knowledge.

As the Seidenberg School continues to lead in preparing students for cutting-edge careers by facilitating events where they gain direct insights from industry leaders, Emilie Nasseh’s expertise and engaging discussions provided invaluable perspectives on the intersection of law and tech, inspiring students to envision a variety of roles their roles for their future.

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On November 20, 2024, the Westchester County Association honored Distinguished Professor Emeritus John R. Nolon, founder of the Pace Land Use Law Center, with the Alfred B. DelBello Visionary Award. Established to commemorate Al DelBello’s extraordinary legacy of public service and his commitment to making our community better, this award recognizes leaders whose vision and dedication shape a more sustainable and viable future. Professor Nolon was celebrated for his pioneering contributions to sustainable land use and smart growth policies, which have profoundly influenced the field and the region.

Alfred B. DelBello’s illustrious career included serving as Lieutenant Governor of New York State, Mayor of Yonkers, and Westchester County Executive. His innovative leadership in healthcare, economic development, and public advocacy remains a source of inspiration across generations. The award was especially meaningful to Professor Nolon, who’s professional relationship with DelBello spanned more than three decades, encompassing roles as Yonkers Deputy Director of Development, housing consultant for Westchester County, and collaborator in President Carter’s Development Choices for the 1980s initiative.

“Through his leadership, his scholarship, and his advocacy, John has created a remarkable legacy in the field which extends across the globe through the mentorship and knowledge that he has imparted to thousands of students over his career.”

Reflecting on their shared work, Professor Nolon remarked, “Much of what I’ve achieved through the Land Use Law Center has been shaped by the wisdom and vision I gained working alongside Al.” Their collaboration laid the groundwork for transformative policies and initiatives that continue to benefit communities.

This year, the Land Use Law Center will host its 23rd Annual Alfred B. DelBello Land Use and Sustainable Development Conference, a cornerstone event that honors DelBello’s enduring impact. The conference serves as both a tribute to his legacy and a platform for advancing innovative approaches to sustainable development.

During the award presentation, Horace E. Anderson, dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, highlighted Professor Nolon’s profound influence on students and the field. “Through his leadership, his scholarship, and his advocacy, John has created a remarkable legacy in the field which extends across the globe through the mentorship and knowledge that he has imparted to thousands of students over his career,” he said.

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When 3L Janay Russo was exploring colleges, she found herself captivated by a pressing question: Why does such severe inequality persist within the legal system? Her unrelenting curiosity about the foundations of law and the societal and economic biases shaping the criminal justice system, inspired her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Justice Studies and Criminology at James Madison University.

A defining moment in Janay’s journey came during an undergraduate internship at a rehabilitation home, where she had the opportunity to advocate for women transitioning from incarceration to society. Witnessing the immense hardships these women faced was equally humbling and eye-opening. Yet, being a reliable source of support for those in need, brought her an incredible sense of fulfillment that solidified her decision to pursue a career in law.

As a first-generation student, Janay draws strength from her close-knit and supportive family, crediting her parents for inspiring her to strive for excellence and become her best self. She is incredibly grateful for their encouragement to stretch herself outside of her comfort zone–something she considers the secret to her success. Taking a page from her parent’s book, Janay greatly admires inspiring others to be their best self, a quality she also treasures with her friends at Haub Law. The connections she has made in law school feel like family–a chosen community that motivates and uplifts one another, even during the most challenging moments.

Janay’s inspired support at Haub Law didn’t end with her classmates, it also extended into her interactions with the faculty. She has always been excited to learn from the engaging faculty; one standout being Professor Waldman, whose class piqued her interest in the federal court system and led to an internship with the Honorable Chief Judge Nevins in the bankruptcy court for the District of Connecticut during her 1L year. As a 2L, Janay participated in the Federal Judicial Honors Program, where she externed in the chambers of the Honorable Judge Seibel for the Southern District of New York. The combined experience of working for the court changed the direction of her law school interests. Being in chambers on two separate occasions, forged a new career path she didn’t know she was interested in–clerking! Janay now has her sights set on being a clerk post-graduation to fulfill her passion for research and writing. Having the opportunity to watch a trial from start to finish and help draft decisions has been extremely rewarding.

What is next for Janay post-graduation? She is proud to share her efforts have come full circle. Janay recently accepted a clerkship for a federal bankruptcy judge in the Northern District of Georgia. When asked what advice she would leave aspiring students, Janay shares, “Don’t shy away from things that make you uncomfortable.” “Law school involves a lot of growing, exploring, and changes–all things that make people uncomfortable, but with the discomfort comes incredible opportunities, joyful new experiences, and friendships for a lifetime."