February 12, 2007

Dear Touro Law Community and Friends,

The dream has come true. Our wonderful new building in Central Islip opened last month, and people are already taking notice. I’m so pleased to offer you some examples of the wonderful press that our move has generated. The media, as well as our students, alumni and friends in the legal community, realize what a terrific opportunity we have as the first law school in the U.S. to be part of a campus with a federal courthouse and a state courthouse.

This is just the beginning of much more positive coverage to come, as we also plan to fully unveil our innovative new Court Observation Program, which allows students to sit in on cases the two courthouses and get hands-on instruction from judges and counsel involved.  Then, later this semester, we will announce the opening of our Public Advocacy Center – home to 14 not-for-profit advocacy groups devoted to helping people who are often underrepresented in our region, as well as protecting our civil rights and liberties as Americans.  Each group will have offices staffed by attorneys and community organizers who will work with our students, giving them a chance to sample the satisfaction of public service and imparting practical experience that will help them in their future careers.

Both of these unique programs are the first of their kind in the country – and only could have happened with our move to Central Islip.

The positive momentum and press coverage will continue with our official convocation in the new building in April, keynoted by a high-profile speaker whose name we will announce shortly. Other events on our new campus will also attract outside interest, including the Public Service Attorneys Awards and Goods and Services Auction and the Gould Book Award.  Visit our homepage at www.TouroLaw.edu for our upcoming calendar of events.

Our new location is exciting.  We’ve finally “graduated from the junior high school,” to paraphrase The New York Times. Students no longer have to scramble for a space to study (or to park their cars!).  Laptops are online everywhere in the building.  Classrooms have “smart podiums” with computer command consoles that activate a wide range of audio-visual devices. Visiting law firms find elegant offices in which to conduct student interviews.  Big LCD displays on each floor direct visitors to events on campus. We have a full-fledged bookstore which sells everything from textbooks to bestsellers to candy and a wide range of Touro Law apparel.  Classrooms are configured to encourage lively legal debate.  Members of the bench and bar are already visiting with much more frequency, participating in conversations with our students and faculty in special meeting areas. There are beautiful rooms of all sizes for student and public events.  The centerpiece is the 550-seat Auditorium/Moot Courtroom, with walls adorned with stunning Marc Chagall tapestries. 

With our hands-on programming, busy clinics, visits from the outside legal community and beautiful new setting, I'm convinced that a great synergy will start to develop that will make Touro Law a very special place for students now and, upon becoming alumni, for decades to follow.  For current Touro Law alumni, your diploma can only grow in importance with our prestigious new setting and innovative academic plan.

We have come a long way.  I hope that you enjoy the attached clips, and I invite you to come experience it in person soon.

Sincerely,

Lawrence Raful
Dean and Professor of Law