Student Ambassadors - Touro Law Center Long Island, NY
Admissions
Touro Law Student Ambassadors
Mark Alter
2L, January Start Full-Time Day
Hometown: Massapequa, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: Farmingdale State College B.S., Criminal Justice - Law enforcement technology
Areas of interest: Criminal Defense, Labor Law, Family Law
Law school activity: Touro Environmental Law Society
Interesting Fact About Me: Up until I started at Touro Law I captained fishing boats for a living!
Advice for prospective/accepted law students: Law school is not as scary as lawyers and students like to make it. Stay consistent and stay committed and you will do just fine!
Viana Alves
3L, Full-Time Day
Hometown: West Islip, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: SUNY University at Albany, B.S. Human Development, concentrating in Counseling Psychology with a Double Minor in Psychology and English
Areas of interest: Intellectual Property, Entertainment Law, and Trusts and Estates
Law school activities: Intellectual Property Law Society Eboard as Event Coordinator, and Full-Time 2L Representation for the Public Interest Law Organization of Touro (PILOT)
Interesting Fact About Me: I was originally going to attend graduate school to pursue a counseling degree and become a high school counselor.
Advice for prospective/accepted law students: Law school can be challenging at times but it is a rewarding experience. Just remember, time management is half the battle but you will be okay!
Donna Arzanipour
3L, Full-Time Day
Hometown: Roslyn, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: Stony Brook University, B.S. Applied Math/Statistics and Mathematics
Area of interest: Real Estate Law
Law school activities: Touro Law Review, Honors Program Scholar, Real Estate Law Society Secretary, Touro Law Tax Society Secretary, Woman’s Bar Association
Interesting fact about me: I love to cook/bake, and I have a food Instagram account for fun!
Advice for prospective/accepted students: While law school may seem frightening at first, it is a very rewarding experience. The knowledge you gain is priceless, and it is important to remain focused on your goals. Don’t forget to contact your professors when you are having trouble, as they are always willing to help!
Kimberly Asitimbay
2L. FlexTime
Hometown: North Bellmore, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: SUNY Old Westbury, B.A. Politics, Economics, and Law
Graduate School: Fordham Law School, Masters of Studies in Law
Areas of Interest: Immigration law, Disability law
Law school activity: Honors Program Scholar
Interesting fact about me: I am a mom of 4 and I work full-time as an Assistant Director of Compliance for a non-profit agency that works with individuals with disabilities.
Advice for prospective/accepted students: Everyone has busy lives and it can be tough to balance school, work, and family responsibilities. My advice for incoming 1L's is to plan ahead for important dates (birthdays, weddings, etc.) and to stay on top of your weekly readings/ stay organized (tracking what is due & when.) You can do this!
Olivia Eichhorn
2L, FlexTime
Hometown: Deer Park, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: Molloy University, B.S. Criminal Justice/Psychology, M.S. Criminal Justice
Areas of interest: Bankruptcy Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property, Fashion Law
Law school activities: Legal Education Access Program TA, Honors Program Scholar, Journal of Race Gender & Ethnicity
Interesting fact about me: I am a cosplayer and make my own costumes for fun.
Advice for prospective/accepted students: Try to make friends early on! While your professors will always be available to help you, your peers will be an active and strong support system and may provide some new insight you hadn't considered before. We're all going through this together and it's important to remember that.
Connor Evrard-Marsh
2L Full-Time Day
Hometown: Commack, NY
Undergraduate Institutions/Major: Suffolk Community/Adelphi University A.S. and B.S. in Criminal Justice
Areas of interest: Criminal Prosecution, Civil Rights, Immigration
Law school activities: Honors Program Scholar, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity: Justice, Tort Law Society: Vice President, Criminal Law Society: Representative, Student Bar Association: 2L Full-Time Representative and First Generation Student Representative, Touro Law Legal Clinic: Legal Assistant
Interesting fact about me: I love combat sports. (MMA is the best sport in the world). I have a Rottweiler named Raven. I was the co-captain of a Call of Duty Competitive team that was ranked #1 in the world for the first 3 months of Black Ops 3’s release. I love anything involving culture.
Advice for accepted/prospective law students: Take your time and smell the roses. You will have good days and bad days. You will never get this time back so enjoy it while you can. Try everything you can and get involved. It will make your time here so much more meaningful.
Morgan Golightly
1L FlexTime Manhattan Campus
Hometown: Belmar, NJ
Undergraduate Institutions/Major: Rowan University, B.A., Political Science
Areas of interest: Intellectual Property
Law school activities: Manhattan Campus Representative for Touro Student Bar Association, Manhattan Campus representative for Touro Intellectual Property Law Society, and a student member of the following: New Jersey Bar Association, American Bar Association, New York City Bar Association, and Morris County Bar Association.
Interesting fact about me: I have traveled to eight countries in the last five years, and enjoy spending time with my fiancé and my Tibetan spaniel- Riley.
Advice for accepted/prospective law students: Take advantage of all the opportunities that Touro Law has to offer!
Katherine Jeran
3L, Full-Time Day
Hometown: Islip Terrace, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: St. John's University, B.S. Legal Studies
Areas of interest: Criminal Law (prosecution and defense), Family Law, and Environmental Law
Law school activities: Woman's Bar Association member and Public Community Outreach Commissioner of Touro's Environmental Law Society
Interesting fact about me: I live and grew up less than 5 minutes away from Touro's campus, so I would say I have the best commute out of most of my classmates!
Advice for accepted/prospective law students: The best advice I can give to accepted/prospective law students is to focus on finding the law school where you feel the most comfortable. Law school is a new, exciting, and somewhat stressful life change; and if you are in an environment where you're not feeling comfortable you naturally will not work at your best level. So definitely go on every campus tour available to you so you can ensure your choice is right for you!
Andrew Martin
2L. Full-Time Day
Hometown: Melville, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: Misericordia University, B.A. in Government, Law, and National Security; B.A. in Philosophy
Areas of Interest: Family Law, Civil litigation, and Zoning Law
Law school activities: Vice President Public Interest Law Organization of Touro, Vice President Family Law Society, Vice President Suffolk County Bar Association, Secretary of the Federal Bar Association,
2L Representative Elder Law, Trusts, and Estates Society, Outreach Coordinator Trial Advocacy and Practice Honor Society.
Interesting fact about me: I am currently the only law school student member of the Huntington lawyers club, reach out to me if you’re a Huntington resident and want to learn more.
Advice for prospective/accepted students: Learn about and eventually join the various bar associations you’re interested in. Law Students are entitled to join the American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the bar association of the county you reside in, and the county your law school is located in. Typically, you can join these bar associations for free as a law student!
Esther Meyrov
3L. January Start Full-Time Day
Hometown: Forest Hills, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: Touro College NYSCAS, B.A. Psychology
Areas of Interest: Real Estate Law and Trusts and Estates
Interesting fact about me: I am a mother of three children four years old and under.
Advise for prospective/accepted students: Starting law school is hard and stressful for every student. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Chances are there are many other people confused about the same topic. I would recommend forming a study group with three or four people. This will give you a good soundboard to make sure you really understand the law you were being taught. Everyone, including the professors, are here to help you succeed. Keep in mind it will be over before you know it, and YOU CAN DO IT!
Serafina Russo
2L, FlexTime
Hometown: Queens, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: CUNY Queens College, B.S. in Political Science, minor in Italian-American Studies & Psychology
Areas of Interest: Public Interest Law, Personal Injury
Law School Activities: Journal of Race Gender & Ethnicity, Student Bar Association - ABA Representative, Women’s Bar Association (WBA), Public Interest Law Organization of Touro (PILOT), Italian-American Student Bar Association
Interesting fact about me: I am a first-generation college graduate and law student, who returned to school 11 years after finishing undergrad & I am a full-time paralegal in Manhattan.
Advice for prospective/accepted students: Starting law school, especially later on in life can feel daunting but it is such a rewarding experience and Touro is a support system. Time management and stress management are key. Your professors are there to help you so attend office hours!
Julia Sanchez
2L, Full-Time Day
Hometown: Riverhead, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: Stony Brook University, B.A. in Women's and Gender Studies
Areas of Interest: Estates, Trusts, & Wills, Federal and State Criminal Defense, 17-A and Article 81 Guardianships, Disability Advocacy and Juvenile Justice Reform
Law School Activities: Honors Scholar, Moot Court Honors Board Jr. Member, FLORA 2L Representative
Herstory Writers Workshop, Breaking Barriers
Interesting fact about me: I am an avid paddleboarder and spend all of my free time exploring parks and beaches.
Advice for prospective/accepted students: Read absolutely everything you can get your hands on! Law School is a literary endeavor, and that continues into the practice of law. Remain curious and open to diverse perspectives. Your professors and mentors are here to help you. Do not be afraid to reach out to them!
Rebecca Sinobio
3L, Full-Time Day
Hometown: Wantagh, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: SUNY Purchase, B.A. Psychology; Minor in Political Science
Areas of Interest: Family Law, Public Defense
Law School Activities: Honors Program Scholar, Touro Law Review; Trial Advocacy and Practice Honors Society; Women’s Bar Association, 2L Representative; Fashion Law Society, Treasurer
Interesting fact about me: I had a podcast in college.
Advice for prospective/accepted students: Ask for help! Don’t be afraid to ask your professors, other classmates, or upperclassmen for help. Everyone is more than willing to share their tips and advice. Also, get involved! It’s a great way to meet people and make friends. Law school can be tough but it’s worth it!
Carly Slattery
2L, January Start Full-Time Day
Hometown: Dix Hills, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: Colgate University, B.A. Philosophy
Areas of Interest: Medical Malpractice and Health Law, Intellectual Property, Corporate Law
Law School Activities: Intellectual Property Law Society President; Student Bar Association Representative; Health Law Projects Event Coordinator
Interesting fact about me: I have gone through extensive training to become a trained Crisis Center volunteer.
Advice for prospective/accepted students: One of the most important things I have recognized throughout my time in law school thus far is to never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. Whether it be asking a Professor, asking a colleague, or asking another member of Touro's extraordinary faculty, those around you are always happy to help. Remember to be an advocate for yourself and others. Asking questions will help you to learn, to meet new people, and to get more involved!
J’Nae Thompson
2L, January Start Full-Time Day
Hometown: Decatur, Georgia
Undergraduate Institution/Major: Auburn University at Montgomery, B.A. Political Science
Areas of interest: Medical Malpractice, Insurance Defense, or Corporate
Law school activities: Trial Advocacy and Practice Honor Society Member, Student Bar Association Election Chair, BLSA Treasurer, LexisNexis Student Representative
Interesting fact about me: I enjoy mat pilates and barre classes.
Advice for accepted/prospective law students: Imposter syndrome is something that A LOT of law students may experience when they start law school, however, you are here for a reason. Be confident and remember why you are. The next thing that I want to point out, is that a lot of students fail to take advantage of the writing center, the library, and LEAP. LEAP can be used throughout the school year if you need additional one-on-one help outside of the classroom setting. The writintudg center and the librarians are very useful in helping students become great writers and researchers, which is very useful in this career. These programs and places are designed to help students excel throughout their law school careers. The last piece of advice that I would give to 1Ls or prospective students would be to utilize your professor's office hours. Do not allow yourself to be confused for a second because things tend to build on each other. Figure out what confused you sooner rather than later.
Bianca Valentino
3L, Full-Time Day
Hometown: Smithtown, NY
Undergraduate Institution/Major: SUNY New Paltz, B.A. Organizational Communications; Business Administration Minor
Areas of interest: Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation & Real Estate
Law school activities: Recipient of Best Oral Argument CALI Award for Appellate Brief
Interesting fact about me: I have my Paralegal Certification and I’m a first-generation law student.
Advice for prospective/accepted students: Getting into law school is a rigorous but rewarding experience. It is important to keep that persistence and endurance up as a law student who continues to face challenges while learning new material, which seems foreign to many. I am a firm believer in what is meant to be for you will come to you when it is your time; so even when law school gets tough, take a step back and remind yourself why you are on this law school journey, be proud of yourself for making it this far, and keep going. Don’t forget to make time for yourself and remember the only thing between now and your dreams as a future lawyer is the hard work you’re ready to put in at Touro Law.
