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52 THE TO URO LAWYER FALL 201 5 T H E T O U R O L AW L E G A C Y S O C I E T Y Florence Hessen-Scher 85 Profound appreciation for her law school experiences and the nurturing environment she was privileged to enjoy at Touro Law Center has inspired alumna Florence Hessen-Scher class of 1985 to give back in a generous manner she is bequesting 1 million in her will to Touro Law. Touro Law gave me a chance when others would not. The school changed my life in such a positive way that it is hard to put into words. I was provided with opportunities that I never would have had if Touro Law had not given me that chance she was accepted into the law school in 1982 explained Hessen-Scher. Law school is extremely competitive and while I was challenged as a student at Touro the professors and staff treat students with more of a family attitude with a genuine desire to see students succeed she continued. This is quite rare in a law school environment. With this charitable gift Hessen-Scher becomes a charter member of the schools Legacy Society a designation that makes her feel quite honored and reaffirms the significant role Touro Law played in her life. She hopes the gift can be applied to the development of the law school so it remains current with the changing times. I always promised myself when graduating from Touro that if I were in a position I would give back to the school she acknowledged. I would encourage any alum that no matter what size the gift to donate to the law school. It gives you a terrific sense of pride along with many other positive feelings. Hessen-Schers bequest is not the first time she has given back to Touro Law. She previously set up a moot court scholarship in the name of her late husband Gerald J. Scher. When in school I was one of the charter members of the Moot Court Board with Professor Gary Shaw as our faculty advisor she noted. This was such a positive experience so I designated that gift to fund an organization that teaches such valuable lessons of legal research and writing together with advocacy which are very important skills for a lawyer. Hessen-Schers desire to become a lawyer began at the young age of nine while growing up in Sands Point Long Island and was shaped by two experiences in her youth watching her first Perry Mason show a weekly drama that aired in the 1950s and 1960s and visiting her father Jules J. L. Hessen at his law firm Hahn Hessen LLP a mid-sized law office still housed in New York City. Her time at Touro Law was filled with intense study and inspiring engagement with her peers and educators. She credits Professor Shaw who taught a criminal procedure course during her second year as her most influential instructor at Touro Law because of his tireless dedication to encouraging students to perform at the highest levels. Touro Law taught me to chart a path towards a goal and work like hell to achieve said goal she said. Hard work and discipline are essential for a person to be successful in the legal field since this profession is quite serious in dealing with peoples lives. After graduating Touro Law Hessen- Scher briefly worked at several law firms in New York and New Jersey before going out on her own under the entity Florence F. Hessen Esq. LLC which she continued after relocating to Florida in 2005. She handled real estate corporate and appellate cases as well as conducted criminal defense work and litigation. Her general love of animals was the impetus behind the next chapter in her life. When I retired four years ago I fell into a sweet deal for a pregnant horse built a barn and as such the rest is history she remarked. I like to tease and state that I morphed from a lawyer girl to a horse gal and Ive become reasonably successful at breeding horses. Although now retired the Wellington FL resident stays tapped into her profession and provides legal consultancy at a reduced rate to those navigating the court system. I have been truly blessed in my years and Touro Law was an essential element in achieving my goals and terrific life. Gratitude Drives Generosity of Touro Law Alum Florence Hessen-Scher Charter Member of Touro Laws Legacy Society by Hilari Graff