W W W. TO U R O L AW. E D U 09 I t takes a special brand of individual to be a successful educator. That professor whose deep knowledge and unrivaled insight inspires the best work from students. That professor who carefully guides with enthusiasm and expectation. That professor who redefines the meaning of commitment. Professor Rena Seplowitz unwaveringly embodies what it means to educate selflessly, whether she is teaching class (including Trusts & Estates, Property Law and Intellectual Property), acting as the faculty advisor for the Touro Law Review, or advising the Intellectual Property Law Student Association. After more than three decades of cultivating the minds of tomorrow’s lawyers, Seplowitz remains as dedicated as ever – and being named Class Professor by Touro Law Center’s graduating class for the past two years (2015 and 2016) is a testament to her continuing allegiance to the student body, an allegiance that transcends the law school’s walls. She is that professor a student invites to their wedding or calls for professional advice years after having been in class. “She is the definition of a dedicated faculty member and is so incredibly invested in her students in every way. Her commitment is admirable, and you want to emulate that as a lawyer,” praised Tiffany D. Frigenti, class of 2013, valedictorian and Editor-in-C hief of the Law Review. “I even selected Professor Seplowitz to hood me at graduation, which was such a special moment. We had become so close, and she helped me achieve my Law Review goals.” Seplowitz’s legacy is grounded in her extraordinary passion for teaching. As a member of the Touro Law faculty, she is a force that demands excellence and knows how to draw it out of her students. The guidance she has imparted to countless students and graduates has proven invaluable, creating lawyers who are persuasive writers, know how to meticulously examine the law, and seek out the best strategies to benefit their clients. “She is one of the best professors Touro has to offer. She is clear, to the point and a master of the subject she’s teaching,” remarked Han Sheng Beh, class of 2009 and a commercial litigation associate at Hinshaw & Culberson LLP. “Professor Seplowitz is a role model for the type of lawyer I want to be. Analytical and sharp, but also compassionate and reasonable.” Complementing her exceptional teaching is Seplowitz’s skill at mentoring, a responsibility she takes very seriously because she appreciates that developing a student for professional success goes beyond the instruction that happens in the classroom. Frigenti deeply appreciated the tutelage Seplowitz offered during preparation for the bar, professional interviews and job placement. “She provided fantastic advice so I could make an informed decision,” said Frigenti, who is presently an associate with Mineola-based Lynn Gartner Dunne and Covello. “Professor Seplowitz made my career choice easier because of her invaluable assistance.” What propelled Seplowitz to embark on a legal career? The desire to leave a significant mark on the world. “I always wanted to make an impact, so for me, growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, law seemed to be a great way to affect change in society,” she explained. Seplowitz was accepted into a six-year program where she received an undergraduate degree from Barnard College and then her J.D. from Columbia Law School. She began her career in private practice at Kaye Scholer LLP in Manhattan where she spent nearly a decade handling entertainment, trusts and estates, intellectual property and corporate litigation, as well as estate planning and administration. She also became involved with legal education through the American Bar Association and Association of the Bar of the City of New York. When one of her mentors at Kaye, Scholer accepted a position to teach at Touro, Seplowitz became intrigued. Her keen interest in the history behind legal decisions and the stimulation afforded by research opportunities were inspiring and further grew the seeds for a transition to teaching. Following in the footsteps of her mentor, she left Kaye, Scholer and began teaching at Touro Law Center in 1984. “I thought Touro Law Center was doing exciting things, encompassed a diverse student population and innovative curriculum, and showed a commitment to Jewish values,” she shared. “I immediately connected with my fellow faculty, who are an outstanding group so committed to helping people and influencing the larger society.” I always wanted to make an impact, so for me, growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, law seemed to be a great way to effect change in society.” —Professor Rena Seplowitz