Siblings Megan and Brendan McDonough were both inspired to pursue a career in law by their grandfather, a successful attorney. Having grown up in White Plains, when Megan McDonough ‘21 decided to seriously pursue becoming a lawyer, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ĢƵվ was a natural choice. “Growing up in White Plains, I was already intimately familiar with the area, so that was one less thing to be stressed out about when embarking on my law school journey,” said Megan. “The school’s close proximity to the City was also a huge plus. And, a number of my friends and family were in White Plains as well, so my support system was always nearby. The location was perfect.”
After graduating from college and working in finance for a few years, Megan’s younger brother, Brendan McDonough ‘27, decided to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer as well. “When Brendan told me he was interested in Haub Law, I was very supportive,” shared Megan. “Haub Law has great alumni connections in the NY Metro area which is a great benefit, coupled with the small class sizes, and flexible program options, it was a great choice.”
Brendan recalls noticing how much his sister, Megan, enjoyed her classmates, the faculty at Haub Law, and the overall experience. “While Megan warned me about how demanding and tough law school could be, she also really made me aware of all of the positive experiences and opportunities available at Haub Law,” shared Brendan. “It ended up being the only school I applied to, partially because Megan went here and partially because of its location and the school’s reputation.”
Brendan’s experience thus far has lived up to his expectations. “As part of the January admit class, we have become a close cohort and formed great friendships already.” Brendan and Megan also enjoy sharing their individual law school experiences with one another. “Megan has been a tremendous help,” said Brendan. “I ask her a lot of questions about pretty much everything and she's more than happy to give me advice and guidance. She had Professor Dorfman for criminal procedure, and I have him for criminal law, which is pretty cool. Now that she is a practicing attorney it's nice to talk to her about what I've been learning, and she explains it through the lens of someone doing it in the real world.”
Megan is equally appreciative to hear all about Brendan’s experiences. “I am always happy to provide advice, or even just listen,” shared Megan. “It is also interesting to see how he approaches his studies. Every experience is unique, and something that works for one student might not work for another.” While much of Megan’s law school experience was over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she remains grateful for the memories she has from her time at Haub Law and the friendships she formed. “My favorite memory of Haub Law is the Barristers Ball Spring 2019,” recounts Megan. “Since half of my law school experience was remote, the Barristers Ball was one of the few times I was able to enjoy the social aspects of law school before things shut down. I am also grateful for my experience living in Dannat Hall during my 1L year. It was in Dannat Hall where I met very close friends that I still keep in touch with today.”
"My education at Haub Law definitely provided me with the tools I needed to be a successful attorney."
Today, Megan is a Senior Associate at the New York City Office of Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP, primarily handling Labor Law/Construction Defense cases. “My education at Haub Law definitely provided me with the tools I needed to be a successful attorney,” said Megan. “I am confident that Brendan will have the same positive experience at Haub Law that I did.”
Judge Malaika N. Scott-McLaughlin ’09, a Civil Court Judge for the City of New York, was no stranger to the legal world growing up. As the daughter of Professor Randolph McLaughlin, a renowned civil rights attorney and longtime member of the faculty at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ĢƵվ, she spent a lot of time observing him in the classroom teaching and in practice advocating.
Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman pens an op-ed in amNewYork criticizing Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s decision not to advance New York’s Wrongful Convictions Act. Professor Gershman writes that the legislation would have expanded opportunities for wrongfully convicted individuals to challenge their convictions, access legal representation, and present new evidence of innocence. He contends that blocking the bill denies a critical pathway to justice for those seeking to overturn wrongful convictions.
Haub Law Emeritus Professor Jay Carlisle writes a letter to the editor in the New York Law Journal defending the qualifications of U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, arguing that critics have unfairly characterized his credentials and public service record.