Orientation 2015 Alumni Biographies

Orientation 2015
Alumni Biographies
Keisha L. Audain-Pressley L’00
Senior Vice President and Senior Compliance Officer
Pacific Investment Management Company, Legal and Compliance Department
New York, New York
Keisha L. Audain-Pressley is a member of the Pacific Investment Management
Company’s (PIMCO) Legal and Compliance department. Ms. Audain-Pressley is a
member of the regulatory compliance group management team and also directly
manages the product compliance team responsible for providing regulatory
compliance support for portfolio management and trading activities.
Before joining PIMCO in 2011, she was a senior vice president and senior compliance officer at
Neuberger Berman Management. Previously, Ms. Audain-Pressley was a chief compliance officer in
Lehman Brothers’ investment management division. She has also worked as a manager in the asset
management advisory services practice at Ernst & Young LLP and as an assistant vice president at
The Bank of New York. Ms. Audain-Pressley has 14 years of investment experience and is a licensed
attorney with the New York State Bar.
Ms. Audain-Pressley earned a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law and a master of public
administration degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse
University. She also earned a bachelor’s degree cum laude from Syracuse University.
Michael A. Bottar L’03
Partner
Bottar Leone, PLLC
Syracuse, New York
Michael A. Bottar’s practice is limited to the prosecution and trial of medical
malpractice, wrongful death, workplace accident, and complex personal injury
actions, with a focus on claims for birth injuries, misdiagnosis, surgical errors,
governmental negligence, and biomedical product liability.
Mr. Bottar is a graduate of Colgate University and a summa cum laude graduate of Syracuse University
College of Law, where he is an adjunct professor and teaches a course on law practice management.
He is also the author of the civil practice chapter of the Syracuse Law Review’s Survey of New York
Law and is a member of the College of Law’s Board of Advisors. While a student at the College of Law,
Mr. Bottar was executive editor of the Syracuse Law Review and a member of the Moot Court Honor
Society. He was inducted into the Order of the Coif, the Order of Barristers, and the Justinian Honorary
Law Society and received the College of Law’s Robert W. Miller Award, Robert M. Anderson Award,
and the Moot Court Team Award. In 2003, the Syracuse Law Review also published his note titled
“Robbing Peter to Pay Paul: Medicaid Liens, Supplemental Needs Trusts and Personal Injury Recoveries
on Behalf of Infants in New York State Following the Gold Decision.”
Mr. Bottar sits on the board of directors of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers and lectures
regularly throughout the state on medical malpractice, complex personal injury, and trial-related topics.
He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Upstate New York Super Lawyers, and is AV-rated
by Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Bottar has been recognized as one of New York’s “top 10 under 40” by
the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys and as one of New York’s “top 40 under 40” by
The National Trial Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates. Before joining Bottar
Leone, PLLC, he was a litigation associate with the New York City office of White & Case, LLP, and the
Syracuse office of Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC.
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Hon. Thérèse Wiley Dancks L’91
U.S. Magistrate
Northern District of New York
Syracuse, New York
Vice President, Legal and Compliance
Fox Television Stations, Inc.
Washington, D.C.
Thérèse Wiley Dancks is a United States Magistrate Judge for the 32-county Northern
District of New York. At the time of her appointment in February 2012, she was a
founding partner in the law firm of Gale & Dancks, LLC, where her practice centered
on civil litigation and trial work. She was associated with the Syracuse law firm of
Mackenzie Hughes, LLP from 1991 to 1997.
Joseph M. Di Scipio is vice president, legal and Federal Communications
Commission compliance, for Fox Television Stations, Incorporated. He is
responsible for all FCC regulatory matters relating to the Fox-owned and
-operated television stations. In addition, Mr. Di Scipio is responsible for
negotiating and drafting all retransmission consent agreements for the Fox-owned stations.
Judge Dancks graduated magna cum laude from Le Moyne College in 1985 and earned her J.D.
degree cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 1991. She serves on districtwide court
committees, U.S. Second Circuit court committees, and Federal Magistrate Judges Association
committees.
Before joining Fox, he was a member of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, P.L.C, where he specialized
in broadcast media. Mr. Di Scipio’s practice focused on providing advice and counsel on FCC
compliance in complex transactional matters and credit facility placements as well as all facets of
practicing before the FCC. He also negotiated network affiliation agreements and retransmission
consent agreements on behalf of his broadcasting clients. Before joining Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth,
Mr. Di Scipio was a partner at Cohn and Marks in Washington, D.C. Before that, he worked at the
FCC as an agent in the field (where he was awarded the Catherine Forster Public Service Award for
outstanding public service) and, after attending law school, as an attorney in the Compliance and
Information Bureau and the Common Carrier Bureau.
As a native Central New Yorker, Judge Dancks assists local community and professional organizations,
with an emphasis on helping providers of legal services to the indigent and poor, bar associations,
and higher education institutions. She is a past president of the Central New York Women’s Bar
Association and established the chapter’s award-winning Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Clinic
during her term. Judge Dancks has served as chairwoman of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society board of
directors and has co-authored articles for the Syracuse Law Review. She frequently lectures for
educational institutions, professional organizations, and bar associations.
Robert E. Dineen Jr. L’66
Retired Partner
Shearman & Sterling LLP
New York, New York
Robert E. Dineen Jr. has extensive experience in public finance transactions,
principally for companies involved in the oil and gas and pipeline business and
for foreign and sovereign issuers in Canada and Latin America. He is also a specialist
in U.S. and international private banking and financial transactions, including equipment
and project financing.
Mr. Dineen began his tenure in the New York office of Shearman & Sterling in 1966 as an associate.
He was made a partner in 1974, then became a senior partner, and continued in this position until
2005. He was Of Counsel to the firm from 2005 through 2008, when he retired. During his tenure, he
led several of Shearman & Sterling’s corporate groups, including groups responsible for the firm’s work
in Latin America and Asia and its project finance work worldwide.
Mr. Dineen has served as a director of TransCanada Pipeline Corporation, Nova Chemical Corporation,
and Manulife Financial Corporation, a large Canadian insurance company with extensive operations
in Canada, the United States (John Hancock), and Asia. He also serves as secretary for the Syracuse
University College of Law Board of Advisors, is a member of its executive committee, and is a member
of the Board of Trustees for Syracuse University.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a J.D. cum laude from Syracuse University
College of Law. He was editor of the Syracuse Law Review and was selected to the Order of the
Coif and the Justinian Honor Society. Mr. Dineen was awarded the 2010 Syracuse Law Review
Alumni Achievement Award.
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Joseph M. Di Scipio L’95
Mr. Di Scipio is a past president of the Federal Communications Bar Association. He was awarded the
FCBA Distinguished Service Award in 2008. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the
Syracuse University Alumni Association and is past president of the Syracuse University Law Alumni
Association. He is the recipient of the Syracuse University College of Law 2005 Distinguished Young
Alumnus Award.
Mr. Di Scipio holds a J.D. magna cum laude from the College of Law and a master of public
administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, both at Syracuse University,
and a bachelors of arts magna cum laude from the University of Denver.
Alan M. Epstein L’74
President and COO
KDC Solar
Bedminster, New Jersey
Alan M. Epstein is the President and COO of KDC Solar, which focus on solar power
generation for large industrial and commercial users. He has been involved in
the energy and telecom businesses for more than 30 years. Prior to accepting the
positions of President and COO at KDC Solar, Mr. Epstein was a partner in the New
York office of Sidley Austin LLP. While practicing law, he advised clients in financing and structuring
more than $15 billion of energy, telecommunications, alternative and renewable energy, and infrastructure projects in the United States and abroad. In the energy area, Mr. Epstein represented clients in
power generation projects, including cogeneration facilities, coal-fired, gas-fired, biomass, wind, solar,
and waste-to-energy facilities, LNG and pipeline projects, biodiesel projects, and transmission lines.
In addition to working with energy and telecom companies, Mr. Epstein represented a variety of clients,
including GE Energy Financial Services, CIT, ABB Energy Ventures, US EximBank, GE Commercial
Aircraft Services, AIG Highstar, SNC Lavalin, TransCanada Pipelines, Caisse de Depot, Mission Energy,
Cogentrix, and the City of San Juan.
Mr. Epstein earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Long Island University, and a
J.D. degree from Syracuse University College of Law, where he participated in and led the Moot Court
program. In recent years, he volunteered to assist with the College of Law’s Orientation program and
most recently was elected to the Board of Advisors of the College of Law.
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Christopher C. Fallon Jr. L’73
Senior Member
Cozen O’Connor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Global Chief Compliance Officer Bain Capital, LLC
Boston, Massachusetts
Christopher C. Fallon Jr. is a senior member and shareholder in the Philadelphia-based
law firm of Cozen O’Connor, where he serves as chair of its Personal Injury Group.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from King’s College and a J.D. degree with honors at
Syracuse University College of Law. He is a member of the Syracuse University College
of Law Board of Advisors.
Alan K. Halfenger joined Bain Capital in 2005 and serves as the firm’s Global Chief
Compliance Officer. Bain Capital is a top-tier, alternative asset management firm
responsible for approximately $80 billion in private equity, venture, credit, and hedge
funds. In his current role, he serves as lead regulatory lawyer and is responsible for
all aspects of the firm’s compliance, internal audit, and risk functions.
He has served as chair of the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association, as well as
president of Philadelphia VIP, the Homeless Advocacy Project, and the Pennsylvania Defense Institute.
He is also a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, The American Board of Trial Advocates,
and the American Bar Foundation. Mr. Fallon has been a course planner for PBI’s CLE programs on
evidence and damages for the past dozen years.
Prior to joining Bain Capital, Mr. Halfenger served as Assistant General Counsel and Compliance
Director for the J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Chase Investment Services Corporation, where he
focused on regulatory issues related to brokerage, investment management, and derivative activities.
Additionally, Mr. Halfenger has served in a variety of legal, regulatory, and consulting roles for a
number of major financial services firms.
Melanie Gray L’81
Partner
Winston & Strawn LLP
Houston, Texas
Melanie Gray specializes in complex commercial litigation. Ms. Gray began practicing
law in 1981 in Chicago, after graduating from Syracuse University College of Law. She
has invaluable courtroom experience and has been a significant advisor to companies
that find themselves facing “bet the company” litigation risks or financial distress. Ms.
Gray was deeply involved in the representation of Enron in its Chapter 11 case and continues to be
involved in high-stakes litigation arising out of distressed financial situations.
Ms. Gray’s advocacy and personal skills have earned her the respect of the judiciary, co-counsel,
and opposing counsel. Clients appreciate her case management skills, and she is known for smooth
coordination of complex cases requiring diverse teams of lawyers in different practice areas. Ms. Gray
has been recognized by Benchmark Litigation in its 2012 and 2013 listing of the country’s “Top 250
Women in Litigation” and by Litigation Management as one of the “Lone Star All-Star’s” “effective
litigators and communicators with great judgment.” In addition, Ms. Gray has been named by Texas
Monthly as a “Texas Super Lawyer” in each year since 2003 and received the distinction as one of the
“Top 50 Women Lawyers in Texas” in 2005 for her work in business litigation and bankruptcy.
She was recognized in 2010 as a “Most Powerful and Influential Woman of Texas” by Texas Diversity
Magazine, in 2008 as one of “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women” by Houston Woman Magazine,
in 2007 by Girls Inc. of Greater Houston as its “Strong, Smart & Bold Honoree,” in 2003 as a “Woman
Achiever” by the New York City YWCA, and in 2001 as one of 10 “Houston Woman on the Move” by
Texas Executive Women.
Ms. Gray currently serves as a Trustee and on the Executive, Budget, and Academic Affairs Committees
of Syracuse University, co-chaired the $1 Billion Campaign for Syracuse University, serves on the
Executive Committee of Syracuse University’s College of Law, and is a national board member of Girls
Inc., a board member of Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Society for the Performing Arts, Greater
Houston Community Foundation, Legacy Healthcare Services Endowment, Houston Area Women’s
Center, Teen and Family Services, and the Foundation for Jones Hall. She is also a founding member
of the University of Texas Center for Women in the Law and a member of the Advisory Board of Rice
University Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality. She and her husband, Mark Wawro,
are the recipients of the 2015 Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award, presented annually by the AntiDefamation League Southwest Region to an outstanding member of the legal community who exhibits
exceptional commitment to equality, justice, fairness and community service.
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Alan K. Halfenger Jr. L’93
Mr. Halfenger received his J.D. from the Syracuse University College of Law and his B.S. from the
New York University Stern School of Business.
John R. Hartmann L’88
President and Chief Executive Officer
True Value Company
Chicago, Illinois
John R. Hartmann has nearly two decades of corporate experience, including
12 years in the hardware and home improvement wholesale and retail sectors.
He serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of True Value Company,
one of the world’s largest retailer-owned wholesale hardware cooperatives.
Under his leadership, Mr. Hartmann has been charting a course for True Value that includes adding
more stores to the 4,500 it has under its worldwide umbrella. Mr. Hartmann and his leadership team
are committed to an aggressive plan for growth and ensuring the future success of its diverse family
of retailers. In 2014, the True Value cooperative had its best sales year in 20 years.
Previously, Mr. Hartmann served as Chief Executive Officer for Mitre 10, the New Zealand-based
market-leading hardware and home improvement company where he built and executed a strategic
plan that increased profitable sales over 25 percent in a four-year period.
Prior to Mitre 10, Mr. Hartmann spent eight years at Home Depot and Home Depot Supply, in a variety
of roles, including long-range planning, M&A, operations, and sourcing. He stayed with HD Supply
for several years after its spin-off to private equity and completed his tenure there as Chief Operating
Officer for the electrical and plumbing divisions.
For more than four years, Mr. Hartmann served as Vice President of Corporate Services for Cardinal
Health, with responsibility over supply chain continuity. Prior to Cardinal Health, Mr. Hartmann spent
10 years as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Mr. Hartmann holds a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law. While at Syracuse, he served
as President of the Law Student Senate. Mr. Hartmann earned his undergraduate degree from
Rochester Institute of Technology, and subsequently received a certificate in the Accelerated
Leadership Program from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
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Hon. William Q. Hayes L’83
Michael A. Kaplan L’11
District Judge
Southern District of California
San Diego, California
Litigation Associate
Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Roseland, New Jersey
Judge William Q. Hayes, of the Southern District of California, was appointed a
District Judge on October 6, 2003. Prior to his appointment, Judge Hayes was
an Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of California, 1987 to 2003,
serving as Chief of the Criminal Division from 1999 to 2003. He previously practiced
law in Denver, Colorado, as an associate at Stone and Associates, from 1984 to 1986, and as an
associate at Scheid and Horlbeck, from 1983 to 1984.
Michael A. Kaplan graduated summa cum laude from the College of Law in 2011.
While in law school, he was the executive director of the Moot Court Honor
Society and lead articles editor of the Syracuse Law Review; he was also a
member of Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Team and Justinian
Honor Society. Upon graduation, he was awarded the ALI-ABA Scholarship & Leadership Award and
a Scribes Award for legal writing and was selected to the Orders of the Coif and Barristers.
Judge Hayes received his B.S. from Syracuse University in 1979, his M.B.A. from Syracuse University
Graduate School of Business in 1983, and his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law in 1983.
He has served as an adjunct faculty at National College in Denver, Colorado; University of Colorado at
Denver; Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California; and University of San Diego School
of Law. Judge Hayes maintains his chambers in San Diego.
Mr. Kaplan is a litigation associate at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, with offices in Roseland, N.J.,
New York, N.Y. and Washington, D.C. Before joining the firm, he served as a judicial law clerk to
the Honorable Gary L. Sharpe, chief judge, U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York. His
experience also includes positions as an intern to the Honorable Jan E. Dubois, senior judge, U.S.
District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and extern at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the
Northern District of New York, where he assisted in prosecuting child exploitation cases.
Richard D. Hole L’75
Management Committee Chair
Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Syracuse, New York
Richard D. Hole is chair of the firm’s management committee. He is a member and
former chair of the firm’s employee benefits and executive compensation practice group
and has more than 35 years’ experience counseling a wide range of clients in the
design, implementation, operation, and termination of all types of employee benefit
plans, including defined benefit, defined contribution and cash balance retirement plans, nonqualified
deferred compensation arrangements, severance pay plans, and stock-based plans. Mr. Hole has
served as counsel to pension committees and investment committees for the retirement plans of
numerous private employers, providing advice and guidance on fiduciary and other compliance issues.
He has represented employers in proceedings before the Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation, and the Internal Revenue Service.
Mr. Hole also has maintained an extensive practice in health care law. He has represented numerous
physician groups in all aspects of their practice and served as counsel to hospitals and nursing homes
and their boards.
Mr. Hole serves on the boards of the United Way of Central New York, the Central New York
Community Foundation, the Seward House Museum, Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga
County, Inc., Centerstate Corporation for Economic Opportunity, Skaneateles Lake Association, and
the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, for which he also serves as general counsel.
Mr. Hole is a member of the Syracuse University College of Law Board of Advisors.
Mr. Hole earned his bachelor of arts degree from Hamilton College in 1971 and his J.D. from
Syracuse University College of Law in 1975. While at the College of Law, Mr. Hole was a member
of the Syracuse Law Review and served as its business manager.
At Lowenstein Sandler, Mr. Kaplan focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation as well as
products liability, mass tort, toxic tort, and dram shop cases. He also handles a wide array of civil
litigation and appeals in both state and federal courts across the country and has experience in
domestic and international arbitrations. In addition to his civil practice, he concentrates on white
collar criminal law, representing individuals and corporations in matters involving allegations of
mail and wire fraud, health care fraud, and tax evasion. He also conducts internal investigations
and defends clients in investigations and civil proceedings brought by the state and federal regulatory
authorities. He also maintains an active pro bono practice and provides representation to victims of
domestic violence through Lowenstein’s partnership with Partners for Women and Justice and the
Rachel Coalition.
Adam J. Katz L’04
Assistant United States Attorney
United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of New York
Albany, New York
Adam J. Katz investigates and prosecutes civil fraud matters across the full
spectrum of federal programs and brings enforcement actions for violations of
environmental, health, safety, and economic welfare laws. He also serves as
the Health Care Fraud Coordinator for 32 counties in upstate and central New
York and, as such, is the Department of Justice’s liaison to federal, state, and local law enforcement
as well as to private and government stakeholders in the health care industry. Before joining the
United States Attorney’s Office in 2012, Mr. Katz served as a trial attorney with the Department of
Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, in Washington, D.C. as an associate with the
Washington, D.C. office of McDermott Will & Emery; and as a law clerk to the United States Court
of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in New York City.
Mr. Katz graduated cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 2004. While in law school,
he was a member of the Syracuse Law Review, served a term as class president, and also earned a
master of public administration degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
Mr. Katz is the immediate past president of the Syracuse University Law Alumni Association. He
serves on the board of trustees of the Northern District of New York’s Federal Court Bar Association
and the board of directors of the Bethlehem Youth Court.
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Elan P. Keller L’98
Dawn J. Krigstin L’03
Partner
Kaye Scholer LLP
New York, New York
Senior Vice President, Head of Environmental Claims
Ironshore, Inc.
New York, New York
Elan P. Keller is a Partner in the Tax Department of Kaye Scholer’s New York office.
Mr. Keller advises clients on a broad range of tax matters, including tax-efficient
structuring with respect to cross-border and domestic M&A transactions, the
U.S. aspects of inbound and outbound operations, multi-jurisdictional corporate
transactions, including restructuring, reorganizations and distributions, transfer pricing, capital
markets and structured finance transactions, infrastructure and leasing transactions, and oil, gas,
and natural resource transactions. Mr. Keller also advises clients on matters relating to tax audit
management, including the representation of clients involved in IRS audits and external financial
statement audits, and tax audit planning.
Prior to joining Kaye Scholer, he was an International Corporate Tax Partner at Caplin & Drysdale.
Mr. Keller was also the former Managing Director and Tax Director of Macquarie Holdings (USA)
Inc. During his tenure at Macquarie, he established and managed the tax legal and tax reporting
functions with oversight of more than 20 CPAs and tax lawyers. In addition, he managed the
development and implementation of multi-jurisdictional tax-efficient structures across various
operating groups and developed a tax risk management framework. A licensed CPA, Mr. Keller
has an accounting background that further enhances the legal services he provides both from an
economic and tax accounting perspective.
Mr. Keller earned his Bachelor of Science degree, with honors, from the University of Delaware in 1994
and his J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law in 1998. He also earned his LL.M.
degree from New York University School of Law in 1999.
Patrick M. Kennell L’02
Partner
Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck, LLP
New York, New York
Patrick M. Kennell is a proud alumnus of Syracuse College of Law. He was a member
of the National Trial Team and other Moot Court trial teams at Syracuse, having won
the prestigious Tiffany Cup in 2001. Since his graduation, Mr. Kennell has carried that
renowned Syracuse trial advocacy tradition into private practice and pro bono work
in New York City.
As a partner at Kaufman, Dolowich, & Voluck, LLP, Mr. Kennell is a litigator and insurance coverage
lawyer and has more than a decade of experience in professional liability, directors and officers,
commercial litigation, general liability, and financial institutions matters. He represents some of the
largest global insurers in the U.S. and London markets. Mr. Kennell serves as defense counsel to
businesses and professionals for civil lawsuits brought in federal and state courts across the United
States, represents U.S. and London insurers in coverage litigation in the United States, and provides
direct coverage and monitoring advice in E&O/PI, D&O and FI matters.
Mr. Kennell serves as a Volunteer Attorney for the Veterans’ Consortium Pro Bono Program, where
he represents U.S. veterans, their families, and survivors in claims for federal benefits before the
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
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Dawn J. Krigstin is Senior Vice President and Chief Claims Officer for Ironshore
Environmental, one of the world’s fastest-growing commercial insurers, where
she is responsible for solving complex claims and litigation around the globe.
Ms. Krigstin began her career as part of a litigation team at a large New York
City law firm, before pursuing in-house executive opportunities. She joined Ironshore around
the time of its founding and has helped build the company into one of the most recognized and
respected brands in the industry. Ms. Krigstin now leads a department that pivots between oil spills,
terrorist attacks, pollution and construction accidents, and professional liability matters.
Ms. Krigstin graduated from Syracuse Law in 2003. During law school, she was Associate Editor of
The Digest, served as vice president of the International Law Society, and was elected to both the
University and Law School Senates.
When not traveling for clients, Ms. Krigstin devotes time as a member of the Board of Trustees of the
Development School for the Youth, a nonprofit educational organization that uplifts inner-city high
school students by offering them training, mentorship, and real-world exposure to the corporate world.
Peter A. Lefkin L’80
Senior Vice President, Government and External Affairs
Allianz of America
Washington, D.C.
Peter A. Lefkin was hired as Assistant Vice President in 1988 to open the Fireman’s
Fund Washington D.C., Government Relations Office and assumed an increasing
level of responsibility before being named as Senior Vice President and
Government and External Affairs Department Head in 1996. In this capacity he
led the company’s state and federal lobbying efforts and was a liaison to national company and
distribution trade associations.
In 2002, Mr. Lefkin assumed a parallel and enhanced role for Allianz of America, which includes,
Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, Allianz Life, U.S. PIMCO Advisors, Allianz Global Investors,
Allianz Global Assistance, Euler Hermes, and several other U.S. affiliates. Along with Brussels and
Berlin, Washington, D.C., is one of three global government affairs representative offices of Allianz, SE.
Until October 1988, Mr. Lefkin was Federal Affairs Counsel to the American Insurance Association
(AIA), a position he held for three years. Prior to his work for AIA, Mr. Lefkin served as Legislative
Counsel for Representative Matthew J. Rinaldo (R-NJ), the ranking minority leader of the House
Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Consumer Protection and Finance. In the early 1980s,
Mr. Lefkin was a staff attorney in the Office of General Counsel of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
A cum laude graduate of Georgetown University School of Foreign Service (1977), Mr. Lefkin earned
his M.P.A. and J.D. from Syracuse University in 1980 and is a member of the Connecticut and District
of Columbia Bars.
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Marc A. Malfitano L’78
Attorney/Real Estate Developer
Syracuse, New York
Marc A. Malfitano is a self-employed attorney and real estate developer.
From October 2003 through July 2004, Mr. Malfitano was a development principal
in Destiny USA Management LLC. He was responsible for the environmental due
diligence, creation of legal structures for the various entities, negotiation of the
state and local incentive programs, and coordination of legal matters with the many outside counsel
assisting in this project.
Prior to joining Destiny, Mr. Malfitano was associated with Pyramid Management Group, Inc. and
The Pyramid Companies for more than 25 years. The Pyramid organization is one of the largest
privately held shopping mall developers in the country. During most of his tenure there, he acted as
General Counsel of the company. At various times he also held the titles of Director of Management
and Operating Officer. Mr. Malfitano’s legal experience with the company grew out of his negotiation
of hundreds of complex lease transactions and reciprocal easement agreements, his participation
in and negotiation of the business and legal terms of more than $2 billion of financing transactions,
the coordination of litigation and governmental affairs matters for the company, right to build matters,
and the supervision of an in-house staff of lawyers and paralegals.
As an attorney he practices in the area of business and commercial transactions, zoning, and
environmental law. He is a principal in a number of entities that have developed and own
commercial properties and residential land developments.
Mr. Malfitano is the Chairman of the Town of Onondaga Planning Board, and is the Chairman of the
Syracuse University College of Law Board of Advisors. He has been active as a board member on
several community Boards of Directors and foundations.
Mr. Malfitano is an adjunct professor at the Syracuse University College of Law, where he teaches
commercial real estate. Mr. Malfitano received a B.A. from Syracuse University and a J.D. from the
Syracuse College of Law.
Heather Schroder Morawski L’07
Senior Legal Counsel
Robert Bosch LLC
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Heather Schroder Morawski is Senior Legal Counsel for Robert Bosch LLC, the
privately held German automotive, engineering, electronics, and technology company.
Ms. Morawski works in Bosch’s North America headquarters located in Farmington
Hills, Michigan, in the Mergers and Acquisitions group of the global legal department.
She also serves as Secretary of numerous Bosch subsidiaries in North America and supports Bosch’s
data security/privacy organization.
Prior to working at Bosch, Ms. Morawski was Senior Corporate Counsel at ATMI, Inc. for six years, a
publicly traded, international semiconductor, microelectronics and life sciences corporation, located
in Danbury, Connecticut; prior to working in-house, Ms. Morawski worked at a law firm in Manhattan
for one year.
Mark A. Neporent L’82
COO, General Counsel, and Senior Managing Director
Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.
New York, New York
Mark A. Neporent has been chief operating officer, general counsel, and senior
managing director of Cerberus Capital Management LP, a multibillion-dollar
investment management firm, since April 1998. Before joining Cerberus, Mr.
Neporent was a partner in the business reorganization and finance group
at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP in New York, in the Business Reorganization and Finance Group.
Mr. Neporent has more than 28 years of experience in the distressed securities, bankruptcy, and
high-yield finance business.
Mr. Neporent was the Chairman of the Worldcom Creditors’ Committee during its epic Chapter 11
case. Because of his work through this case, he was then asked to be on the Board of the reorganized
company and helped manage its sale to Verizon.
Mr. Neporent was on the Board of GMAC and chair of the compensation committee until 2008 and has
been on the boards of several other public companies, including AMC Financial Corp and SSA Global
Technologies Inc.
Mr. Neporent earned a bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University in 1979 and a J.D., cum laude, from
Syracuse University College of Law in 1982. He serves as a Trustee for Syracuse University as well as
the Syracuse University College of Law Board of Advisors.
Mark E. O’Brien L’14
Staff Attorney
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
Richmond, Virginia
Mark E. O’Brien is a board member of the Syracuse University Law Alumni
Association. While at the College of Law, Mr. O’Brien was Editor-in-Chief of the
Syracuse Law Review, Pro Bono Fellow, and a Law Ambassador.
Mr. O’Brien also was a research assistant at the Cold Case Justice Initiative and member of the Moot
Court Honor Society, earning the Frank H. Armani Advocacy Award during the 36th Annual Lionel O.
Grossman Trial Competition. His other honors include the Justinian Honorary Law Society, the Order
of the Barristers, the Paul Shipman Andrews Award, the Law Ambassador Award, and the Office of
Student Life Dean’s Award. Mr. O’Brien was also active in the Communications Law & Policy Society,
the Pro Bono Advisory Board, the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition Team, Impunity
Watch, and the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association.
Prior to law school, Mr. O’Brien worked for seven years as a television news anchor and reporter at
network affiliates in Charlotte, North Carolina, Albany, New York, and Charlottesville, Virginia. He
earned a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in biology
from the University of Virginia.
Ms. Morawski graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in 2007, concurrently receiving her
M.P.A. from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She earned
a B.A. in Political Science from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connectitcut. While at Syracuse
University College of Law, Ms. Morawski was Student Bar Association President, Vice President, and a
class senator in her 3L, 2L and 1L years, respectively.
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Sarah M. Oliker L’03
Hon. David E. Peebles L’75
Assistant General Counsel
ConMed Corporation
Utica, New York
Chief Magistrate Judge
U.S. District Court—Northern District of New York
Syracuse, New York
Sarah M. Oliker, as assistant general counsel at CONMED Corporation advises on
international and domestic distribution matters, health care provider arrangements, and
provides strategic counsel on day-to-day matters affecting ConMed’s business. Prior
to ConMed, Ms. Oliker served as senior counsel for ProCure Treatment Centers, Inc.,
where she structured complex physician arrangements and hospital joint ventures, provided health
care regulatory and reimbursement counsel, as well as overseeing the Corporate Compliance
Program. Prior to ProCure, Ms. Oliker spent five years with Epstein Becker & Green in its Health
Care & Life Sciences group based in Washington, D.C., where her practice consisted of health
regulatory and transactional matters, representing clients from all verticals of the health care industry.
She is admitted to practice in Washington, D.C., and New York and is a member of the American
Health Lawyers Association.
Ms. Oliker holds a bachelor’s from Colgate University and is a 2003 Syracuse College of Law graduate.
In addition, Ms. Oliker is the president of the Syracuse University Law Alumni Association. In this
role, she encourages engagement between graduates and helps to keep them connected to Syracuse
Law—where, as a student, she was very active in both the student government and in the formation of
the Health Law Society.
Ms. Oliker also serves on the Board of Directors of Med Tech, which is the trade association for
New York State’s bio/med industry representing the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical technology
companies, their suppliers and service providers, and research universities.
Joshua F. Patterson L’00
Deputy General Counsel
Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Carlsbad, California
Joshua F. Patterson has served as in-house counsel in the biotech and
pharmaceutical industry for 15 years. Mr. Patterson began his career at Amylin
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he was responsible for general corporate transactional
matters, with a focus in clinical trials, patient privacy and FDA regulatory practice.
At Amylin, he handled the transactional work supporting more than 400 clinical trial sites for Amylin’s
leading two first-in-class diabetes therapies that were ultimately granted regulatory approval by
the FDA and European regulatory authorities.
Judge David E. Peebles was sworn in and began serving as a United States
Magistrate Judge on May 22, 2000, and is the Chief Magistrate Judge of the
Northern District of New York. He received a bachelor of aerospace engineering
degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1972 and a J.D. from the
Syracuse University College of Law in 1975, both with honors.
Judge Peebles began his legal career as an Assistant Onondaga County District Attorney, and
thereafter served as law clerk to the Hon. Howard G. Munson, United States District Judge for
the Northern District of New York. He is also a former partner in Hancock & Estabrook, LLP, a firm
with which he was affiliated since September 1978. While at Hancock & Estabrook, Judge Peebles
served as chair of the Labor and Intellectual Property Law Departments and was a member of the
firm’s Executive and Practice Management Committees.
Hon. Ava S. Raphael L’89
Surrogate Court Judge/Acting Supreme Court Justice
Onondaga County
Syracuse, New York
Ava S. Raphael has been a Surrogate Court Judge for Onondaga County since
her election to the post in 2009. She is also an acting Supreme Court justice for
Onondaga County. Judge Raphael presides over cases involving the affairs of
decedents, including the probate of wills, and the administration of estate and
trust proceedings. She also has jurisdiction over guardianships.
Before her election to the Surrogate Court, Judge Raphael was the chief clerk for the Surrogate
Court. She began her law career as an associate with Mackenzie Hughes LLP, where she concentrated
in appellate practice and medical litigation.
Judge Raphael earned a bachelor of science and a master of arts from Syracuse University and a
J.D. magna cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law. While attending the College of Law,
Judge Raphael was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Justinian Society.
In his current position as Deputy General Counsel of Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mr. Patterson
spearheads transactions to advance Isis’ 34 drug pipeline, and specializes in intellectual property
licensing. To date, Mr. Patterson has completed strategic licensing transactions at Isis resulting in
more than $1 billion in cash, with the potential for additional downstream revenue of up to $7 billion.
In addition, while at Isis, he was primarily responsible for transactional matters related to the
Phase III clinical trials of Isis’ flagship product, which was approved by the FDA in January 2013 for
use in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Mr. Patterson earned a B.A. in history from Carthage College in 1997, a J.D. from the Syracuse
University College of Law in 2000, and is admitted to practice law in the State of California. While
a student at the College of Law, Mr. Patterson was a member of the Law in London program and
also worked in the clinic.
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Susan K. Reardon L’76
Director of Federal Affairs (retired)
Johnson & Johnson
Washington, D.C.
Susan K. Reardon served as Director, International Policy, Worldwide Government
Affairs and Policy at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) based in Washington, D.C.,
until April 2014 when she retired. In her position, she advanced global trade
and health issues working with industry associations, government agencies,
business organizations and others to shape policies consistent with J&J interests. Prior to
the international position, she advocated on behalf of the medical device and diagnostic
companies of J&J before Congress and U.S. government agencies.
Before her career at J&J, Ms. Reardon held several positions at the Advanced Medical
Technology Association (AdvaMed), where she was responsible for regulatory and
reimbursement issues affecting the medical technology industry. She also served in the
federal government, including the Department of Health and Human Services, where she
was Acting General Counsel among other positions; the Department of Housing and Urban
Development; and the Small Business Administration. She practiced law in Oswego, New
York, and served as Counsel to the School District.
Ms. Reardon earned her B.A., magna cum laude, in international relations from Syracuse
University and her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, where she served on the
Syracuse Law Review and was published. She is the recipient of several awards, including the
W. Quinn Jordan Memorial Award for significant government affairs accomplishments. She
serves as a member of the Syracuse College of Law Board of Advisors.
Gregory M. Sobo L’99
Attorney
Sobo & Sobo L.L.P.
Middletown, New York
Gregory M. Sobo graduated from Colgate University in 1994 with high honors.
Mr. Sobo then became the 10th ranked springboard diver in the United States
and made a run at the 1996 Olympic Games. Mr. Sobo attended the Syracuse
University College of Law where he graduated magna cum laude in 1999,
and was named one of the 10 best prospective trial lawyers by the National Institute of Trial
Lawyers Association. While attending the College of Law, Mr. Sobo participated in a variety
of activities, including serving as an Executive Editor of the Syracuse Law Review, serving on
the SUCOL National Trial Team, working in the Criminal Law Clinic, serving as a member of the
Justinian Honor Society, and was awarded the Order of the Coif.
Mr. Sobo began his legal career at a top New York City firm, Dechert Price & Rhoads, where he
served in the litigation department. He soon returned to his hometown in Orange County, New
York to join his father, Gary M. Sobo, in private practice. Mr. Sobo transformed his father’s solo
real estate practice into Sobo & Sobo, LLP, one of the top four largest personal injury law firms in
New York State, with more than 20 lawyers and five offices.
Hon. Glenn T. Suddaby L’85
U.S. District Judge
U.S. District Court—Northern District of New York
Syracuse, New York
Judge Glenn T. Suddaby is a United States district judge for the Northern District
of New York. Before this appointment, Judge Suddaby served as U.S. attorney
for the Northern District of New York. During this tenure, he served as chair of
the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee on Border Protection & Immigration
and was the Justice Department representative to the Integrated Border Law Enforcement effort
with Canada. He has been recognized for his innovative approach in targeting street gang crime
and public corruption in the Northern District and enhancing border security along the border with
Canada.
Judge Suddaby attended the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, where he obtained a B.A.
in communications in 1980. He earned his J.D. in 1985 from Syracuse University College of Law and
was a member of the school’s National Trial Team for two years.
Joseph B. Williams L’01
Partner
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
Washington, D.C.
As a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, Joseph B. Williams represents
clients on matters related to marketing and trading in energy and commodity
markets and on federal and state matters for energy projects. He represents clients
in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Commodity Futures Trading
Commission (CFTC) investigations, enforcement and show cause proceedings, and complex energy
litigation matters. Mr. Williams assists clients with the development of generation and transmission
projects, including responding to RFPs, contract negotiation, and related regulatory issues.
Mr. Williams has represented clients in refund proceedings in organized power markets and has
successfully defended clients in show cause proceedings before the FERC. He has also assisted clients
with several government investigations of market activity, including actions by the Department of
Justice, FERC, CFTC, and state attorneys general.
Prior to his work at North Rose Fulbright, Mr. Williams held the position of Special Counsel at
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, and was a Senior Attorney with New York Independent System
Operator.
Mr. Williams received his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from Utica College of Syracuse
University in 1998, and his J.D., magna cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law in 2001.
While in law school, he served as managing editor of Syracuse Law Review and was a member of the
Order of the Coif, Moot Court Honor Society, and the Syracuse Law and Technology Journal.
Mr. Sobo serves as the founding and managing partner of Sobo & Sobo, LLP. He concentrates
his practice on personal injury litigation, where he has won numerous jury verdicts and settled
many cases. He has represented clients with all types of injuries, including wrongful death. Mr.
Sobo is a published author in the field of negligence and personal injury law, where his works
have been recognized by authorities such as the Supreme Court
of Massachusetts.
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