Elisabeth Haub School of Law News

Pace Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman was featured across multiple outlets during winter break for commentary on criminal justice and accountability. In CBS News, he explains why hit-and-run cases are often difficult to prosecute, noting that convictions can hinge on whether prosecutors can gather enough evidence to overcome common defenses like “I didn’t realize what I did” or claims that it was dark or unclear. “It’s difficult to get enough evidence to prosecute effectively, and to convince a jury,” he said.

In his op-ed, “To Make Energy More Affordable, Double Down on Renewables,” published in the Times Union, Michael Hamersky, Executive Director of the Pace Energy and Climate Center, challenges the narrative that clean energy policies are responsible for rising energy costs. Drawing on decades of empirical data, Hamersky argues that renewable energy sources including wind, solar, and geothermal, offer long-term price stability and lower system-wide costs than continued reliance on fossil fuels. “The fossil fuel status quo created our current energy affordability crisis. If we continue to commit to that approach by subsidizing old power plants or building new pipelines, we will lock in a long-term obstacle to lower energy prices,” he writes.

Elisabeth Haub School of Law deeply mourns the death of Kristina Maria Gjerde, who passed away from pancreatic cancer on December 26, 2025.

Kristina was a 2024 Laureate of the Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy, presented jointly to her and Singapore Ambassador Rena Lee in recognition of their leadership in advancing the United Nations Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)—a landmark achievement in the protection of marine biodiversity on the high seas.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that the 2025 Ottinger Award for Faculty Achievement has been awarded to Achinthi Vithanage, Professor of Law for Designated Service in Environmental Law & Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs. The Richard Ottinger Faculty Achievement Award is awarded annually by the Faculty Development Committee, in consultation with the Dean, in recognition of a full-time professor’s outstanding service to the law school, the legal profession, or both. The award generally is based on the faculty member’s outstanding service during the previous academic year.

As a child, Skyler Pozo ’26 was captivated by courtroom television, often watching alongside her mother. That early fascination stayed with her and eventually evolved into a serious interest in the law and advocacy. “Once I got to college, I joined the Mock Trial Team at Scranton,” Skyler shared. “I ultimately became captain of the team, won awards, and was the first person in Scranton history to receive an award at the Opening Round Championships.”

Reuters leads the week with an op-ed from Pace Haub Law Professor John Bandler on how organizations can build stronger cybersecurity programs amid escalating digital threats. Professor Bandler outlines practical steps to protect against cybercrime and better manage information systems.

Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman writes a piece in amNewYork examining New York’s Grieving Families Act. Professor Gershman explores the legal and policy implications of proposed changes to the state’s wrongful death statute, raising concerns about how the legislation could affect families, courts, and the broader civil justice system. Professor Gershman also writes in New York Law Journal, examining renewed calls for federal courts to reassert their supervisory power amid mounting criticism of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Haub Law Professor and Director of the Immigration Justice Clinic Amelia Wilson speaks to Newsweek about immigration court backlogs nationwide. Professor Wilson notes that while the backlog has declined significantly in 2025, the abrupt dismissal of experienced immigration judges has created new regional challenges that could slow progress.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Land Use Law Center recently hosted the 24th Annual Alfred B. DelBello Land Use and Sustainable Development Conference, continuing its long-standing tradition of convening leaders in land use, environmental law, and public policy to address the challenges and opportunities facing communities today.

Pace Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman pens an op-ed in amNewYork responding to a historic decision by the New York Court of Appeals that, in one case, allowed a criminal conviction by a jury of 11 after a defendant was found to have tampered with a juror. Professor Gershman explains the court’s reasoning and the broader implications for jury practices in New York’s justice system.