Driven by Purpose: Reese Frisch ’26 and a Commitment to Public Service

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For Reese H. Frisch ’26, the path to law school was shaped by a deep-rooted commitment to justice and a desire to serve her community—values that have guided her academic and professional journey from the very beginning.

A first-generation law student, Reese is the first in her immediate family to pursue a law degree. After earning her undergraduate degree in forensic psychology, she initially planned to continue her studies in that field. But through internships with the Rockland and Orange County District Attorney’s Offices, as well as the Federal Public Defender’s Office in New Haven, she gained a broader understanding of the legal system, one that ultimately solidified her decision to pursue a legal career.

“I was eager to apply myself in a deeper way and pursue a path that aligned more closely with my strengths,” Reese said. Her work in both prosecution and defense also provided her with a balanced perspective on the justice system, an experience that continues to inform her approach to the law.

At Pace Haub Law, Reese found a community that supports both her academic ambitions and her commitment to public service. Drawn to the Law School’s strong focus on public interest law and its emphasis on experiential learning, she has taken full advantage of opportunities to engage with the legal system in meaningful ways.

Her coursework—including Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Federal Criminal Pretrial Simulation—has reinforced her interest in litigation, while her hands-on experiences have been especially impactful. Through the Legal Hand Guided Externship Program, a judicial internship with the Westchester County Supreme Court, and externships with the Westchester County District Attorney's Office and the Rockland County District Attorney's Office through the Honors Externship Program, Reese has developed practical skills in advocacy and deepened her understanding of the role attorneys play in serving their communities. "The most rewarding aspect of law school has been engaging in work that directly impacts others," she said.

The most rewarding aspect of law school has been engaging in work that directly impacts others.

—Reese Frisch ‘26

Outside the classroom, Reese has remained actively involved in student life, serving as a representative for the Jewish Law Students Society and the Student Bar Association, an executive board member of the Criminal Justice Society, and a member of the Honor Board. Her leadership across these organizations reflects a broader commitment to service, collaboration, and community engagement.

Reese’s dedication to public service has also been recognized through the Adele Janow and Judge Sandra Forster Memorial Scholarship, an award established by the Law School’s Alumni Board to honor two esteemed alumnae whose contributions to the Law School and the Westchester community left a lasting legacy. The scholarship supports students who embody the same values of service, perseverance, and leadership that defined their careers.

“Attending law school has been the toughest challenge I've ever faced, and it hasn’t been easy,” Reese shared. “My commitment to justice drives everything I do. I am deeply grateful for the support of this scholarship, which made it possible for me to continue pursuing my goals.” For Reese, the scholarship represents an opportunity to carry forward the legacy of those who came before her while continuing to build a career rooted in service.

Looking ahead, Reese will join the Queens District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney following graduation. “I am looking forward to putting into practice the values that first led me to the law and am grateful for the solid foundation Pace Haub Law provided me.”