From Grit to Greatness: The Pursuit for Legal Empowerment

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Growing up in a first-generation Italian household, 3L Stella Capparelli learned perseverance and grit from her parents, who immigrated from Italy. From an early age, she understood that not everyone has the opportunity to attend college or law school, and she was determined to make the most of the opportunities she had. With the educational systems in Italy and the United States being so different, Stella couldn’t rely on her parents to guide her through the college process. Instead, she took charge and forged her own path in higher education, a proactive spirit that would later inspire her to pursue a career in law. Aware of how many people are unfamiliar with their rights, Stella set out to become a source of support for those facing complex legal challenges.

As an undergraduate at Marist College, Stella’s passion for learning drove her to seek out additional classes she could take. In her senior year, she realized she had accumulated enough credits to graduate early in December instead of May. This allowed her to get a head start on her legal education, with Haub Law’s Accelerated January Degree Program at the top of her list. The program, which enables students to begin in the spring term and graduate in two and a half years, appealed to her drive for efficiency and her desire to start her legal career sooner.

Since starting at Haub Law, Stella has built an impressive list of accomplishments. She transitioned from a Residence Hall Assistant to Residence Hall Director at Dannat Hall, served as a Dean Scholar for four semesters, became involved in the Italian American Law Students Association (ITALO), and competed in two mock competitions for Pace Law’s Advocacy Program. Additionally, Stella has contributed to Haub Law’s Legal Hand Call-In Center, where she empowered local community members by connecting them with resources to resolve legal issues. “It’s incredibly rewarding to provide someone with the guidance and tools they need,” she says.

In true Stella fashion, Stella was selected for Haub Law’s John Jay Legal Services Pro Bono Scholars Program. This program allows students to devote their final semester to pro bono work while also taking the New York bar exam in February, opening the door for her to begin practicing law right after graduation.

Most recently, Stella secured a coveted internship at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, working under Judge Philip M. Halpern, a distinguished Haub Law Alumnus. “It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, reinforcing my desire to continue working in the legal field,” she shares. “I’ve been able to participate in research, observe court proceedings, and even help draft legal documents.”

Stella attributes much of her success to the encouragement and support she has received from her parents and family. When challenges turn tougher than expected, Stella’s mom is the first to champion her daughter not to give up and keep her eye on the prize. When asked what advice she has for aspiring law students, Stella shared, “Don’t let anything stop you. If you have a bad day, remember tomorrow is a new day. Keep a reminder of why you’re in law school written on a note and use that to stay motivated. And be sure to seize every opportunity that comes your way, while enjoying the journey.”