Press Release

Haub Law Partners with Verizon on Street Law Pipeline Program for Local High School Students

Posted
March 29, 2023
Group photo in the Tudor Room of Haub Law

Students from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University partnered with attorneys from Verizon to deliver its Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program this year, a global program aiming to advance civic and law education to empower youth. The 4-part program included classroom workshops on law-related topics at New Rochelle High School, culminating with a full-day capstone experience at the law school.

The program was spearheaded by Haub Law alumnus Jerome {Jerry) Silber ’83, Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Verizon Business Group, who, along with 6 volunteer attorneys from across Verizon’s vast legal department, has been running the Westchester County program for 5 years. Verizon currently supports Street Law in 11 cities and reached out to Haub Law to expand its Westchester program.

“Our partnership with Haub Law was a natural fit,” said Mr. Silber. “I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with my alma mater and the law students have been such an asset to our program. They bring a fresh perspective on the curriculum we’ve developed and are great role models for high school students. It has been a rewarding experience for all of us to teach young people in our community about the law and legal profession. Our goal is to provide a support system to help them get where they need to go.”

In coordination with Gary Weed, the host teacher from New Rochelle High School, 8 Haub Law students joined the Verizon attorneys to prepare and teach classes on Immigration Law, Advertising Law, and Search and Seizure to 20 students enrolled in a business law class. During the seminars, students examined different areas of the law and engaged in discussion and role playing, acting out scenarios such as reasonable search and seizure during a routine traffic stop based on the Fourth Amendment. They learned how to evaluate truthful vs deceptive advertisements and to determine what kind of immigration visa is required for different situations.

The class took a trip to the law school for the capstone event of the program, which included workshops where students prepared arguments on each topic and presented before a panel of judges. As part of the day’s agenda, students enjoyed a tour of the law school and casual career conversations with law students, faculty, and Verizon lawyers.

“I really enjoyed getting to work with the students and helping them work through very difficult material. Many of us were sitting where they are not long ago, so I think the participants saw us as a relatable resource and it made it easier for them to ask questions and for us to give career advice,” said 3L Kaitlin Campanini who participated in the program. “The program did a good job of demonstrating how relevant the law is in their everyday lives, even as high school students. Even if they don't pursue a career in law, it’s important to understand how the law might intersect in different areas of their lives.”

“Programs like this are so important to educate students to know and understand the law, and to be empowered to use it,” said Horace E. Anderson Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. “We are thrilled to support partners like Verizon who share our commitment to addressing the dearth of diversity in the legal profession and who devote their energy on impactful ways that can improve access to justice in our community.”