Pride and Purpose: Sav Ackerman ’25

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Sav Ackerman ’25 has always had a strong work ethic. Born into an abusive and impoverished upbringing, both of Sav’s parents passed away by the time Sav was 15 years old. “There were many hard days growing up,” shared Sav. “Prior to passing away, my mother was a single parent and worked full-time while going to school for nursing. I started working to support myself from the time I was 15 and continued to work throughout law school.”

It was the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University's FLEX JD Scheduling Option that attracted Sav the most. “The FLEX JD program fit my schedule perfectly,” said Sav. “It allowed me to continue working without overwhelming my already busy schedule while also providing me with the ideal amount of academic intensity I needed.” Once they started at Pace Haub Law, Sav found the Law School atmosphere extremely communal in nature. “Everyone wants one another to succeed. The connections I made – professors, fellow students, administrators – all allowed me to deepen my understanding of the law and how to be a successful advocate.”

Sav recalls Adjunct Professor Stefen Short as one of the most remarkable individuals they met while studying at the Law School. “Professor Short introduced the topic of incarcerated peoples' rights to me as a student after my summer of working at The Legal Aid Society of Westchester, and illuminated a field of lawyering I didn't know was reachable,” shared Sav. “He inspired me with a different way of thinking when approaching advocacy that I will never forget.”

While Sav was at Pace Haub Law, they were the FLEX Representative for Lambda Law Students. They launched the innovative and impactful Name Change Clinic at Cubbyhole Bar in New York City. “This initiative was very important to me,” shared Sav. “I, along with other Pace Haub Law Lambda Law Students, handed out paperwork and information to allow individuals to change their legal name in New York State. Being able to see this initiative become a reality and take it into New York City at a landmark LGBTQ+ space, like Cubbyhole, was amazing.” While Sav was a law student, they also co-founded the LAMBDA LGBTQIA+ Judge Mentorship Program, where LGBTQIA+ judges across the state of New York assist in mentoring law students at the Law School.

Today, Sav is studying for the bar exam and working as a law graduate with The Legal Aid Society of New York City. “I hope to continue to learn and expand my advocacy for minority communities and indigent clients so that their voices may be heard,” said Sav.

In their spare time, Sav pursues music as an outlet. “I am a musician and continue to play guitar, drums, and piano. I love creating lyrics and music that allows me to feel!” As far as words of advice, Sav encourages current and future law students to remember why you started your law school journey, but to also open your arms to changing and learning within the field. “Don't be afraid to evolve and never give up.”