Siblings Megan and Brendan McDonough were both inspired to pursue a career in law by their grandfather, a successful attorney. Having grown up in White Plains, when Megan McDonough ‘21 decided to seriously pursue becoming a lawyer, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University was a natural choice. “Growing up in White Plains, I was already intimately familiar with the area, so that was one less thing to be stressed out about when embarking on my law school journey,” said Megan. “The school’s close proximity to the City was also a huge plus. And, a number of my friends and family were in White Plains as well, so my support system was always nearby. The location was perfect.”
After graduating from college and working in finance for a few years, Megan’s younger brother, Brendan McDonough ‘27, decided to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer as well. “When Brendan told me he was interested in Haub Law, I was very supportive,” shared Megan. “Haub Law has great alumni connections in the NY Metro area which is a great benefit, coupled with the small class sizes, and flexible program options, it was a great choice.”
Brendan recalls noticing how much his sister, Megan, enjoyed her classmates, the faculty at Haub Law, and the overall experience. “While Megan warned me about how demanding and tough law school could be, she also really made me aware of all of the positive experiences and opportunities available at Haub Law,” shared Brendan. “It ended up being the only school I applied to, partially because Megan went here and partially because of its location and the school’s reputation.”
Brendan’s experience thus far has lived up to his expectations. “As part of the January admit class, we have become a close cohort and formed great friendships already.” Brendan and Megan also enjoy sharing their individual law school experiences with one another. “Megan has been a tremendous help,” said Brendan. “I ask her a lot of questions about pretty much everything and she's more than happy to give me advice and guidance. She had Professor Dorfman for criminal procedure, and I have him for criminal law, which is pretty cool. Now that she is a practicing attorney it's nice to talk to her about what I've been learning, and she explains it through the lens of someone doing it in the real world.”
Megan is equally appreciative to hear all about Brendan’s experiences. “I am always happy to provide advice, or even just listen,” shared Megan. “It is also interesting to see how he approaches his studies. Every experience is unique, and something that works for one student might not work for another.” While much of Megan’s law school experience was over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she remains grateful for the memories she has from her time at Haub Law and the friendships she formed. “My favorite memory of Haub Law is the Barristers Ball Spring 2019,” recounts Megan. “Since half of my law school experience was remote, the Barristers Ball was one of the few times I was able to enjoy the social aspects of law school before things shut down. I am also grateful for my experience living in Dannat Hall during my 1L year. It was in Dannat Hall where I met very close friends that I still keep in touch with today.”
"My education at Haub Law definitely provided me with the tools I needed to be a successful attorney."
Today, Megan is a Senior Associate at the New York City Office of Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP, primarily handling Labor Law/Construction Defense cases. “My education at Haub Law definitely provided me with the tools I needed to be a successful attorney,” said Megan. “I am confident that Brendan will have the same positive experience at Haub Law that I did.”
Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman pens an op-ed in the New York Law Journal analyzing a recent Supreme Court ruling on racial discrimination in jury selection and its implications for fairness in the criminal justice system.
Haub Law Professor Emeritus Michael Mushlin is widely featured this week following a landmark criminal justice reform that will make New York the first state in the nation to require judges serving in criminal and family courts to conduct annual visits to prisons and jails beginning in 2028. Featured in amNewYork, The City Reporter, and La Voce di New York, Mushlin helped lead the years-long study and advocacy for the initiative, which is designed to give judges firsthand insight into conditions of incarceration and promote more informed, transparent, and humane decision-making.
Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman is in the spotlight in multiple outlets this week. In Newsweek, he discusses a U.S. Supreme Court case that could reshape immigration detention practices nationwide, examining the constitutional limits of prolonged detention without a bond hearing.