I was born and raised in Ukraine. During my childhood and teenage years, I used to play soccer professionally for soccer clubs Shakhtar Donetsk and Metallurg Donetsk.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I was born and raised in Ukraine. During my childhood and teenage years, I used to play soccer professionally for soccer clubs Shakhtar Donetsk and Metallurg Donetsk. I came to the United States when I was 17 to go to college in New York. I lived with my older sister for a while until I decided to join the military. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, I graduated from Pace University in New York City and started at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in Fall 2021. My parents still live in Ukraine. My father is an electrical engineer, and my mother is a college professor. My sister continues to live in New York and works as a tax lawyer for a large international law firm.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
My sister was an original source of inspiration for me because she told me about her law school experience and some of the cases that she had worked on early in her legal career that had a real impact on other people’s lives. While she currently works as a corporate tax lawyer, she also does a significant amount of pro bono work for clients in need of immigration, tax and other advice. Similar to her, I want to be able to help immigrants obtain legal status in the US, as well as help people in need have proper representation in courts. Eventually joining efforts with my sister would be an added bonus!
What activities are you involved in as a student?
I have been involved in Pace Veterans Association since my undergraduate years at Pace University. As a member of this organization, I have participated in numerous events throughout the years, such as Veterans Day parades, 9/11 events, job fairs, and speaking panels with military leaders. Being involved in Pace Veterans Association has been an extremely positive experience for me because I got a chance to be a part of a really dynamic veterans’ community and became friends with lots of other student veterans. Throughout our undergraduate years, we have supported each other on both academic and personal fronts. At Haub Law, I have joined the Military Law and Veterans’ Society and am looking forward to meeting my fellow veteran law students there. I have also recently become involved in the Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law Society and the Criminal Justice Society at the Law School.
Thank you for your service. Can you speak about that experience?
The years I spent in the military have been life-changing for me. Completing boot camp in Parris Island was a very tough experience, which taught me to persevere and withstand any challenges. After completing the boot camp, I went to Marine Combat Training in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and then Supply School (Logistics) in Camp Johnson, North Carolina. Subsequently, I was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (Infantry Battalion) aboard Camp Pendleton, California. In Camp Pendleton, I had two jobs –Supply Administration and Combat Marksmanship Coach. As part of the Supply Administration job, I had to account for the property of my Battalion, as well as place requisitions for the items that we were deficient on. I also had to oversee and manage the budget that my Battalion could spend on various items. As the Combat Marksmanship Coach, I had to supervise Marines on the shooting ranges, make sure that they adhere to the safety procedures, and correct their shooting positions so they could become more proficient in their shooting skills.
During my service, I have been deployed to Okinawa, Japan for 7 months. I also received a number of awards from the military, including three Certificates of Commendation for exemplary performance and Certificates of Recognition for volunteer services. As part of such volunteer services, I, among other things, helped US veterans who were homeless, displaced or disabled to find shelter, search for jobs, and prepare for job interviews.
What does it mean to you to be a veteran?
Being a veteran is of great importance to me. While serving in the Marine Corps, I have experienced a unique sense of comradery, friendship and support for each other. Every year when I march with Pace University in the Veterans Parade on November 11th, I experience very special moments of pride, joy and happiness. Military service has also had an impact on my law school experience. Mainly, it taught me mental and physical discipline, which I regularly incorporate into my law school life.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
I love to play soccer, run and exercise at the gym – I find that regular physical activities help me stay focused in school. I also like to spend time with my family and friends and read about sports.
What advice would you give a new or prospective law student?
Attending law school is a challenging, but very interesting path. Be ready to work hard and put in the hours and I am sure your efforts will pay off in the future.
Pace advanced 15 places in The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges Rankings, earning recognition for student success, affordability, and diversity. With a perfect diversity score of 100, Pace stands out as a leader in access and opportunity.
Thirty-four students from Pace University have been selected to participate in the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and Millennium Campus Network (MCN) Millennium Fellowship, a highly selective global leadership development program.
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University honored New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang with the 2025 Robert S. Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence at a ceremony on September 30, 2025, at Pace University’s New York City campus.
This article from Professor Bennett Gershman in The New York Law Journal raises the controversial question about a prosecutor’s role in testing the hypothesis of guilt.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Celestine Garner, a long-term member of the School of Education community. Our hearts go out to her family, as we remember Celestine Garner, and the many lives she has touched.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Celestine Garner, a long-term member of the School of Education community. Celestine was a Clinical Supervisor who mentored, advised, and was a valuable resource and friend to our undergraduate and graduate students who were completing their field placements. Her extensive knowledge of education and warm disposition not only made the clinical experience rewarding for our students, but it also made her a cherished colleague. With over 27 years of teaching experience in the Mount Vernon School District, she made a positive impact on countless students and their families. Our hearts go out to her family, as we remember Celestine Garner, and the many lives she has touched.
Executive Director of the PWJC, Cindy Kanusher Esq., and the Pace Women’s Justice Center each received Denison Ray Civil Awards from the NYSBA. Cindy received the Legal Services Program Director Award and PWJC received the Nonprofit Organization Award. PWJC is the first Hudson Valley nonprofit organization to receive this award.
Executive Director of the PWJC, Cindy Kanusher Esq., and the Pace Women’s Justice Center each received Denison Ray Civil Awards from the NYSBA. Cindy received the Legal Services Program Director Award and PWJC received the Nonprofit Organization Award. PWJC is the first Hudson Valley nonprofit organization to receive this award.
“In November, voters can restore New York’s leadership in environmental law and take the first step toward reclaiming a healthy environment,” write Nicholas Robinson, Kerlin Professor Emeritus, and Alumna Maya K. van Rossum, Delaware Riverkeeper Network and founder, Green Amendments For The Generations, in their New York Law Journal article outlining the State’s three attempts to establish the right to a clean and healthy environment for all New Yorkers.
BFA in Art student Christian Solar ’23 is taking a deeper look at the decay of technology and the intersection of when the past becomes the present in his new exhibit Digital Distorted, on view until October 30 at the Pace University Art Gallery.
“All of the photos in the exhibit are completely unedited,” says Christian Solar ’23. “I really want to make that clear, because when you see them, they look crazy.”
The images, which are part of Christian’s Digital Distorted exhibit at the Pace University Art Gallery, were captured on a semi-vintage (circa 2008) Kodak EasyShare camera that had originally belonged to his mother.
“It feels like such a stroke of luck,” Christian says about his exhibit. He had been working on some images and shared them with Gallery Director Sarah Cunningham who saw an opportunity to develop his work into a cohesive exhibit. He went after the opportunity in full-force.
“You look at the photo and video quality and you can pinpoint that this looks like early-2000s footage and it puts you back into that headspace,” he explains. “Even if I’m shooting really recent things, it still gives that feeling.”
“This camera is actually broken—certified broken,” he laughs. “I started using it because it gave me these surprise organic results. You never know what you’re actually going to end up with; I can’t predict it and it’s almost like a filter.”
Even though Christian’s cameras aren’t even 20 years old, in the world of digital media, they are vintage. There’s a distortion and fuzziness and a certain look that the cameras of 2021 just aren’t able to give. Plus, just take a look at Instagram and TikTok, with faux light-leaks and pixelated filters abound. There’s an ineffable quality to the recent past and Christian is capturing it, one photo and video at a time.
“You look at the photo and video quality and you can pinpoint that this looks like early-2000s footage and it puts you back into that headspace,” he explains. “Even if I’m shooting really recent things, it still gives that feeling.”
The exhibit is purely aesthetics, and for Christian, that was the point.
“I was looking to make things that were visually engaging,” he says. “There isn’t necessarily a deeper meaning behind it. With the video, sure, I’m working in visual symbology, but this exhibit is really all about looking pretty.”
Christian’s work is on exhibit now through October 30, 2021, at the Pace University Art Gallery at 41 Park Row. On Friday, October 22, join Christian and other gallery artists for a special reception from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Haub Law Professor Cristina Buccola writes about what employers need to know about the cannabis law.
Haub Law Professor Cristina Buccola writes about what employers need to know about the cannabis law.
Haub Law Professor Michael B. Mushlin writes about problems facing Rikers Island in the letters to the editor section of The New York Times.
I have been able to participate in moot court competitions, the Federal Judicial Honors Program, law review, and a few societies. The small class sizes are a plus in terms of grasping course content and having your professors know you by name.
Let’s jump right in–how did you spend this past summer, as a rising 3L?
I was a summer intern at Black Marjieh & Sanford LLP. It was a great experience. I had the opportunity to complete assignments in many different aspects of insurance defense. On one day, I was preparing summaries of depositions and medical records. On another day, I was observing depositions, conferences, and was even asked to give feedback on case-strategy. I was also able to draft discovery demands, responses, and motions.
What do you feel you gained from your summer experience?
I definitely gained more practical legal experience, which was my goal for my 2L summer. I began the internship with little knowledge on insurance law and have left with a lot of valuable experience. I saw concepts such as negligence, service of process, and summary judgment at work, and analyzed them in current cases.I also sharpened my legal writing skills.
What activities are you involved in at Haub Law?
I am an Articles Editor on the Pace Law Review, where I lead a group of Junior Associates weekly. My law review note surrounding the Eighth Amendment and ICE detainees in the COVID-19 crisis will be published in the upcoming volume. Also, I am the Public Relations Chair for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and will be competing with the BLSA Mock Trial team. Along with those positions, I am a 3L Rep for the Women’s Association of Law Students.
Do you have a specific area of law you are focusing on or know what you hope to do upon graduation?
I am still undecided, but I plan to graduate with the Corporate Law Path to Practice. I have developed a strong interest in litigation, so I hope to do some type of litigation upon graduation, whether it is commercial litigation or in the public interest sphere.
What would you say about your Haub Law experience?
It has been great. I have been able to participate in moot court competitions, the Federal Judicial Honors Program, law review, and a few societies. The small class sizes are a plus in terms of grasping course content and having your professors know you by name. Also, the ability to participate in various externships and programs has helped me to see explore various areas of the law, while still figuring out what I would like to do upon graduation. The non-competitive atmosphere has allowed me to thrive academically and socially, as everyone wants to see you do great.