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Suffolk University Law School SBA Executive Newsletter

Issue 17: March 2, 2015

SBA NEWS
Contents
Message from SBA
President Tom Davis

SBA Happenings
2-3
Committee of the Month:
External Affairs
4-5
Alumni Spotlight:
Zachary Hillman

Dear Students:
I hope this edition of SBA News finds you all doing
well and looking forward to Spring Break, which I
hope allows you to recharge the batteries so as to
tackle the last few weeks of the semester. I would also
like to thank everyone who participated in our first
ever Diversity Week, which was a great success, and
to congratulate External Affairs for earning SBA
Committee of the Month! Additionally, I encourage
you all to read the soon to be released recap of
yesterdays Massachusetts SBA Leadership Summit,
where the leaders of Massachusetts law school
students convened as a group for the first time ever.
Finally, I also encourage anyone within our student
body who believes he or she has what it takes to
represent the best interests of our student body to not
only consider running, but to run for SBA President or
Vice President. Having had the honor of representing
you for the past ten months, I can assure you that
whomever holds this role has an important impact.
As always, if there is anything that we can do to better
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Alumni Spotlight:
Jonathan Tabasky
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Contact List & Preamble
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serve you, please visit

www.suffolklawsba.com
and reach out!
Best,
-Tom
Twitter: @SULS_sba

Suffolk University Law School SBA Executive Newsletter

Issue 17: March 2, 2015

SBA Announcements & Happenings

CUBA INTERCESSION EVENT
Monday, March 2, 4-6pm in Room 275
Please join Judge Borenstein and the 24 law students from the Cuba Intercession course as
they speak about their amazing experience, touching upon mediation, Cuba, its beautiful
people, and how future SULS students can have a similar opportunity. The 24 students
and Judge Borenstein will present slides and discuss this very special course and trip.
Come listen to their stories and participate in the ideas that will hopefully lead to similar
experiences in the future!

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT LAW ASSOCIATION NETWORKING FAIR

Wednesday, March 4, 6-8pm
SELAs Sports & Entertainment Networking Fair will be Wednesday, March, 4 from 6pm8pm. Please come out and enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and networking!
Our guests will include:
Kristen Kuliga- K Sports and Entertainment
Mandy Petrillo- Senior Manager of Legal Operations Boston Red Sox
Brooke Penrose- Burns and Levinson LLP
Sara Halton- Senior Patent Counsel at Adidas Group
Michael Mook Williams- Symmetry Sports Agency
Harley Lewin-McCarter & English
Please RSVP on Symplicity by Monday, March 2nd

IMMIGRATION LAW ASSOCIATION EVENT

Thursday, March 5 at 6pm in the Corcoran Room

Please join the Immigration Law Association on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 6:00pm for
its Careers in Immigration event to be held in the Corcoran Room (Rm. 715) at Sargent
Hall. The event will feature a panel of immigration judges and attorneys who will discuss
why they chose immigration law, how they got there, and what law students can do to
prepare for a career in the field. A food and drink reception will follow. Speakers include:
Hon. Robin Feder (personal capacity)
Hon. Paul M. Gagnon (personal capacity)
Brian Doyle, Associate Attorney, Joyce & Associates, P.C.
Josiah Curtis, Associate Attorney, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLC
Magaly Rojas Navarro, Associate Attorney, Clark Lau, LLC
Mariah Wilson, Associate Attorney, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLC
Please RSVP with cgbates@suffolk.edu by Monday, March 2nd if you plan to attend, as
space is limited.
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Suffolk University Law School SBA Executive Newsletter

Issue 17: March 2, 2015

SBA Announcements & Happenings

NEW ENGLAND MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM
Saturday, March 7 at Harvard Law School, Hauser 104, 10am-2:30pm
Join law students and lawyers at Harvard Law School for the inaugural New England
Mental Health Symposium to discuss mental health issues facing both students and the
profession. Topics will include stress, addiction, serving clients with mental illnesses, and
mental health for diverse student populations. Thanks to SBA President Tom Davis, ABA
First Circuit Governor Amy Abeloff, and student leaders at Harvard Law and New
England Law for organizing and sponsoring this symposium. Lunch will be provided.
Topics include:
PANEL 1: Mind, Body and Addiction in Life and Law 10:00 11:30
PANEL 2: Diversity and Inclusion in Mental Health and Law 11:30 12:45
Lunch served at 12:45 p.m.
PANEL 3: Reality Check: Stigma in the Classroom 1:15 2:30
Speakers include:
- Attorneys and other experts on addiction and mental illness in law
- Attorneys from HLS Immigration Clinic on serving clients with mental illnesses
- Dr. Cynthia Carter, UHS, discussing mental health for diverse student populations

ELECTION PACKETS AVAILABLE

Election packets will be available on March 16 outside the fourth floor SBA suite. Pursuant
to the SBA election rules, candidates must run as a joint ticket with one evening student
and one day student. If you or anyone you know are interested in running, be sure to pick
up your packet and get your signatures in by no later than noon on March 23. Look for
more information about the elections in our next newsletter.

FREE YOGA PRESENTED BY THE SBA AND THE OFFICE OF HEALTH & WELLNESS
March 16 and 23 from 5-6pm in the First Floor Function Room
More details to come, but from 5:00-6:00pm in the First Floor Function Room on March 16
and March 23, the Suffolk Law SBA, in partnership with Suffolks
Office of Health and Wellness, will be offering FREE yoga sessions with a certified
instructor. If these sessions generate good interest, we hope to continue them on a weekly
basis through finals.

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Suffolk University Law School SBA Executive Newsletter

Issue 17: March 2, 2015

Committee of the Month

External Affairs Committee
The SBA External Affairs Committee, led by Director Christine DiBiase, has had many
great events this past year. The year kicked off with the canned food drive competition in the
fall, which raised a substantial number of cans that were donated to a local food bank.
Christine also organized a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign and most recently she
organized an innovative Boston area law school ice skating mixer. This event focused on
brining together our Boston area law school students. Stay tuned as the External Affairs
Committee has more great events planned for the remainder of the year.

Christine DiBiase
Where are you from?
North Providence, Rhode Island
Where did you attend undergrad and major/minor?
I attended Emmanuel College in Boston and I studied Sociology
with minors in business and biology
Are you currently focusing on a certain area of law or do you
have plans to do so?
I plan to focus on business law. I have a passion for social
responsibility and entrepreneurship.
Are you on a journal, a clinic, or do you have a leadership role
in a club or if more applicable are there other organization or
groups out side of Suffolk that you are active in and what were
some of your accomplishments in them?
I am Director of the External Affairs Committee for our SBA. Having this position has
challenged me to think outside the box. My goal is to provide events that are more
innovative and will provide students with opportunities that will truly benefit them.

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Suffolk University Law School SBA Executive Newsletter

Issue 17: March 2, 2015

Committee of the Month

External Affairs Committee
What do you enjoy doing outside of law school?
Outside of law school I enjoy trying new
restaurantsIm a true foodie at heart. I also
enjoy being with my family and friends. They
allow me to step away from stresses of law school
and stay grounded.
Favorite place to study:
I enjoy the 5th floor quiet room or one of the study
rooms. If Im not at school, a nearby Starbucks is
always a top choice (trying to rack up those
stars!)
Favorite study break:
The gym or cooking a home cooked meal with
my roommates. Being Italian my family has
instilled that a good meal can cure anything!
Favorite part of Suffolk Law:
The location and the students! Being in the heart
of Boston, next to the state house and courts,
gives you an appreciation for what you are
learning every day. Personally, just walking to
Flyer for last months External Affairs
Suffolk allows me to be grateful for the
ice skating mixer
opportunities I have been given and fuels my
passion to want to make a difference.
I also have met some great friends here at Suffolk, which I feel truly lucky for!
Favorite coffee shop near school:
Starbucks or Boston Brewin!

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Suffolk University Law School SBA Executive Newsletter

Issue 17: March 2, 2015

Alumni Spotlight
Zachary Hillman --- 2007
Zachary Hillman, a member of the class of 2007, is
currently an Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk
County District Attorneys Office. Interview conducted
by SBA Alumni Affairs Co-Director Erin Knight.
What is your current position and where?
Im currently an Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk
County District Attorneys Office in Boston.
Where did you attend undergraduate?
Im a proud graduate of Plymouth State College (now Plymouth State University) in
Plymouth, New Hampshire.
What journals/activities/concentrations did you participate in at Suffolk Law?
While at Suffolk, I was a member of the Journal of High Technology Law. I also
interned during the school year at the United States Attorneys Office.
What do you consider the best part of your job?
Working with a great group of colleagues for the citizens of Suffolk County.
What type of attorney did you want to be upon entering Suffolk Law?
I knew that I wanted to be an attorney working in public service. I wasnt quite sure
where that would take me when I entered law school, but by the time I graduated I
really wanted to be a prosecutor.
Who was your favorite professor?
I had two favorite professors Catherine Judge and Karen Blum.
Any interview tips?
Be yourself and let your personality show.

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Suffolk University Law School SBA Executive Newsletter

Issue 17: March 2, 2015

Alumni Spotlight
Jonathan F. Tabasky --- 1995
Jonathan Tabasky, a member of the class of 1995, is a partner at
Manion Gaynor & Manning LLP. Interview conducted by SBA
Alumni Affairs Committee Co-Director Eunice Aikins-Afful.
What is your current position and where?
I am a partner at Manion Gaynor & Manning LLP.
Where did you attend undergraduate?
Skidmore College.
What journals/activities/concentrations did you participate in
at Suffolk Law?
I participated in the Voluntary Defenders Program. Once I got
over the sheer terror of knowing that someone was relying on
me to help keep them out of jail, I really enjoyed the
opportunity, and learned so much more than could be taught in only a classroom setting.
What was your favorite class while at Suffolk?
I only get one? I really liked Torts and Evidence. With the benefit of hindsight, I guess its
no surprise I primarily defend products, premises and professional malpractice claims.
Who was your favorite professor?
Just one? Thats too hard. I have a short list though. I really loved Professor Epps
(Constitutional Law and International Law); Professor Greenbaum (Labor Law) and
Professor Blum (Civil Rights and Responsibilities).
Who is your favorite Supreme Court Justice, living or deceased?
Finally, an easy one. Louis Brandeis has been a hero of mine since I was a kid.
Any interview tips?
I have the privilege of meeting many talented candidates. Those that distinguish
themselves have a good understanding of position they are interviewing for; demonstrate
knowledge or relevant experience which qualifies them for position; conduct due diligence
on the firm and those who will be conducting the interview; and once there, show genuine
excitement about the opportunity.

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Suffolk University Law School SBA Executive Newsletter

Issue 17: March 2, 2015

Contact Information
Name
Tom davis
Monica Bellevue
Neil Lindquist
Callie grossman
Kelley Sweetser
Nicholas Smalley
Colette Heefner

Position

Email

President
Vice President
Chief of Staff
Chief of Operations
Treasurer
Chief Justice
COP Laision

trdavis@suffolk.edu
mkbellevue@suffolk.edu
nlindquist@suffolk.edu
cgrossman@suffolk.edu
ksweetser@suffolk.edu
ndsmalley@suffolk.edu
csheefner@suffolk.edu

For a full contact list of all SBA Directors please visit our website at
suffolklawsba.com

Vice President Monica Bellevue and

President Tom Davis

SBA Constitution Preamble

We the Students of Suffolk University Law School, in order to support and
encourage academic excellence and professional development; to preserve the
right of students to acquire a quality legal education in a just and reasonable
environment; to provide a means of communication between students and the
Law School; and to maintain a connection with alumni, do herby establish this
Constitution for the Student Bar Association of Suffolk University Law School.
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