Celebrating Individuality: Unique Paths to Law
Law students around the world bring to their studies a tapestry of unique passions and experiences that enrich their academic journey and ultimately help shape the legal profession. While law school serves to create adept legal professionals, it also gives students a chance to discover how their individuality can strengthen their approach to advocacy and justice. Whether honing the discipline of a former athlete, channeling the empathy of a healthcare professional, or leveraging the creativity of an artist, the journey to becoming a lawyer is as diverse as those who embark on it.
At New York Law School (NYLS), this diversity of perspective and experience is embedded in our community and culture. Individuals from all walks of life are not only welcomed, but eagerly celebrated, even beyond graduation. Both aspiring and seasoned lawyers who come from myriad backgrounds—creative arts, sports, medicine, music, business, and more—each bring extraordinary talents and perspectives to the School. Discover how our unique community demonstrates the ways that the pursuit of a personal passion can inspire a rewarding legal education and a thriving legal career.
Years before discovering NYLS, Clifford Bowens ’27 was already dreaming about becoming a lawyer. Bowens attended Leadership and Public Service High School in New York City’s Financial District, where he participated in moot court and mock trial programs. Equal to law, Bowens also loved the sciences, and later decided to pursue healthcare after receiving a full scholarship to pharmacy school. It wasn’t until after several years working in retail, local, and hospital pharmacies that Bowens applied to NYLS, finally pursuing his initial dream of being a lawyer.
“If I wanted a challenge, I found it,” Bowens recalls of his tenure as an overnight pharmacist for the 600-bed Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. “But it showed me just how much I’m capable of, and it’s given me a sense of confidence as a professional entering a new field.” His role in the hospital demanded quick thinking and split-second decision-making––skills that he later realized could translate seamlessly to law. Finding creative responses and solutions on the fly reflects one of a lawyer’s many responsibilities.
Currently a 1L, Bowens is keeping an open mind as to which area of law to practice. But regardless of where his path leads, Bowens knows his Contracts class with Professor Ann F. Thomas is a cornerstone of his legal education. “I try to pull as much as I can from Contracts while I have Professor Thomas,” he says. “My entire NYLS education will be invaluable, but I know that her class, especially, will be something I refer back to frequently in my legal career.”
For two years straight, Samuel Fishteyn ’28 Evening led a double life: one as a regular student at the Rutgers Business School, and the other as Sir Henry, the Scarlet Knight, the beloved mascot of Rutgers. When he applied for the role, Fishteyn had zero mascot experience, yet his passion for community engagement and public service made him the perfect candidate.
Up to that point, Fishteyn’s athletic experience was exclusive to ice hockey, which he’d been playing since age five. Fortunately, the physical training and discipline he dedicated to hockey would ultimately help him meet the demands of being a mascot: performing at high-energy levels for hours at a time and maintaining a secret identity. In turn, his mascot experience has proven quite useful––balancing a hectic travel schedule on top of his education taught him time management skills that are vital to him now as a full-time pricing analyst and a first-generation law student.
Beyond bringing school spirit to life, the Scarlet Knight was a community fixture, supporting outreach programs and attending local fundraising events. Fishteyn recalls the impact that this community engagement had on him, saying, "There’s nothing like seeing the joy on someone’s face when you’re able to connect with them through something as simple as a performance. I aim to bring that same positivity into the legal field to advocate for others and create meaningful connections."
For Daniel Hubert ’25, sports have always been more than a pastime—they’re a way of life. From golf and cross country to collegiate baseball, Hubert’s extensive athletic experience has taught him dedication and resilience. He credits his lifelong passion for sports with shaping his approach to law school.
“Playing sports taught me how to accept and cope with failure and highlighted how important it is to put in the time and effort to excel,” Hubert explains. “That same mindset applies to law school—you have to be willing to learn from your mistakes and put in the work to improve.”
Hubert is now training in Jiu-Jitsu at Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts, to which he was connected by NYLS adjunct professor and Sports Law Society faculty advisor David Fish ’96. In addition to his role as Partner at Romano Law, Professor Fish serves as General Counsel for Paradigm Sports Management, an agency representing combat sports athletes.
“Sports allow me to find balance,” shares Hubert, noting how sports serve as an outlet for the rigors of law school, allowing him to disconnect and recharge. Hubert’s experiences both on and off the field have instilled in him the value of persistence, which guides him through both his training and his legal studies.
Artist, activist, business owner, mother, and law student—Jennifer Hutz ’26 Evening can (and does) do it all. Armed with a degree in studio art, Hutz began her career interning for a world-renowned New York City photographer. Immersed in the dynamic world of high-end photography, Hutz advanced to founding her own agency, Jennifer Hutz, Inc., where she represents commercial photographers and artists and helps produce creative projects. Hutz is a fierce advocate for her clients and an equally passionate grassroots democracy activist.
At NYLS, Hutz is learning how to translate her advocacy skills into legal practice. She continues to run her business full-time while balancing her legal studies and ongoing activism. In the fall of 2024, she participated in an externship at the New York Elections, Census, and Redistricting Institute with NYLS Professor and Distinguished Fellow Jeffrey M. Wice.
“Law school has reinforced the importance of thorough preparation and attention to detail, which can apply to many areas of life,” she says. Whether she’s reviewing contracts for a photo shoot or drafting legal documents, Hutz brings the same level of dedication to every aspect of her work.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping others bring their visions to life,” Hutz reflects. “It’s what inspired me to pursue law. The legal field offers a platform to elevate my ability to support, protect, and uplift the people and causes I care about.”
Zachary Kimmick ’25 has loved sports since he was a kid, and now uses them as a framework for finding success as a law student. “It sometimes helps to view law school as a sport in itself,” explains Kimmick. “Playing sports––especially with my father as a coach at one point––taught me to take criticism constructively and always look for ways to improve. That’s how I approach feedback from my professors. Unlike on a sports team, though, my only competition here is myself, and the prize is not just a degree but also the pride of knowing I achieved my best.”
The communication and teamwork skills Kimmick gained while playing on several sports teams have informed his approach as a teaching assistant at NYLS. In prior semesters, Kimmick was a Legal Practice teaching assistant for Professor Erik W. Lane ’15 and a Civil Procedure teaching assistant for Professor Lenni B. Benson. His sports background enabled him to “communicate more directly and concisely” and to “understand and relay complex ideas with greater ease.”
Kimmick is an Executive Editor of the New York Law School Law Review and a Teaching Fellow with NYLS’s Academic Success Program. He is pursuing a career in commercial litigation, drawn by its strategic nature. He continues to play sports in his free time, finding it sharpens his analytical skills, serves as an outlet for stress, and reminds him to always strive for excellence.
While many other six-year-olds were spending their free time watching TV, Eva Bella Kushner ’27 was spending hers appearing on it. From voicing Young Elsa in Frozen to starring in TV shows like Nickelodeon’s Shimmer and Shine, Kushner had a storied acting career well before her teens. Even as she built up her acting résumé, Kushner was set on pursuing other professional goals, such as attending law school in New York.
Kushner, inspired by her mother, also spent her childhood exploring museums, which cultivated a deep love of art that fueled her decision to study art history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Art history deepened her understanding of visual art as a means of expressing identity—something she aspires to protect through law. “I want to be able to help families safeguard the works of art and stories that define who they are,” Kushner says.
Discussing how acting informs her legal studies, Kushner notes, “Acting taught me how to handle rejection and learn from it, which translates directly to law school. You may not always get what you hope for, but you need to embrace it as a learning opportunity and strive for growth.”
A 1L, Kushner is still exploring how she’ll apply her legal education but plans to continue her voice acting career alongside her legal aspirations. No matter where her NYLS journey leads, she’s certain it will guide her to a place where she can make a positive impact on the lives of others in the art world.
Ashlin Miller ’25 was just three years old when she started competing in Irish dance—a distinct, highly technical form of dance that requires unwavering dedication. Miller has danced competitively for most of her life, taking only a brief pause during her first year of law school. Missing the sport, she returned to competition and achieved the best scores of her entire dance career, recently ranking fifth in the nation and 20th in the world.
Reflecting on the impact of her dance training, Miller shares, “Dance taught me persistence and acute time management, but most importantly, it taught me how to navigate life’s challenges.”
Miller also teaches young Irish dancers, a role that’s honed the public speaking and leadership skills she aims to apply to her legal career. Teaching has also improved her ability to break down complex ideas into smaller, accessible parts—a skill she sees mirrored in legal analysis.
By balancing commitments to both law and dance, Miller embodies the discipline and determination needed to excel in both areas. She views her dual pursuits as complementary, with dance providing an outlet that enhances her overall ability to perform under pressure and think creatively in her legal studies.
Miller is currently an Executive Citations and Substance Editor for the NYLS Law Review, as well as a teaching assistant for Professor Susan J. Abraham’s courses on Evidence and Restorative Justice.
For Nicholas Reyes ’25, the tennis court is where he first learned the essential values of discipline, independence, and perseverance. What began as a fun childhood hobby evolved into a full-fledged professional tennis career. When a career-altering injury forced him to reassess his path, Reyes decided to pursue the legal ambitions that run deep in his family. Following the footsteps of his sister, Danielle Reyes ’24, and his father, Jorge Reyes ’88, Reyes chose NYLS.
Reyes describes tennis as “an intense individual sport that demands self-motivation and resilience through difficult moments.” He applied those same qualities during his first year of law school, reminding himself not to be overly critical of himself and to instead view difficult moments as opportunities for growth.
Reyes remains connected to tennis through coaching, which has offered him a fresh perspective on the sport. “You know you finally understand something when you know how to teach it,” he notes. “Coaching requires clear communication tailored to the needs of each athlete. It’s strengthened my analytical abilities because I’m constantly identifying and strategizing around the different strengths and weaknesses of my players.” Similarly, as a future lawyer, Reyes recognizes the importance of adapting communication styles to suit various clients and settings.
While current NYLS students showcase how unique backgrounds can enrich legal education, the School’s alumni exemplify how pursuing creative passions can enhance a legal career and make for better lawyers.
David Ostwald ’82’s journey to law began on a harrowing night during his junior year of college when he was mugged at gunpoint. Faced with the impossible task of identifying a thief whose face he never saw, Ostwald realized the immense responsibility carried by members of the justice system. That pivotal moment was when he decided to become a lawyer.
Ostwald grew up playing the tuba and dreamt of becoming a musician, but he was also drawn to the legal field for its diverse professional opportunities. In 1980, while studying at NYLS, Ostwald formed the Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, which is now Grammy-nominated and entering its 25th year of residency at New York City’s iconic Birdland jazz club. Alongside his music career, Ostwald maintained a long, successful career as a real estate attorney before retiring in 2018. Ostwald is also passionate about music education, using jazz to teach students about American history, diversity, and the values enshrined in the Constitution.
“Listening was the most important skill I learned as a musician that translated to my work as a lawyer,” shares Ostwald. “You can't play jazz well without listening to everyone else in your group, and similarly, listening is a key skill of a lawyer. You have to listen to your client, and equally importantly, you have to listen to your adversary. If you're litigating, deeply understanding what the other side wants can help you build a better case and, most importantly, reach a satisfactory resolution for the client.”
Music has always been the love of Rebecca Kornhauser ’24’s life. Kornhauser didn’t grow up playing an instrument, nor was anyone in her family particularly musical, yet music resonated with her deeply. While she attended concerts every chance she could, she craved a deeper connection and aspired to work behind the scenes in the music industry.
While pursuing a music industry degree from Northeastern University, Kornhauser worked at Sony Music Entertainment, Mick Management, and RCA Records. She applied to NYLS with the goal of expanding her knowledge of copyright law and helping musical artists protect their creative work. Despite the demands of law school, Kornhauser’s passion for music never waned; during her 2L year, she traveled across the country to Houston, Texas, to experience Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
While at NYLS, Kornhauser externed at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for Hon. George B. Daniels, gaining firsthand insight into the litigation process. She currently works at SRipLaw, a firm specializing in intellectual property, where she applies her NYLS education to cases involving patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
"Litigating copyright cases has been an incredible way to bridge my love for music with my legal training," says Kornhauser. “The legal field offers a stage where I can bring my lifelong appreciation for music to life by advocating for artists' rights.”
A fundamental lover of storytelling, Victor Suthammanont ’05 has always been a writer at his core. He began writing fiction in high school and later wrote, produced, and directed off-off-Broadway plays while earning his B.F.A. in Drama from NYU. At NYLS, Suthammanont was an Articles Editor for the NYLS Law Review and won the Otto L. Walter Distinguished Writing Award for his student note. As a law student, he was drawn to the narrative aspects of law, which have become central to his career.
“I’ve incorporated what I’ve learned about storytelling and writing into the way I approach my work as a litigator,” says Suthammanont. “I’m responsible for telling my client’s story. Even in legal briefs, similar to any compelling story, every argument must have a structure, and everything you write should be in service of the main idea you want to bring forth.”
Suthammanont is also the author of the Audible Original Little Surrenders and the upcoming novel Hollow Spaces (forthcoming 2025). On balancing his dual careers, Suthammanont recalls words of wisdom from NYLS Professor Ann F. Thomas. “When my wife and I first had children, Professor Thomas told us, ‘Some days, you're a good lawyer. Some days, you're a good parent. Some days, you're a good spouse. Many days, those are not the same day.’ And there was a lot of truth in that statement. In the aggregate of it all, though, you are still the best parent, the best lawyer, and the best spouse you can be.”
Since performing stand-up comedy at her third-grade talent show, Elizabeth Bellitto ’24 has loved being around the stage. Throughout her life, she’s performed in various plays and musicals, gaining a special appreciation for William Shakespeare’s works and classical theatre. But for all her love of theatre, Bellitto always envisioned a future as an immigration lawyer—a dream she is now fulfilling as an Unaccompanied Children's Program Staff Attorney (Bar Pending) with Project Rousseau, which supports youth communities from around the globe.
At NYLS, Bellitto participated in the Asylum Clinic directed by Professor Claire R. Thomas ’11. The Clinic was successful in securing asylum for Ghanaian refugee Mr. B. During his trial, Bellitto conducted a direct examination for the first time. “All those years projecting my voice gave me confidence in front of the judge,” Bellitto recalls. “Stage acting also teaches you to think on your feet; you never know when someone might forget a line or, theatre gods forbid, a set piece might collapse. In a courtroom, you never know when opposing counsel might object or your client may go ‘off-script.’ After Mr. B was granted asylum that day, the first person other than my family I thought to tell was my high school theater director.”
Bellitto encourages anyone in the legal field without a theatre background to at least explore improv for its value in fostering creativity and adaptability. She notes, "All the world’s a stage, and the courtroom is no exception.”
When she sang the National Anthem at NYLS’s 132nd Commencement, Jennifer Vega ’24 was channeling a lifelong passion for performing. For her, the performance was deeply personal, as she honored her family in the audience whose immigration story inspired her to pursue immigration law.
Before law school, Vega was an avid theatre performer. She discovered her love for the stage in middle school drama club and later decided to study theatre in college, refining her skills in performance, writing, and critical analysis.
During her time at NYLS, Vega served on the executive board of both the Immigration Law Student Association and the Latin American Law Student Association. She was also involved with the Safe Passage Project, the Immigration and Litigation Clinic, and the Asylum Clinic, where she also played a key role in securing asylum for its client, Mr. B.
“When I conducted my portion of the direct examination at Mr. B’s trial, I kept my theatre training in mind––posture, projection, diction,” recalls Vega. “It all came back to me as I stood in front of the immigration judge, playing the role of ‘Really Good Lawyer.’ Everything I thought I did purely out of love for performing ultimately prepared me to succeed as a law student and now as a legal professional.”
Vega is currently a Justice Fellow with the Immigrant Justice Corps and Make the Road Work New York, where she continues to use her voice to advocate for immigrant communities.
Listening, advocacy, discipline, and storytelling—these are just a few of the skills gained from unique life experiences that empower NYLS community members to achieve their best, whether in a classroom or a courtroom. Connecting their personal passion with their interest in law has served many students and alumni in maximizing enjoyment and effectiveness in both their personal lives and professional careers. As NYLS continues to nurture a culture of innovation and inclusivity, these stories remind us of the extraordinary potential that lies in embracing diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives. Together, the exceptional NYLS community is helping redefine what it means to lead and inspire within the world of law.