DEAN'S MESSAGE
To the NYLS community,
For 135 years, New York Law School has remained committed to the principles on which it was founded: expanding access to legal education, embracing innovation, and preparing students to enter the legal profession ready to practice. Since 1891, the School has evolved while its graduates, faculty, and students have helped build and lead modern New York, marking periods of extraordinary change while staying true to its educational mission, public service, and the pursuit of justice.
This milestone anniversary presents an opportunity to celebrate the people who have shaped the history we reflect on—from our founders to the generations of alumni who have distinguished themselves in the judiciary, government, public interest, business, and countless other fields. Ours is a story of reinvention and impact, and that legacy continues today through the dedication of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees whose vision and talent strengthen our institution every day.
In this digital issue of the New York Law School Magazine, we're proud to commemorate the Law School's 135th anniversary with a feature highlighting the people and defining moments that have shaped our institution. You'll also read about faculty achievements in scholarship and service and the many events that energized our campus over the Spring 2026 semester. As always, you'll also find the latest edition of Class Notes, celebrating the personal and professional milestones of our alumni community.
Thank you for being part of the New York Law School community and for helping write the next chapter of our magnificent story.
Anthony W. Crowell
Dean and President
Professor of Law
Director, Center for New York City and State Law
IN THIS ISSUE
Founded in 1891, New York Law School has always been defined by its history of resilience, adaptation, and opportunity. As the Law School marks its 135th anniversary, this feature looks back at the milestones that have shaped NYLS since its founding and how those same principles continue to guide our next chapter.
Professor Ann Thomas Answers the NYLS 10
Professor Ann Thomas discusses her career at the intersections of tax law and social justice, her best professional advice, and milestones at New York Law School.
Alumni Spotlight: E. Drew Britcher ’84
Meet E. Drew Britcher ’84, immediate Past President of the NYLS Alumni Association, co-founder of Britcher, Leone & Sergio, LLC, and one of New Jersey’s leading medical malpractice attorneys.
Highlights From Spring 2026
Field and Campus
Catch up on the dynamic events hosted on our Tribeca campus during the Spring 2026 semester.
Faculty Highlights
Take a look at our faculty members’ recent achievements to see how they are making a difference in academia, the legal profession, and beyond.
Class Notes
Explore the recent accomplishments and professional milestones of NYLS alumni.
More Stories
Catch up on new initiatives, student achievements, campus news, and more from the Spring 2026 semester.
Thank you to all who supported NYLS in our most recent fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2026. We are pleased to recognize your generosity.
Give to NYLS.
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NYLS 10
Professor Ann Thomas
Answers the NYLS 10
Throughout our 135-year history, our faculty has been a driving force in building on that legacy of innovation and excellence in legal education. For this special edition of the NYLS 10, we spoke with Otto L. Walter Distinguished Professor of Tax Law Ann F. Thomas, who celebrated her 31st year as a full-time faculty member and retired at the end of the Spring 2026 semester. As a national leader in tax law and social justice, she views tax law as fundamental to how societies function.
In this NYLS 10 Retrospective, Professor Thomas reflects on 10 questions about her career, her interests, and the past, present, and future of law and New York Law School.
Alumni Spotlight
Our Alumni Spotlight Series highlights some of the most exciting, ambitious, and successful members of our alumni community—NYLS graduates who are making real differences in New York City and beyond.
Alumni Spotlight:
E. Drew Britcher ’84
In this installment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we spoke with E. Drew Britcher ’84, immediate Past President of the NYLS Alumni Association, member of the Board of Trustees, and one of New Jersey’s leading medical malpractice attorneys. His decades-long career in high-stakes litigation has been defined by service, leadership, and a willingness to think outside the box.
Field and Campus
From conferences and symposiums to thought-provoking panels and fireside chats, there’s always something new happening on New York Law School’s campus.
We’ve rounded up a few event highlights from Spring 2026 to share a look at campus life.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Dean and President Anthony W. Crowell invites you to our annual celebration of alumni, with special recognition of those who graduated in classes ending in 1 and 6.
Join us as we celebrate 135 years of NYLS, catch up with your classmates and network with fellow alumni—and celebrate your own milestone reunion. We’re excited to see you back on campus!
Faculty Highlights
New York Law School faculty are dedicated educators and renowned experts in their respective fields. Their scholarship and professional achievements advance the rule of law and legal educational excellence in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
We’ve cataloged a sample of the activities of NYLS’s full-time, adjunct, and emeritus faculty faculty, including appointments, publications, awards, and media appearances.
Class Notes
Stay connected.
Read about the latest accomplishments, career advancements, and life updates from our alumni.
More Stories
We regularly publish articles, interviews, news stories, and essays — including pieces written by our students and faculty — on our news site. Here’s a sample of stories from Spring 2026.
New York Law School Celebrates Its 134th Commencement Exercises
On Monday, May 18, 2026, New York Law School celebrated its 134th Commencement Exercises at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, honoring the Class of 2026 before an audience of family, friends, and the Law School community.
“AI for Legal Graduates” Prepares Students With Practical AI Skills
As artificial intelligence reshapes the legal profession, NYLS launched a first-of-its-kind crash course designed for graduating 3L day and 4L evening students.
Community-Building and Highlights From NYLS Pro: Part-Time Evening Division
We’re proud to offer students opportunities to foster law school community as they balance work, home, and school.
Community Service in Practice: BLSA Mentorship and Outreach Initiatives
Throughout the spring, the Black Law Students Association led a series of community-centered initiatives designed to expand access to legal knowledge and create connections between law students and youth.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary throughout the year, we are honoring the people, moments, and ideas that have shaped our legacy across a variety of themes and genres.
Join us in celebrating our past, our present, and our future.
Exploring LGBTQ+ Legal History Through CURED: Screening and Discussion
NYLS hosted a screening and panel discussion of CURED, a 2020 documentary chronicling the fervent activism that led to the removal of homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1973.
NYLS Launches Independent Journalism Project to Support Civic Reporting
A new initiative at the Center for New York City and State Law will provide space, resources, and institutional support for journalists and provide new opportunities for students and faculty to learn and contribute
Michael Bowe ’91 and Heidi Goldsmith ’21 on Brithem LLP and the Art of Trial Advocacy
Two NYLS alumni recently connected under unique circumstances: the launch of Brithem LLP, a new boutique law firm focused on high-level courtroom advocacy in matters with significant commercial and societal impact.
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