Government Law Center at Albany Law School

Best of luck to all of the bar exam takers this week! Remember to stay hydrated, eat foods that support you, and get plenty of rest outside of the exam. You got this!

This week, the Government Law Center at Albany Law School hosted a delegation of leaders from Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Estonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in collaboration with the International Center of the Capital Region. The group visited the Capital Region during their participation in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program.

The delegation's visit to the United States focused on the principles and legacy of the U.S. Constitution as the United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Discussions examined the relationship and balance of power between federal and state governments, how the U.S. Constitution is interpreted, and the global impact of the U.S. Constitution.

The delegation included:
• Madis Metelitsa - Advisor, Legal Information and Judicial Training Department, Supreme Court (Estonia)
• Ashtelle Steele - Senior Deputy Director, Public Prosecutions; Head of Mutual Legal Assistance, Financial Crimes and Terrorism Unit, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Jamaica)
• Leila Kurtanovic - Head, Economic Crime and Corruption Division, Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office, Sarajevo Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Anushani Alagarajah - Executive Director, Adayaalam Centre for Policy Research (Sri Lanka)

The delegation met with several faculty at Albany Law School, including:
• President and Dean Cinnamon Carlarne
• Associate Dean Rosemary Queenan - Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
• Professor J. Stephen Clark - Professor of Law
• Professor Rose Rameau - Associate Professor of Law
• Patrick Wildes - Director of the Government Law Center
• Professor Rose Mary Bailly - Institute for Aging and Disability Law, Government Law Center
• Professor Robert Batson ’75 - Government Lawyer in Residence

Two GLC staff members were honored at last week's Employee Recognition Ceremony at Albany Law School. The event recognizes the dedication, service, and contributions of Albany Law faculty and staff.

Professor Rose Mary Bailly, who leads the GLC's Institute for Aging and Disability Law, received an award in recognition of her 30 years of service to the law school community.

GLC Program Director Chel Miller, who serves on the Albany Law School 175th Anniversary Committee, joined committee members to receive the Teamwork Award. The Committee consists of faculty and staff across multiple departments who have collaborated to develop programs and other initiatives to celebrate Albany Law School's 175th anniversary throughout the year.

Last week, the GLC's Summer Legal Fellows enjoyed a visit to the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department. The Fellows joined interns at the Office of the Attorney General and the Public Service Commission for an informal discussion with several Justices and staff of the Court:
- Hon. Elizabeth A. Garry ’90 — Presiding Justice
- Hon. Sharon A.M. Aarons — Associate Justice
- Hon. Molly Reynolds Fitzgerald — Associate Justice
- Hon. Eddie J. McShan — Associate Justice
- Hon. Justin O. Corcoran — Associate Justice
- Hon. Christina L. Ryba ’01 — Associate Justice
- Beth Lifshin-Clark ’97 — Deputy Clerk
- Melissa Lahey — Justice Coordinator

The Fellows learned about the role of the Court and how the Justices collaborate to reach decisions on matters reviewed by the Court. The Justices also discussed the diverse paths they followed to become judges. In addition, students learned about the Rural Pathways and Rural Ready initiatives, spearheaded by Presiding Justice Garry to strengthen access to justice in rural communities by connecting law students and attorneys with career opportunities across the state.

The Fellows also received training from Professor David Walker, Director of the Schaffer Law Library at Albany Law School, about legal research resources and legal citations. The Fellows will use this training as they undertake a significant research project with Prof. Rose Mary Bailly, who leads the GLC's Institute for Aging and Disability Law.

Join Albany Law School in Saratoga Springs for our annual CLE in Saratoga Series! The series is presented by the Center for Continuing Legal Education and the Government Law Center at Albany Law School.

We are delighted to offer CLE courses presented by Professor Vincent Martin Bonventre, Associate Dean for Research and Intellectual Life Raymond H. Brescia, and counsel to the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department.

All programs will take place 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in person at the Gideon Putnam. Course Fee: $125 per program. CLE Credits: 3.0 per program.

Learn more and register at bit.ly/saratoga2026

Each summer, the Government Law Center hosts undergraduate students from area colleges to gain experience in legal research and build knowledge about government law and public policy through the Summer Legal Fellows program.

Our team at the GLC was excited to welcome four students this year:
• Cass Goda - Skidmore College, Class of 2028
• Carsyn Ide - Siena University, Class of 2027
• Kyle Carney - Siena University, Class of 2027
• Sarah Leclerc - Siena University, Class of 2027

In their first two weeks, the Fellows have observed summer law school classes taught by Prof. Keith Hirokawa and Prof. Diego Alcalá Laboy, received training on how to read a legal opinion and prepare case briefs from Prof. David Walker, and drafted explanatory memos about recently passed legislation and appellate court decisions issuing novel interpretations of New York State statutes and regulations.

Last week, the Fellows joined Hon. Leslie Stein '81 (ret.), former Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals and former Director of the Government Law Center, for a tour and presentation by Hope Beth Engel, Consultation Clerk for the Court of Appeals. The Fellows learned about the history of the Court of Appeals and the courtroom, known as Court of Appeals Hall, how the Court has evolved over time, and the processes by which the judges make decisions on matters pending before the Court.

Stay tuned for more updates about the Summer Legal Fellows' activities!

Pictured, left to right: Chel Miller (GLC Program Director), Cass Goda, Carsyn Ide, Hon. Leslie Stein '81 (ret.), Sarah LeClerc, and Kyle Carney, standing before the bench in Court of Appeals Hall.

✨ Timeline cleanse ✨

Just a beautiful June day on campus.

As we continue celebrating 175 years of Albany Law School, we're reminded how special this place—and this community—really is.

Have a favorite photo of campus? Share it with us or tag us in your post. We may feature it in our story throughout the month as part of our 175th anniversary celebration.

📸: Samantha Oeser – Hilton Garden Inn

Government Lawyer in Residence Bennett Liebman recently spoke with New York State Focus about an ongoing dispute over tax payments between state regulators and New York City's brand-new casino, with state lawmakers expected to vote on a bill intended to ensure that the racing industry retains funding amid the dispute. Learn more: https://nysfocus.com/2026/06/03/hochul-resorts-world-casino-horse-racing

This spring, the GLC strengthened its role as a vital bridge between Albany Law School and the world of public service, expanding opportunities for students to engage, learn, and lead. Learn more in our latest newsletter: https://alumni.albanylaw.edu/controls/email_marketing/view_in_browser.aspx?sid=977&gid=1&sendId=6694455&ecatid=19&puid=9f8dd268-1293-43e9-9cd4-4fe8c05f058c