ELISABETH HAUB SCHOOL OF LAW LEADERSHIP DINNER

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in White Plains honored three distinguished leaders of the legal community, as well as outstanding alumni, during its 29th annual Law Leadership Dinner, held at the Westchester Country Club on March 14. More than 240 alumni, faculty, students, elected officials and members of the judiciary, and distinguished lawyers attended the celebration, raising vital funds in support of student scholarships, faculty research and innovative programs.
The Law Leadership Dinner, first held in 1995, is the signature fundraiser for Haub Law and provides the setting for the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award, which honors individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the legal community. Additionally, the Shining Star Award recognizes up-and-coming Haub Law alumni in all areas of legal practice who have made significant contributions to the profession, their organizations and the community early in their careers. This year, the Law School introduced the Visionary of Justice Award, created to honor individuals who raise awareness about human rights concerns, and/or motivate the initiation of social justice efforts within their communities.
This year’s Master of Ceremonies was Board of Visitors member and alumna Susan E. Galvao ’93, co-managing partner, Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt LLP. Both Horace E. Anderson Jr., dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and Pace University President Marvin Krislov, gave remarks, speaking of the important role that Pace University and the Law School play in supporting our communities, producing leaders, improving access to justice, renewing commitment to the mental wellbeing of students and making a difference. Significantly, Anderson noted the tremendous growth the law school continues to have – hiring four new professors, once again having its Environmental Law program ranked as No. 1 in the nation, and its top-tier trial advocacy program’s continued successes as they wrap up another record year.
The 2024 Visionary of Justice Award was presented by Linda Markowitz ’89, partner, Rosenthal & Markowitz LLP, to Cindy Kanusher, executive director of the Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC). Kanusher has been with PWJC for over 25 years and during her tenure it has grown into a highly respected, multifaceted legal services and training center serving more than 3,000 victims and survivors of interpersonal violence annually. Kanusher was selected for this award because she exemplifies what an advocate, mentor and leader stand for, and because she has dedicated her career to assisting victims of domestic violence and to providing representation to the underrepresented.
This year, two Haub Law alumni and top lawyers were recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. Haub Law Professor Leslie Y. Garfield Tenzer presented the first award to Paul Humphreys ’09, partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP whose law practice focuses on cross-border public and private M&A, private equity transactions, venture capital and general corporate governance.
The 2024 Shining Star Awards were presented to: Leigh Ellis ’15, assistant professor at Creighton University School of Law; Colin Myers ’21, corporate associate, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; Scott Wenzel ’17, senior associate, Yankwitt LLP; and Venesha White ’22, associate, Dorf Nelson & Zauderer. Anderson said, “This award reflects not just the impressive trajectory of their careers but recognizes each of them as a shining example among our Haub Law graduates and an inspiration to future generations.”