Courtney Zucker ’15, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving recently returned home to Hofstra Law after a career in private practice. She discussed what it means to be back working at Hofstra Law, her goals and ways alumni can get more involved. Learn how her passion for law and Hofstra brought her back to help others.
Q: As a Hofstra Law alum, what drew you back to your alma mater?
A: I don’t think I ever left! I have stayed involved ever since I graduated by making both financial donations, and donating my time to assist students in mock interviews and as a mentor. I have also been an active member of the Career Services Alumni Committee. But besides that, I have had an affinity for Hofstra Law since I got my acceptance to law school because I was so excited to embark on the journey to becoming a lawyer. I have had such gratitude towards Hofstra Law for giving me the foundation to a successful career, giving me my best friends, and of course, my husband, that it was a really easy decision to come back so that I could connect with current students as well as fellow alums to aid in providing the same type of support I received.
Q: What does being a Hofstra Law alum mean to you?
A: Being a Hofstra Law alum means always having support and having an extensive network of connections. I know that personally, I will always make myself available to students and alumni who need assistance, and I have always felt that I could rely on my classmates, other alums, and the faculty and administration when needed.
Q: Could you tell us a little about your career and what you have enjoyed about it so far?
A: Prior to coming back to Hofstra Law, I was an associate at a mid-sized national law firm in Garden City, focusing my practice on insurance coverage defense. I was able to work with and learn from some amazing lawyers and was fortunate enough to find mentors that really helped shaped my practice that I have maintained relationships to this day — many of whom are also Hofstra Law alums. Prior to that, I was an associate at a boutique appellate law firm in Woodbury and an associate at a mid-sized national law firm in Woodbury. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a coverage attorney. I really enjoyed the critical thinking that came along with the role. While I loved being a practicing attorney, nothing could keep me away from an opportunity to get back to Hofstra Law to be in a position to truly connect with students and alums. I am a helper by nature, so being in a position to help and assist the Hofstra Law community was something I could not pass up.
Q: What are some goals that you hope to accomplish this year within the Hofstra Law alumni community?
A: My main goal is to connect with both students and fellow alums to develop long-lasting relationships. In these strange and difficult times, it is more important than ever to stay connected to people in a way that is meaningful and I really want to provide assistance in any way that I can to the Hofstra Law community. I hope to be a resource that people can rely on for all things Hofstra Law and beyond.
Q: You mentioned that you stayed involved with Hofstra Law since graduating. Can you give some examples of ways that other alums can get involved and support the Law School?
A: Right now, we are in the final stages of our Vision 2020 Campaign, so a monetary donation is one way to support the students at Hofstra Law. Any financial investment will enable the Law School to continue to attract outstanding students and meet our recruitment goals, while providing our students with the financial resources they need to pursue their legal education. The Vision 2020 Campaign is focused on building a stronger future for Hofstra Law.
Additionally, there are plenty of other ways to get involved. There are many alumni committees that you can join, such as the Career Services Committee, Diversity Committee, and the Development Committee. We have our Open Board meeting which is a great way to learn about what is happening at the Law School and opportunities to get involved. There is also a formal mentor program that is offered through the Office of Career Services. Lastly, providing students with internships and post-graduate employment is always another way to support the Hofstra Law community.
Q: What’s a memorable moment at Hofstra Law that you’ve had?
A: I have so many memorable moments from Hofstra Law, it’s hard to choose just one. I would have to say that my most memorable moment was attending a lecture delivered by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. In the weeks leading up to the lecture, I was unsure whether I wanted to practice law, or find an alternative career. After hearing Justice Sotomayor’s lecture about her journey to the bench, it was clear — I needed to give the practice of law a try, and I am so grateful that I did. Additionally, prior to the lecture, a few Hofstra students were given the opportunity to meet with the Justice in an intimate setting, at which time she said that what makes Hofstra great is that “Hofstra has a lot of heart.” I of course always knew it, but to have that validation from Justice Sotomayor was the icing on the cake — and I guess you can say that me finding my way back to Hofstra is the cherry on top.
Q: Anything else you would like the Hofstra Law community to know?
A: Just that my door is always open! I am happy to be a resource to students for advice about classes, jobs, journal, stress management, or just as a listening ear, and I am eager to connect with alums and serve as a resource for them as well.
Please feel free to contact me at Courtney.H.Zucker@hofstra.edu with any questions, comments, concerns, thoughts, etc. that you may have. I’m happy to address them all!
The post Meet Courtney Zucker ’15, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving appeared first on Hofstra Law News.
