Cherie ’14 and Declan ’16 McPherson both enjoyed their experience at Hofstra Law, but their connection to the Law School isn’t purely professional.
An Instant Connection
Cherie enrolled at Hofstra Law in 2011. In 2013, she was in her third year when Declan started at Hofstra Law as a 1L after obtaining a master’s degree. A mutual friend recommended to each of them separately that they meet, but that friend hadn’t had the opportunity to introduce them when Cherie and Declan met by chance at a birthday party attended by other Hofstra Law students. “We sat and talked all night and at some point, it clicked that this was the person our friend wanted to introduce us to, and we’ve been inseparable since,” says Cherie. Later, they found out that their families lived close to one another.
Despite their early connection, their main focus early on was on law school, the bar exam, and obtaining employment. “We were friends and we were clearly interested in each other, but we wanted to see where things were going first,” Cherie says.
“We were focused on doing well in school, but I found myself studying with Cherie,” Declan says. “We ended up studying so much together that we would follow each other home.” At the time, Declan was staying with his aunt in Roosevelt and Cherie lived 5 minutes away.
“We have seen each other through the bar exam, through jobs and life in general.”
Cherie was very involved as a student, particularly in the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and Hofstra Law Review. Later, Declan was BLSA President 2014-2015 and was part of the Student Bar Association (SBA) the following year. During his first year, he was involved in the ambassadors’ program, and he was a member of the Journal of International Business and Law (JIBL) from his second year onwards.
“We built a stronger connection during that first summer when Cherie was taking the bar,” says Declan. “I was working in my first internship. We kept in touch and supported each other. I was making sure to be there for her. I would take my lunch break and she would take a break for dinner and again right before bed and we’d talk on the phone.” Cherie adds, “It was my unwind time. We had a schedule and had those calls at the same time every day.”
“It is important to have someone who understands what it’s like to have to study.” Declan says. “We know what it is like and what is on the line. It is important to have someone who understands the life. We have seen each other through the bar exam, through jobs and life in general.”
Career paths
Cherie is the Assistant Dean for Academic Success at New York Law School, a position she attained in August of 2023 after working as an Assistant Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School.
“I teach a seminar to upper division students interested in academic success work and help train them to lead a weekly academic success workshop at the school,” she says. “I also teach a Foundations of the Study of Law class for first year students to help them learn study and time management skills they might not pick up in other classes, and I work with probationary students in the spring.”
She has always been interested in both criminal and constitutional law. While at Hofstra Law, she was a teaching assistant and had several internships, including one with the Department of Social Services and Legal Aid of Nassau County. She also participated in the Law School’s Criminal Justice Clinic.
After graduation from Hofstra Law, Cherie began working as a legal fellow doing policy work for the New York City Police Department. She then transitioned to working on police misconduct litigation and then to juvenile prosecution focusing on Special Victims Unit cases for the Corporation Counsel’s Office. She continues to be involved with Hofstra Law through the Hofstra Law Review Alumni Board.
Declan works for the New York City Council Bill Drafting Division as part of a team of attorneys who draft policy legislation on behalf of council members. “We investigate and do legal research around potential legislation and on all legal implications of proposed legislation,” he says. “It is a great job because you get to see the impact of your work in real time and out in the world.”
Before working at the City Council, Declan served as a law clerk in Queens for Judge Janice A. Taylor and then was in private practice. “Clerking was one of the best jobs I ever had,” he says. “I was there for three years, and it helped me to build a foundation for where I am now, but the job I have now is a dream job, especially given my background and interest in government and politics. I have a master’s in political science and always wanted to work with a legislative body on policy and legislation. I saw they were hiring and jumped at the chance to submit an application. It happened very quickly from my first interview to the job offer.”
Making it Official
Cherie and Declan got engaged on August 8, 2020. “It was one of the most nervous days of my life,” Declan says. “It was during the pandemic and there was a lot to worry about — but the date was particularly meaningful. Eight is the number of new beginnings, and 2020 denotes clear vision and a clear path for the future.”
Despite the pandemic, the proposal included family and friends, both in person and virtually, and took place in Cherie’s parents’ backyard. “I worked with her mom and sister, and was able to surprise her,” Declan says. “Cherie had said she wanted to go on a picnic, so I took her out while they set everything up for the surprise.”
“It was the same year I turned 30, so at first, I thought it was a thirtieth birthday party. I didn’t know what was happening right away,” Cherie says.
“I’m forever thankful for Hofstra Law. It is a true blessing — I couldn’t ask for a better school or a better community.”
They got married on February 25, 2022, and they have lived in Queens since then. Their offices are only a 10-minute walk from each other, so they commute to and from work together regularly. Both Cherie and Declan have a close group of friends from Hofstra Law; two of their Hofstra Law friends were bridesmaids in their wedding, and two were groomsmen.
“I had a really good time at Hofstra Law. I loved it,” Cherie says. “I got a lot of great experience that has carried me through my career.”
“Hofstra was a great experience for me,” Declan says. “I met Cherie and a great group of friends who are like family to me today. And I got a lot of great leadership experience outside of the classroom. I’m forever thankful for Hofstra Law. It is a true blessing — I couldn’t ask for a better school or a better community.”
The post Alumni Love Connections at Hofstra Law: Cherie ’14 and Declan ’16 McPherson appeared first on Hofstra Law News.