Alumni Showcase - Syracuse University College of Law

Alumni
Showcase
Syracuse, NY 13244-1030
315.443.1962
admissions@law.syr.edu © Fall 2009

F
or more than 100 years,
2
Syracuse University College of Law
has graduated many influential
and successful lawyers, business
professionals, and financial leaders.
The following pages feature some
of our outstanding graduates
and their professional and civic
achievements.
These individuals are just a small
population of the more than 9,000
law alumni who live and work in
all 50 states and in dozens of
foreign countries. We are proud to
count these men and women among
our alumni.
We continue to offer our students
an exciting and rigorous academic
journey that provides the
knowledge, discipline, and analytical
skills needed to succeed in the
legal profession and related fields.
page
Keisha L. Audain-Pressley L’00
2 Adam Leitman Bailey L’95
3 Michael A. Bottar L’03
3 Kim Marie Boylan L’86
4 Andrew S. Dember L’79
4 Robert E. Dineen Jr. L’66
5 Alan M. Epstein L’74
5 Christopher C. Fallon Jr. L’73
6 Robert B. Feinberg L’81
6 Martin D. Gorman L’72
7 Melanie Gray L’81
7 Amy M. Hawkes L’01
8 Marc L. Hurvitz L’78
8 Richard M. Jones L’95
9 Richard Levy Jr. L’77
9 Gary G. Lyons L’75
10 Donald T. MacNaughton L’68
10 Marc A. Malfitano L’78
11 Eileen D. Millett L’74
11 David J. Moffitt L’96
12 Mark A. Neporent L’82
12 Christopher M. Placitella L’81
13 Susan K. Reardon L’76
13 Howard Siegel L’70
14 Hon. Glenn T. Suddaby L’85
14 C. James Zeszutek L’75

Keisha Audain-Pressley L’00
Vice President
Neuberger Berman LLC
New York, N.Y.
Keisha Audain-Pressley is a vice president in the Neuberger Berman, Legal
and Compliance Department in New York, NY. Ms. Audain-Pressley provides
regulatory and compliance support to Neuberger Management LLC’s mutual
fund platform. She advises on product development, regulatory reporting,
compliance program development and maintenance. Prior to joining Neuberger Berman
(formerly part of the Lehman Brothers Investment Managment Division), Ms. Audain-Pressley
worked as a manager in the Asset Management Advisory Services Practice at Ernst & Young
LLP serving registered investment companies, registered and unregistered investment
advisers and private equity firms with compliance and operational matters. Prior to joining
Ernst & Young, she was a vice president at The Bank of New York, serving non-profit
institutional clients as a product specialist in the Private Client Services Group.
Ms. Audain-Pressley earned a bachelor’s degree cum laude from Syracuse University in 1997,
a master’s of public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
in 2000, and a J.D. degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 2000.
Adam Leitman Bailey L’95
Partner
Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C.
New York, N.Y.
Adam Leitman Bailey practices residential and commercial real estate law in
New York and New Jersey. This past year, Mr. Bailey was identified among the
top five percent of attorneys in the New York area and named a Super Lawyer
by Law & Politics magazine. Real Estate Weekly called Mr. Bailey “famous” for
his “real estate representation” while the New York Real Estate Journal called him “one of
New York’s best real estate attorneys.” His AV-Rated 18-attorney law firm earned selection
into the Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers and Chambers & Partners ranked Bailey as
one of New York’s leading lawyers. Mr. Bailey also serves as the primary author of leases for
Blumberg Forms, and Bob Blumberg called his drafting “remarkable.”
Mr. Bailey’s advocacy has prevailed in numerous important trials and cases before various
courts and trial venues including Housing, Civil, and New York State Supreme Court, as
well as various New York Appellate tribunals. He has been successful in numerous trials
and settlements involving commercial and residential building owners and tenants, real
estate developers, real estate brokerages, cooperative and condominium boards, and has
successfully defended a number of the largest title companies in the nation.
Mr. Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers State University in 1992 and a J.D. degree
from Syracuse University College of Law in 1995. While at the College of Law, Mr. Bailey was
active in the Law Clinic and Moot Court. In addition to student mentoring, Mr. Bailey has
continued his College of Law affiliation as a board member of the Syracuse University Law
Alumni Association from 2003 through 2005.
Michael A. Bottar L’03
Associate
Bottar Leone, PLLC
Syracuse, N.Y.
Michael A. Bottar’s practice involves the trial of medical malpractice, birth
and brain injury, product liability, construction and workplace accident,
and wrongful death actions, with an emphasis on the prosecution of issues
involving structural failures, traumatic brain injuries, infectious diseases,
and defective implants, prosthetics and medications. Prior to joining Bottar Leone, PLLC, Mr.
Bottar was a litigation associate with the New York City office of White & Case, LLP, and the
Syracuse office of Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC.
While in law school, Mr. Bottar was a member and executive editor of the Syracuse Law Review,
which published his Note entitled “Robbing Peter To Pay Paul: Medicaid Liens, Supplemental
Needs Trusts and Personal Injury Recoveries on Behalf of Infants In New York State Following
the Gold Decision.” In addition to the Syracuse Law Review, Mr. Bottar was a member and
competition co-director of the Syracuse University College of Law Moot Court Honor Society,
was inducted into the Order of the Coif, the Order of Barristers and the Justinian Honorary Law
Society, and received the law school’s Robert W. Miller (Trial Advocacy) Award, the Robert M.
Anderson (Scholarly Publication) Award, and the Moot Court Team Award.
Mr. Bottar is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Syracuse University Law
Alumni Association.
Kim Marie Boylan L’86
Partner
Latham & Watkins LLP
Washington, D.C.
Kim Marie Boylan is a partner in the Tax Department of Latham &
Watkins in its Washington, D.C. office. She is an experienced tax attorney
who focuses her practice on tax controversy, including litigation and
sophisticated accounting policy issues. She is a member of the firm’s active
tax controversy practice that includes audits, administrative appeals, and judicial proceedings
in federal and state trial courts and appellate courts. Before joining the firm, Ms. Boylan was
a partner at Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw and clerked for the Honorable Robert J. Yock on the
United States Court of Federal Claims. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.
She is a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Bar Association, the J. Edgar Murdock Inn of Court (United States Tax Court), the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Friends of Dresden Inc. (Board of Directors).
Ms. Boylan earned an LL.M. with distinction from Georgetown University; a J.D. degree cum
laude, from Syracuse University College of Law, where she served as the notes and comments
editor of the Syracuse Law Review; and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She
currently serves as a member of the College of Law’s Board of Advisors.
2 3

Andrew S. Dember L’79
Assistant United States Attorney
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District
New York, N.Y.
Andrew S. Dember is an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States
Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where he has served
since November 1991. He currently holds the position of deputy chief of
the Criminal Division where he supervises Assistant United States Attorneys
(AUSAs) throughout the Division on legal, investigative, and trial matters; reviews and
approves charges brought by units in the office including public corruption, organized crime/
RICO, and terrorism; and has general administrative responsibilities. He also participates in
training new attorneys in the Office, lecturing on trial practice, the Federal Rules of Evidence,
grand jury practice, and investigations.
Prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Dember served as an Assistant District
Attorney in the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, N.Y., from November 1982
to November 1991. During the last five years in that office, he served as a trial attorney and
supervisor in the Homicide Bureau.
Mr. Dember graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in 1979. While at the College
of Law, he was a member of the Moot Court Board. He graduated from Lehigh University in
1976, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics.
Alan M. Epstein L’74
Partner
Sidley Austin LLP
New York, N.Y.
Alan Epstein is a partner in the New York office of Sidley Austin LLP. He
practices in all areas of domestic and international project finance with
a particular focus on energy, telecommunications, processing plants,
alternative and renewable energy, and infrastructure finance. He has
represented financial institutions, sponsors and multilateral agencies in project finance
transactions in the United States, Asia, South America and Europe.
In the power generation sector he has represented developers and equity investors in
financing cogeneration facilities, coal-fired, gas-fired, biomass, tire burner and waste-toenergy
facilities. In the telecommunications sector, he has advised local exchange carriers,
undersea cable and fiber-optic sponsors (both in the United States and abroad) and financial
institutions in connection with the construction, financing, and operations of telecom and data
communications systems including satellites.
Mr. Epstein earned a bachelor’s degree from Long Island University in 1971 and a J.D. degree
from Syracuse University College of Law in 1974.
Robert E. Dineen Jr. L’66
Of Counsel
Shearman & Sterling
New York, N.Y.
Since January 1, 2006, Robert Dineen has been of counsel to Shearman
& Sterling. Prior to that date, he was a senior partner of the firm. He has
led several of Shearman & Sterling’s corporate groups, including groups
responsible for the firm’s work in Latin America and Asia and its project
finance work worldwide. Mr. Dineen has served as a member of the firm’s Policy Committee.
Mr. Dineen has extensive experience in public finance transactions principally for
companies involved in the oil and gas pipeline business and for foreign and sovereign
issuers in Canada and Latin America. He is also a specialist in U.S. and international private
banking and financial transactions, including equipment and project financing. Since 1982,
Mr. Dineen has been involved as counsel to the leading international commercial banks in
sovereign debt restructuring, principally in Latin America and Asia.
Christopher C. Fallon Jr. L’73
Senior Partner
Cozen O’Connor
Philadelphia, Pa.
Chris Fallon is a senior member and shareholder in the Philadelphiabased
law firm of Cozen O’Connor, where he serves as chair of its Personal
Injury Group.
He has served as chair of the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association, as
well as president of Philadelphia VIP, the Homeless Advocacy Project, and the Pennsylvania
Defense Institute. He is also a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a fellow
of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. Fallon has been the course planner for PBI’s CLE
program, “Proving Damages in Personal Injury and Death Cases,” for several years.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from King’s College and a J.D. degree with honors at
Syracuse University College of Law. He is currently a member of the Syracuse University
College of Law Board of Advisors.
Mr. Dineen earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a juris doctor degree
cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law. He was editor of the Syracuse Law
Review and was selected to the Order of the Coif and the Justinian Honor Society. Mr.
Dineen currently serves as secretary on the Syracuse University College of Law Board of
Advisors and is a member of its executive committee. He also serves as a member of the
Board of Trustees of Syracuse University.
4 5

Robert B. Feinberg L’81
Tax Americas Transaction Tax Lender
Ernst & Young
New York, N.Y.
Robert Feinberg is America’s Leader of the Transaction Tax practice within
Ernst & Young’s Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) group. He has extensive
experience serving financial buyers and venture capital funds, often working
closely with senior management, investment bankers, tax and corporate
counsel. Mr. Feinberg’s training includes international and domestic tax planning, financing,
structuring and due diligence for strategic and financial buyers.
Mr. Feinberg earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from the State
University of New York at Oswego. He has a J.D. degree from Syracuse University College
of Law, a master’s degree in accounting from the Whitman School of Management, and an
L.L.M. in taxation from New York University.
Martin D. Gorman L’72
Chief Counsel
Kraft Foods Inc.
Tarrytown, N.Y.
Martin Gorman is responsible for the legal services of the Kraft Beverage
Sector located in Westchester County, N.Y., with annual revenues of
approximately $5 billion. These include all Kraft beverage and coffee brands.
After graduating from law school, Mr. Gorman worked for the Federal Trade
Commission before joining General Foods Corporation. During his 30 years at General Foods
and its successor, Kraft Foods, he has served in positions of increasing responsibility as legal
counsel and member of the president’s Operating Committee.
Mr. Gorman earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1969 and a J.D. degree
from Syracuse University College of Law in 1972. He subsequently received his L.L.M. from
New York University School of Law.
Melanie Gray L’81
Partner
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Houston, Texas
Melanie Gray represents a variety of corporations and lenders in complex
commercial litigation. She serves as the co-chair of her firm’s Bankruptcy
Litigation Practice Group. Ms. Gray acted as co-lead counsel and senior
litigation counsel responsible for managing and administering the firm’s
representation of Enron in one of the most complex Chapter 11 cases ever filed. Currently, Ms.
Gray is involved in the Chapter 11 cases of General Growth Properties, the largest real estate
Chapter 11 ever filed, and in the defense of Anadarko Corp. in an actual and constructive
fraudulent transfer lawsuit brought by Tronox Incorporated.
Ms. Gray was recognized in 2001 as one of 10 Houston “Women on the Move” by Texas
Executive Women and the Houston Chronicle. In 2003, Ms. Gray was selected as a “Woman
Achiever” by the New York YWCA. In addition, Ms. Gray was first recognized in 2004 by Texas
Monthly as a Texas Super Lawyer for her work in business litigation and bankruptcy and in
2005 as one of the Top 50 Female Business Litigators in Texas. Most recently, Ms. Gray was
named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women by Houston Woman Magazine. Ms. Gray is
a frequent lecturer on legal topics.
Ms. Gray currently is a vice chair of the Board of Trustees of Syracuse University, serves on
its Executive Committee, and is an Executive Committee member of the Board of Advisors
of Syracuse University College of Law. Ms. Gray also serves as a co-chair of the $1 Billion
Campaign for Syracuse University. Ms. Gray’s other community involvement includes serving
on the national board of Girls Incorporated, the board of Planned Parenthood of Houston and
Southeast Texas, on the Executive Committee of Houston’s Society of Performing Arts, and as
an emeritus member of the board of her children’s school, The Post Oak School. Ms. Gray is
also a member of Class XXVI of the American Leadership Forum.
Amy M. Hawkes L’01
Partner
Ernst & Young
Los Angeles, Calif.
Amy M. Hawkes is a partner in Ernst & Young’s Fraud Investigation &
Dispute Services practice. She focuses her practice in the areas of forensic
accounting, financial fraud investigations, accounting malpractice, and
litigation support matters. Her experience includes leading a significant
number of investigations for special committees, advising clients on generally accepted
accounting principles and SEC matters, and assisting management with technical accounting
and restatements.
Ms. Hawkes spent several years with the SEC’s division of enforcement where she was
responsible for the performance of investigations for securities violations primarily related to
financial fraud and insider trading. These matters involved investigating potential securities
actions involving accounting, financial reporting, and disclosure. Ms. Hawkes also spent
nearly 10 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in its audit practice.
Ms. Hawkes earned a juris doctor degree cum laude from Syracuse University and a
bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in accounting and economics from the State University
of New York College at Oswego. She is a certified public accountant, a member of the
California bar, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and a
member of the Association of SEC Alumni.
6 7

Marc M. Hurvitz L’78
Partner
Hurvitz & Waldman LLC
Pleasantville, N.J.
Marc Hurvitz is a certified civil trial attorney and has successfully resolved
hundreds of cases ranging from simple to complex and multi-party million
dollar lawsuits for plaintiffs and defendants by both verdict and settlement.
He has appeared at all trial and appellate court levels and has tried cases
throughout the state court systems in seven southern New Jersey counties and the federal
courts. Mr. Hurvitz has extensive litigation experience in claims involving personal injury,
product liability, medical malpractice, municipal tort liability, premises liability, professional
liability, amusement pier operations, civil rights and construction. He has broad experience
with construction professionals, commercial premises, independent municipalities, contracts,
commercial premises owners & operators, tradesmen and insurance companies in coverage
disputes.
Mr. Hurvitz is a 1974 summa cum laude graduate of Ithaca College and in 1978 earned his J.D.
degree from Syracuse University College of Law.
Richard M. Jones L’95
Senior Vice President and General Tax Counsel
CBS Corporation
New York, N.Y.
Richard M. Jones serves as senior vice president and general tax counsel for
CBS Corporation. In this role, he oversees the worldwide tax planning and
operations for the company.
Prior to joining the company in 2005, Mr. Jones served as the vice president of tax,
assistant treasurer and tax counsel for NBC Universal, where he was responsible for
all domestic and international tax planning. Prior to joining NBC Universal in 2003, Mr.
Jones spent 13 years with Ernst & Young, working in its media and entertainment and
transaction advisory services practices. He also worked as a law clerk for the New York
State Supreme Court, Appellate Division. Prior to re-entering civilian life, Mr. Jones was a
non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably as a member of the
U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment.
Mr. Jones earned his law and business degrees from Syracuse University in 1995, where
he graduated with honors and was admitted to The Order of the Barristers. He is also a
graduate of Boston University, where he earned a master of laws in taxation. Mr. Jones
received a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Syracuse University.
Richard Levy Jr. L’77
Partner
Pryor Cashman LLP
New York, N.Y.
Richard Levy, Jr. heads the Bankruptcy, Reorganization and Creditors’
Rights Practice at Pryor Cashman LLP. His experience includes all
phases of cases under Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code,
bankruptcy and commercial litigation in federal and state courts, related
counseling, and arbitration and mediation.
Mr. Levy regularly assists other practice groups in the Firm by providing bankruptcy-related
advice in connection with business and commercial transactions, including acquisitions and
mergers, corporate dissolutions, real estate and commercial financing, intellectual property
licensing and other executory contracts. He provides advice and representation with respect
to debtor-creditor rights and remedies under state and federal law, including judgment
enforcement, fraudulent conveyances, and asset exemptions.
Mr. Levy graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 1977,
where he was elected to the Order of the Coif and the Justinian Honorary Law Society. Mr.
Levy was Notes & Comments editor of the Syracuse Law Review (1976-77) and a research
assistant to Prof. Thomas Maroney (1975-77). He received his bachelor’s degree cum
laude from Williams College in 1974, with honors in political economy, and served as
President of the Society of Alumni of Williams College from 2006-08.
Mr. Levy was recently appointed to the committee on the Judiciary of the Association of the
Bar of the City of New York, which evaluates the fitness of candidates for judgeships and
offices connected with the administration of justice in the state and federal courts in New
York City.
Gary G. Lyons L’75
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Cadbury Americas Confectionery
Parsippany, N.Y.
Gary Lyons is executive vice president and general counsel of Cadbury
Americas Confectionery, with overall responsibility for legal and
compliance related matters affecting Cadbury’s confectionery operations
in North and Latin America. Prior to assuming this position, he successively
served as senior vice president and general counsel of Snapple Beverage Group and vice
president and general counsel of Cadbury Beverages North America and A&W Brands, Inc.
Earlier in his career, he held several United States legal positions of increasing responsibility
with the Nestle, S.A. group of companies, and was a litigation associate at Shearman &
Sterling in New York City.
Mr. Lyons earned a bachelor’s degree cum laude from Syracuse University College of Arts
and Sciences, and a J.D. degree summa cum laude from the College of Law.
8 9

Donald T. MacNaughton L’68
Retired Partner
White & Case LLP
New York, N.Y.
Donald MacNaughton recently retired from White & Case, where he practiced
law for nearly 38 years, concentrating on international commercial litigation
and arbitration. During his career, he worked in the firm’s New York,
Washington, D.C., and Hong Kong offices. Mr. MacNaughton represented
clients based in every major Asian country and numerous European countries, and
participated in proceedings in courts both in the United States and abroad.
Mr. MacNaughton is co-author of the New York State Bar Association Report on the
Adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law of International Commercial Arbitration by the
Various States of the United States, as well as author of several international articles on
arbitration and dispute resolution.
Mr. MacNaughton earned a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College in 1965 and a J.D.
degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968. He is currently a member of
Syracuse University College of Law Board of Advisors and recently has been elected a
trustee of the University.
Since his retirement, Mr. MacNaughton has resumed his study of 18th-century English history.
Eileen D. Millett L’74
Director, Real Property and Environmental
Gibbons P.C.
New York, N.Y.
Eileen D. Millett has a combined 15 years experience in environmental
practice and 10 in law enforcement with state and municipal governments.
She has represented parties in regulatory and permitting matters under
the National Environmental Policy Act, the State Environmental Quality
Review Act (SEQR), the Clean Water Act and numerous other federal and state environmental
programs, as well as New York City statutory programs; participates in environmental impact
reviews; provides counsel on the regulatory aspects of real estate development; and develops
environmental compliance procedures with municipalities and industries. She has litigated
cases in federal and state court involving solid and hazardous waste and the Clean Water Act.
Ms. Millett served as New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Assistant
Counsel with the Hazardous Waste Task Force, and was previously General Counsel to the
Interstate Environmental Commission, a tri-state water and air quality enforcement authority,
where she conducted and managed litigation to control and abate water pollution and ensure
adequate water and sewer infrastructure.
Ms. Millett earned a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies in 1971 and a J.D. degree
from Syracuse University College of Law in 1974. During her academic career at the College
of Law, she was a member of the Jessup Moot Court Team.
Marc A. Malfitano L’78
Attorney / Real Estate Developer
Syracuse, N.Y.
Marc A. Malfitano is an attorney and real estate developer with residential
projects in Syracuse. He was a development principal in Destiny USA
Management LLC, where he was responsible for the environmental due
diligence, creation of legal structures for the various entities, negotiation of the
state and local incentive programs, and coordination of legal matters. He was
previously associated with Pyramid Management Group Inc. and The Pyramid Companies.
The Pyramid organization is one of the largest privately held shopping mall developers in the
country. He acted as general counsel of the company and he also held the titles of director of
management and operating officer.
Mr. Malfitano is an adjunct professor at Syracuse University College of Law, where he
teaches commercial real estate. Mr. Malfitano earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse
University and a J.D. degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He is currently
chair of the Syracuse University College of Law Board of Advisors, and also serves as a
consultant on facilities issues.
David J. Moffitt L’96
Advisor
MatlinPatterson Global Advisers LLC
New York, N.Y.
David Moffitt is an advisor to MatlinPatterson Global Advisers where he is
responsible for identifying distressed opportunities in the financial services
industry and facilitating the MatlinPatterson investment or acquisition
strategy. Prior to joining MatlinPatterson, he was a managing director at
Merrill Lynch & Co. where he headed structured product and CDO sales in the fixed income
commodities and currency (FICC) division. He was responsible for distribution of all fixedincome
structured credit derivatives and securitized derivative products including CDOs,
CLOs, and correlation (ABS, CMBS, HY and IG), in the Americas.
Mr. Moffitt graduated magna cum laude from the Syracuse University College of Law in 1996,
where he was a member of the Order of the Coif, Justinian Honors Society, a senior editor of
the Syracuse Legislative Research Journal, and an extern clerk for the Hon. Thomas McAvoy,
United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. He graduated from
Binghamton University in 1992 with honors.
Mr. Moffitt is a former member of the College of Law Board of Advisors and is a board
member of other charitable organizations in the New York City area.
10 11

Mark Neporent L’82
COO, General Counsel, and Sr. Managing Director
Cerberus Capital Management LP
New York, N.Y.
Mark Neporent has been chief operating officer, general counsel,
and senior managing director of Cerberus Capital Management LP,
a multibillion-dollar investment management firm, since April 1998. Before
joining Cerberus, Mr. Neporent was a partner at Schulte Roth
& Zabel LLP in New York, in the Business Reorganization and Finance Group. Mr.
Neporent has more than 25 years of experience in the distressed securities, bankruptcy,
and high-yield finance business.
Mr. Neporent was the chairman of the Worldcom Creditors’ Committee during its epic
Chapter 11 case. Because of his work through this case, he was asked to be on the board
of the reorganized company and helped manage its sale to Verizon.
Mr. Neporent is also on the boards of GMAC and Chrysler Holdings LLC – where he is chair of
the Compensation Committee for each – and has been on the boards of several other public
companies including AMC Financial Corp, and SSA Global Technologies Inc.
Mr. Neporent earned a bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University in 1979 and a J.D. degree
cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 1982. He serves on the Syracuse
University College of Law Board of Advisors.
Susan K. Reardon L’76
Director of Federal Affairs
Johnson & Johnson
Washington, D.C.
Susan Reardon, as Director of Federal Affairs for Johnson & Johnson (J&J), is
responsible for federal and international advocacy in Washington, D.C. on
behalf of the medical device and diagnostics companies of J&J. She worked
previously at the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) in
senior positions responsible for addressing regulatory and reimbursement issues affecting
the medical technology industry.
Ms. Reardon’s federal government career included senior positions in the Office of General
Counsel at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she served as Acting
General Counsel among other positions; the Federal Housing Administration and the Office
of Fair Housing at the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and the Office of
Minority Small Business at the Small Business Administration. She practiced law in Oswego,
N.Y., and served as the counsel to the School District.
Ms. Reardon earned her bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in international relations from
Syracuse University, and her J.D. degree from Syracuse University College of Law, where
she served on the Syracuse Law Review and was published. She is the recipient of several
awards including the W. Quinn Jordan Memorial Award for significant government affairs
accomplishments benefiting transfusion medicine, and the Food and Drug Administration
Commissioner’s Special Citation.
Christopher M. Placitella L’81
Partner
Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C.
Red Bank, N.J.
Christopher Placitella is a partner in the law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth,
P.C. He is chairman of the firm’s Toxic and Mass Torts Litigation department.
He concentrates his practice on product liability litigation, representing unions
and their members in occupational injury and disease cases. In addition, he
represents individuals injured by defective products, defective drugs, as well as through the
inhalation or ingestion of toxic substances. Mr. Placitella also advises numerous labor unions
and consumer organizations concerning issues relating to occupational safety and health.
Mr. Placitella also represents individuals, governmental entities and companies seeking to
recover for economic loss or property damage sustained as a result of wrongful conduct of
others.
Mr. Placitella earned his undergraduate degree from Fordham University, and his J.D. degree
from Syracuse University College of Law. He currently serves as a member on the College of
Law’s Board of Advisors.
Howard Siegel L’70
Senior Partner
Pryor Cashman LLP
New York, N.Y.
Howard Siegel is a senior partner in Pryor Cashman’s Entertainment
Group. He has more than 35 years experience in representing clients in
all aspects of the entertainment business, with a particular emphasis on
the music industry, during which time he has served as counsel to many
of the industry’s most prominent recording artists, songwriters, producers, managers, and
executives.
In 2007, 2008, and again this year, Mr. Siegel was selected as both one of New York’s
“Super Lawyers” (published by Law and Politics, limited to the top 5% of all attorneys in the
New York metropolitan area), and as one of the entertainment industry’s top 100 “Super
Lawyers” published by the Hollywood Reporter. Mr. Siegel is the former chair of the Section on
Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law of the New York State Bar Association and is an associate
member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He is editor-in-chief of the
nationally distributed book Entertainment Law (currently in its 3rd edition) and is co-chair of
PLI’s national annual program on entertainment law.
Mr. Siegel is a summa cum laude graduate of Syracuse University College of Law where he
was Order of the Coif, editor-in-chief of the Syracuse Law Review (1970) and a member of
the Moot Court Board (1969-70). Upon his graduation, Mr. Siegel clerked for the NYS Court
of Appeals (1970-1972).
12 13

Hon. Glenn T. Suddaby L’85
U.S. District Judge
Northern District of New York
Syracuse, N.Y.
Notes
Glenn T. Suddaby is a United States District Judge for the Northern District of
New York. Prior to this appointment, Judge Suddaby served as U.S. Attorney for
the Northern District of New York. During this tenure, he served as chair of the
Attorney General’s Advisory Committee on Border Protection & Immigration
and was the Justice Department Representative to the Integrated Border Law Enforcement
effort with Canada. He has been recognized for his innovative approach in targeting street
gang crime and public corruption in the Northern District and enhancing border security along
the Northern Border with Canada.
Judge Suddaby attended the State University of New York at Plattsburgh where he earned
a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1980. He earned his J.D. degree in 1985 from
Syracuse University College of Law and was a member of the school’s National Trial Team
for two years.
C. James Zeszutek L’75
Managing Partner – Pittsburgh Office
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Pittsburgh, Pa.
C. James Zeszutek is a partner in the Litigation Department as well as
managing partner of the Pittsburgh, Pa. office. He is co-chair of the Class
Action Litigation and Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Practice Groups.
Mr. Zeszutek is involved in the defense of pharmaceutical and medical device
products on behalf of the products’ manufacturers, as well as the defense of chemical and
fiber products including products that contain asbestos, talc, benzene and acrylamide. He
presently serves on National Trial Teams for the defense of a client’s respiratory protection
products and is National Coordinating Counsel for a manufacturer in the silica litigation
which is active in numerous jurisdictions. He has an active NCAA practice in which he
represents coaches in hearings before the Committee on Infractions defending against
allegations of NCAA Bylaw violations and has been involved in the Committee on Infractions
hearings involving Syracuse University, Tulane University, Purdue University and Ohio State
University. Mr. Zeszutek also negotiates employment contracts for athletic coaches and
physicians.
Mr. Zeszutek earned a B.S. degree in science from Syracuse University in 1972, then earned
his J.D. degree in 1975 from Syracuse University College of Law, as well as an M.P.A. degree
from Syracuse University in 1976.
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Notes
Did you know
· Thirteen College of Law professors, led by Lisa A. Dolak L’88,
were one of only two ABA-appointed academic reading groups
to review the writings of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice
Sonia Sotomayor while she was a nominee.
· Joseph R. Biden Jr. L’68 was elected to the second highest office
in the United States.
· Syracuse University College of Law’s Trial Advocacy program
has enjoyed great success. In the past two years, the teams
have finished with one of the best records in the College of Law’s
trial team history, including winning the New York State Bar
Association Tiffany Cup for the 14th time in 2009.
· Law students volunteer thousands of hours of pro bono and
community service in the Central New York area.
· The Office of Student Life offers award-winning wellness and
student programs.
To find out more about Syracuse University College of Law visit
www.law.syr.edu
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