Third-Year Law Student Tatyana Segal Will Practice Law in New York City

Personal Life

Tatyana Segal is a third-year law student at the CUNY School of Law and anticipates a December 2015 graduation. Although she has several areas of interest, Tatyana is excited to pursue a career in IP, trusts and estates, and administrative and regulatory law.

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Tatyana grew up in a small house in Ukraine with an older brother. Both of her parents survived the Holocaust by being evacuated to other parts of the Soviet Union as infants. She is grateful for her parents who have inspired her to always succeed in life. She speaks fluent Russian and English and is proficient in Ukrainian. She has had the opportunity to live in Italy, Austria, and Slovakia and has traveled to France, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, Canada, and the Dominican Republic.

Tatyana is a non-traditional student and has become an expert in balancing a wide variety of responsibilities, including family, law school, and community involvement. Tatyana enjoys spending time with people who recognize that it is important to constantly grow and learn something new to stay on top of an ever-changing world. Her favorite quote and life motto is "Courage is grace under pressure", by Ernest Hemingway.

Tatyana received her B.S. in computer science from Brooklyn College, where she was on the Dean's Honor List and graduated summa cum laude. While at Pace Law School, she was a member of the International Law Society, Jewish Law Student Association, and a contributing member of the Pace Intellectual Property, Sports and Entertainment Law Forum (PIPSELF). At CUNY School of Law, she is a member to the Jewish Law Student Association, PILA, and the Moot Court Team.
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Tatyana has interned for the Family Court and NYC County Court, the administrative agency (OATH), and a private litigation firm. In each of these roles, she has greatly expanded her legal knowledge. She also served as a volunteer council member for the Brooklyn District 20 Community Education Council where she was involved in approving school zoning lines, hearings on the capital plans, evaluating community superintendents, and providing input on other important policy issues related to education in New York public schools.

Additionally, Tatyana has been a volunteer leader for the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty. During this time, she provided low-income seniors with emergency preparedness resources that helped to ensure more timely and accurate assistance in the event of a medical emergency. In this role, she also translated documents from English to Russian and lent a helping hand in the Masbia Soup Kitchen by serving hot meals to indigent New Yorkers.

During the summer of 2014, Tatyana served as a legal intern for Newman Ferrara LLP. There, she worked with attorneys at the Civil Rights Practice Group on cases involving employment discrimination, affordable housing, marriage equality, and police misconduct. Tatyana has a passion for helping others. It is because of her passion that she decided to pursue a legal career.

When asked about her hobbies and personal interests, she said, "I am an avid fan of classical music and art. I also enjoy reading, learning about the law, and technology."

Tatyana's Academic Law Career and Future Aspirations

Why did Tatyana go into law? "The law is the essential foundation of a society. Protecting the basic civil and human rights of individuals is why I chose to become a knowledgeable and effective legal advocate. My goal is to provide sound advice and counsel to others to assist them in a variety of legal situations."

Since law school can be hectic at times, she pointed out how she relieves stress. "I try to break big tasks into smaller tasks following the principle of divide and conquer."

Many readers are probably wondering how Tatyana handles new assignments. The third-year law student shares her secret to being a successful student:"I am quick to learn something new, but I am not afraid to ask for help when I am confused or feel as though I need guidance."

Coming to America, Family Matters, Community Service, and Legal Role Models

Has Tatyana faced any obstacles in her life? She explained:

"The biggest obstacle that I have faced is finding a healthy balance between family, work, law school, and community service."

What is her top priority outside of work? "Outside of work, my top priority is to spend time with my children and family."

Is Tatyana involved with community service? She noted:

"I have been very involved in my community, especially in one of my passions, helping children advance in education. From January 2011-April 2011, I served as a mentor for Asian Professional Extension, Inc. (APEX). During this time I volunteered as a fourth grade math mentor, where I prepared students for the statewide-standardized math exam."

Does she have legal role models? Tatyana acknowledged:

"I look up to female justices of the US Supreme Court, Judge Richard Posner of the 7th Circuit, and my Pace Law School and CUNY School of Law professors. I am especially fond of Elizabeth Warren, who wrote my casebook on the UCC & Commercial Law."

Personal Philosophy

What is Tatyana's personal philosophy? "I try to avoid people who base their judgments on rumors, tabloids, or someone else's negative words. People should always try to find truth on their own."

Summary: Tatyana Segal is a third-year law student at the CUNY School of Law and anticipates a December 2015 graduation.