Student Spotlight: Josiah Lambert ’28
Co-President, Students for the Education and Representation of Veterans (SERV)
Captain, Dean’s Cup Basketball Team
How did you decide to pursue law?
Becoming a lawyer was a late decision for me. I had intended to become a teacher until halfway through my junior year of college. Admittedly, even now, I find teaching more interesting than the day-to-day work of attorneys. Certainly, it is more entertaining. However, during my first placement as a student teacher, I discovered that the students I wanted to support were often absent from the classroom. Several of my students faced significant challenges outside of the classroom, such as homelessness, inconsistent transportation to school, or even something as basic as missing breakfast regularly—which has an enormous impact on student outcomes.
Although I am proud of the positive impact I was able to have on my students’ lives, I felt that my influence was limited by policy and structural barriers that I could not control as a teacher. This realization led me to pursue law school, hoping to address the broader policies that I believed most affected my vulnerable students.
You're the co-president of SERV, Students for the Education and Representation of Veterans. Tell us about that experience.
SERV is a community for military students at NYU Law. I’ve been serving as a paralegal in the Air National Guard since 2020. As the co-presidents, we organize events that connect law firms and students, fostering a community where current and veteran military members can find support and benefit from their service. On the whole, it is a relief to have shared lived experiences with a small community at NYU Law. I'm grateful to play my part in the student organization.
You're also captain of the NYU Law Dean's Cup team! How did you get involved, and what has the experience been like?
Before starting law school, I was an AAU basketball coach for a local 17U team after having been an assistant coach for several years. I’ve always had a passion for the game, and you never know when your last day playing as part of an organized team will be. Prior to law school, that would have been my high school’s JV basketball team and a few intramurals at the University of Michigan. Once I arrived at NYU Law, I played pickup basketball regularly with the other students. Eventually, I went to the team tryout, and that's that.
Being a part of a team and now one of the captains is one of the highlights of my time at NYU. We had a full crowd on game day, and the arena was electric. If someone wondering about the Dean's Cup is reading this, I can honestly say that it’s the best part of law school.
Which Law School class or experience has had the biggest impact on you?
Lots of great options to answer this one with. I'll emphasize how meaningful meeting people within the Law School has been for me. From my section—shoutout, section 1, and in particular, lawyering section 1—to the end-of-semester superlative event, and to the friends I’ve made through student organizations like High School Law Institute, Suspension Representation Project, and First Generation Professionals, every person I’ve encountered since arriving here is undeniably brilliant. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of such a remarkable group.
Even when I don’t have classes with them, the professors are all incredibly responsive and helpful in guiding my career aspirations when I reach out. My reading group professors, Vincent Southerland and [Fiorello LaGuardia Professor of Law] Randy Hertz, were both exceptional resources during my first year, despite only meeting with them four times throughout the year!
What do you most like to do outside of class? What’s your favorite way to spend a day in New York City?
My routine involves a blend of hanging out with other law students at group socials, gaming with my wife, and exploring new restaurants. My absolute favorite way to spend a day in New York City is to choose a neighborhood and explore it with my wife. A good meal, quality time, learning more about the city, and all while discovering somewhere new and unique. Can't beat that.