Student Spotlight: Stacy Fiszer ’27

Co-President, Jewish Law Students Association
2026 JD Orientation Ambassador

How did you decide to pursue law?
I decided to pursue law because I was drawn to the combination of critical thinking, advocacy, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I’ve always enjoyed understanding different perspectives and working through complex problems, and law felt like a natural way to bring those interests together. What ultimately convinced me was the realization that a legal education would give me the tools to advocate for others while also challenging me intellectually. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, I come from a family of lawyers, so I suppose I was destined to find my way to law school eventually!

You’re a 3L this year–what’s your advice for 1L students?
My biggest piece of advice is to give yourself time to adjust and not feel like you need to have everything figured out right away. The transition into law school can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to compare yourself to your classmates. Try to focus on your own progress, find a routine that works for you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help when you need it.

I’d also encourage 1Ls to make an effort to build relationships outside of the classroom. Some of the people I’ve met through law school have made the experience so much more meaningful. Most importantly, remember that law school is only one part of your life. Make time for the people, activities, and experiences that make you happy!

You’re the co-president of the Jewish Law Students Association and have been involved since you started law school. Tell us about that experience.
Being involved in the Jewish Law Students Association has been one of the most meaningful parts of my law school experience. I joined when I first started law school, and it quickly became a community where I could connect with other students, celebrate Jewish life, and create a sense of belonging within the law school.

Now, as co-president, I’ve had the opportunity to help plan events and create opportunities for students to come together, while also learning a lot about leadership and community-building. One of the things I value most is that JLSA brings together people with different backgrounds and levels of connection to Judaism. It has been incredibly rewarding to help create a space where everyone feels welcome and supported.

Which Law School class or experience has had the biggest impact on you?
Two experiences immediately come to mind. One class that has had a particularly meaningful impact on me was The First Amendment’s Religion Clauses seminar taught by [President Emeritus of New York University, Dean Emeritus, and Benjamin F. Butler Professor of Law] John Sexton. Of course, Professor Sexton needs no introduction, and it is simply one of the highest honors to learn from and with him. What made the experience even more special was sharing it with my dad, who came to one of our classes for a reunion more than 40 years after Professor Sexton was his own Civil Procedure professor! It was incredibly special to see them reconnect and to have the opportunity to experience Professor Sexton alongside my dad.

The other experience that I know will have an enormous impact on me is the Innocence Project Post-Conviction Clinic. I’ve just started the clinic this year, but it is already shaping up to be a life-changing experience. Post-conviction litigation provides an opportunity to revisit cases where serious questions about a conviction may remain, even decades after the original proceedings have ended. The work is challenging, both intellectually and emotionally, but it is equally rewarding to pursue such important justice. I know this experience will challenge me to become a more thoughtful, persistent, and compassionate advocate, and will help shape me into the kind of attorney I hope to become.

What do you most like to do outside of class?
Outside of class, I love spending time with friends and family, exploring New York City, and finding good food and new places to visit. Law school can be intense, so I really value having time to step away from studying and enjoy the city.

My ideal day in New York would probably involve starting with brunch, spending the afternoon walking around a neighborhood I haven’t explored in a while, doing some shopping, or catching a Yankees game, and ending the day with dinner and drinks with friends. And, of course, no perfect day would be complete without standing in a 45-minute line for frozen yogurt–I promise Mimi’s froyo is worth the wait! One of my favorite things about New York City is that there’s always something new to discover, even when you feel like you know the city well.