The Student Bar Association (SBA) at Albany Law School is comprised of all students enrolled in a degree program within the Albany Law School community and is the principal channel of communication between the student body, faculty, and administration. The organization seeks to establish a firm bond among the classes of the Law School, between students and the faculty, and to broaden the relationship between the law student, the legal profession, and the community-at-large. The SBA is directed by a legislative body of elected student representatives that allocate funding—provided by student activity fees—for most student organizations and events.
Purpose
- To enhance legal education with particular attention to building a community that fosters professionalism; and
- To encourage internal reciprocity and civility among the students; and
- To facilitate an internal dialog and sense of civic engagement among Albany Law School community members; and
- To act as the principle channel of communication between the students, faculty, and administration of Albany Law School; and
- To act as an advocate for all students; and
- To fairly allocate the student activity fee to provide for activities that further the above purposes.
SBA Structure
The SBA is comprised of its Senate, Committees, and Student Organizations who all contribute toward the organization’s purpose. The SBA Senate as the legislative governing body strives to represent, advocate, and deliberate the issues facing the student body while fostering class cohesion and providing a balance between professional and social life. The Senate Committees and Student Organizations assist with this endeavor.
Executive Board
Executive President
Max Sevor
Committees: National Alumni Association Board; Albany Law School Faculty Committee; Government Law Center Advisory Board
Max Sevor is the Executive President of the Albany Law School Student Bar Association and a third-year law student. Max is a native of Rochester, New York, and a graduate of the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. Max is also the Executive Editor for Submissions at Albany Law Review and a fellow of the Government Law Center. Max participates in various student organizations on campus, including Phi Alpha Delta, Outlaw, and the Elder Law Pro Bono Society. Max is interested in pursuing a career in civil litigation, labor, or education law.
Please contact Max directly regarding any student concerns.
Executive Vice-President
Noah Jacobs
Committees: SBA Ethics Committee (Chair); SBA Safety Committee (Chair); SBA Elections Committee
Noah Jacobs is a 2L and the Executive Vice President of SBA. As the Executive Vice President, he is tasked with upholding and overseeing ethics within the Student Bar Association, elections, and student organizations’ bylaws. If you have any questions, please email him directly.
Executive Secretary
Ashlyn Henrichs
Committees: SBA Transition Committee (Chair)
Ashlyn Henrichs is a 2L on the Senate and is interested in pursuing a career in Art & Antiquities Law/Preservation or Trust and Estates Law upon graduation. As the Executive Secretary, she is tasked with compiling notes, keeping records, and with communications throughout the senate and within the student body. If you have any questions regarding these topics, or any others such as mental health through her position as a Colby Fellow, please contact her to set up a time to meet.
Executive Treasurer
Meg Tylenda
Committees: SBA Finance Committee (Chair); SBA Safety Committee
Meg is a 3L hoping to pursue a career in Education Law following graduation. As Executive Treasurer, Meg oversees the Finance Committee and ensures that the funding process runs smoothly to provide student organizations funding for their events each semester. Meg is also a Lifetime Girl Scout and enjoys spending time with her cat, Beans. If you have any questions relating to funding for student organizations or would like to set up a meeting regarding funding, please contact her directly.
3L Senate Members
3L President
Natalie Turney
Committees: SBA Events Committee
Natalie Turney is the 3L Class President on the Albany Law Student Bar Association. In addition to her role on SBA, Miss Turney is the Editor-in-Chief of the Albany Law Journal of Science and Technology. After graduation, Natalie will be joining Phillips Lytle, LLP in the Litigation Practice Group to pursue her dream of becoming a trial attorney. If you are interested in contacting her, please do not hesitate to send her an email.
3L Senator
Matthew Abdelmalek
Committees: SBA Bylaws Committee; SBA Elections Committee
3L Senator
Taylor Alimari
Committees: SBA Diversity Committee; SBA Events Committee
3L Senator
Dean Kaknis
Committees: SBA Bylaws Committee; SBA Diversity Committee; SBA Elections Committee
2L Senate Members
2L President
Jonathan Stein
Committees: SBA Alumni Committee (Chair); SBA Events Committee (Chair); SBA Philanthropy Committee
Jonathan Stein is the 2L President and is deeply interested in pursuing a career involving Music Copyright and Intellectual Property. As 2L President, Jonathan is responsible for ensuring that 2L’s get the most value out of their second year of law school. In particular, Jonathan is in charge of planning both Scarristers and Barristers, and works aside his co-senators to ensure that students have a memorable, and impactful second year.
2L Senator
Madeleine Jones
Committees: SBA Finance Committee
Madeleine is a 2L on the Senate. This is her first year on SBA, and she is particularly excited about planning events to bring students together.
2L Senator
Veronica Esteves
Committees: SBA Diversity Committee; SBA Transition Committee; SBA Safety Committee
Veronica is a 2L on the senate and is interested in pursuing a career in criminal law or international law. As a 2L senator she is tasked, with the full 2L senate, to create the Scarristers and Barristers Ball events on campus. She is involved in reforming the Title IX office in the school and can direct any student to the proper channels if they have any questions or concerns regarding the school Title IX office. If you have any questions regarding these events or Title IX, please feel free to reach out, using the email address above, and set up a meeting.
2L Senator
Julia Vavrinec
Committees: SBA Diversity Committee; SBA Transition Committee
Julia Vavrinec is a 2L Senator and is interested in pursuing a career in public interest and human rights law or transactional law upon graduation. As a 2L Senator, she is responsible for communicating the needs of the 2L class effectively with the rest of the Senate and put on great events such as Scarrister’s and Barrister’s Ball. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
2L Senator
Michael Wood
Committees: SBA Bylaws Committee; SBA Elections Committee
1L Senate Members
1L President
Jack Rainey
Committees: SBA Alumni Committee; SBA Events Committee
Jack is from Smithtown, N.Y, and attended SUNY Albany. He graduated in 2024 with a bachelors in Finance and Management while in the 3+3 law program.
1L Senator
Erin Pepe
Committees: SBA Bylaws Committee; SBA Events Committee
Erin Pepe is a 1L Class Senator. She attended Le Moyne College and in 2019 she graduated with a dual degree in Communications and Political Science with a minor in Writing. She has previously worked in risk management as a Client Service Manager, dealing with non-for-profit healthcare facilities and mentoring incoming employees. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the student experience, starting a club, or anything else please do not hesitate to reach out.
1L Senator
Stephen Giorgianni
Committees: SBA Transition Committee
Stephen Giorgianni is a non-traditional student, and he attended SUNY Albany as an undergraduate and masters student, both in Criminal Justice. While at SUNY, I was the President of the Albany Criminal Justice Association for three years. Stephen works and attends law school at the same time. Stephen is a Police Officer with the Albany Police Department and is currently a Detective assigned to Discovery Coordination. His duties are specific to discovery, including overseeing all discoverable materials regarding criminal cases and acting as the liaison between the Albany Police Department, the Albany District Attorney’s Office, and many other prosecutors for every criminal case pursued by APD. I work closely with the DA’s Office, the Albany Criminal Court System, and many other local/state/federal agencies. If anyone is interested in criminal law and/or public service please reach out to Stephen to talk about his experiences and a make connections. Most importantly, Stephen wants to make sure that we all have the support of each other to be successful in our first year at Albany Law.
1L Senator
Alice Hollocher
Committees: SBA Alumni Committee; SBA Bylaws Committee; SBA Ethics Committee
Alice is a 1L with interests in Immigration and Business Law. As a 1L senator, their focus is on providing support to any first years (or others) learning to navigate the SBA systems. Any 1Ls trying to organize events, start or participate in student organizations, or bring issues to the SBA’s attention are welcome and encouraged to email their 1L senators!
1L Senator
Chloe Kangarlu
Committees: SBA Philanthropy Committee; SBA Safety Committee
Chloe Kangarlu is a 1L on the Senate and is the owner of the Albany Law School Class of 2026 Instagram page and group chat where she sends out information and news to her classmates to keep them informed. She is always open to hearing out the concerns and comments of her classmates. If you have any questions or comments that you would like to talk about regarding the school, please contact her and she would be happy to meet with you.
SBA Officers
American Bar Association Senator
Mitchell Spaulding
Committees: SBA Bylaws Committee (Chair); SBA Ethics Committee
Mitchell Spaulding is a 3L on the senate who is interested in pursuing a career in civil litigation. As the American Bar Association (ABA) Senator, he is the liaison between the Senate and the ABA. If you have any questions about becoming a member of the ABA, please let him know.
New York State Bar Association Senator
Mitchell Whittaker
Committees: SBA Elections Committee (Chair); SBA Bylaws Committee
Mitch Whittaker is a 3L and serves on the Student Bar Association Senate as the New York State Bar Association (“NYSBA”) student representative. He is tasked with passing information from NYSBA to the law school community and is a resource for students to access should they have any questions related to the state bar. To contact Mitch for anything regarding NYSBA or SBA, email him directly.
Albany County Bar Association Senator
Alexander Fakhouri
Committees: SBA Finance Committee; SBA Diversity Committee
Alex Fakhouri is a 2L on the Senate and is interested in pursuing a career in civil litigation upon graduation. As Albany County Bar Association Senator, he is tasked with communicating events, memberships, and establishing a network between the local bar association and the student body. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the topic, please contact him to set up a meeting.
Diversity Senator
Nicole Tang
Committees: SBA Diversity Committee (Chair); SBA Philanthropy Committee
Nicole Tang is a 2L on the Senate and is interested in pursuing a career in Matrimonial/Family Law upon graduation. As the diversity senator, she is tasked with creating events and having important conversations with the student body about topics of diversity and inclusion. If anyone ever has an issue or concern regarding something diversity/inclusion related, please feel free to send her an email.
Spring Start Senator
Olivia Vecchio
Committees: SBA Alumni Committee; SBA Philanthropy Committee
Committees
Bylaws Committee
The Committee is responsible for proposing and discussing amendments to the bylaws that will be voted out of committee by a simple majority for consideration by the Senate. They must follow the rules set out by the SBA Constitution and By-Laws. It is comprised of five members, three of which are Senate members (with at least two classes represented) and two of which are non-Senate members.
Contact: Mitchell Spaulding (mspaulding@albanylaw.edu)
Elections Committee
The Committee is responsible for regulating and conducting nominations and elections for all elected positions as defined in the SBA By-Laws. It shall have at least three members. Any candidate seeking election is precluded from direct participation in the electoral proceedings.
Contact: Mitchell Whittaker (mwhittaker@albanylaw.edu)
Ethics Committee
The Committee provides oversight of the activities of student groups, class years, and the Senate. It is composed of the Executive Vice President, two Senator members, and three non-Senate members. The Executive Vice President is the committee chair and will not cast any votes in the Committee.
Contact: Noah Jacobs (SBAVP@albanylaw.edu)
Events Committee
The Committee is responsible for the planning and execution of school-wide and SBA-sponsored events and activities, including but not limited to: Justice Jackson lectures, and at least one (1) social event in the fall and spring semester.
Contact: Jonathan Stein (2LPresident@albanylaw.edu)
Finance Committee
The Committee is responsible for submitting the budget to the full Senate for approval. The Executive Treasurer shall serve as the committee chair.
Contact: Meg Tylenda (SBATreasurer@albanylaw.edu)
Philanthropy Committee
The Committee is responsible for planning at least one (1) Character and Fitness Event during the spring semester, as well as at least one (1) charity event (charity can be selected by the SBA).
Contact: Justin Aragosa (jaragosa@albanylaw.edu)
Diversity Committee
The Committee is responsible for bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion matters to the SBA. The Committee works with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to promote inclusivity on campus and listen to student concerns.
Contact: Nicole Tang (ntang@albanylaw.edu)
Transition Committee
The Committee is responsible for supporting the newest members of the Senate and provide resources and training. The Executive Vice President is the committee chair.
Contact: Ashlyn Henrichs (SBASecretary@albanylaw.edu)
Safety Committee
The Committee is responsible for developing and recommending safety polices and procedures to school administrators, raise awareness about safety-related issues among the student body, collaborate with relevant school authorities and external organizations to enhance safety measures, and act as a liaison between students and school administration in safety matters.
Contact: Noah Jacobs (SBAVP@albanylaw.edu)
Student Organizations
Asian Pacific American Law Students Association
Dedicated to assisting its members in achieving their goals during law school, the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) encourages student involvement with issues touching the legal profession, the Law School, and the Asian and Pacific communities. Activities range from academic, professional, and cultural events to school support.
Black Law Students’ Association
In efforts to articulate and promote the professional needs and interests of African-American students, the Black Law Students’ Association (BLSA) sponsors active recruitment efforts, guest lecturers, a film series, and academic support programs. Members participate in regional and national BLSA activities and in community programs designed to broaden minority awareness and provide role models for community minorities.
Cardozo Legal Society
The goal of the Cardozo Society is to meet the social, religious and cultural needs of Albany Law School’s Jewish student population and to strengthen awareness of Jewish culture and traditions. The Cardozo Society hosts speakers, social events and holiday celebrations. The society also features an Attorney Mentoring Program, giving students the opportunity to learn from and network with area attorneys.
Gaelic Law Society
The purpose of the Gaelic Law Society (GLS) is to provide fellowship and build community among Gaelic Law Students and students of other heritages through monthly meetings, educational and cultural events, and regular social activates. The Gaelic Law Society coordinates activities with other student groups, works to foster great dialogue and educate the Albany Law School community on Gaelic culture and tradition. The Gaelic Law Society also aims to encourage and generate thoughtful and respectful discussion and debate around legal issues which affect Gaelic and other communities locally and globally. This Gaelic Law Society is open to all members of the Albany Law School community. The Gaelic Law Society does not discriminate against any individual wishing to join.
Italian American Law Student Association
Albany Law School’s Italian American Law Student Association (IALSA) is a group in pursuit of a common goal of representing the legal community while celebrating a common Italian-American heritage. IALSA is also a student chapter of the greater upstate Capital District National Italian American Bar Association (NIABA). IALSA/NIABA welcomes members of all ethnicities, heritages, and religions.
Latin American Law Students Association
Established to further the rights and interests of Albany Law School’s Latino students, the Latino American Law Student Association’s (LALSA) diverse membership includes students from Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Muslim Law Students Association
The purpose of the Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA) is to provide fellowship and build community among Muslim Law Students and students of other faiths, through monthly meetings, educational and religious events, and regular social activities. MLSA coordinates activities with other student groups, works to foster greater dialogue, and educate the ALS community on Islam. MLSA also aims to encourage and generate thoughtful and respectful discussion and debate around legal issues which affect Muslims and other religious communities locally and globally, with particular focus given to constitutional and civil liberty issues as well as international and local human rights topics pertinent to Islam and Muslims. Open to all members of the Albany Law community, MLSA does not discriminate against any individual wishing to join.
OUTLaw
OUTLaw is a group whose membership, meetings, activities and services are open to all students enrolled at Albany Law School. Members should be supportive individuals who are sensitive and respectful to the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community. OUTLaw is organized for the purpose of: (1) Educating the Albany Law School community about issues effecting the LGBTQ+ and allied law student community, as well as the greater Capital Region LGBTQ+ community; (2) Creating a social atmosphere for LGBTQ+ and allied law students to meet and connect; (3) Creating a supportive, diverse, and inclusive law school environment which is aware of the needs of the LGBTQ+ community; (4) Encouraging diversity and inclusion in incoming Albany Law School classes; and (5) Promoting queer visibility on the Albany Law School campus and within the legal community at large.
Women’s Law Caucus
A forum for both women and men to discuss contemporary feminist issues, the Women’s Law Caucus (WLC) strives to raise the Albany Law School community’s awareness of current legal, political and socioeconomic issues affecting women. Both a resource and support network for women, the caucus sponsors speakers, a career panel, an annual Domestic Violence Vigil and clothing drive and films.
Criminal Law Society
The Criminal Law Society of Albany Law School is a student run organization that fosters discussions, hosts networking events, and organizes other activities throughout the academic year that expose students to various issues within the field of Criminal Law. The Criminal Law Society hopes to inspire future generations of prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and members of law enforcement to pursue a career in Criminal Law. Membership is open to all students regardless of their interest in Criminal Law; all that is required is a desire to learn.
Environmental Law Society
The Environmental Law Society (ELS) is a student organization focused around environmental law and promoting environmental protection. In the past, the organization has brought both the “Mission Wolf” and “Rapture: Birds of Prey” programs to Albany Law School, allowing people from the school and the community to learn about, and come into contact with, endangered animals. The ELS takes field trips to Howe Caverns, sponsors programs to help clean up pollution on the streets of Albany, and sponsors events at Albany Law for younger children to learn about environmental law. The organization also helps bring speakers to the school and sponsors forums to generate discussions and debates on different topics relating to the environment and environmental law. Students also gain the opportunity to network with alumni practicing in the field of environmental law.
Government Law Society
Health Law Society
The Health Law Society at Albany Law School is an organization committed to providing a forum for discussion to promote awareness about contemporary issues regarding health law, healthcare policy and bioethics. HLS strives to accomplish these goals by organizing panel discussions, seminars, debates and networking events with experts in various facets of health law. HLS is also in a unique position to maintain continuous relationships with Albany Medical College (AMC) and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. HLS plans to co-sponsor events with these surrounding schools to create a comprehensive understanding of the implications of health law in society for our students. HLS is also connected with the faculty at Alden March Bioethics Institute at AMC, for those law students who are interested in pursuing the joint JD/MS in Bioethics.
Intellectual Property Law Society
Comprised of students interested in patent, trademark, copyright and trade secrets law, the Intellectual Property Law Society (IPLS) enables students and faculty to stay informed of current issues and technological advances in this ever-changing field. The IPLS organizes lectures, job information sessions, and other activities of interest.
International Law Society
Committed to broadening the understanding of international perspectives, the International Law Society (ILS) sponsors lectures, symposia, and other events to illuminate various facets of international law. Recently, the society helped form a Northeast Regional Society, bringing together neighboring ILS chapters in common effort.
Sports and Entertainment Law Society
Phi Alpha Delta
The Nelson A. Rockefeller Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) Law Fraternity International attempts to enhance the law school experience by sponsoring professional and social programs for students, the community, and the law profession. The fraternity sponsors scholarship and student loan programs and offers a national placement service.
Albany Law Democrats
The Albany Law Democrats is organized for the purpose of promoting progressive governance in federal, state, and local government. The Albany Law Democrats is grounded in principles of, and advocacy for, social and economic justice, and seeks to promote the exchange and rigorous debate of differing political ideas and beliefs. The Albany Law Democrats further aims to encourage involvement in the political process.
American Constitution Society
Federalist Society
The Federalist Society is a group of individuals whose views range from moderate, conservative, or libertarian and have a purpose to encourage discussion on hot legal topics where multiple viewpoints are heard.
National Lawyers Guild
The Student Lawyers Guild is a chapter of the National Lawyers Guild (NLG), an organization of about 10,000 lawyers committed to social and political change. The Student Lawyers Guild sponsors speakers and events to educate the law school community on using the law to serve the public interest and achieve social good.
Albany Law Literary Circle
Despite the challenging times, Albany Law Literary Circle (ALLC) bring our community together to enable students to interact with faculty, staff, and alumni outside the academic setting. To allow for the free flow of ideas/conversations/ and thoughts on material in a concerted and welcoming way.
Chord Adjourned!
Chord Adjourned! is Albany Law School’s first and only music group. Chord Adjourned! was formed with the interest of bringing together students with an appreciation for music for casual “jam sessions” and to occasionally perform at other law school events throughout the semester.
Albany Law Rugby Club
The Rugby Football Club is a proud Albany Law School tradition dating back more than 36 years. Open to all students, the team is the only student-run organization that regularly competes against other colleges and universities. Whether one is an experienced player, or has never set foot on the rugby pitch, all are welcome to learn and enjoy the game. The team plays both a fall and spring season and hosts two annual tournaments: the Alumni Weekend in the fall and the William M. Watkins Memorial Tournament in the spring. The Watkins tournament in the spring is the premier annual event for the team, and is held in memory of the late Prof. Watkins whose tireless efforts served to establish the tradition that is Albany Law rugby. The team is also active in community service and works with the American Red Cross and the Ronald McDonald House charities, volunteering both time and services.
Albany Law Women’s Rugby Club
Albany Law Women’s Club (Lady Misdemeanors) is a dynamic joint venture between Albany Law School, Albany Law Alumni, Albany College of Pharmacy, and Albany Medical College. Drawing on a multitude of experienced and willing participants, Albany Law Women’s Rugby offers women athletes, the rare opportunity to play a passionate contact sport that involves skill and heart. Re-founded three years ago, the Misdemeanors have built a strong foundation of players who dedicate themselves to the principles of rugby, both on and off the field. The game of rugby is much like American football, soccer, lacrosse and hockey, all rolled into one. NO EXPERIENCE is ever necessary—just a willingness to meet new people and work as a team player. All are welcome.