Albany Law School Podcast

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Vincent O'Neil, a 2L at Albany Law School, to hear his remarkable story of resilience and transformation. Growing up in Wisconsin, Vincent had what he calls a "typical middle-class upbringing" but struggled with addiction and legal troubles starting at age 13. After years of battling substance abuse, multiple stints in jail, and trying to find his footing, Vincent reached a turning point.

Now, five years sober, Vincent reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to turn his life around, including the decision to move to Nevada with his parents and ultimately pursue a law degree. He shares how his past shaped his passion for justice and how he plans to use his experiences to make a difference in the world.

Tune in to hear how Vincent’s journey from addiction to law school is not just a story of overcoming obstacles, but of finding hope and purpose in the most unexpected places.

In this episode, Jacob Skoda '25 shares his journey from serving in the Air Force to pursuing a law degree, driven by a passion for advocating on behalf of veterans. He explains why it's so important to fight for veterans' rights and secure the benefits they deserve.

With Veterans Day approaching, Jacob also highlights the upcoming Veterans Law Day at Albany Law School, a free event presented by the Edward P. Swyer Justice Center at Albany Law School’s Veterans' Pro Bono Project. The event offers one-on-one legal consultations for veterans, active service members, and their families, with expanded resources from the McNulty Veteran Business Center and The Legal Project.

Tune in to hear how Jacob and the Veterans' Pro Bono Project are making a real difference for those who have served our country.

More info on Veterans Law Day here: https://alumni.albanylaw.edu/s/977/21/1col.aspx?sid=977&gid=1&pgid=4537&crid=0&calpgid=2100&calcid=7315

Episode Overview:

Featured Groups:

1. Colby Fellowship

2. Albany Law Student Wellness Society

Resources Mentioned:

Meet Yuna Midani (Oh), a recent graduate of the Albany Law School Class of 2024. While at Albany Law, Midani made significant strides, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a passion for the legal field. In this interview, she shares insights from her summer legal clerk internship at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) in Belgium, reflecting on her experiences and the skills she developed. Join us as we delve into her story and learn about her time at BCLP and the impact this opportunity had on her legal journey.

In this episode, we share President and Dean Cinnamon Carlarne's recent State of the School address.

Addressing alumni, students, faculty, and staff, Dean Carlarne reflects on our achievements and future. Be sure to subscribe and like so you don’t miss any updates!

Today’s episode is especially exciting as we reflect on two unique events illustrating the incredible opportunities Albany Law School offers its students.

Recently, Albany Law School held two events a week apart, with the Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals as the headliner, hence the name Chief Week. Part one of Chief Week was the final round of the prestigious Domenick L. Gabrielli Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Competition, which was held in front of a panel of esteemed judges, including Chief Judge Rowan Wilson.

Just days later Albany Law School welcomed back Chief Judge Wilson to speak to students alongside former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman for the Chief Judge Lawrence H. Cooke State Constitutional Commentary Symposium as part two of Chief Week.

The leaders of two Albany Law School groups that played a key role in making these incredible opportunities happen—Marie-Therese Witte, editor-in-chief of the Albany Law Review vol. 87, and Abraham V. Frangie, executive director of the Anthony V. Cardona ‘70 Moot Court Program—are here to discuss how those events unfolded.

APALSA president Isuri Poththewela and member Ambreen Aslam (rising 2L) join the Albany Law School podcast during Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month to discuss the importance of creating a welcoming and diverse campus environment while encouraging involvement with issues touching the legal profession, the law school, and the Asian and Pacific communities. 

The Asian Pacific American Law Student’s Association is a student-run affinity group at Albany Law School that coordinates a range of activities, from academic, professional, and cultural events to school support.

The DEI office is crucial to Albany Law School as we look to welcome and support students of all races, cultures, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. The work this team has done and continues to do is

Instagram: albanylaw_dei

Email: [email protected]

On March 27, Albany Law School celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Kate Stoneman Day! This tradition celebrates women in the law in honor of the law school’s first female graduate, Kate Stoneman, Class of 1898. Albany Law School's prestigious Stoneman Awards are presented to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to seeking change and expanding opportunities for women within the legal profession.