Meyer Suozzi Bids Farewell to the 2022 Winter Diversity Fellowship Program

This winter, Meyer Suozzi was pleased to welcome Samantha Giuglianotti and Jonathan Weiss, students of St. John’s University, and Nancy Coulverson, a student of Hofstra University, to the Diversity Fellowship Program. Taking place between the 2021 – 2022 Winter Session, the Diversity Fellowship Program is intended to provide an exceptional, diverse candidate with a unique and in-depth opportunity to work in a law firm and experience varied and complex legal issues encountered in a corporate setting.

Candidates who ranked in the top 20% of their class, in good standing, and evidence of having high ethical standards were invited to apply. Applicants were required to submit their resumes and a cover letter, before being invited for an interview at the firm.

Led by James Garbus, Partner and Chair of the Corporate Department, Mr. Garbus, and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee worked closely to review submissions and meet with each candidate on and before their start date. After their first day of training, Ms. Giuglianotti, Mr. Weiss, and Ms. Coulverson were assigned a mentor. Jayson Choi, Edward LoBello, and Steven Cheng mentored Ms. Giuglianotti, Mr. Weiss, and Mrs. Coulverson, respectively.

Through their time with Meyer Suozzi, each participant had the opportunity to participate in a deposition, received assignments in multiple departments, and meet with the chairs of each practice group. The program expanded and dove into the different practice groups allowing each participant the opportunity to explore a new field of study. “The best part about this program is the way we met with every practice group… it’s been really helpful to hear from different people in different areas.” Ms. Giuglianotti stated.

As the program continued, the participants had the opportunity to participate in a deposition with Jordan Weiss, an associate in the Bankruptcy Group at Meyer Suozzi. Ms. Coulverson, who had previously taken, “Foundational Lawyering Skills” at Hofstra University, in which she learned to write memos pertaining to different scenarios including a deposition, said, “… To have practiced the type of questions asked in a deposition, then to see it actually in person was truly an invaluable experience.”

Meyer Suozzi is thrilled to have worked with an exceptional group of aspiring attorneys and hopes to continue similar programs reaching those with accomplished and diverse backgrounds. Jonathan Weiss, a student volunteer representative on the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association and a member of the Latin American Law Student Society of St. John’s University, expressed his initiative to advise his fellow classmates on his experience with our firm. Mr. Weiss identifies there is a popularity of going to law school, but many can graduate and may not know in which direction to continue their practice. Mr. Weiss adds, “I think a firm like this doing this opportunity is giving that person an extra doorway to knowing what they want to practice…”

Ms. Giuglianotti, Mr. Weiss, and Ms. Coulverson have since returned to their classes at university. We know to expect great achievements from them in the near future. Meyer Suozzi wishes them the best of luck in their endeavors and looks forward to seeing them in practice soon enough. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee of Meyer Suozzi will continue to embrace diversity in the workspace and hope to continue programs such as this one.

About Meyer Suozzi

Founded in 1960, Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. is a distinguished provider of legal services, with a reputation for integrity, insight, and excellent client service. The firm’s attorneys are committed to their clients, community, public affairs, and diversity. With offices in Garden City, Manhattan, and Washington, D.C., the firm provides legal advice in a wide array of practice areas.