The Cardozo community gathered on June 4 at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall to celebrate the commencement of the Class of 2025.
In total, 304 J.D. graduates and 83 LL.M. graduates were awarded degrees.
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Dean Melanie Leslie ’91 recalled the day she sat in the same theater at Lincoln Center to receive her law degree, not knowing what the future would hold—a feeling shared by many of the graduates. However, Dean Leslie assured them that their education has prepared them for successful careers and the responsibility that comes with taking an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States.
“The oath you will take is not merely ceremonial,” she said. “It must be the foundation of your professional identity. The Constitution you will soon swear to uphold represents our enduring commitment to liberty, equality, and justice. You will serve as the Constitution’s interpreters and defenders. This calling will require your courage, wisdom, and integrity.”
In the keynote commencement address, The Hon. Caitlin J. Halligan, associate judge of the Court of Appeals, recalled law school as an eye-opening experience during which she made lifelong friends. She encouraged the graduates to seize opportunities to represent people and causes they believe in to drive the law forward.
“As you all close this chapter today as students, I hope each one of you considers the myriad options ahead and that each of you chooses a path that is meaningful to you,” Judge Halligan said.
LL.M. graduates Koral Bahat and Denise Pasi were chosen by their peers to address the graduates. They reflected on the journey of their LL.M. colleagues who came from 34 different countries, and celebrated friendships formed among varied cultures.
“As we go out into the world, our differences are not barriers, but bridges—and we are capable of crossing them and achieving greatness,” Pasi said. “And now, looking around, we see not just classmates, but friends, future colleagues, and people who inspired us every step of the way.”
J.D. graduate Talia Raoufpur was chosen to address the Class of 2025 and touched on the resilience of the close-knit community. Despite unpredictable challenges, she said, everyone bounced back.
“The piece of parchment that we have spent three years earning bestows important responsibilities upon each of us to help others, to spread light, and to repair this world,” she said. “So, let’s stay supportive and remain resilient as we enter into this next era.”
Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, President of Yeshiva University, urged the graduates to seek opportunities in the practice of the law to influence outcomes ethically and to do good, whether on a grand scale or with quiet kindness.
“We are confident that you will seize those moments, that you will be the person who lifts someone else up and will act with purpose and care,” he said.
The graduates honored Cardozo faculty members who helped them throughout their law school journey.
Awards were presented by Student Bar Association President Maria Kayser. The recipients honored were Myriam Gilles for Best First Year Professor, Alexander Reinert for Best Professor, Gary Galperin for Best Adjunct Professor, Jenn Kim for Best Administrator, and Carey Bertolet Grand for Outstanding Assistance to the Student Body.
Dean Leslie presented three distinguished awards to faculty members. Professor Gilles received the Dean’s Award for Leadership Service. Professor Leslie Salzman was honored with the Monrad Paulsen Award. Professor David Weisenfeld received the Dean’s Award for Distinguished Service.
The Cardozo Commencement Awards Ceremony took place in the morning at the law school where 58 students received honors for their distinguished achievements during their law school studies. The complete list of students and their awards can be seen here.
Watch the full commencement ceremony here.
