"She is often referred to by her colleagues as the Conscience of the Law School.” -Jay C

One in a Million

Professor Vanessa H. Merton is a beloved colleague who, rightfully, has become a legend in the legal profession. She is:
-A superb classroom teacher;
-A beloved mentor to her students, colleagues and countless others;
-A brilliant and provocative scholar;
-A champion of justice in New York and throughout the United States; and
-A recipient of more awards than any law professor I know.

Vanessa Merton, a graduate of Radcliffe College and New York University Law School, joined Pace University Law School in 1989 as an Associate Dean for Clinical Education and a Professor of Law. Her resume showed she had already achieved much success in the legal profession. In 1973, she joined the Criminal Defense Division of the New York City Legal Aid Society as a trial attorney. In 1976, she became an Assistant Professor of Law at NYU Law School. She joined the City University of New York Law School as an Associate Professor of Law and Director of Clinical Programs in 1983.
At Pace Law School, Vanessa taught, developed the clinical law program, supervised the Domestic Violence Clinic, and in 2004 she became the Director of the Immigration Justice Clinic (“IJC”). The IJC, one of a few such clinics in the country, provides free legal services to noncitizens of the United States who have insufficient funds to hire counsel. IJC student attorneys litigate in the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and other federal courts. The IJC student attorneys participate in legislative advocacy, present Know Your Rights programs in many communities, and during semester breaks volunteer at immigration detention centers at the southern US borders. The IJC became known nationally for its work in immigration issues. The IJC represents clients in various types of immigration issues, such as, applications for asylum, removal proceedings at state and federal detention facilities, and aiding migrant crime victims.
In addition, Vanessa has led 132 public service seminars and continuing legal education classes. She has been honored twice for her teaching at Pace Law School: The graduating class of 1995 voted her the best teacher of the year, and she received the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence in 2012. She received over forty-five awards for her teaching, scholarship, and public service. She also served on many Pace Law School faculty committees. She has been an active and important participant in faculty governance. She is often referred to by her colleagues as the “Conscience of the Law School.”
I have had the privilege of being a colleague and friend of Vanessa for over thirty- five years. During those years, we have worked together on numerous projects, including faculty, student, alumni, and bar association projects. Her scholarship is excellent and her social justice achievements have benefited many. I have heard students, alumni, faculty, administrators and prominent members of the bench and bar praise her work in education and social justice. She is enthusiastic, wise, a prodigious worker and always willing to help those in need. She is a creative thinker and problem solver. Vanessa is known for her relentless advocacy and candor, her unwavering adherence to the ethical rules of professional conduct, and for never holding a grudge.
In October 2015, the New York Law Journal hosted an award dinner to honor lawyers who lead by example in public service and improving the legal profession. Vanessa was honored for her contributions to public service work and her work with others to improve the legal system.
Both Vanessa and I were honorees and consequently sat at the same table. We and others at the table discussed the topics that brought us together . . . the need to interest lawyers in providing public service and to improve the legal system. Vanessa reminded us that teaching and practicing law are privileges and each of us has an obligation to “give back” to our profession and community. The award Vanessa received that night reflected her many years of giving back to the legal profession and our community.
Vanessa, I treasure you as a colleague and friend. I benefited from the time you shared with me over the years. Thank you. You are truly one in a million!

Jay C