Albany Law School Family Law Fellowship Continues for its Third Consecutive Year

This unique and innovative Family Law Fellowship was established in 2020 by a gift from Joanne P. Monagan, Esq. (Albany Law, '89) who is Managing Attorney at O'Brien Monagan Law Firm P.C. P.C.  The Fellowship, administered by Albany Law School, is awarded annually to one outstanding student who intends to pursue a career in matrimonial and family law. The Fellowship features full time summer employment at O'Brien Monagan Law Firm P.C. under the direction of Attorney Monagan, and it continues for two semesters during the fellow's third year at Albany Law School.

The Family Law Fellowship provides multiple learning and training opportunities with the fellow assigned duties and responsibilities directly related to active family law cases managed by the Firm. Working with the Firm's attorneys, the fellow prepares memos of law, petitions, affidavits, legal correspondence and other documents related to family law practice; meets with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to discuss individual case details; assists attorneys in court room settings and trial preparation;  assists in development of legal arguments, motions, and other case filings; assists in the preparation of court pleadings; and performs other essential functions required of family law practitioners.

The fellow receives a generous stipend of $15,000 during the 3-semester Fellowship program.  After graduation, fellows are free to pursue their careers.

Since its inception in 2020, the Fellowship has been awarded by unanimous consent of the designated faculty committee to two extraordinary law students.  Nora Baker was the first fellow selected.  Following a brilliant academic career during which Nora achieved high academic honors and won the prestigious Dominick L. Gabrielli Appellate Advocacy Competition–she achieved first place in the Best Oral Advocate competition.  She also won the Senior Trials competition.  Nora recently passed the New York State Bar exam, has been admitted to practice law, and has joined the O'Brien Monagan Law Firm P.C. staff as Associate Attorney.  We are proud of Nora and welcome her to our great team of family law attorneys.

Chloe Ross was awarded the second Fellowship in 2021 based on enthusiastic faculty support, her excellent academic record, impressive family-law related work experiences, and demonstrated commitment to family law advocacy.  During her 3 semester Fellowship with the Firm, Chloe has demonstrated exceptional abilities including brilliant writing and analytical skills, along with impressive interpersonal skills related to her work with colleagues and with clients.   Chloe will graduate from Albany Law School in 2023.  We look forward to a long association with Chloe who has expressed a keen interest in serving the Albany, NY, community.

We are preparing to announce our invitation to Albany Law School students, through its faculty, to apply for this year's O'Brien Monagan Law Firm P.C. Fellowship award.  We will report the results in these pages and are eager to meet this year's candidates.

Joanne P. Monagan, Esq.
Managing Attorney