Pace University, July 19, 2024
“Professor Merton started her authorized schooling profession at New York College College of Regulation, and was a founding school member of CUNY Regulation College, and a Mellon and Nationwide Endowment for the Humanities Fellow. She joined Haub Regulation’s school in 1989 and served as Affiliate Dean for Medical Training and Govt Director of John Jay Authorized Providers, whereas creating and educating clinics in Entry to Well being Care and Prosecution of Home Violence, and revolutionary applications aimed toward offering authorized providers to these in want.
In 2005, Professor Merton based the Tempo Immigration Justice Clinic and served as its Govt Director till earlier this 12 months. On this function she was a steadfast advocate for her purchasers and a job mannequin for our college students — offering illustration on purposes for asylum or family-based standing, in elimination proceedings at state and federal detention amenities, and on petitions for crime victims and juvenile immigrants.
Her dedication to her trigger was actually admirable, demonstrated via her unimaginable work ethic, her investments in her college students, and her private involvement locally. She assisted vacationers detained at airports below the 2017 Trump Govt Orders, spent spring breaks volunteering at immigrant detention facilities on the southern border, and established a 200-student emergency operation to help folks affected by 9/11. She was additionally a passionate advocate for safeguarding the rights of all American voters. However maybe Vanessa’s biggest legacy has been as a trainer and mentor to generations of Haub Regulation college students, lots of whom she impressed to pursue careers in immigration justice or as public curiosity legal professionals.
“Vanessa was not solely the visionary chief of John Jay Authorized Providers and our Immigration Justice Clinic, she was a legendary authorized skilled, an advocate for her purchasers, and a mentor to numerous legal professionals in our area who stand within the breach for the underrepresented and underserved,” stated Haub Regulation Dean Horace E. Anderson. “Her altruistic spirit and tireless dedication to serving others has left an indelible mark not solely on the Regulation College, however broadly locally.”
Be taught extra in regards to the exceptional life and profession of Professor Merton in her digital Festschrift.
These excited about sending a present are inspired to make a contribution in her title to support the Vanessa Merton Immigration Justice Fellowship established by her household to proceed her legendary work within the Tempo Immigration Justice Clinic.
The Regulation College will maintain an on-campus Tribute and Memorial Service honoring Professor Merton on September 12 at 6:00 p.m. All school, workers, alumni and buddies are invited to hitch us on this celebration of her extraordinary life and profession. To make sure house for what is bound to be a widely-attended occasion, please RSVP HERE in order that we could plan accordingly.”
