Four Touro Law Students Named New York Bar Foundation Catalyst Fellows

Four Touro Law students were selected to receive the prestigious New York Bar Foundation Catalyst Public Service Fellowships providing stipends for their work this summer. Danielle Blaustein and Jacqueline Fink will be working with the Nassau County Attorney’s Office; Mary Fatscher will be working with The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice; and Felicia Gaon will be working with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) – Special Education Unit.

Dean Elena Langan stated, “These students have shown dedication to public interest work and are committed to using their legal education to benefit others. I am confident that they will make a difference through their work this summer and make Touro Law proud.”

The Catalyst Public Service Fellowship Program was created to encourage and enable law students to gain practical legal experience in the public sector. The selected fellows receive stipends for otherwise uncompensated summer internships with public service employers. The program was created in 2016 through the donation of surplus campaign funds from the Janet DiFiore for District Attorney Committee before Janet DiFiore became the Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals. The program’s funds are administered by the New York Bar Foundation.

About the Fellows:

Danielle Blaustein is a full-time, second-year student who will be working for the Nassau County Attorney’s Office. She hopes to strengthen her legal skills while making a valuable impact on the community. She said, “I attended law school to learn skills that will allow me to effectuate change in my community. Attending law school has furthered my passion for learning and advocating for those who may not always be heard.” Danielle hopes to work in government as an attorney or to obtain a judicial clerkship after graduating from Touro Law.

Mary Fatscher is a full time, third-year student who will be working at The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice. She states, “I hope to utilize my legal skills and experiences to better our community as an advocate for individuals and families in need. I am excited to have the opportunity to spend the summer helping others and making an impact on their lives.” Mary states she has always been committed to helping others and looks forward to a career in public interest.

Jacqueline Fink is a full-time, second-year student who will also work at the Nassau County Attorney’s Office this summer as a Fellow. She looks forward to gaining hands-on experience while meeting fellow law students, interacting with practicing attorneys and supporting her community. “This Fellowship will help me get one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming an attorney.”  She plans to gain experience in a variety of areas of law through law school and hopes to obtain a judicial clerkship upon graduation.

Felicia Gaon is a FlexTime student who will graduate in May 2023. She will be working at NYLAG in the Special Education Unit through the Catalyst Public Service Fellowship program. Felicia, who has a doctorate in Educational Leadership, is fulfilling a lifelong dream of earning a law degree. She hopes to gain experience advocating for New York City students and families and gain experience with impact litigation. “I would like to continue to work with students and families to ensure that they have meaningful access to a free and appropriate public education. I also hope to ultimately become an Impartial Hearing Officer.”

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