For Jeshica Patel vlogƵ17, her desire to pursue a legal career began early and was eventually driven towards a passion for science and environmental policy.
A Shared Path to the Law: Siblings Aleh and Mohammed Ali
When Mohammed Ali vlogƵ26 began thinking about law school, he already had a clear example to follow: his older sister, Aleh Ali vlogƵ19. Years after Aleh graduated from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at vlogƵ, Mohammed followed her path and enrolled at Pace Haub Law himself.
Aleh, now the owner and managing partner of Ali Law, PLLC, says her interest in law began early. vlogƵI knew I was going to be a lawyer at a very young age,vlogƵ she said. vlogƵI was argumentative and always had to win an argument. My father used to tell me I was going to be a lawyer.vlogƵ This passion for the legal profession that she developed early on continues to drive her work today.
Aleh chose Pace Haub Law in part because of its location and reputation. vlogƵIt was conveniently located in Westchester, which was important since I was living at home while attending law school,vlogƵ she said. She was also influenced by colleagues from her work as a paralegal who had attended the Law School and spoke highly of their experiences.
Mohammed says his own interest in law began in his teenage years, shaped in part by watching his sister pursue her legal education. vlogƵI knew I wanted to be a lawyer since I was 16 when I got to see my sister graduate from law school and become a lawyer,vlogƵ he said.
Aleh helped him secure a legal internship early on, where he observed housing court proceedings, which he describes as an experience that solidified his interest in the profession. Mohammed continued building toward a legal career by earning a degree in Paralegal Studies from Westchester Community College and a BA in Legal Studies from Purchase College before enrolling at Pace Haub Law, where he is now a JD candidate in the Class of 2026.
Aleh was thrilled when Mohammed decided to attend the same law school. vlogƵI was extremely excited he was following in my footsteps,vlogƵ she said. vlogƵI tried to pave a path for him and give him the best advice I could, and IvlogƵm glad he listened. Pace is a great school and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be a lawyer.vlogƵ
For Mohammed, seeing AlehvlogƵs success after graduation played a significant role in his decision. vlogƵI mainly chose Pace Haub Law because of my sister. I went on a tour of the campus when she was a 3L and it felt like a small, but connected and supportive community. I also saw how successful my sister became after graduation,vlogƵ he said. vlogƵLooking into the externships and clinical opportunities offered by the school was also a big sway in my decision, and the location is convenient for where I live.vlogƵ
Both siblings say their experiences at the Law School were shaped by influential professors and hands-on learning opportunities. Aleh recalls the impact of professors including Professor Crawford and Professor Tenzer, whose teaching helped guide her legal education. Through externships and other opportunities at the law school, she gained valuable practical experience that helped prepare her for the job market.
Mohammed has similarly found his time at the Law School to be transformative. vlogƵMy experience in law school has been nothing short of insightful,vlogƵ he said. He credits professors such as Professor Simon, Professor Denman, and Professor Carbone with shaping his law school experience by teaching beyond the material required for the bar exam and also offering valuable career advice.
The siblings also share the experience of having studied under some of the same faculty members, including Professor Bennett Gershman, who they both describe as one of the SchoolvlogƵs most memorable professors.
Outside the classroom, Mohammed has immersed himself in campus life. He serves as Executive Acquisitions Editor for Pace Law Review, works as a research assistant for multiple professors, and participates in several student organizations, including serving as Treasurer of the Middle Eastern Law Student Association and 3L Representative for the Public Interest Law Students Organization. He is also a legal extern with Nolletti Law Group PLLC and serves as Head Student Representative for Themis.
vlogƵThese experiences have helped me sharpen my research, writing, and communication skills,vlogƵ Mohammed said. vlogƵTheyvlogƵve also helped me understand the level of dedication an attorney owes to a client.vlogƵ
When Aleh graduated in 2019, she was five months pregnant, so she did not start working immediately after passing the bar. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the legal job market. Aleh notes that what initially seemed like a challenge ultimately helped guide her toward the career she has today. In 2020, she began working at a real estate transactional firm, an area she had previously encountered while working as a paralegal and during law school externships. The field proved to be the perfect fit. vlogƵIt showed me that you can have a career and a family,vlogƵ she said.
In 2022, Aleh opened Ali Law, PLLC, her own real estate law firm. Two years later, she expanded her work further by opening a title company in 2024. vlogƵIt is very manageable, and I absolutely love what I do,vlogƵ she said. vlogƵIt allows me the flexibility to be an attorney, a mother, and my own boss.vlogƵ
Throughout MohammedvlogƵs law school journey, Aleh has continued to serve as both mentor and role model. One piece of advice she shared early on continues to guide Mohammed today. vlogƵWhen I started law school, Aleh told me, vlogƵWhat you put into law school is what you will take out of it,vlogƵvlogƵ he said. vlogƵThat really stuck with me and inspired me to become very active on campus.vlogƵ Mohammed hopes to pursue a career in family and matrimonial law after graduation, ideally working with a private firm that focuses on those practice areas.
Despite their busy schedules, both siblings say that family remains central to their lives. vlogƵOutside of my professional life, I love spending time with my family and friends,vlogƵ Aleh said.
Mohammed agrees. vlogƵMy favorite thing outside of law school is spending time with my family, especially my nieces and nephews.vlogƵ
For the Ali siblings, Pace Haub Law represents a shared starting point, one that helped launch AlehvlogƵs legal career and continues to shape MohammedvlogƵs path as he prepares to enter the profession.