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PSS Fall '09 - From Theory to Practice

Parallels

Andrew G. Celli

Andrew G. Celli, Jr. '87

  • Partner, Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady
  • Specialty: civil rights and commercial litigation

  • Board President, Grand Street Settlement
  • Phi Sigma Kappa brother

What's your proudest achievement?
Marrying Ellen Unterberg '85. I'm batting way out of my league.

Define integrity in four words.
Doing your best. Well.

What was your favorite course at HWS?
Constitutional Law with Professor Emeritus Joe DiGangi

Why did you select HWS?
I visited during FolkFest 1983. That sealed it.

What does being in a fraternity mean to you?
It's the embodiment of community, of putting the collective before one's self.

If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Lucy Vincent Beach, Chilmark, Mass.

If you could be another living person for a day, who would you be?
My son Andrew, who's 11. For him, each day is an adventure.

Who do you think is responsible for the current financial crisis?
President Bush, Congress and the SEC. They were all asleep at the switch; this could have been avoided.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
Not far from where I am now - just better at it.

What's the most important trait a lawyer can have?
Judgment. There are a million ways to argue a case. Picking the right one is everything.

James McMahon

James McMahon '10

  • Public Policy Major, History Minor
  • Board Member, American Red Cross of the Finger Lakes
  • Phi Sigma Kappa brother

What's your proudest achievement?
The strong relationship I have with my family.

Define integrity in four words.
Honesty to your principles.

What is your favorite course at HWS?
Business Law with The Honorable Walter Gage.

Why did you select HWS?
I wanted a small, liberal arts college.

What does being in a fraternity mean to you?
I have a group of guys I can count on. And they can count on me.

If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Hike the Appalachian Trail.

If you could be another living person for a day, who would you be?
President Obama.

Who do you think is responsible for the current financial crisis?
The government allowed the climate to exist, bankers took advantage of it and Americans were irresponsible.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
Starting at a law firm and surrounded by good friends.

What's the most important trait a lawyer can have?
Ethics. People come to you in a time of need, and you need to return that respect.