Remembering John Dewitt GregoryA Toast to Larry Kessler
Honoring Larry
Larry Kessler, the Richard J. Cardali Distinguished Professor of Trial Advocacy, taught at Hofstra Law for 43 years and was the director of the Law School’s E. David Woycik, Jr. Intensive Trial Techniques Program for almost 20 years.
A nationally recognized expert in the field of trial advocacy training, Larry was the director of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) Master Advocates’ Program, the co-director of NITA’s Northeast Regional Program, and a team leader and teacher for courses in advocacy teacher training and trial advocacy at law schools and agencies throughout the country and the world.
He also designed advocacy programs for diverse groups all over the country.
Before joining Hofstra Law, Larry was a senior trial attorney for The Legal Aid Society, Federal Court Branch, and practiced law as a criminal defense attorney in the federal District Courts for more than 25 years.
He was a former law clerk to Judge Edward C. McLean in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and also served on the faculty of the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
Larry earned his J.D. from Columbia Law School and his B.A. from Columbia College.
Kessler Advocates Fund
In memory of Professor Kessler, who passed away in March of 2017, individuals may give to The Kessler Advocates Fund. Established in 2007 to honor Professor Larry Kessler, the Fund provides scholarship support to 2L or 3L Hofstra Law students who exhibit a commitment to pursuing a career in civil or criminal litigation or demonstrated excellence in trial team competitions.
Support the Kessler Advocates Fund in memory of Professor Kessler.
Memorial
The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
invites you to join
Professor Stef Krieger
Ben Rubinowitz ’81
Kevin Schlosser ’84
for
A Toast to
Larry Kessler
Richard J. Cardali Distinguished Professor of Trial Advocacy
October 31, 2017 | 6-8 p.m.
Hofstra University Club
Remembrances
“The first thing Professor Kessler asked us in his Torts class, my 1L year, was, ‘How high is high?’ From this foundation, he taught me that a lawyer questions everything and searches for arguments that advance his or her position. He was integral in my development as a law student and, subsequently, as an associate at a prestigious firm. He will be missed.”
— Floyd Howard ’16
“His passing will leave a terrible void. I will always remember him.”
— Hon. Denise Sher ’78
“Honor to this man who taught so many of us, across generations, how to teach what we all love – trial advocacy. May we hold Kess and his worthy guidance in our minds and hearts and continue to teach in his memory. He leaves a noble legacy.”
— Carl Bornstein
“The morning Professor Kessler walked into the lecture hall and made me laugh so much so that I had to duck under the table. This lasted for almost the entire semester.”
— Miles Reiner ’77
“So many, but the one I reflexively think of is ‘the bloody shorts’ from evidence. He loved giving that lecture.”
— Hon. David Kirschner ’89
“We shared a great love for Rumpole of the Bailey.”
— Juli Campagna
“Larry was always a pleasure to work with (years at NITA) and a delight just to be with. Smart, funny, and always caring. A true friend and colleague, he will be sorely missed.”
— Michael Patrick ’78, Partner (retired), Fragomen Worldwide
“Professor Kessler was a Hofstra Law Icon - smart, talented, spirited and downright fun. His work in trial advocacy education helped shape my career and, undoubtedly, many others. We miss him.”
— Rich Schoenstein ’90, President, Hofstra Law Alumni Association
“Tina Turner could not have said it better: ‘Simply the Best.’ Larry, you taught me how to think.”
— Lawrence Schoenbach ’80, Law Offices of Lawrence H. Schoenbach
Remembrances will be printed in the memorial program and will be posted online following the event.