Patricia P. Satterfield
Justice, New York State Supreme Court
J.D., ‘77
Justice Patricia Satterfield often
reflects on her experiences at the School of Law
As a Justice on one of the highest courts in New York, the
Honorable Patricia P. Satterfield often draws upon her experience
at the School of Law while ruling on important legal issues.
“One of the more memorable aspects of my time at St. John’s was
my study group. We would meet on Saturdays, review old
examinations, work on outlines, and discuss issues raised in our
classes. The verbal exchanges within that group, which was marked
by heated legal debate, point and counterpoint, frequently come to
mind as I interact with counsel during oral arguments on motions.
The ‘sparring’ that took place forced you to think quickly, which
resurfaces when I make immediate rulings from the bench on legal
issues.”
Justice Satterfield was drawn to the School of Law for several
reasons. As a teacher living in Queens, the campus was close to her
home. Equally compelling was the School of Law’s excellent bar
passage rate. But above all, it was the flexibility of the evening
program.
“The evening division program enabled me to work full-time,
which was necessary for family financial support and to fund law
school, to have precious moments to spend with my infant between
the end of my teaching day and before evening classes began. It
also provided me with the opportunity to take summer classes and to
do summer internships. Not withstanding the limited period of time
that I attended the law school on a daily basis, my professors made
time to meet and talk with me, and give me guidance. Without the
evening program at St. John’s, it is unlikely that I would have
attended or graduated from law school.”
Justice Satterfield attributes much of her success to the broad
and deep preparation she received during her time at the School of
Law.
“The Socratic approach forced me to reorient my approach to
analyzing issues. I learned to cogently and persuasively articulate
legal arguments, both orally and in writing. I also became adept at
time management, and prioritizing. My successful negotiating
through the oft-time puzzling dilemmas that confronted me as a law
student, when coupled with the intensive and rigorous courses of
study, equipped me with the knowledge, skills, tools, stamina, and
wisdom to preside over trials, to fully analyze the facts and the
law, and to render well-written and timely decisions.”
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