Junior Honors US Government Students Learn About the Federal Court System from Judge Jesse Furman and Attorneys Evan Farber '95 and Sam Adelsberg

In honor of National Law Day and the 250th anniversary of the writing of the Declaration of Independence, Judge Jesse Furman and attorneys Evan Farber ’95 and Sam Adelsberg visited the Junior Honors U.S. Government Seminar to discuss how they use the founding documents of the United States in their daily work within the federal court system.

Students were excited to learn that all three guests have Ramaz connections. Mr. Farber is both a Ramaz alumnus and parent, while Judge Furman and Mr. Adelsberg are each married to Ramaz graduates.

Judge Furman was nominated by President Obama to serve as a Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and was confirmed by the Senate in 2012. Since then, he has presided over both criminal and civil cases, including several high-profile matters that reached the Supreme Court. Judge Furman explained the three levels of the federal court system and discussed why certain cases are heard in federal court rather than state court. He emphasized that his most important responsibility is ensuring that every individual receives a fair trial.

Mr. Adelsberg, a federal prosecutor focusing on national security, hate crimes, and sex trafficking, spoke to students about the criminal side of the law. He explained that he relies on the nation’s founding documents every day in his work to help ensure that all citizens are protected under the amendments in the Bill of Rights.

Mr. Farber, an attorney in private practice specializing in real estate law, discussed the civil side of the legal system, which involves disputes between private citizens. He explained that most civil cases fall into two primary categories: torts (wrongdoings) and contracts.

Students were highly engaged throughout the discussion and asked thoughtful, insightful questions, including about the impact of AI in the courtroom. All three speakers agreed that while AI can be a valuable tool, students must still develop strong reading and writing skills in order to succeed in the field of law.