Law School Honors Rachel Freier ’05 as First Hasidic Woman Judge
Judge Rachel Freier ’05, the country's first-ever Hasidic female elected official, was recently guest of honor at the Law School in celebration of her achievements.
“Our law school has been a gateway to opportunity for generations,” Dean Nick Allard said. “From our founding more than 116 years ago, our doors have been wide open. We are a law school whose legacy has been shaped by pioneers and trailblazers who have gone on to lead in the profession as well as in government, public service and business.”
Prior to the Q&A between Allard and Freier, Professor Aaron Twerski, State Assembly member Dov Hikind and Federal Court Judge Claire R. Kelly also gave remarks.
“I have to thank Brooklyn Law School for giving me my law degree and making this all possible,” Freier said. “Yes, my husband and my family were all there to support me, but it was Brooklyn Law School that made this all possible.”
Freier discussed how difficult it was to adjust to law school and how much she relied on her family for support. When Allard asked if she had an “ah-ha moment” that made her decide to go to law school, she explained how it was a decision 22 years in the making.
“I was very content with my high school diploma,” she said. “I was a legal secretary and I was very happy. I kept getting better and better jobs and I started making more money than some of the men that I know and that was a great feeling. That was until I started working for lawyers that were younger than me. That's when I wondered, 'Am I going to be a secretary my whole life?' I had to try because I didn't want to tell my grandkids that I could have been a lawyer, but I didn't try.”
Following the conversation, Allard presented Freier with a ceremonial gavel.