Jeffrey D. Forchelli ’69 Named Trustee Emeritus
Brooklyn Law School proudly announces that longtime trustee and devoted alumnus Jeffrey D. Forchelli ’69 has been named Trustee Emeritus in recognition of his decades of distinguished service to the School. Forchelli, who joined the Board of Trustees in October 2005, has played a pivotal role in guiding the Law School and supporting generations of students and faculty.
A Family Legacy at BLS
The honor reflects not only Jeffrey’s individual service, but also the deep, intergenerational connection of the Forchelli family to Brooklyn Law School. His father, Don Forchelli ’31, graduated nearly a century ago, the son of Italian immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1902. As a first-generation American and lawyer, Don was “the star of the family, their oldest son,” Jeffrey later recalled. His example inspired future generations of Forchellis to follow in his footsteps.
Jeffrey continued the tradition when he earned his degree in 1969. Over the years, the family’s ties included his uncle, Vincent Forchelli ’40, his cousin, Charlie Forchelli ’71, and his daughter, Nicole S. Forchelli ’07, now a partner at Forchelli Deegan Terrana. Together, the Forchellis have created a legacy at Brooklyn Law School that spans nearly a century and multiple generations.
Supporting Students and Faculty for Generations
Jeffrey has worked to ensure that the Forchelli family’s impact endures. In 2003, he endowed the Jeffrey D. Forchelli Professorship of Law. Reflecting on that gift for the Brooklyn Law School 2023 Impact Report, he said, “What I wanted to do with the faculty chairs is make the Forchelli family name part of the history of the Law School.” A year later, he created the Don Forchelli Professorship of Law in honor of his late father, further strengthening the School’s academic mission. During a 2022 meeting with the new professors assuming the endowed chairs, he emphasized, “It is extremely important to our family to continue to support Brooklyn Law School through these endowments, which help educate and challenge the legal minds of our Brooklyn Law School students.”
The family’s philanthropy also includes the Jeffrey D. Forchelli Conference Center in Feil Hall, dedicated in 2005, which serves as a hub for scholarly symposia, academic programs and community events.
Lifelong Commitment to the School and Community
“Jeff Forchelli has been one of the most significant trustees over the last 20 years. Jeff has contributed his time, talent and treasure towards making the Law School the institution that it is today. We are delighted that Jeff will continue to share his wisdom with us as Trustee Emeritus,” said Frank Aquila ’83, Chair of the Brooklyn Law School Board of Trustees.
Beyond the Law School, Jeffrey is a leading figure in New York’s legal community. He is the founder and longtime Managing Partner of Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP, which he established in 1976, and has focused his practice on complex real estate, land use and zoning matters. Earlier in his career, he served as counsel to the New York State Assembly and as a Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps.
As Trustee Emeritus, Forchelli will continue to be part of the Law School family, offering his insight and institutional knowledge while enjoying recognition for his decades of commitment. His story reflects the enduring ties between Brooklyn Law School and the alumni who help shape its future.
Forchelli Family & Brooklyn Law School: A Nearly 100-Year Legacy Timeline
1931 – Don Forchelli ’31 earns his Juris Doctor from BLS, becoming the first in his family to enter the legal profession. The son of Italian immigrants, he is remembered with pride as the “star of the family.”
1940 – Vincent Forchelli ’40 graduates.
1969 – Jeffrey D. Forchelli ’69 graduates.
1971 – Charlie Forchelli ’71 graduates.
2003 – Jeffrey endows the Jeffrey D. Forchelli Professorship of Law, now held by Amy Gajda.
2004 – He establishes the Don Forchelli Professorship of Law, now held by Catherine Y. Kim.
2005 – The Jeffrey D. Forchelli Conference Center is dedicated.
October 2005 – Jeffrey joins the Board of Trustees.
2007 – Nicole S. Forchelli ’07 graduates, marking the third generation at BLS.
2022 – After a Trustees meeting, Jeffrey meets the new professors assuming the Forchelli-endowed chairs and offers remarks on continuing the family legacy. (Brooklyn Law School, Nov. 4, 2022)
2025 – Named Trustee Emeritus in recognition of his decades of service.