Fred Curry '03 Uses the Power of the Brooklyn Law School Network to Help a Young Athlete Pursue His Goals

For Fred Curry ’03, success has always come with a responsibility to help others achieve their own. 

A distinguished Brooklyn Law School alumnus, Trustee, and longtime mentor, Curry has spent years investing in the Law School community—supporting students, creating opportunities, sharing his professional expertise, and opening doors for future generations of lawyers. 

Now, he is extending that commitment beyond the legal profession. 

As a mentor to professional boxer Nasheed H. Smith, known as "Sugar Sheed," Curry has helped the young athlete navigate the many challenges that come with building a career in sports—including the business and legal decisions that can shape an athlete’s future. 

The relationship also led Smith to Brooklyn Law School’s Sports Law Clinic,

where Curry knew he could find the legal expertise and guidance needed to help protect Smith’s interests as his boxing career continued to grow. 

The connection is the latest example of a philosophy that has defined Curry's relationship with Brooklyn Law School for more than two decades: when talented people are given the right guidance and access to opportunity, remarkable things can happen. 

"I've been fortunate throughout my life to have mentors who invested in me. I've always believed that when you're in a position to help someone else succeed, you have a responsibility to do it," said Curry. 

From Boxing Fan to Mentor 

Curry has been a lifelong boxing fan. For years, before he had the resources to attend live events, he followed the sport by watching fights on television. As his career progressed, he began attending bouts in person—and one night in 2025, a chance encounter changed the course of Smith’s career. 

Curry attended a boxing event in Maryland where Smith was one of several fighters meeting with fans after the bout. Impressed by Smith’s skills in the ring and his ambitions outside of it, Curry began asking him questions about his career plans and business goals. 

The conversation quickly revealed that Smith could use guidance beyond the boxing ring. 

A national championship boxer and junior Olympic champion, Smith turned professional in 2023. The Washington, D.C., native has built an undefeated professional record, entering the summer of 2026 with 10 wins and no losses. In June 2026, he signed with Zuffa Boxing, a major milestone in his professional career. 

Curry saw an athlete with talent and potential—but also someone who could benefit from trusted advice as he navigated contracts, finances, and the business side of professional sports. 

"Boxing is a business, and young fighters have historically been vulnerable when it comes to business decisions," Curry said. "I wanted to make sure Nasheed had someone in his corner who could help him understand the decisions he was making and make sure he was protecting his future." 

For Smith, Curry’s mentorship has extended well beyond contracts and finances. 

"Fred has been a mentor in all areas," Smith said. "He gives me advice not only about business, but about life. He shows me what’s possible and helps me think about my career beyond just what happens in the ring." 

The relationship has grown into a friendship built around a shared passion for boxing. 

"Fred is more than a mentor to me—we’re friends," Smith said. "I’m the expert when it comes to boxing, and Fred is the expert when it comes to business and the law." 

Smith said Curry’s passion for the sport is immediately evident. 

"Fred has amazing boxing memorabilia in his home. It’s mind-blowing how much he has collected over the years. He’s a true boxing fan." 

A Distinguished Alumnus and Champion of the Brooklyn Law School Community 

Curry’s commitment to Brooklyn Law School extends far beyond his years as a student. Since earning his J.D. as a part-time evening student in 2003, he has remained deeply engaged with the Law School as a supporter, mentor, volunteer, and leader. 

A member of the Board of Trustees and the 1901 Society, Curry has helped advance Brooklyn Law School’s mission through philanthropy, alumni engagement, and service to students. 

He established a scholarship honoring his late wife, Beverly, who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, to help support Brooklyn Law School students. He also founded The Sirius Foundation, which awards scholarships to high-achieving women pursuing careers in business.

Recognizing the importance of business knowledge for today’s lawyers, Curry helped launch Brooklyn Law School’s Business Boot Camp with Professor Michael Gerber, an intensive program designed to teach students to think like business leaders as well as lawyers. 

Over the years, Curry has returned frequently to share his experience with students, provide career advice, and help graduates build professional networks. 

In recognition of both his extraordinary professional accomplishments and his unwavering commitment to the Law School community, Curry was named Brooklyn Law School’s 2024 Alumnus of the Year. 

During the Alumni Dinner, Gerber highlighted Curry’s career as one of the nation’s leading experts in financial crimes and compliance, while also emphasizing another defining characteristic of his career: his commitment to mentoring students and opening professional doors for others. 

Most recently, Curry and Deloitte hosted Brooklyn Law School’s 2026 Washington, D.C., Alumni Reception, welcoming President and Joseph Crea Dean David D. Meyer and alumni from across the region. 

"Brooklyn Law School changed the trajectory of my life," Curry said. "The education prepared me professionally, but just as important were the relationships I built. Staying involved has never felt like an obligation—it has been a privilege." 

Connecting a Young Athlete with Brooklyn Law School’s Sports Law Expertise 

As Smith’s boxing career advanced, Curry recognized the importance of ensuring that the athlete had experienced legal guidance.

When Smith received a contract opportunity with Zuffa Boxing, Curry turned to Brooklyn Law School’s Sports Law Clinic, led by Professor Jodi Balsam, to help evaluate the agreement and provide legal guidance. 

Balsam, a nationally recognized sports law expert, reviewed Smith’s contract and took a personal interest in understanding his goals and career trajectory. She even traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet Smith in person and observe his training. 

"Young athletes are often navigating extremely complex decisions at a time when they may not have access to trusted legal advice," said Balsam. "The goal of the Sports Law Clinic is to make sure athletes understand their rights and have the support they need to make informed decisions." 

The Sports Law Clinic’s work with Smith was conducted by students under Balsam’s supervision, including Harrison Carter ’26 and Isa Didio ’26. 

Smith said the support from the clinic has been invaluable. 

"I’m so appreciative of Fred, Professor Balsam, and the entire Brooklyn Law School Sports Law Clinic," Smith said. "The students, Isa and Harrison, worked incredibly hard. They’ll make amazing lawyers." 

Having trusted advisors available has given Smith confidence as he continues building his career. 

"To have that sounding board—to be able to run decisions by people who understand the law and business and make sure I’m not being taken advantage of—has been super valuable," Smith said. 

A Sports Law Program Making a National Impact 

Launched in December 2025, the Brooklyn Law School Sports Law Clinic provides free legal services to athletes and sports organizations facing complex legal issues arising from sports participation and commercial activity. 

The clinic focuses particularly on young, emerging, and economically disadvantaged athletes who may not otherwise have access to legal representation. 

Under faculty supervision, students assist clients with matters involving athlete eligibility, name, image, and likeness (NIL), SafeSport compliance, scholarships and funding, disciplinary proceedings, competition integrity, commercial agreements, and other issues affecting athletes’ rights. 

The Sports Law Clinic is part of Brooklyn Law School’s broader commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving sports industry. 

In 2026, Hackney Publications named Brooklyn Law School one of the nation’s Top 30 Sports Law Programs, recognizing its innovative curriculum, Sports Law Clinic, Sports Law Externship Program, and strong employment outcomes in the sports industry. 

Balsam has also emerged as a national voice on issues shaping modern sports, providing expert commentary on athlete rights, NIL, antitrust, media rights, governance, and the business of sports. 

For Curry, connecting Smith with the Sports Law Clinic represented exactly what he believes a strong alumni network should do: create opportunities and provide support when it matters most. 

"One of Brooklyn Law School’s greatest strengths is its people," Curry said. "Whether you’re a student, an alumnus, or someone connected through this community, there is an extraordinary willingness to help others succeed." 

Through his leadership at Deloitte, his service as a Brooklyn Law School Trustee, his philanthropy, his mentorship of students and young professionals, and now his support of a promising young athlete, Curry continues to demonstrate the lasting impact of leadership, generosity, and a commitment to helping others achieve their goals.