New Scholarship Honors Joseph M. Ryan '62 and Supports First-Generation Law Students

A new scholarship at Brooklyn Law School will honor the legacy of Joseph M. Ryan ’62 while helping open the door to legal education for students who are the first in their families to attend law school. 

The Joseph M. Ryan ’62 Memorial Scholarship was established by Ryan’s wife, Jean Ryan, and son, Andrew Ryan, in memory of Joseph, who died in 2019 at age 82. Although neither Jean nor Andrew attended Brooklyn Law School, they chose to honor Joseph by creating a scholarship that will support future generations of Law School students. 

The scholarship will provide $10,000 annually for the next five years, for a total of $50,000 in current-use support. In addition, the scholarship will be endowed at $150,000, which will mature over the next five years and then provide an annual award of approximately 4.5% of the endowment’s value to students in perpetuity. The first award will be made this fall and may support one or more students at any level who meet the scholarship’s first-generation criterion. 

"Jean and Andrew’s generosity is a wonderful tribute to Joe’s life and his connection to Brooklyn Law School," said Miriam Stoner, Major Gifts Officer at Brooklyn Law School.” 

Before attending Brooklyn Law School, Joseph served in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. After graduating in 1962, he began his career as an associate at Dewey Ballantine and later worked at Winthrop Stimpson. He then became general counsel of Cushman & Wakefield before becoming a partner at Paskus Gordon & Mandel. In 1987, he joined Carter Ledyard & Milburn, where he chaired the firm’s real estate condemnation practice for more than 20 years until his retirement in 2010. 

During his career, Ryan represented the City of New York and several New York State agencies, including the Dormitory Authority, Empire State Development Corporation, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority, assisting with economic development, transportation infrastructure, and facilities for the City University of New York. 

"Brooklyn Law School was an important part of my father’s life and his journey as a lawyer," said Andrew Ryan. "He was a night student who worked hard to build a career, and we wanted to honor his memory in a way that reflects the opportunities his education gave him. We hope this scholarship will help another student begin that journey." 

For Jean and Andrew, the scholarship also provides a way to support students who are embarking on a path without the benefit of a family history in the legal profession. 

"We wanted to create something that would carry Joe’s legacy forward in a meaningful way," said Jean Ryan. "Supporting first-generation law students felt especially appropriate because they are pursuing a path that may be new to their families. We hope this scholarship gives students the support they need to take that next step and pursue a legal education." 

The family recently visited Brooklyn Law School for a tour, giving Jean and Andrew an opportunity to see the Law School’s campus, learn more about today’s students, and connect Joseph’s legacy with the community that will benefit from their gift. 

"It was incredibly special to welcome Jean and Andrew to Brooklyn Law School and introduce them to the students and community their generosity will support," said Stoner. "Seeing their excitement during the tour made it clear how meaningful it is for them to connect Joe’s legacy with the next generation of lawyers." 

The Joseph M. Ryan ’62 Memorial Scholarship reflects the enduring impact of a Brooklyn Law School education—and the ability of alumni and their families to help make that opportunity possible for the next generation.