Brooklyn Law School Students Get VIP Tour of the New York Stock Exchange
As the opening bell rang at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Oct. 21, a group of 30 Brooklyn Law School 2L and 3L students got a firsthand look at one of Wall Street’s most recognizable traditions. After enjoying front-row access to the Wall Street ritual that marks the daily start of trading, they were then given the unique opportunity to hear from NYSE attorneys about their career paths, the work of in-house counsel, and the many ways lawyers help shape the financial markets.
The visit was part of a VIP tour organized by the Career Development Center, with the assistance of hosts David De Gregorio ’89, Senior Director, Associate General Counsel, Legal Department, NYSE/Intercontinental Exchange; Martha Redding, Senior Director, Corporate Secretary & Associate General Counsel for the NYSE; and Justin Durbin, Director of the NYSE Institute. In a briefing in the 6th Floor Wall Street Room, students heard about the attorneys’ career paths, the responsibilities of in-house counsel, and the role attorneys play at the NYSE. They also had a chance to ask questions.
President and Joseph Crea Dean David D. Meyer joined students for the tour, along with members of the Career Services team who orchestrated the event, including Associate Dean of Career & Professional Development Heather Spielmaker and Employer Engagement Coordinator Rana Moses.
"It was so inspiring for the students to meet New York Stock Exchange in-house counsel members, including one of our alumni, and to learn about their exciting careers in these very specialized roles," Spielmaker said. "Our proximity to Wall Street and commitment to providing practical experience is such an important part of Brooklyn Law School’s identity, so it was an extra thrill to have this opportunity."
Students toured the bustling NYSE trading floor and heard an overview of the role played by designated market makers, key professionals who help ensure market stability on the trading floor. At 9:30 a.m. sharp, they were positioned in a VIP area of the trading floor to watch the co-founders of Simplify Asset Management ring the opening bell in celebration of the Simplify Managed Futures ETF.
View photos of the trip below
'A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity'
The NYSE experience was one that Brooklyn Business Law Association President Danielle Berman ’28 will not soon forget.
"It was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Berman said. "I loved being able to see the inside of the New York Stock Exchange and learning firsthand what a lawyer can do at the NYSE."
One of her favorite and most captivating moments of the day was hearing De Gregorio and Redding describe their unique paths to the NYSE.
"Each of them brought a different background and skillset, and it was so inspiring to hear about how pivotal they are in all aspects of the stock market that you might not even think of," Berman said. "I found this to be quite empowering to realize that there is no single path after graduating law school that can lead you to a job such as theirs."
Another exhilarating moment was hearing the opening bell. "To see the pure joy and camaraderie that came from the entire trading floor to support that company was incredible. I felt fortunate to be able to be there with my fellow classmates and Dean Meyer to cheer them on," Berman said.
Law at the Intersection of Business and Finance
Anthony Quarles ’28, who is interested in corporate law and mergers and acquisitions (M&A), particularly valued hearing from the attorneys about the financial industry and seeing the activity on the trading floor. Students also learned that in-person trading and bidding remain part of the exchange’s operations.
"The visit reinforced my passion for corporate law and SEC regulation, which I am currently writing my note on, and reminded me of the many opportunities available at the intersection of law, business, and finance," Quarles said. "It clarified that M and A is more than negotiating transactions. It requires an understanding of capital markets, shareholder interests, corporate strategy, and the economic forces driving business decisions. Hearing directly from industry professionals reinforced how integral attorneys are to facilitating these complex transactions and navigating the regulatory landscape."
Alex Pan ’27 said he thinks of the role of in-house counsel in financial markets differently after hearing the NYSE attorneys discuss their career paths.
"Learning about how they started in different practices and shifted into in-house counsel was inspiring as a student who enjoys litigation," Pan said. "From supporting board directors to pursuing innovative opportunities in cryptocurrencies, in-house counsel can involve a diverse and exciting array of issues."
Niam Vora ’28 said it was exciting to witness an institution that is so integral to the global economy and it deepened his appreciation for the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, and financial markets.
"As a former pharmacist with an interest in patent litigation, I’m particularly fascinated by how legal frameworks shape innovation, investment, and corporate decision-making," Vora said. "The experience reinforced to me that beyond resolving negotiations or disputes, lawyers help build and maintain the legal structures that allow markets and innovation to thrive."