"Always been a touchstone that I constantly return to" -Janet C

My dear and ever engaging friend Vanessa

I met Vanessa when we both started law school. Not many women attended law school at that time - our law school class was about 20% women, a significant number for that time. Among the interesting characters in that group, Vanessa was particularly unique with her own personal perspectives. It was a turbulent time of controversy and advocacy - anti-war, civil rights, women’s liberation and more. Vanessa was a strong outspoken advocate but with her particular approaches and opinions. She understood complexities - as shown in her strong support of the rights of criminal defendants and of the victims of sexual violence and harassment and her insights into the successes and limitations of anti-war protests. But in addition to her seriousness and strong opinions, she was fun - ready for a midnight movie, or a quick subway ride to catch the blooming cherry trees before the flowers faded.

We were among the law students who experienced a newly developing approach to legal education, i.e., clinical education. When we graduated from law school Vanessa and I took to the Legal Aid path. But after some years Vanessa returned to clinical legal education - this time as a faculty member in NYU’s criminal defense clinic. She encouraged me to join the civil clinic and we taught as colleagues at NYU. I admired her great source of energy and constant drive to develop programs, to enhance teaching, to travel, to engage in deep conversations, and to take long runs.

Vanessa brought her energy, intellect, and experience to the newly developing City University School of Law. She put so much time and creative thought into the development of a school that would focus on public interest law with a social justice focus. Her perspectives on how law students should learn and what they needed to know was grounded in her experience and innovative insights into the realities of client centered legal representation. Once again, she encouraged me to join this challenging, sometimes chaotic, but rewarding endeavor and I became her colleague at CUNY. And I learned so much from Vanessa. Vanessa has strong opinions, but she always listens to my and others perspectives, and even occasionally changes her mind if the presented facts are substantial and the genuine goals are sufficiently compelling.

In those years at CUNY and the many more succeeding years Vanessa and I continue to keep a professional and importantly personal relationship. We collaborated informally and formally. We attended conferences together and made joint presentations - for which I knew I had to strive to be very prepared. But no one can exceed Vanessa’s extraordinary thorough preparation for any intellectual endeavor.

On a personal level, even when very busy and very stressed or challenged, Vanessa has always had time to talk with me about life’s challenges and goals and to share the difficulties and joys of being parents - of course, again, with her unique perspectives. When we both in our busy lives can find the time, I totally enjoy sharing with Vanessa the pleasures of the joy of swimming in a lake, walking in the snow, planting seeds and flowers, long dinner conversations and just breathing in the oxygenated air that surrounding trees exhale. And I smile at the way in which Vanessa interacts with my daughters recognizing the differences in their personalities and interests. Vanessa and Jennesa have very complex, rapid fire, intense conversations about politics, the law and the state of the world. Vanessa and Alessandra talk about medicine, the challenges of being a doctor and the joys of family.

Vanessa has been my long time professional colleague and my deeply appreciated long term friend. Work and family and life in general gets very busy and complicated, but Vanessa has always been a touchstone that I constantly return to because of the great pleasure I enjoy in her company and the many things I learn from her generously shared intelligence and unique and innovative perspectives. Much affection and appreciation to you my very dear and special friend.

Janet C