Celebrating the 2025 Dean’s Award Winners at Elisabeth Haub School of Law

In the upcoming commencement ceremony on May 20, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University will recognize three outstanding students for their remarkable achievements with the 2025 Dean’s Award, acknowledging their academic excellence, leadership qualities, and dedication to service.

Jonathan Bluvstein’s tenure at Haub Law has been marked by his unwavering pursuit of academic distinction, leadership endeavors, and active community involvement. He held leadership roles in the First-Generation Law Students Association (FGLSA) and LAMBDA Law Students Association, exhibiting a profound commitment to fostering inclusive environments and supporting diverse communities. As the equity, diversity, and inclusion editor for the Pace International Law Review (PILR), he championed diverse perspectives and inclusive language in the publication’s selected articles, in addition to guiding and mentoring first-year law students in understanding PILR’s mission and editorial processes. Beyond his academic pursuits, Jonathan engaged in various pro bono legal activities, including volunteering with the Welcome Legal Alliance’s Refugee Asylum Assistance Program and the Compassionate Release Program, aiding federal inmates pursuing compassionate release. Recently, he interned at the Fairbridge Investor Rights Clinic, representing clients in securities arbitrations and mediations before FINRA, and served as a student speaker at the 2025 SEC Investor Advocacy Law School Clinic Summit hosted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. His academic accomplishments, including multiple honors and awards, have culminated in his pending graduation with cum laude honors.

Kira Segal embodies resilience, passion, and leadership excellence as a standout student at Haub Law. Juggling the roles of a former teacher, a mother of four, and a part-time Flex JD student, Kira has navigated the demands of academia, student leadership, career growth, and family responsibilities with grace. Throughout her academic journey, Kira has consistently achieved Dean’s List recognition and is poised to graduate with magna cum laude honors. As the founding vice president of Older Wiser Law Students (OWLS) at Haub Law, Kira played a pivotal role in establishing the organization and continues to foster a sense of community and belonging among her peers as the current president. Her dedication to public service is reflected in her work with the Pace Women’s Justice Center, providing support to victims and families of domestic abuse. Currently, in an internship capacity with Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, Kira is actively involved in various court preparations for clients, demonstrating her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the legal realm.

Samuel Fonseca de Carvalho, an esteemed international LLM student, has left an indelible mark on Haub Law as a distinguished scholar and advocate for environmental law. Hailing from Brazil and specializing in energy and climate change law, Samuel’s contributions to the Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies (GCELS) have been instrumental in organizing and drafting motions for potential consideration at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress. Engaged in various student activities, Samuel served as a research assistant for the Environmental Law Society and as a Sustainable Business Law Hub Student Scholar. His attendance at prominent conferences and events, including those hosted by the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (ABA SEER) and the NY Climate Exchange, underscores his commitment to environmental advocacy and sustainability initiatives. With a keen interest in global climate dialogues, Samuel has volunteered at COP28 and participated in COP29, showcasing his dedication to advancing international discussions on climate change. His scholarly pursuits have resulted in notable publications on SEC regulations impacting registrants’ value chains and incentives for clean energy adoption through energy savings performance contracts, reflecting his expertise in the field. Samuel’s rich contributions to Haub Law underscore his status as a standout environmental law scholar and trailblazer in global advocacy efforts.

In conclusion, the 2025 Dean’s Award recipients at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law represent a cohort of exceptional individuals whose dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service has left an enduring legacy at Pace University. Jonathan Bluvstein, Kira Segal, and Samuel Fonseca de Carvalho embody the values of Haub Law, demonstrating unwavering commitment, perseverance, and excellence in their respective fields. As they prepare to embark on their future endeavors, their impact on the legal community and beyond serves as a testament to their extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the world.