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Alumni
Paul Humphreys '09: Guiding the Next Generation
Throughout his legal journey, Paul Humphreys ý09, has consistently exemplified the values of leadership, service, and mentorship. Currently a partner and office managing partner in the New York office of Freshfields US LLP, Paul has built a remarkable career focused on US and cross-border public and private M&A. Today, Paul attributes much of his professional success to the education he received at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ý and in turn, takes every opportunity he can to support his alma mater.
Paul entered law school with a unique perspective, having recently returned from Japan after teaching English there and was doing the same thing at Keio Academy in Purchase, New York. ýI knew I wanted to pursue a graduate degree and ultimately decided a law degree would suit me best. Both of my parents were educators, and I was the first in my family to attend law school. Pace Haub Law offered me a generous financial aid package and I made the decision to start law school while I continued to teach at Keio.ý
Reflecting on his law school journey, Paul credits the school with preparing him to succeed in a competitive legal market. ýPace Haub Law is a place where people receive an education, not just a credential,ý said Paul. ýThe professors and the School spend a tremendous amount of time helping students understand the material and creating experiences outside of the classroom to further that ý externships, clinics, study abroad opportunities - so that students are well-trained future lawyers when they leave the halls of the Law School.ý Professor Leslie Garfield Tenzer is one of the professors that Paul feels really makes an impact with students. ýProfessor Tenzer always took the time to review my written work product in detail and give me meaningful feedback. Though I had no idea at the time, this is the same relationship partners developed with me as a law firm associate, and the relationship I now have with the associates on my teams. All the professors at the Law School are invested in their studentsý success.ý
Paulýs connection to the Law School has remained strong since graduation. ýI am a testament to the doors that can be opened with a Pace Haub Law degree and staying involved with my law school in various capacities is how I give back and also pay it forward.ý Paul supports the Law School by providing mentorship to students, assisting the Center for ý and Professional Development by participating in mock interviews with students, as a guest professor in M&A and international business transactions courses, as a generous donor, and by serving on the Schoolýs Board of Visitors.
I am a testament to the doors that can be opened with a Pace Haub Law degree and staying involved with my law school in various capacities is how I give back and also pay it forward.
ýCountless individuals in the Law School community invested their time and energy into developing me as a law student and lawyer,ý shared Paul. ýI have been fortunate enough to turn that into a very successful career at a global law firm. Current and future students deserve that same level of attention and resources. I want to take some of what I have been fortunate enough to earn and put those resources to work for future lawyers who are drawn to the Pace Haub Law community.ý
In recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to Pace Haub Law, Paul was presented with the 2024 Distinguished Service Award at the Law Schoolýs annual Law Leadership Dinner, the Schoolýs signature fundraiser and alumni celebration. During the ceremony, in a full circle moment, Professor Tenzer shared heartfelt reflections on his growth from an exceptional student to a highly respected legal professional and supporter who goes ýabove and beyondý in his support of the School.
ýI am passionate about mentorship, education, and leadership,ý said Paul. ýMy time as a law student at Pace Haub Law was transformative. By maintaining strong ties to the Law School community ý whether it is through teaching, mentorship, or philanthropy ý I am helping to ensure the same level of success to future generations of legal professionals. There are so many ways you can give back to your educational institutions. As practicing lawyers, one of the most valuable ways you can give back is through your time. For first generation lawyers in particular, sharing your real-world experience as a lawyer and answering studentsý most basic questions can define their career trajectories. And, if you have the wherewithal, financial support is always impactful ý you are investing in the future of the profession, not just in Pace Haub Law. When I reflect upon my good fortune to enjoy such a fulfilling, exciting and successful career, Pace Haub Law is a part of that story. I could never repay all that I received, but it still feels good to give back to the community that gave me so much.ý
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