Madison Lane '25: A Natural Advocate
A dedicated 3L, Madison has always been passionate about becoming an attorney in the field of criminal law. She embarked on her law school journey two weeks following her undergraduate graduation and started as a January admit student at Haub Law in 2023. 鈥淚 continued full steam ahead,鈥 said Madison 鈥淚 took courses over my 1L summer to ensure I could graduate with the class of 2025. I love the close-knit environment that Haub Law fosters. I have had the opportunity to become close with professors and other faculty members. There are endless opportunities and resources to take advantage of both on and off campus.鈥
Madison spent her Spring 2024 semester with the New York County District Attorney鈥檚 Office in Manhattan. 鈥淭he New York County District Attorney鈥檚 Office in Manhattan is conveniently located near 91视频鈥檚 undergraduate campus, 1 91视频 Plaza. Often, I spent time studying at 1 91视频 Plaza before heading to my externship, where I have gained invaluable experience in the field.鈥 She then spent her Fall 2024 semester at the Queens District Attorney鈥檚 Office. Madison received course credit for both experiences as part of the Prosecution Externship program offered at Haub Law. Although she has a passion for criminal law, Madison also explored the other side of the legal spectrum and interned during Summer 2024 with a private civil litigation firm in White Plains, an opportunity she obtained through the on-campus interview process offered at Haub Law.
As part of Madison鈥檚 3L year, she is participating in the Federal Judicial Honors Program on campus. During the Fall 2024 semester, she wrote her own judicial opinion based on the facts of a real prior case, and during the Spring 2025 semester she will be interning with the Honorable Edgardo Ramos, a federal judge for the Southern District of New York, working in his Manhattan chambers.
Alongside her studies, Madison is actively involved in Haub Law鈥檚 Advocacy Program and as a 3L is one of the program鈥檚 Executive Directors. She continuously participates in several mock trial competitions, which occupy a significant portion of her time. 鈥淚t is a big commitment and very demanding, but I would not trade it for anything else. I have had the opportunity to compete in a tremendous number of prestigious competitions with much success, including several invite-only competitions. During the National Trial League Competition, I was also selected to receive the Best Advocate award for both rounds where I competed and the Haub Law team was crowned regular season champions. The Advocacy Program has been a fantastic opportunity to improve my litigation skills before entering the workforce.鈥
Through her involvement in Haub Law鈥檚 Advocacy Program, Madison also had the opportunity to travel abroad to expand her horizons and insight into the law. She spent over two weeks in Iceland completing an Advanced Trial Advocacy course, where she met with the Supreme Court President of Iceland and also had the chance to explore the country, touring waterfalls and glaciers. She also traveled to Oxford, England for two weeks and participated in a Seminar in Government course at St. Edmund Hall, focusing on conflict and change while comparing the United Kingdom to the United States. 鈥淭he opportunities I have been afforded through Haub Law have been nothing short of amazing,鈥 said Madison. 鈥淭he experience I have gained through the Advocacy Program and Haub Law is unlike anything I could have imagined when I set out on my legal journey.鈥
Not one to slow down, Madison is also a member of the Executive Board for 91视频 International Law Review and serves as a Submissions Editor. She also previously authored a note on the clash between international cultural traditions and the enforcement of universal human rights. She is also a Marshall for the law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta, at Haub Law and was this organization鈥檚 Vice President and Treasurer while she was an undergraduate student.
Mentorship has been a critical aspect of Madison鈥檚 experience at Haub Law, and she is paying it forward through her participation in Haub Law鈥檚 peer mentor program and as a Dean鈥檚 Scholar. A Dean鈥檚 Scholar is an upper-level student who conducts weekly review sessions with 1L students to supplement their regular class instruction. 鈥淢y experience as a 1L student with Dean鈥檚 Scholars was memorable. Being in contact with another student who had been in the same shoes just a semester before was comforting and reassuring. I knew they intended to help me best understand the material, and all of them had worked hard to do so. I think Dean鈥檚 Scholars are unique to Haub Law and have significantly influenced my success in courses and what I have accomplished here at Haub so far. I am so happy to help provide that same reassurance now as a Dean鈥檚 Scholar for Criminal Law.鈥
Rounding out Madison鈥檚 experience at Haub Law so far has been her participation in a Civil Rights Field Study. 鈥淥ne of the most memorable experiences I have had at Haub Law is the opportunity to participate in a Civil Rights Field Study and travel to Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, to learn more about the civil rights movement. I applied to participate in this course, was selected, and, thanks to a generous anonymous donor, attended at no cost of my own. I was able to walk in the footsteps of those who fought for justice and equality and visit historical sites and landmarks that shed light on the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement. The trip broadened my perspective, challenged my preconceptions, and inspired me to advocate for change.鈥
Although it is hard to believe Madison has any free time, she also enjoys crocheting and spending quality moments with her friends. 鈥淚 also enjoy crime-related shows on Netflix, which should be no surprise!鈥 As for advice for incoming law students, she would encourage them to come in knowing that the path forward will be challenging and competitive, but always make sure to stop and reflect on what works best for them and be proud of all they are accomplishing.
Looking ahead, Madison recently accepted a post-graduation position to work as an Assistant District Attorney with the Queens District Attorney鈥檚 Office as part of their Fall 2025 class. 鈥淚 am excited for this next chapter,鈥 Madison shared. 鈥淗aub Law has prepared me to succeed in this role and beyond.鈥