diversity fellowship program
Throughout the years, the Firm has actively recruited qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to foster an inclusive workplace and better serve our clients. In cooperation with several local law schools, the Firm instituted a Diversity Fellowship Program aimed at attracting law students to clerk in the Firm’s Uniondale office. Each Fellowship recipient served as a legal clerk for which they received an academic scholarship stipend to be applied toward law school tuition for the academic year.
“Our Diversity Fellowship Program has been hugely successful and is an effective method to bring diversity into our attorney ranks, while at the same time giving back to the legal community by fostering relationships with diverse communities and assisting students studying for a career in the legal profession,” said Partner Brian R. Sahn, chair of the Firm’s Diversity Committee.
“As part of our commitment to diversity and attracting top legal candidates, the Firm plans on continuing the program for years to come,” stated Partner John V. Terrana, who is in charge of attorney hiring at the Firm.
Past Diversity Fellowship Participants/Awardees
Yuval Rosenthal (of New York Law School)

Yuval Rosenthal, an intern during the summer of 2021 said, “My time at FDT was instrumental in preparing me for practice. I got to engage with complex client matters and was encouraged to explore my interests by collaborating with attorneys across many of the firm’s practice groups. In addition, I was given the opportunity to speak with clients, draft memoranda, pleadings, and transaction documents, and attend client meetings alongside the firm’s attorneys.”
“I was welcomed as a peer and was treated collegially and respectfully. In fact, many of the kind, personable and approachable attorneys and staff members I met while at FDT turned into mentors and long-lasting friends. Lastly, I am immensely thankful to FDT for recognizing the importance of diversity in the legal field and for continuing to elevate those with non-traditional backgrounds among their ranks,” he added.
Ravi Vohra (of St. John’s University School of Law)

“Working at Forchelli Law was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn a great deal of law from a very experienced group of attorneys. The firm has undergone several mergers in the past, yet the firm operates as a single entity of friends and colleagues. That is Forchelli Law’s greatest strength.”
Jonathan Weiss (of St. John’s University School of Law)

FDT’s diversity program gives law students a tremendous, in-depth experience while promoting diversity in the legal market. During my summer as a diversity fellow, I worked hands-on with a great team of experienced attorneys in multiple areas of law. I was able to heighten my legal writing and researching skills. Summering at a firm such as FDT dramatically helped expand my network as I progress in my legal career. A program like this helps diversify the legal profession by giving opportunities to aspiring attorneys.
Josephine R. Pinnock (of Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University)

As a Summer Associate at Forchelli Deegan Terrana, I had the opportunity to work with a number of attorneys in various practice areas. The attorneys were supportive from the start, and consistently provided interesting, yet challenging assignments for myself and the other interns as well. The types of assignments ranged from producing formal memos and drafting complaints, to assisting with articles on legal issues that the attorneys are passionate about. Additionally, each attorney I worked with returned my assignments with thoughtful, constructive feedback. Every attorney’s door is always open, and they welcomed interns to discuss assignments, but also to discuss general professional development in the field. It is clear they are invested in my growth as a law student and future attorney.
The atmosphere of the firm is collegial and friendly. It is a unique setting where all the attorneys, staff, and interns can come together during lunch. This was definitely one of the many highlights of the summer.
I’ve enjoyed my summer at Forchelli Deegan Terrana and am grateful for the mentorship and guidance the attorneys and staff at the firm provided. I’m excited to see how the firm continues to grow moving forward.
Camila Morcos (of St. John’s University School of Law)

This summer, I had the exceptional privilege of collaborating with various departments at Forchelli Deegan Terrana, including Tax Certiorari, Corporate, Trusts and Estates, Real Estate, and Labor and Employment. In this dynamic setting, I was able to gain hands-on experience in various legal facets such as attending depositions, creating a secured line of credit promissory note, and researching the impact of a recent Supreme Court decision on current New York statutes, to name a few. Additionally, I honed my writing skills by drafting memoranda on novel legal questions, revising and editing loan documents, and drafting an article on taxpayers’ rights to surplus funds from tax lien foreclosure procedures.
My knowledge was particularly enriched in the field of Tax Certiorari, where I gained insights into the law and had the opportunity to work with the talented team of attorneys within the department. I had the honor of attending an award ceremony honoring FDT’s Tax Certiorari team, writing a comprehensive memorandum on the scope of discoverability in special proceedings, and conducting daily research to assist the attorneys.
One of the most striking features of Forchelli Deegan Terrana is the culture of mutual appreciation and recognition. The firm strongly encourages a shared celebration of individual achievements, creating an environment where applauding the successes of others is a norm rather than an exception. This approach fosters a strong sense of unity and camaraderie among team members.
Forchelli Deegan Terrana is truly exceptional place to work, learn, and grow.