Aspirations. Achievements. Accolades.

“It feels as though I just graduated from Berkeley College, but it was actually seven years ago that I walked across the stage wearing my graduation cap which read: ‘Next Stop: Law School,’” two-time Berkeley College graduate Lachanee Scott proudly stated. “Now, here we are!”

Following through on her goals

A proud immigrant from Mandeville, Jamaica, Lachanee considers herself a “first generation everything.” After arriving in the United States, she quickly found herself at home at Berkeley College, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate’s degree in Justice Studies - Criminal Justice. She then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies with Honors, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She was honored with the Robert Maher Award at commencement in 2018, an honor conferred to only one student each year. Her many accomplishments and her inspirational journey were highlighted in a 2022 Berkeley Today story.

Fully engaged in law school

At New York Law School (NYLS), Lachanee was a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council and a student affiliate of the Center for Real Estate Studies. She served as Co-Chair of Academic Retention and Professional Development for the Black Law Students’ Association, and Evening Division Liaison for the Caribbean Law Students' Association. She also worked as a Student Attorney in the Non-Profit and Small Business Clinic. Outside of NYLS, Lachanee was recently selected as a WX Scholar in the New York Women Executives in Real Estate Scholars Program, and she has continued to speak at events geared towards upcoming law students and Honors scholars at Berkeley College, her alma mater.

Focused on her future—day and night

Lachanee has worked as a full-time commercial real estate paralegal for over six years, including while attending law school in the evening. Her experience includes years of managing the lifecycle of commercial real estate loans from engagement to closing, providing paralegal support to attorneys representing government-sponsored entities and their respective seller-servicers. She is also experienced in preparing and negotiating various land agreements and title documents in the renewable energy space.

Another major milestone

On May 19, 2025, Lachanee walked across the stage once again—this time in David Geffen Hall at the Lincoln Center at the 133rd commencement ceremony of New York Law School as she graduates with a Juris Doctor degree. But this is not the only special aspect of her graduation day. “I was selected from the graduating class by a committee of the school's Deans, Faculty and Staff to be the Evening Division Student Speaker and was also selected to sing the national anthem at Commencement!” Lachanee announced.

A meeting with her childhood inspiration

A surprise guest at the NYLS commencement was media personality Judge Judy Sheindlin, who was a graduate of NYLS 60 years ago and noted that she had been the only woman in her first year of law school. Following a 25-year run of the Emmy Award-winning "Judge Judy," one of the most successful programs in television history, she is currently the presiding judge on "Judy Justice."

Lachanee recalled in her commencement speech, “I remember the moment I fell in love with the law. I was 10 years old, watching Judge Judy, a fellow New York Law School alumna. She continued, “Inspired by her, I started to research judges, their role in society, and how I might achieve that honor.”

Called an “exquisite woman and a warrior” by Judge Judy

Sheindlin referred to Scott as an “exquisite woman and a warrior,” adding that “very few things bring tears to these old eyes, but her address to you today did just that. She is a spectacular woman, and she will do spectacular things. I know that in my heart.”

Next stops: the Bar Exam and a law firm new role

Following graduation, Lachanee will work in the real estate group at international law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, LLC, which is headquartered in New York City. Following the Bar Exam, I will leverage my paralegal experience into a real estate attorney role,” she added. “I plan to specialize in real estate finance in the future.”

Advice for students considering a career in law

“It's important to speak to others who have already gone down this path, but do not take any discouraging words to heart,” Lachanee stressed. “I can say that from my own experience a legal career is nothing short of a fulfilling career.” She offered more practical advice, “Study hard for the LSAT and aim to get a scholarship—even a partial scholarship. Take part in extracurriculars in law school and protect your reputation at all costs—that starts today.”

Remembering her Berkeley roots

Moya Bansile, JD, a Legal Studies professor at Berkeley College who mentored Lachanee and oversaw her participation in the College’s Pre-Law Advisory Center as she prepared for law school, commented, ”Lachanee Scott, JD is a bright rising star in the legal profession. I expect nothing less than greatness from her as she navigates her legal career. I am confident that Lachanee will exceed all expectations and achieve anything she sets her sights on! Godspeed, Lachanee!”

“I am truly grateful for the start that Berkeley gave me, which was instrumental to my law school success,” Lachanee remembered. “Your support, as a college and as genuine people who care about my future and success, does not go unnoticed.”

The views and/or opinions in this article are those of the individuals interviewed. The academic achievements and/or employment outcomes described in this article are specific to each individual and are not a guarantee of similar results for past or current students. For up-to-date and detailed information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu and view our catalogs at BerkeleyCollege.edu/publications.