Mothers in Law and PALS Provides Support for Parents in Law School

Riki Markowitz ‘25 exemplifies the St. John’s Law student experience. She excels in and out of the classroom, serving as Symposium Editor of the St. John’s Law Review and Journal of Catholic Legal Studies, a Mattone Center for Law and Religion Fellow, a student tutor and teaching assistant, a mentor for the Women’s Law Society and First Generation Law Student Association, a member of the Jewish Law Students Association, and Vice President and Co-founder of Mothers in Law and PALS (Parents Attending Law School), a student group for parents at St. John's Law.

Markowitz, a 3L and mother of three young children, sought out a community of law students who have shared experiences. “Sarah Masheyev ‘22C, ‘25L and I founded Mothers in Law and PALS because we realized that parents have unique challenges in a law school setting,” Markowitz shares. “Having a support system makes things so helpful.”    

The group has grown to more than 15 members since its establishment in March 2023. Mothers in Law and PALS engages parents in law school through programming and initiatives each semester. “We hold a general body meeting where we get to know other parents and offer advice as a group,” Markowitz says. “Sometimes, helpful information is hard to find on your own, such as how to get a parking pass from Student Accessibility Services if you're pregnant, how to navigate class attendance policies if you have a new child or if your child is sick, and where to find the nursing room in the building. Having a group of people with similar experiences makes it easier to access that information.”

Recently, the student group held a Mommy and Me event where mothers brought their kids to the Law School and had the opportunity to network with fellow student mothers. They also collaborated with St. John’s Law to get an improved nursing room for lactating mothers.

When she was applying to law schools, Markowitz recalls that St. John’s was very supportive and encouraging, which helped sway her decision on where to obtain her degree. “I applied to schools while I was pregnant, and I missed Admitted Students Day because I went into labor early,” she says. “The School reached out and offered to give me a private tour when I was ready. I brought my new baby and my toddler, and I remember everyone was so kind and happy to see kids around.”

As Markowitz prepares to begin her legal career at Davis Polk, she reflects on her law school experience. “I received advice early on to be comfortable being uncomfortable, and I think that’s what has helped me through this process. I don't think Law School is harder for parents; it's just hard in its own way. At the end of the day, being a parent in law school is a gift and if you're lucky enough to be able to do it, don't let being a parent stop you. And, of course, having a support system is key. I hope that Mothers in Law and PALS will continue to be a source of support for parents at St. John's Law for many years to come.”