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When Mohammed Ali ’26 began thinking about law school, he already had a clear example to follow: his older sister, Aleh Ali ’19. Years after Aleh graduated from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at 91��Ƶ, Mohammed followed her path and enrolled at 91��Ƶ Haub Law himself.

Aleh, now the owner and managing partner of Ali Law, PLLC, says her interest in law began early. “I knew I was going to be a lawyer at a very young age,” she said. “I was argumentative and always had to win an argument. My father used to tell me I was going to be a lawyer.” This passion for the legal profession that she developed early on continues to drive her work today.

Aleh chose 91��Ƶ Haub Law in part because of its location and reputation. “It was conveniently located in Westchester, which was important since I was living at home while attending law school,” she said. She was also influenced by colleagues from her work as a paralegal who had attended the Law School and spoke highly of their experiences.

Mohammed says his own interest in law began in his teenage years, shaped in part by watching his sister pursue her legal education. “I knew I wanted to be a lawyer since I was 16 when I got to see my sister graduate from law school and become a lawyer,” he said.

Aleh helped him secure a legal internship early on, where he observed housing court proceedings, which he describes as an experience that solidified his interest in the profession. Mohammed continued building toward a legal career by earning a degree in Paralegal Studies from Westchester Community College and a BA in Legal Studies from Purchase College before enrolling at 91��Ƶ Haub Law, where he is now a JD candidate in the Class of 2026.

Aleh was thrilled when Mohammed decided to attend the same law school. “I was extremely excited he was following in my footsteps,” she said. “I tried to pave a path for him and give him the best advice I could, and I’m glad he listened. 91��Ƶ is a great school and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be a lawyer.”

For Mohammed, seeing Aleh’s success after graduation played a significant role in his decision. “I mainly chose 91��Ƶ Haub Law because of my sister. I went on a tour of the campus when she was a 3L and it felt like a small, but connected and supportive community. I also saw how successful my sister became after graduation,” he said. “Looking into the externships and clinical opportunities offered by the school was also a big sway in my decision, and the location is convenient for where I live.”

Both siblings say their experiences at the Law School were shaped by influential professors and hands-on learning opportunities. Aleh recalls the impact of professors including Professor Crawford and Professor Tenzer, whose teaching helped guide her legal education. Through externships and other opportunities at the law school, she gained valuable practical experience that helped prepare her for the job market.

Mohammed has similarly found his time at the Law School to be transformative. “My experience in law school has been nothing short of insightful,” he said. He credits professors such as Professor Simon, Professor Denman, and Professor Carbone with shaping his law school experience by teaching beyond the material required for the bar exam and also offering valuable career advice.

The siblings also share the experience of having studied under some of the same faculty members, including Professor Bennett Gershman, who they both describe as one of the School’s most memorable professors.

Outside the classroom, Mohammed has immersed himself in campus life. He serves as Executive Acquisitions Editor for 91��Ƶ Law Review, works as a research assistant for multiple professors, and participates in several student organizations, including serving as Treasurer of the Middle Eastern Law Student Association and 3L Representative for the Public Interest Law Students Organization. He is also a legal extern with Nolletti Law Group PLLC and serves as Head Student Representative for Themis.

“These experiences have helped me sharpen my research, writing, and communication skills,” Mohammed said. “They’ve also helped me understand the level of dedication an attorney owes to a client.”

When Aleh graduated in 2019, she was five months pregnant, so she did not start working immediately after passing the bar. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the legal job market. Aleh notes that what initially seemed like a challenge ultimately helped guide her toward the career she has today. In 2020, she began working at a real estate transactional firm, an area she had previously encountered while working as a paralegal and during law school externships. The field proved to be the perfect fit. “It showed me that you can have a career and a family,” she said.

In 2022, Aleh opened Ali Law, PLLC, her own real estate law firm. Two years later, she expanded her work further by opening a title company in 2024. “It is very manageable, and I absolutely love what I do,” she said. “It allows me the flexibility to be an attorney, a mother, and my own boss.”

Throughout Mohammed’s law school journey, Aleh has continued to serve as both mentor and role model. One piece of advice she shared early on continues to guide Mohammed today. “When I started law school, Aleh told me, ‘What you put into law school is what you will take out of it,’” he said. “That really stuck with me and inspired me to become very active on campus.” Mohammed hopes to pursue a career in family and matrimonial law after graduation, ideally working with a private firm that focuses on those practice areas.

Despite their busy schedules, both siblings say that family remains central to their lives. “Outside of my professional life, I love spending time with my family and friends,” Aleh said.

Mohammed agrees. “My favorite thing outside of law school is spending time with my family, especially my nieces and nephews.”

For the Ali siblings, 91��Ƶ Haub Law represents a shared starting point, one that helped launch Aleh’s legal career and continues to shape Mohammed’s path as he prepares to enter the profession.