Aleh Ali, owner and managing partner of Ali Law, PLLC, and her younger brother Mohammed Ali, a current law student at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, have both chosen to pursue their legal education at the same institution. Years after Aleh graduated in 2019, Mohammed enrolled as a JD candidate in the Class of 2026.
The siblings’ shared path highlights how family connections can influence career choices and educational opportunities. Their experiences demonstrate how mentorship within families can help shape professional aspirations.
Aleh said her interest in law began early: “I knew I was going to be a lawyer at a very young age. I was argumentative and always had to win an argument. My father used to tell me I was going to be a lawyer.” She chose Pace Haub Law for its location in Westchester and its reputation among colleagues from her work as a paralegal.
Mohammed said his own desire to become a lawyer started when he saw his sister graduate from law school: “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 later earned degrees in Paralegal Studies from Westchester Community College and Legal Studies from Purchase College before enrolling at Pace Haub Law.
Both siblings credit influential professors with shaping their experiences at the law school. Aleh mentioned Professor Crawford and Professor Tenzer as important figures during her studies. Mohammed cited Professor Simon, Professor Denman, Professor Carbone, and shared that both he and his sister studied under Professor Bennett Gershman.
Outside academics, Mohammed is active on campus as Executive Acquisitions Editor for Pace Law Review, research assistant for multiple professors, Treasurer of the Middle Eastern Law Student Association, 3L Representative for the Public Interest Law Students Organization, legal extern with Nolletti Law Group PLLC, and Head Student Representative for Themis. “These experiences have helped me sharpen my research, writing, and communication skills,” he said. “They’ve also helped me understand the level of dedication an attorney owes to a client.”
After graduating while five months pregnant in 2019—and navigating job market challenges during COVID-19—Aleh found success working first at a real estate transactional firm before opening her own real estate law firm in 2022 followed by starting a title company two years later. “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 their journeys at Pace Haub Law School—and beyond—the siblings say family remains central: “Outside of my professional life,” Aleh said,”I love spending time with my family and friends.” Mohammed agreed: “My favorite thing outside of law school is spending time with my family especially my nieces and nephews.”
