December 20, 2024
The Yale Law School Fund Board welcomed Jody Yetzer ’97 as its chair in July 2024. Yetzer, a civil rights lawyer who currently serves as counsel at Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP, received her B.A. from Union College before earning her J.D. from Yale Law School, where she was editor of the Yale Journal of Law and Feminism and student director of the Poverty Law Clinic.
In addition to her new role for the Fund Board, Yetzer serves as a board member of OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Dress for Success Cincinnati & Portaluca, and The Power of Music.
In an interview with Yale Law School, Yetzer shared her inspiration for giving back and the fulfillment that comes from paying it forward.
What inspired you to take on the role of Yale Law School Fund Board chair?
I was truly honored and humbled to be asked to take on the role of Fund Board chair. When I reflect on the impact Yale Law School has had on me and my family, I realize all roads point back to this special place. I met my husband, Aly Kayne ’97, on move-in day in 1994 — in Entryway H! During that first summer, I benefited from the Summer Public Interest Fellowship (SPIF) and had the privilege of working at the ACLU of Alabama, litigating significant civil rights cases. I fell in love with the work, and it launched my career in civil rights and social justice — fields I am still working hard at to this day. I believe Yale Law School is a valuable philanthropic investment because I see its impact. I know the institution. I know the people. This is a place that is doing good in the world. It is my honor to pay forward the myriad gifts Yale has given me and to serve the Law School, Dean Gerken’s visionary leadership, and her and her team's tireless commitment to excellence.
How has giving back to Yale Law School been important for you?
I donated to the Law School Fund every year since graduation because of my gratitude for all that the Law School did for me. As we approached our 25th Reunion and found ourselves — for the first time in our collective families’ lives — in the extraordinary position of being able to make a significant philanthropic gift, the decision of where to direct our funds was easy: We would help facilitate Yale Law students’ path to public service by endowing a summer public interest fellowship fund.
Our investment has multiple returns. Not only are the student recipients directly aided, but the public interest organizations they work for and the clients they serve also benefit. The opportunity to have this kind of impact is so important and meaningful to me and to my family.
What’s special about the Yale Law School community?
I always say that the people I met at the Law School were among the finest in the world. They were the brightest, most respectful, caring, and thoughtful individuals one could imagine — true role models. The staff and leadership were unbelievably supportive in helping me achieve my goals. My classmates give me continued confidence that the future is bright. I carry the lessons I learned at YLS close to my heart, every day. I love coming back to the Law School. It always feels like home.
What would you say to alumni who have never donated to the Yale Law School Fund?
Like the ripple effect of philanthropy, justice also cascades outward. It leads to wellness, wholeness, and stronger communities. Yaw Law students, like no other, are taught how to think critically and creatively about the world and to engage in open, respectful dialogue — what many agree are the essential elements of a more just world. Investing in YLS students is an investment in a better tomorrow. This is the difference that donating to Yale Law School makes.
