Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Life lessons come in many forms. For Billy Michaca, in word and action, they came from his mother, a hardworking immigrant from the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. She taught him that no obstacle is insurmountable and that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. To honor his mother, the profound influence she has had on his life, and his own path to success, Billy recently established the Against All Odds – Michaca-Ali Award at his high school alma mater, Brooklyn Collegiate.

“The scholarship is awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional achievement, perseverance, and resilience while overcoming significant challenges to reach that pivotal moment in their lives,” Billy says, adding, “They embody the spirit of tenacity and have proven that, with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

Following his mother’s example, Billy embodied that same spirit as he grew up in New York City and attended its public schools. He decided to become a lawyer shortly after his family was evicted from his childhood home. “I was overwhelmed with feelings of powerlessness and regretted that I didn’t have the tools or knowledge to help my family,” he shares. “I never wanted to have those feelings again and knew I could use my law degree to guide my family and others like it through difficult times.”

When it came time for Billy to apply to law school, St. John’s was a natural choice. “I’m a New Yorker through and through, and it’s impossible to grow up in Queens and not feel a certain hometown pride for St. John’s,” he says.“I was elated to be offered a full scholarship, and choosing to attend St. John’s Law has been one of the greatest decisions of my life so far. The Law School’s professors and administrative staff were—and still are—invested in my academic and professional success. I’m forever grateful for their guidance and personal investment.”

As a law student, Billy excelled academically. He was managing editor of the St. John’s Law Review, interned with Hon. Denny Chin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, served as a teaching assistant in several courses, and led the Real Property Law Society as its president. He was also a summer associate at Lowenstein Sandler LLP where he now works full-time as a corporate attorney handling various matters including fund formation, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, among other complex transactions.

In recognition of his professional contributions, Trepp Inc., named Billy a 2023 Future Leader in Commercial Real Estate.

Reflecting on that honor and on his career path to date, Billy offers this perspective: “Behind each attorney is a story of triumph in the face of adversity. It’s a remarkable feat to make it through the bar admission process and join the ranks of courageous people who comprise the field of law.” He adds,“The Against All Odds – Michaca-Ali Award is a testament to that accomplishment; I hope it inspires others who desire to use their professional successes to help those most in need.”