Michael Scherz

Education

Professor Michael Scherz teaches the Social Justice Advocacy Externship and the Legal Services and Public Interest Law at Haub Law. Before teaching at Haub Law, he taught criminal law, evidence, and other law classes at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY).

Prof. Scherz is Director of the Domestic Violence Project at Lawyers for Children, where he leads an interdisciplinary team that ensures children’s voices are heard, while also helping families repair harm and heal. Before joining Lawyers for Children, Prof. Scherz worked with several nonprofit organizations, including the Legal Aid Society, New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), and New York Lawyers for the Public Interest. He has represented individuals and families in legal issues relating to intimate partner violence, children’s rights, child welfare, and government benefits. He has litigated class actions and affirmative litigation relating to child welfare, government benefits, rights of people with disabilities, and immigrants’ rights. His advocacy on behalf of individuals and groups secured critical government benefits (including public assistance, Medicaid, food assistance, and Social Security) in state and federal administrative proceedings, as well as individual court and class action cases.

Prof. Scherz chairs the New York City Bar Association’s Committee on Domestic Violence. He was a member of the Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Commission on Forensic Custody Evaluations. Prof. Scherz has served on City Bar committees relating to matrimonial law, domestic violence, family law, and non-profit organizations, and is currently a member of the Committee on Sex and the Law.  He previously served on the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Professional Ethics. Earlier, Prof. Scherz chaired the State Bar's Special Committee on Social Services.

Prof. Scherz received his Bachelor's degree from Columbia College (Columbia University) and his JD from the City University of New York School of Law.