Jorge Sanchez '87

October 2009

What is your edge (strength)?
My passion to succeed and be the best at whatever I do, as well as my belief in God are my strengths.

What at Hofstra gave you your edge?
Hofstra opened my eyes to the world of possibilities.  I met some of my lifelong friends at Hofstra, and I began to realize my true potential.

In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
Liberating.

What was your major?
Psychology.

What was your favorite class?
Philosophy with Dr. Cernic.

What is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
Enjoying time with my frat brothers and friends, and playing baseball for the University and discovering the abilities that resided within.

What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
I am an attorney, and upon my graduation from Hofstra I went to the University of Texas Law School.  After law school, I  worked for the Attorney General’s Office, and then started my own law firm. 

What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
The Attorney General’s Office – I learned the value of a good work ethic.

Who in your field do you most admire?
As a lawyer, I admire my colleagues, who on a daily basis do battle in the court rooms along with me.  As a filmmaker – Spike Lee.

What advice would you give current Hofstra students?
Take the time to find out who you really are and want to be. Hofstra is the ideal place to explore opportunities. Make sure you explore and pursue what it is that you really want to do and get out of life ... and you will never look back.

How do you balance work and life?
I don’t – they are almost one and the same.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Making a lot of films. Starting several nonprofit corporations to assist those who need financial assistance to attend Hofstra University.

What is the single most rewarding experience in your career thus far?
Winning a capital murder trial in which my client was wrongfully accused. As an actor, playing a role in the movie The Rookie; as a screenwriter, having Michael Bay’s production company show serious interest in my scripts.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying that has kept you motivated through the years?
While at Hofstra, the motto of the NOAH program was "If there is no struggle, there is no progress."  That motto has served me well over the years.

How do you manage to balance so many different passions and interests at the same time?
When it’s your passion, you are willing to burn the midnight oil much more frequently. I feel like the time is now to do what God has blessed me to do.

Has your experience in the legal field helped you with your other interests?
Yes.  It helps in all negotiations, and it always allows me to see both sides of any issue or discussion.

What would you most like to "give back" to Hofstra as a successful alumnus?
The knowledge that the time is now to do what God gave you the ability to do.   To hopefully pass on the knowledge that your days at Hofstra will turn out to be the most important in your life. If used correctly, you will forge lifelong friendships and learn valuable lessons that will serve you for the rest of your life.