Activities: Student Government (Hardenbergh Hall Co-President), Intramural Basketball (player and referee), James Dickson Carr Scholar
What attracted you to Rutgers University and the Honors/Scholars Program?
I was attracted to the idea of taking small seminars with fellow Honors Program students, taught both by adjuncts with real-world experience and distinguished faculty. I wasn't disappointed; those classes were among the highlights of my academic experience.
Why did you choose your major and minor?
I'd always been drawn to history and politics and was impressed by the breadth of class offerings in those areas. I also had an inkling that law school was a strong possibility and wanted to continue to hone my writing skills.
Tell us a little bit about what you're doing now. What was your first job after Rutgers? Where do you live?
I started law school at Columbia immediately after college, so my first full-time job as a professional was after law school at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, a law firm in Manhattan.
What has been your greatest professional and/or personal accomplishment since you graduated Rutgers?
Spending 15 years as a lawyer and business affairs executive at the NBA allowed me to be a part of global growth of an internationally recognized brand. For example, I was part of the group that organized the first NBA game in China (in 2004), where they've played every year since then. Now China is the NBA's biggest growth market. My experience at the NBA prepared me well for my current role where, as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, I'm responsible for all of the legal affairs of the team and our stadium.
Was there a class and/or experience at Rutgers that led you to pursuing your current career?
As a sophomore, I took an Honors Program seminar taught by a lawyer and adjunct named Elisa Spungen Bildner. I don't remember the name of the class, but it addressed legal and ethical issues in journalism. The professor and subject matter were outstanding and by the time the class was over, I was convinced that I should go to law school. In addition, Dean Lord, who was the program director at the time, was extremely supportive throughout my 4 years at Rutgers.
What three words describe your experience at Rutgers and the Honors/Scholars Program?
Challenging. Supportive. Rewarding.
How has your Rutgers and Honors education benefited you in your post-Rutgers life?
I'm sure my participation in the Honors Program was a key factor in being accepted at Columbia Law School, which ultimately led to what continues to be an interesting and professionally gratifying career in law.
What advice do you have for our current SAS Honors Program students?
Take advantage of the many opportunities the program offers outside of the classroom. I wish I had done more of that.
For more information about this Honors alum, visit: https://www.miamidolphins.com/team/front-office-roster/myles-pistorius
