Meet the Graduates

Who I was then: I graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in English, music and Asian studies. My interest in law came serendipitously. While in Japan for a summer research project, I happened to work alongside another student who was examining the role of the Japanese legal system in disaster recovery and relief. I was intrigued. After some encouragement from one of the academic advisers, I signed up for my first political science class the following semester. Afterwards, I decided to take the LSAT and applied to law school.

Amazing law school class: It’s too hard to pick just one! Hallmarks of Distinguished Advocacy with Professor Molly Bishop Shadel was one of my favorite courses during law school. She creates such a friendly and encouraging environment for all students, regardless of their familiarity with public speaking. I also greatly enjoyed Professor Annie Kim’s Law and Literature: Storytelling course. The fusion of legal and literary analysis provided a refreshing and engaging experience every class.

Outside class: I served as vice president for the Wheelchair Tennis Team at UVA. I greatly enjoyed representing the University while competing in various out-of-state wheelchair tennis tournaments throughout my second and third year. I also served on the Virginia Tax Review and as a research assistant for Professor Cathy Hwang.

Favorite outing/activity to unwind: Outside of playing wheelchair tennis, I looked forward to playing softball every semester. My 1L section stayed together and fielded a team every year. I also enjoyed grabbing brunch with friends and visiting local coffee shops.

Noteworthy summer job: I loved both of my summer jobs. I spent my 1L summer as a summer associate at Faegre Drinker in the New York office. I then spent my 2L summer as a summer associate at Sidley Austin in the New York office.

What’s next (job/location): I will be studying for the New York bar exam in Charlottesville. After that, I will return to Sidley Austin as an associate in the New York office.

Who I am now: I am extremely grateful for the countless opportunities and experiences that I have had during my time at UVA Law. The faculty here have challenged me to think critically and taught me how to advocate for others both orally and in writing. The students here have taught me just how important it is to be a support network for each other during challenging times. Ultimately, I am leaving law school more enriched by the wonderful people I have been surrounded by these past three years. I can’t wait to take all the lessons I’ve learned into the next chapter of my life.

What you should know about Virginia Law: You have the ability to shape what your experience here looks like. Law school can be challenging, stressful, and overwhelming at times — but don’t let that stop you from pursuing the things that interest you! You’ll be faced with many new and unexpected opportunities. Don’t be afraid to say yes to them.

Who I was then: I graduated from Florida State University with degrees in international affairs and political science in 2020. In the year before law school, I worked remotely as a paralegal at the Department of Justice in the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division. I enjoyed using my dual language skills to connect with Spanish-speaking clients. My time as a paralegal at DOJ solidified my interest in the law and its power to help people. 

Amazing law school class: I really enjoyed Border and Politics taught by Professor Kristen Clarens! The class dissects what happens at the U.S./Mexico border. Professor Clarens even helps students connect to the local immigrant community in Charlottesville. This class helped me build relationships with the Latinx community, which led to a UVA Law and Southwood Boys and Girls Club collaboration on a soccer day! I also really enjoyed both yearlong clinics I participated in. As a 2L, I was in the Immigration Law Clinic and was second chair for two full asylum trials that we won! As a 3L, I worked with the International Human Rights Law Clinic on an international human rights accountability project which culminated with a visit to the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Outside class: I served as the president for the Latin American Law Organization as a 3L and vice president during 2L. I poured my passion into creating a community for Hispanic/Latinx students through professional, academic and social activities — we even started a local dance night each semester. I also participated in the Peer Advisors Program during the last two years. It was fun to stay connected to incoming students and share my knowledge about UVA law and fun activities in Charlottesville.

Favorite outing/activity to unwind: Sipping all the different wines at the various Charlottesville wineries with my dog, Chorizo. I also do a lot of fun exploring in nearby parks, rivers and relaxing at local breweries and wineries. A few of my favorite parks are Chris Greene Park and Walnut Creek State Park. One of my favorite local activities is watching a sunset over the mountains at Raven’s Roost Overlook or a sunrise hike at Mountain Farm Trail.

Noteworthy summer job: I was a judicial intern for Judge Hannah M. Lauck in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia during 1L summer. It was fun to watch proceedings in court and make lifelong connections with the clerks and co-interns. It helped me understand the work of opinion-writing and what it means to be a woman on the bench.

What’s next (job/location): After the bar exam, I’ll return to Reed Smith in D.C. to practice litigation/regulatory work. Before starting my job, I will be traveling around Africa and Europe! 

Who I am now: I am more confident in my professional and legal skills. As an immigrant and first-generation student, I often struggle, as many do, with imposter syndrome. But law school has helped me hone my critical thinking, public speaking and advocacy skills. It has helped me take up space—which is important to do as a legal advocate. It has also taught me to be open to having difficult conversations with people I might disagree with and ask inquisitive questions about issues I don’t understand. I know this curiousness will allow me to keep learning in the future.

What you should know about Virginia Law: UVA Law will challenge you. We truly have top-notch professors who will invest in you once you take the initiative to create the relationship. You will also find amazing friends and people who will support and advocate for you. This support comes not only from friends and peers, but also from some of our amazing administrators. In terms of your own development, you can really take your interests and create a space for them. It is helpful to know what you might be interested in before law school, that way, you can make the most of your time here!

Who I was then: I graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in engineering management. After West Point, I spent a little over three years as an infantry officer, which included a deployment with the 82nd Airborne Division as a rifle platoon leader. I have no lawyers in my family and knew very little about the legal profession. I was lucky enough to be introduced to the Army Funded Legal Education Program, or FLEP, and that led me to UVA.

Amazing law school class: Given my STEM background, I gravitated towards intellectual property courses. My favorite IP course was Trade Secrets with Professor Elizabeth Rowe. Trade secret law is relatively new and the case law is fascinating. The cases almost always involve fascinating stories of disgruntled former employees accused of stealing valuable business secrets. Another favorite class was Torts with Professor Kenneth Abraham. Professor Abraham is a legend, and it was an amazing introduction to the legal world.

Outside class: I was proud to serve as the vice president of the Virginia Law Veterans for two years. VLV is a smaller organization but very close-knit due to our shared experiences. I am proud of the relationships that VLV fostered with other veteran organizations across UVA during my time. The next wave of VLV leadership is now working tirelessly to establish a Veterans Legal Services Clinic and I look forward to following their success.

Favorite outing/activity to unwind: I took up golf when I arrived in Charlottesville and was immediately hooked. I played countless rounds with many different law students over the past three years. Beyond that, my wife and I had an amazing time trying new restaurants, attending concerts, going out with friends, and seeing a ton of movies at the Alamo Drafthouse.

Noteworthy summer job: My second summer, I returned to Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and the 82nd Airborne Division as an intern in the JAG office. It was great to many former friends and mentors and see the Army in a completely different lens. I worked most of the summer in their criminal law division and was able to work on several courts-martial (the military’s equivalent of a criminal trial).

What’s next (job/location): I will return to the Army as an officer in the JAG Corps. After completing the bar exam, I will go next door to the JAG School and attend the Officer Basic Course. My wife and I are ecstatic to stay in Charlottesville a little longer until we head off to wherever the Army sends us next.

Who I am now: UVA Law has given me every tool to succeed as an attorney. I am confident that the legal foundation I gained here will help me continue to serve in my military career and beyond. Perhaps more importantly, I believe that my time at UVA made me a more well-rounded, better person. I was nervous about how I would adapt to the law school culture — my adult experience at that point was West Point and then the Army. To my surprise, my experience at UVA was filled with peers and professors who were generally curious about my experiences and more than happy to share their own. These three years challenged me and completely changed how I think about the world. I am so thankful to the amazing people of UVA Law for that.

What you should know about Virginia Law: Virginia Law is a community that wants you to succeed. You will be surrounded by brilliant professors and students alike, and they are almost universally eager to help you on your law school journey. Outside of school, make the most out of your time in Charlottesville — it is a special place, and three years goes by fast!

Who I was then: In 2021, I graduated summa cum laude and as “highest-ranking graduate” from Texas Tech University with a B.A. in philosophy and Spanish. There, I had the privilege of serving as student body president and homecoming queen. I was also a member of the Honors College and the All-Girl Cheerleading Squad (yes, UVA broke my heart in 2019 when they beat Texas Tech in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. But then UVA Law stole my heart when deciding where to attend law school.)

Amazing law school class: It’s so hard to pick just one — I have loved law school! Among my favorites were Professor Payvand Ahdout’s Federal Courts course and Separation of Powers in the Federal Courts seminar, Professor Michael Doran’s Native American Law course, Professor Amanda Frost’s Immigration Law and Policy lecture and Professor Cate Stetson’s Appellate Practice course. I also had a wonderful experience researching economic liberty through an independent study, which Professor Julia Mahoney supervised.   

Outside class: I served as articles development editor for the Virginia Law Review, vice president for professional development for the Federalist Society and mentorship co-chair for Virginia Law First-Generation Professionals. Perhaps the most meaningful experience of my time at UVA Law was competing as a finalist in the Lile Moot Court Competition with my roommate and friend, Audrey Payne ‘24. I was also a research assistant to Professors Sai Prakash and A. E. Dick Howard, clerked for the Institute for Justice and worked as a Workforce Law & Policy Fellow at the Cicero Institute. 

Favorite outing/activity to unwind: I enjoy walking around North Grounds, listening to podcasts, attending exercise classes, and exploring wineries and restaurants around Charlottesville (Pippin Hill and Mas Tapas are my favorites!). But above all, I love my family and friends. I find that time spent with them, even on FaceTime, is always the most fulfilling.

Noteworthy summer job: My 1L summer, I worked in the Texas Office of the Solicitor General, where I helped draft and review a U.S. Supreme Court brief and federal courts of appeals briefs. The experience sparked my interest in separation-of-powers issues and affirmed my interest in appellate litigation.

What’s next (job/location): I will proudly return home to Texas and work at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Dallas for a year. Then I will clerk for Justice Evan A. Young on the Texas Supreme Court (2025-26 term) and Judge Don R. Willett on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (2026-27 term).

Who I am now: Although I am sad to leave law school, I love the law and am excited to practice. Law school has pushed me to think more critically, equipped me with the confidence and tools to effectively persuade others and helped me reflect on what I am most passionate about. I hope to leverage these gifts for good.

But perhaps most importantly, I will leave law school having befriended some of the brightest people I know. I am so excited to watch my classmates shine throughout their careers.

What you should know about Virginia Law: UVA Law students are the happiest law students in America (and all employed after graduation!). Everyone here has bought in on cultivating a supportive and friendly environment. The faculty support is unmatched. Our professors are not only the best and brightest, but also approachable and kind. I’ve found that professors are always willing to mentor and support students. 

Who I was then: A proud Double Hoo, I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2018. I then worked for three years as an analyst at a law firm in Washington, D.C. The exposure to a wide range of matters — everything from multidistrict litigation to white-collar defense — and the opportunity to learn from talented attorneys convinced me to go to law school. And it was an easy decision to return to UVA and Charlottesville!

Amazing law school class: The highlight of my experience at UVA Law was the Appellate Litigation Clinic, where a classmate and I had the opportunity to brief and argue an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. For more traditional classes, I would highlight Election Law with Professor Michael Gilbert, Native American Law with Professor Michael Doran and Federal Courts with Professor Michael Collins.

Outside class: I served as the lead executive editor of the Virginia Law Review, a teaching assistant for Professor Jason Johnston’s 1L Contracts class, a co-chair of the Admitted Students Open House and an ambassador. I was also involved with the Innocence Project through both the Law School clinic and pro bono work.

Favorite outing/activity to unwind: Visting the local vineyards and wineries has been one of my favorite ways to explore the greater Charlottesville area. Whether you’re a wine snob or just want to get outside, it’s the perfect afternoon away from your textbooks. I’ve made it to more than 20 different wineries during my time in Charlottesville, and each has their own unique charm. Don’t forget your camera; they’re also great for Instagram content!

Noteworthy summer job: My first summer I interned for Judge Zia M. Faruqui on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Judge Faruqui was an incredible mentor during my internship — and is to this day. After a year of reading judicial opinions in law school, I think it is particularly enlightening to be in a courtroom for 1L summer. Working in chambers also motivated me to clerk after graduation.

What’s next (job/location): I’ll spend the next year clerking for Judge Michael Y. Scudder Jr. on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago. After that, I will head to Honolulu to clerk for Judge Mark J. Bennett on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Who I am now: I certainly know more random facts about Supreme Court justices and citations to various provisions of the U.S. code than I did three years ago. But law school doesn’t just teach you how to read or write or issue spot. It also introduces you to brilliant and kind people who will challenge you, expose you to new ideas and make you a better lawyer. I have learned as much from the time spent in the classroom as from interactions with classmates and professors outside of it. I leave UVA with some incredible friends and mentors who I’m confident will be influential throughout my career.

What you should know about Virginia Law: People don’t come to UVA to simply check the box on getting their law degree—here, it’s about the journey. Whether you come straight from undergrad or several years in the workforce and whether you come alone or bring a family to Charlottesville, you will be welcomed into an incredible community. Classes, organizations and UVA Law traditions provide countless opportunities to get to know your peers, but you have to take advantage of them. Don’t be afraid to get outside your comfort zone (and the library!) and say “yes” to things. I often tell prospective students that 1L was probably the most fun year of my life; I’m not sure you can attend another law school and have that experience. These three years go by all too fast, so make the most of the adventure!

Who I was then: I graduated from Syracuse University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a minor in psychology. I had no plans of going to law school until my last semester of college when I got to meet a bunch of attorneys as an extern at a sports agency. I spent a couple of years after college working and studying for law school in New York City. My first job was in advertising, where I helped manage the Reebok account for Deutsch NY. During the pandemic, I transitioned to a public relations job, where I worked on strategic campaigns for the BerlinRosen firm. During my time there, I helped labor unions with strategic campaigns, such as the Service Employees International Union and The Fight For 15. I worked in that position until two weeks before law school.

Amazing law school class: There are a lot of great professors and interesting classes listed here at UVA Law every semester and I’m thankful to go to a school that provides such unique class opportunities. That being said, my favorite class in law school was Sports & Games taught by Professor Richard Re. The class focused on comparing adjudicative systems and rulemaking in the law and sports. As someone who played sports a lot growing up, it helped me better conceptualize and understand the role judges and courts have in interpreting and applying rules to cases in front of them. I also have to give some love to Privacy with Professor Danielle Citron for getting me interested in a subject matter I was not exposed to prior to law school.

Outside class: I engaged in a lot of extracurriculars during my time at UVA. During my 1L year, I was a part of the 2024 Community Fellows class that helps foster community in the Law School. I was secretary for the Black Law Students Association for the 2022-23 school year, as well as a Peer Advisor. I was also involved in the Libel Show all three years, even becoming one of the head writers for the 116th Libel Show.  

Favorite outing/activity to unwind: Being outdoors in Charlottesville is great. Playing softball and other rec sports on sunny days and going to wineries is hard to beat. Charlottesville gets all the seasons, so if you are someone who enjoys being outside, this is the place for you.

Noteworthy summer job: As a 1L, I got to work on privacy matters and global privacy policy at Apple as a part of their legal and global security team. It was so cool being in Cupertino and experiencing how a company like Apple operates from the inside.

What’s next (job/location): I will be a Legal Fellow in Denver at the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. I’ll be working in the consumer protection division, specifically on enforcement of Colorado’s data, privacy and cybersecurity laws.

Who I am now: Law school has taught me a lot and has changed how I think for the better. Law school has taught me how to be more analytical and objective while being able to understand the nuances within the law. UVA Law has also taught me the value in being an empathetic lawyer in understanding how impactful lawyers can be as stewards of the law. People go to lawyers oftentimes with some of the most important issues that arise in their life and it is important to be a lawyer that understands that and moves with the grace that duty carries.

What you should know about Virginia Law: That the community here is truly special. Your time at UVA will be what you make of it, but you will find no shortage of people willing to at least hear you out. Also, this is a place where people care about being a graduate of UVA Law and that means a lot to me and really comes across when speaking to alumni. 

Who I was then: I graduated from Gettysburg College summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematical economics and public policy. I loved my time at Gettysburg, especially my semester abroad in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Amazing law school class: It’s impossible to pick just one! I particularly enjoyed clinic work. The Criminal Defense Clinic and Federal Criminal Sentencing Advocacy Clinic are run by amazing practitioners and provided me with so many invaluable experiences, including conducting my first state-level criminal trial and arguing on behalf of a client at his sentencing hearing before the Western District of Virginia. Two experiential classes taught me practical skills that helped me succeed in my clinics: Professor Alexia Morrison’s Trial Advocacy and Professor Molly Bishop Shadel’s Hallmarks of Distinguished Advocacy. While I loved these hands-on classes and clinics, I would be remiss if I did not mention a few of my favorite doctrinal classes: Civil Rights Litigation with Dean John Jeffries, Legislation with Dean Michael Gilbert and Constitutional Law: Survey of Civil Liberties with Professor Scott Ballenger.

Outside class: I was the editor-in-chief of the Virginia Journal of Social Policy & the Law, an auction manager for the Public Interest Law Association, a member of Lambda Law Alliance and a Law and Public Service Fellow. I also worked as a research assistant for the Public Service Center and as a Legal Writing Fellow for the incredible Professor Sarah Stewart Ware.

Favorite outing/activity to unwind: I love visiting the wineries around Charlottesville. My wife and I have been to 30 wineries in the area, plus a few breweries and cideries. A few of our favorites are Chisholm Vineyards, Blue Mountain Brewery and Castle Hill Cider. I also enjoy doing work at different coffee shops around town. My personal favorite is Mudhouse in Crozet. Thanks to Sam Spencer ‘24 who recommended it to me during the 1L journal tryout — I have been there countless times since!

Noteworthy summer job: I spent my 2L summer at Legal Aid DC in their Domestic Violence/Family Law division. I had the opportunity to assist Legal Aid attorneys representing clients with civil protective order, child support, divorce and child custody matters.

What’s next (job/location): I will be clerking for Chief Judge E. Gregory Wells ‘86 of the Appellate Court of Maryland. After that, I hope to work in public defense or legal aid in Maryland.

Who I am now: Virginia Law provided me two immense privileges. First, a top-of-the-line legal education that taught me to seize every chance to learn, grow and serve others. And second, the opportunity to meet and fall in love with my now-wife, Hannah Hauer ‘22. So who am I now? A law school graduate and a wife — and for that I cannot thank Virginia Law enough.

What you should know about Virginia Law: I have met some lifelong friends during my time at Virginia Law — friends like Sophia Hernandez Tragesser ‘24 and many others who were there for me during my highest highs and lowest lows. I have also learned from brilliant faculty members who provided once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like meeting Supreme Court justices — many thanks to Professor Lawrence Solum, who hosted Justice Breyer during 1L Constitutional Law, and Professor Kimberly Robinson, who took our Seminar in Ethical Values class to the Supreme Court to meet Justice Jackson. The amazing people, faculty and opportunities are what makes Virginia Law a special place.