2022-23 Ritter Scholars Named

The University of Virginia School of Law has named four students Ritter Scholars for 2022-23: Layla Khalid, Max Larson, Jack Turnage and Shinae Yoon.

Established by Willis Ritter ’65 in honor of his parents, the Mary Claiborne and Roy H. Ritter Prizes recognize third-year students “who best exemplify the qualities of honor, character and integrity envisioned by Thomas Jefferson when he founded UVA.” The honorees — selected based on nominations from students, faculty, staff and alumni — receive a tuition award.

Layla Khalid is vice president of Women of Color, advocacy director of the Immigration Law Society and an editorial board member of the Virginia Journal of International Law. She is formerly president of the Muslim Law Students Association, vice president of the Middle Eastern and North African Student Association, and communications director of the International Refugee Assistance Project. She also interned at the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, and has been a participant in the Immigration Law and International Human Rights Law clinics. After graduation, she will work at Squire Patton Boggs.

Max Larson is a LawTech Center Legal Fellow, research assistant to Professors Naomi Cahn and Danielle Citron, an editorial board member of the Virginia Journal of International Law and a Peer Advisor. She was also president of the school’s American Constitution Society for Law and Policy chapter and an ACS 2022 Next Generation Leader, as well as a participant in the Environmental Law and Community Engagement Clinic. After graduation, Larson will clerk for U.S. Judge Mae A. D’Agostino of the Northern District of New York.

Jack Turnage is president of the Clean Law Pledge, and has served as treasurer of the J.B. Moore Society of International Law and on the board of the Journal of Law & Politics. He has also worked for the American Clean Power Association and for Eversheds Sutherland in Washington, D.C. Before law school, he worked for U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado.

Shinae Yoon is a research assistant to Citron and Professor Cathy Hwang, an editorial board member of the Virginia Journal of Law & Technology, a LawTech Center Legal Fellow and a Community Fellow. She also served on the boards of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association and Women of Color.

“Each of these students has worked tirelessly to enhance the UVA Law community by supporting others, managing events and promoting causes of interest to themselves and others,” said Sarah Davies ’91, assistant dean for student affairs. “They are important assets to us all, and the Law School is a better place because of them.”