Ask the Grad: Class of 2023

Matt Dacey ’23
Vice President, Sports Law Society
Baseball Arbitration, Sports Law Negotiation Team

What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?

I’m going to miss the community here at Villanova Law the most. Law school is about as close as you can get to living in an academic bubble, and knowing you have the full support of your professors and classmates behind you is a strong motivator. I can attest to the fact that these three years have flown by and strangers I entered Villanova Law with are now some of my closest friends. 

What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?

The most memorable experience for me was creating the first in-person sports law competition that Villanova Law has hosted since before the pandemic. Launching the Villanova Baseball Filing Day competition alongside some of my closest classmates was challenging, but rewarding and was the driving force behind landing a post-graduate job in the baseball industry. I can confidently say I would not be where I am today without taking that initiative. 

What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?

I’m looking forward to implementing all that I’ve learned in the sports law arena to real-life issues in my post-graduate employment. It’s not every day that I’ll be able to build cases for baseball salary arbitration hearings or negotiate multi-million-dollar player contracts, but the lessons I’ve learned through The Jeffrey S. Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law curriculum and my sports law externship experience have prepared me to succeed in a very demanding industry. 

What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2026?

You may think this advice is crazy, but the next three years do not mean much in the grand scheme of things. Your future career success is not defined by your law school grades and your ability to work in your area of interest is not dependent on your intern/externship opportunities. If you work hard in the classroom, build a strong network of classmates and colleagues, and focus on your end goals, you’ll wind up right where you ought to be. 

Lily Haddad ’23
Co-President, Immigration Law Society
Vice-President, Middle Eastern Law
Students Association

What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?

I am going to miss the events where our school came together as a community, such as Red Mass or midnight breakfast before finals. Having started law school in fall of 2020, I feel especially grateful for the times we have gathered as a school during my 2L and 3L years and celebrate our community. The Villanova community is so supportive, and I love the times we can all get together!   

What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?

My most memorable experience here was being a student attorney in the Clinic for Asylum, Refugee and Emigrant Services (CARES). I had the opportunity with my clinic partner to litigate our client’s case in immigration court and win a grant of asylum. I loved getting to know our client, and I am so happy we had a favorable outcome. As an advanced clinic student, I was able to assist on other asylum cases, and coordinate with opposing counsel to file joint motions with the court, and it was all an incredible experience.

What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?

I am looking forward to beginning my career in immigration law in New York City. I attended law school with a goal of working in this field, and I am very excited to start learning from experienced judges and staff as a judicial clerk in immigration court. 

What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2026?

My advice is to remember your “why” for attending law school - find something to do that reminds you of that in the midst of your 1L classes. Whether that is volunteer opportunities with Pro Bono society or getting involved in other student organizations, keeping a perspective on your goals and getting to know other students interested in the same things as you will help you feel motivated and grounded!

Leigh McLinden '23
Managing Editor of Operations, Villanova Law Review
Auction Committee, Public Interest Fellowship Program

What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?

The professors. Each professor that I had during my time at Villanova Law was exceptional. Each professor offered not only a unique insight to the class subject-matter, but also a new perception about why the class matters when applied to the “real-world.” The professors at Villanova Law truly care about the success of their students. They are always willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed in the classroom and their future careers. 

What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?

My most memorable experience at Villanova Law was the time that I spent working with Villanova’s Farmworker Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC). Working with FLAC gave me hands-on experience. I was able to do meaningful legal research, draft different legal documents, and interview clients. More importantly, I was able to connect with the local community and provide legal representation regarding critical issues.  FLAC renewed my passion for helping others, and I was able to see firsthand how my law degree will help me pursue that passion. 

What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?

I came to law school to pursue a career in public interest. Villanova Law has given me the tools and connections I need to succeed in this sector. I look forward to starting a career focused on service and using the skills I learned to help others.  

What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2026?

You are capable! Sometimes in law school, you may get the feeling that you are not doing enough. You are. Remember to keep your head up, and to lean on others who offer you their support. 

Kevin Sheppard II ’23
JD/MBA Candidate
President, Student Bar Association
Commencement Student Speaker
Clinic for Law & Entrepreneurship

What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?

I’ll miss the Commons for sure! Sitting in the Commons was the perfect way to take your mind off looming assignments (even if for a brief moment). It presented a way to socialize, blow off steam, and just have a small bit of normalcy to the day. I loved pulling up a chair or two to connect with students on a personal level… or as Nancy Whalen, Director of Student Affairs and Wellbeing, would call it – “hold Court.” The Commons is one of those “little things” that keep you going on tough days.  

What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?

My most memorable experience at Villanova Law has been serving as president of the Student Bar Association. Serving as president allowed me to represent students’ best interests to the highest of my abilities. Whether it was implementing food festivals or creating town halls, I enjoyed working with the SBA Board to make ideas happen. The goal is always to “leave Villanova Law better than you found it,” and so I hope I have done precisely that.

What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?

I think what I look forward to the most will be the ability to mentor and give back to the next generation of future lawyers. I spoke to a ton of new and incoming students over the last several years, and I would love to actively support them in any way I possibly can… whether as a sounding board, as an event sponsor or supporter or even as just a resource and friend. 

What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2026?

A bit of advice which I’d give Villanova Law’s Class of 2026 would be: “learn how to be selfish.” This doesn’t mean being selfish at the cost of other students, but prioritizing yourself and knowing when you need a break. I tell every incoming student the same thing – take time away from law school to focus on your mental and physical health. You need something to contrast against that isn’t just the law. I guarantee it will work wonders and your grades will thank you. Find me on LinkedIn and ask me, and I’ll tell you the same thing.