LAW STUDENT AMBASSADORS SPOTLIGHT
Our student ambassadors are eager to share their Villanova Law experience!
From Admitted Students Day to Orientation, they are involved in welcoming new and prospective students to the Villanova Law community. See what they have to say about their experiences below and connect with them to learn more about Villanova Law!
Phoebe Cooper '24
Hometown: London, England
Undergrad: University of Nottingham, History
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
Rider University BA History, Paralegal in Cherry Hill - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Sports law journal, BLSA, Honor Board - What was your favorite law school class?
Contracts - What are your career aspirations?
I would love to practice in the Private Wealth Management group at Troutman Pepper. - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Networking is so important and stay true to your hobbies! This is the start of a really long career and I wish I took the time to do things I enjoy during 1L! You gave the rest of your life to work, take the trip or make the spontaneous plan, you’ll never regret having fun!
Raina Desai '24
Hometown: Avon, CT
Undergrad: University of Connecticut, Business Management
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
Management major; political science minor - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Treasurer of Women's Law Caucus; Jeffrey S. Moorad Sports Law Journal, Pro bono society - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
Birth certificate clinic through Pro Bono Society - What was your favorite law school class?
So far, constitutional law - What are your career aspirations?
Work in the corporate area of a large law firm in Boston. - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Work hard but make time for yourself!!!
Danielle DiGrazia '24
Hometown: Bellmore, NY
Undergrad: Fordham University, Public Accounting
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
I got my MS in Taxation from Fordham University and worked as a CPA at Deloitte Tax in the International Tax Group for 4 years before law school. - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Villanova Law Review, Women's Law Caucus, Student Bar Association, OUTLaw - What was your favorite law school class?
Torts - What are your career aspirations?
I would like to work in Big Law upon graduation. - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Law school is challenging and demanding but ultimately rewarding if you embrace it! And get involved even if it seems like you don't have time!
Daniel Goldfield '24
Hometown: Swarthmore, PA
Undergrad: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Legal Studies and Political Science
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
Two years working on campaigns in DC. Two years working at consulting firm. - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Moot Court, Trial Team, VLSASV - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
Judicial Intern for Federal Judge - What was your favorite law school class?
Crim Pro - What are your career aspirations?
Federal Defender - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Ask questions and do not be afraid to admit you do not know what you are doing.
Audrey Heuser '24
Hometown: Pearland, TX
Undergrad: University of Oklahoma, Chemical Engineering
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
Manufacturing Engineering Intern - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Scarpa Entrepreneurship and Law Fellow, ELJ Staff Writer, IP Law Society, Women's Law Caucus, Emerging Technology Law Society - What was your favorite law school class?
Torts - What are your career aspirations?
Patent Prosecution - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Give yourself time to do the things you enjoy!
Gregory Hill '24
Hometown: Bowie, MD
Undergrad: United States Naval Academy, Oceanography
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
United States Navy (Surface Warfare Officer), JP Morgan Chase & Co. - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
SBA, BLSA, Military & Vets Law Society, APALSA, Corporate Law Society, LALSA - What was your favorite law school class?
International Law - What are your career aspirations?
Corporate Law (Transactional) - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Work on ways to be efficient and maximize your time. The more efficient you are the more you will be able to improve your study habits and retain information. Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Landon Holben '24
Hometown: Middletown, VA
Undergrad: University of Virginia, Foreign Affairs and Media Studies
- What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Staff Writer for the Environmental Law Journal, VP of OUTLaw, VP of Emerging Technology Legal Society, Exec Board of Student Mental Health Society, member of Pro Bono Society and Environmental and Energy Law Society - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
Face to Face Birth Certificate Clinic, CARES Clinic (Fall 2022), judicial externship with Judge Tolliver in Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas - What was your favorite law school class?
Criminal Law - What are your career aspirations?
I am hoping to work in data privacy or cybersecurity law! - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Consider every opportunity that comes your way, but only take those that you feel you can grow in!
Mackenzie Jeffrey '24
Hometown: Havertown, PA
Undergrad: Drexel University, Finance and Legal Studies
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
Cozen O’Connor, 2016-2018, Professional Development and Legal Recruiting Co-op; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, 2018-2021, Administrative Paralegal and Legal Practice Assistant - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Law Review, Dean’s Ambassadors, Honor Board, Women’s Law Caucus - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
Legal extern for The Honorable Mark A. Kearney, District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania - What was your favorite law school class?
Civil Procedure (so far) - What are your career aspirations?
I plan to practice Litigation at a Big Law firm in Philadelphia. - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Trust your gut! Visit the law school and talk to as many students as you can. Their input is invaluable and will guide you to the right decision.
Michaela Kelly '24
Hometown: Newark, DE
Undergrad: University of Delaware, Economics
- What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
PIFP, Probono society, SBA, Outlaw - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
Face to Face volunteer, CSE externship - What was your favorite law school class?
Criminal Law - What are your career aspirations?
Criminal Defense - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Law school is hard but make sure you take time for yourself and to spend time with friends.
Alannah King '24
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Undergrad: Penn State, Criminology and Political Science
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
Graduate Degree: Master of Public Policy Work Experience: Family Law Facilitators Office, California Innocence Project, Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office, Research Assistant - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
PIFP, Phi Alpha Delta, Women's Law Caucus, Criminal Law Society - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
Montgomery County Public Defenders, Civil Justice Clinic - What was your favorite law school class?
Criminal Procedure - What are your career aspirations?
Public Defender - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Truly nothing prepares you for 1L so enjoy your time and stock up on things that make you happy or bring you peace.
Andrew McGuinness '24
Hometown: Merion Station, PA
Undergrad: Naval Academy, BS in Oceanography
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
Served as Strike Officer and Antisubmarine Warfare Officer on two Guided Missile Cruisers. Served as Future Operations Officer for an Amphibious Squadron. - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Law Review, Dean's Ambassador, Representative for Environmental and Energy Law Society, Military Law Society, Pro Bono Society - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
Member of Pro Bono Society - What was your favorite law school class?
Civil Procedure - What are your career aspirations?
Navy JAG - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Be positive, stay flexible and give a sincere effort. You can do this!
Nicholas Ozorowski '24
Hometown: Norristown, PA
Undergrad: University of Massachusetts, Political Science
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
While at UMass I was a peer ambassador for the honors college where I gave tours and information sessions. After graduation, I was a paralegal at a real estate law firm in Philadelphia for four years before attending VLS. This summer, I was an in-house legal intern on the Rights Acquisition team at Fanatics Inc., a global sports platform specializing in e-commerce, collectables and memorabilia, NFTs, and betting/gaming. - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
OUTLaw and Real Estate Law Society executive boards. Member of the Corporate Law Society. - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
I am not currently involved in a clinic, but I am currently applying/looking for spring externships! - What was your favorite law school class?
Intro to Business and Economic Analysis for Lawyers with Prof. Andrew Lund! - What are your career aspirations?
I hope to work in corporate law, preferably in-house handling matters related to data privacy and corporate governance. - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
I would encourage first years to spend time their first semester making lasting connections (and ultimately friendships) with their peers and 2L/3L mentors. Having a support system in law school is essential, and I've received so much great advice and guidance from other students that has proven invaluable in my journey through law school thus far.
Jahnvi Patel '24 JD/MBA
Hometown: Marlton, NJ
Undergrad: Rutgers University - Camden, Poli Sci & Psych
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
NJ Superior Court Clerk's Office & 5th Legislative District & Paralegal Certification - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Fashion Law Society, First Gen Lawyers Group, APALSA Pro Bono Society, Women's Law Caucus,
- What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
Montgomery Expungement Clinic + Face-to-Face Birth Certificate Clinic - What was your favorite law school class?
Property
- What are your career aspirations?
Corporate Law/In-House Counsel - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Start networking early, talk too as many people as you can!
Ricardo Peña '24
Hometown: Bloomfield, NJ
Undergrad: Fairleigh Dickinson University, Finance
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
Received MBA in 2018. Worked for Venture For America as a Finance Manager from 2018-2021 - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Business Law Concentration, Sports Law Society, Sports Law Negotiation Team (Soccer) - What was your favorite law school class?
Property - What are your career aspirations?
Eventually, I'd love to work as in-house counsel for a major corporation. - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Don't fall victim to imposter syndrome! I think almost everyone has felt it at one point or another in law school. Just remember that you've worked hard to be where you are and you will make it through.
Janie Pierson '24
Hometown: Denver, CO
Undergrad: Marist College, Sports Communications
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
6 years in college athletics (Villanova, Marist, Rutgers); MA in Integrated Marketing Communications, Marist College 2019 - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Sports law concentration fellow; Sports law society, e-board at large committee member and Sports Law Blog editor in chief; - What was your favorite law school class?
Constitutional Law with Prof. Brennan - What are your career aspirations?
Work in sports industry for a league/team/conference/sponsor handling large contract management and negotiation. - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Lots! For some non-traditional students who have spent time away from school before coming back or to students coming to Philly new to the area I think I can provide a lot of helpful feedback. Also any advice to people looking to work in sports (especially in college athletics), I think I can offer a good perspective on things and lots of tips of the trade. Also, can provide insight as a student who didn’t write on to journal/law review or do OCIs but still has a plan and idea for my legal future!
Veronica Sansone '24
Hometown: North Wales, PA
Undergrad: University of Scranton, History and minor Theology
- What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Trial Team, CSE (spring), sports law - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
Montgomery County DA office - What was your favorite law school class?
Property - What are your career aspirations?
I want to be a criminal prosecutor. - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Try as many things as you! It is the only way you will be able to find the areas and activities that interest you. Also do not be afraid to go to your professors they are there to help you.
Jackie Scoboria '24
Hometown: Reading, PA
Undergrad: Penn State, Political Science
- What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
Secretary, SBA; 2L Rep, Labor and Employment Law Society; Vice President, Street Law, Member, Women's Caucus - What was your favorite law school class?
Torts with Professor Brogan - What are your career aspirations?
Becoming a labor lawyer and working for a non-profit later on in my career. - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
At the beginning of your first year, put yourself out of your comfort zone and talk to everyone. You never know who could become your best friends.
Kristi Ann Skok '24
Hometown: West Wyoming, PA
Undergrad: King's College, 3+3 Law Program/ Political Science
- What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
SBA Mentor Program, Real Estate Society, Immigration Law, First-Year Law, Women's Caucus - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
Dean Alexander's RA - What was your favorite law school class?
Property with Professor Caudill - What are your career aspirations?
Work in Real Estate or Transactional Law for a large company - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
Find a healthy work/school/social life balance! It is so easy to get wrapped up in school work and forget to self-care. If you feel good, you'll do good!
Julia Stribula '24
Hometown: Allentown, PA
Undergrad: Pace University and DeSales University, Criminal Justice
- If applicable, please list any prior work experience/grad degrees (and schools) you attended.
Started my master's in criminal justice; worked for a year for Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty - What student organizations/journals/moot court/trial team are you involved in?
I am a fellow and Graphic Graphic Design Coordinator for the Walter A. Lucas Public Interest Fellowship Program. I am secretary for the Criminal Law Society. I am the Co-Social Media Coordinator for Student Mental Health Society. I am also a member of the Pro Bono Society, First-Generation Lawyers and Women's Law Caucus - What pro bono opportunities or externships/clinics have you been involved in, are you involved in or will you be involved in?
I volunteered under the Pro Bono Society with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project this past spring and interned with them this summer. I will be externing with the Villanova Law Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation - What was your favorite law school class?
Criminal Procedure - What are your career aspirations?
I would like to work for a public interest group focused on criminal justice reform. - What advice can you offer to prospective law students?
If you don't quite understand something, try to figure it out then. It's so easy to think "I'll come back to this later" but it can fall through the cracks and snowball into a larger problem.