Ask the Grad: Class of 2025
The Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law is pleased to celebrate the graduates of the Class of 2025. This impressive group of students joins a tight-knit community of more than 12,000 Villanova Law alumni.
Before they leave us, we asked members of the class of 2025 to share more about their Villanova Law experience.
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
What I’ll miss most is the incredible community I’ve found and helped build over the past three years. There’s something special about being able to greet nearly a hundred familiar faces each day—those small interactions have a way of brightening your day and making you feel like you belong. That sense of connection is something I’ll always treasure.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience, without question, was being part of a three-person team that played a key role in securing freedom for a man sentenced to life in federal prison. This incredible moment was made possible through my work in the Caritas Clemency Clinic—a powerful reminder of the real impact advocacy can have. It’s a defining moment I’ll carry with me for a very long time.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I’m thrilled to step into the role of inaugural pro bono coordinator at Jensen Bagnato, PC, where I’ll have the opportunity to support clients navigating child custody, divorce, criminal, civil and immigration matters. This role marks the beginning of a chapter I’ve long looked forward to—doing what I love: advocating fiercely for those who need it most and working every day to make our society more just, compassionate and accessible for all.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
The greatest piece of advice I can offer is this: it’s not about where your journey begins but how you choose to finish it. Embrace every moment—learn from it, grow through it and enjoy it as much as you can. Challenges and hardships are inevitable, but they don’t define us. We are where we are, and we’re heading where we’re meant to be because we’ve refused to let any obstacle feel too big to overcome. And if you ever find yourself doubting your path, remember this: we’re all rooting for you. We believe in you—so keep going.
S.K. Pilcher ’25
Dean’s Ambassador
President, Women’s Law Caucus
Secretary, Student Mental Health Society
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
When I applied to Villanova Law, I interviewed with the dean of admissions. We joked about how the public perceives lawyers: mean, rude and competitive. He told me that Villanova Law is for law students who want to break that stereotype and redefine what it means to be a lawyer. In that moment, I decided to attend Villanova Law, and I am so glad I did. Villanova Law is full of an amazing, connected energy that celebrates you in your highs and supports you in your lows. The camaraderie of the students here is unmatched, and I will miss this comfort as I venture into the legal profession.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
Although I won’t forget the countless hours of studying anytime soon, my most memorable experiences at Villanova Law happened outside the classroom. Serving as president of the Women’s Law Caucus and as a Dean’s Ambassador were incredible honors and helped shape my time here in meaningful ways. But above all, the moments I’ll cherish most are the simple ones: laughing, bonding and living life with my classmates.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I’m looking forward to carrying the spirit of Villanova Law into my next chapter, where collaboration, empathy and authenticity guide my legal practice. I hope to build and contribute to a legal community that is as supportive and uplifting as the one I found here, where people show up for each other both professionally and personally.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
Be yourself, be silly and be unique. Comparison is the thief of joy, and that proverb is more relevant than ever in law school. You will inevitably compare yourself to your classmates and vice versa, but remember there’s no right way to be a law student, especially at Villanova (we’re breaking stereotypes, remember?). School is very important; don’t get me wrong, but being a person—specifically being yourself—is more important.
Kelsey McCafferty ’25
Chair, National Trial Team
Associate Editor, Villanova Law Review
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
The people. The Villanova Law community is like no other. From students to staff members to professors—everyone is kind, helpful and so down-to-earth.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience is having the honor of competing in the National Trial Championship final round. I will never forget the feeling of standing up in front of a jury of 25 Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers and trying a case in front of them with one of my best friends.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I’m looking forward to trying more restaurants in Center City! And in between great dinners, working on cutting-edge legal issues with my incredible colleagues.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
Do practice exams even when your outline isn’t perfect. Find a mentor—and don’t feel bad about asking your mentor a bunch of questions because we’ve all been in your shoes. Leave the law school immediately after exams and prioritize really getting to know your classmates because you will meet so many incredible people. Most importantly, though, remember that pressure is a privilege. What you are embarking on may be the hardest thing you have ever done, but even during the lows, don’t forget how much of a privilege it is to be in a position that challenges and empowers you every day.
Bae Schulz ’25
Editor-in-chief, Villanova Environmental Law Journal
3L Representative, Health Law Society
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
What I'll miss most about Villanova Law are the relationships I have formed with both faculty and students. As the editor-in-chief of the Villanova Environmental Law Journal, I have had the pleasure of working closely with my student peers and with the Journal's faculty advisor, Professor Aagaard. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been in a leadership role that allows me to not only help others grow as writers, but to get to know people beyond their identities as law students. Professor Aagaard's support and guidance throughout my tenure have been invaluable, and I am so grateful for everything he has done for me and our Journal.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience at Villanova Law would probably be the 2023 PIFP Auction when I was a 1L. My mom was visiting from Florida, and I got to introduce her to some of my closest friends and show her around the building. The bidding and live auction are so much fun each year, and the proceeds help fund students who seek careers in public interest. All around, the annual PIFP Auction is a wonderful event that unites local businesses, alumni, friends, family and faculty to support a great cause.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am most looking forward to practicing full-time in healthcare litigation and medical malpractice defense. I came to Villanova Law in pursuit of a career in health law, and I am doing just that post-graduation. The practical experience I gained from my summer positions and externships have shaped me significantly. Learning the law in a classroom and textbooks is one thing; applying it to real-life situations is entirely different. My three years at Villanova Law gave me the tools I need to be a successful litigator, and I cannot wait to use them every day as a practicing attorney!
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
The one piece of advice I would give to the class of 2028 would be to seek out friends and a support system early on. My closest friends are those I met in my 1L year, and they are some of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met in my life! The competitive atmosphere during 1L can be intense, but finding the right people will help you more than you know. Stress in law school is inevitable, but having supportive friends kept my mental health in check and grounded me when I felt overwhelmed.
Hannah Posencheg ’25
Editor-in-Chief, Jeffrey S. Moorad Sports Law Journal
3L Representative, Student Bar Association
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I will miss the friendships I’ve made at Villanova Law the most. Law school is undoubtedly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and I really think it’s the people, both fellow students and faculty, that helped me get through the toughest moments!
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
Among so many memorable moments, I’d say that giving my end-of-the-year speech at the Journals Recognition Dinner was one of my favorites. It was in that moment where the feeling of finally being finished with law school started to really sink in, especially because my 3L year was the complete opposite of the “3LOL” some students joke about!
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am most excited to begin my career at the firm where I first started my legal journey the year before law school! It feels like such a full-circle moment, and I can’t wait to learn from such incredible mentors and attorneys. I also got engaged in March and can’t wait to get married!
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
Take care of yourself! Law school is a marathon, not a sprint. Sleep and fresh air are more important than annotating every single page in your textbook. Your 3L self and beyond will thank you!
Anthony Ryback ’25
Public Interest Scholar
Associate Editor, Jeffrey S. Moorad Sports Law Journal
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I will miss my friends and the community I was fortunate enough to cultivate over my three years. I came here from out of state not knowing anyone, and I am leaving with life-long friendships. I will also miss being in a space where I had opportunities to pursue my professional interests and passions while being taught by incredible professors.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience would be getting to know the other public interest-minded students and building community with them! We might not be the biggest group, but hearing the types of work that others are getting to do during law school and afterwards inspires me.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am looking forward to applying all the skills I have learned during my three years here in representing indigent clients. I came to law school wanting to go into public defense, and Villanova helped get me to the job I wanted coming into law school!
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
Focus on the process, not the outcome! As long as you feel like you did your best, you should be proud of yourself. I would also recommend adopting two cats for your mental health.