Ask the Grad: Class of 2021

What I will miss most about Villanova Law is the community. Everyone at Villanova is kind and supportive. Whenever I needed help, the staff, faculty, and my peers never hesitated to come to my rescue. Villanova has felt like a home, I am incredibly grateful for this experience, and I endeavor to take all that I’ve learned here into my area of practice.

What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?

My most memorable moment was sitting in Professor Saiman’s contracts class during the second semester. I had so much fun! I learned a great deal through his teaching technique. He was very funny, down-to-earth and encouraged participation. If you are reading this, take his class you won’t regret it.

What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?

My best advice to incoming law students is you can do it, and you will make it, don’t give up!  Also, stay focused and always remember your WHY. During those times of weakness, allow why you decided to attend law school to keep you grounded.

What is your most memorable experience from Villanova Law?

I have had quite a few memorable experiences during law school. If I had to pick one, I would say it was Red Mass 2018. I had just started law school and had no idea Red Mass was an annual tradition at Villanova. As a non-Catholic, I wasn't sure what to expect at Red Mass, but it was such a wonderful experience, and it was great seeing my professors outside of class. Plus, the food at the reception was really good!

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

I am most looking forward to joining the legal profession and mentoring other prospective Latino lawyers.

What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?

Don't be afraid to join a student organization! Joining WLC and ELJ really helped me make new friends. I didn't know anybody going into law school, so I was afraid that it would be difficult making friends. Luckily, I did not have much trouble making friends, and I believe it was all thanks to the organizations I joined and the events I attended during law school.

Grades are important, but so is your physical and mental health. Don't push yourself too hard. Know when your mind and body need a break. Remember to eat good food and to exercise. Your body can't run on empty.

Remember to be a nice person. Don't let the competitiveness of law school get to you. Being a nice and friendly person will get you farther in life than good grades.

What I will miss most about Villanova Law is the unconditional support. Everyone is always talking about how the sense of community at this school is unmatched, but one thing that makes our community so unique is everyone's willingness to support each other beyond measure. Whether I was dealing with something school-related or even personal, there is always someone at Villanova Law who will be there for you no matter what, and I can't imagine having been anywhere else over the last three years.

What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?

My most memorable experience from Villanova Law was serving as the President of the Student Bar Association during the 2020-2021 school year. Becoming SBA President was always an aspiration of mine since being elected as a 1L Representative in 2018, but I never imagined I would be leading our community during the challenges we faced from the global pandemic. I cannot express enough how moving it was to witness our community band together during an extremely difficult time and compassionately work towards a common goal. Being SBA President during this was challenging to say the least, but I thank my Villanova Law family immensely because I couldn't have done it without them.

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

As I begin my next chapter, I am mostly looking forward to the independence. Before law school, a lot of people told me, "Law school will teach you the law, but it won't teach you how to be a lawyer." I think that expectation has been completely shattered by Villanova Law because it has given me the tools, values, and independence necessary to enter the legal profession as a young and inspired attorney. Although I still have a lifetime of learning ahead of me, I am looking forward to finally closing my academic chapter and beginning my life as a Villanova lawyer.

What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?

To the Class of 2024, be kind to yourself. Pursuing law school and a career in the legal profession does require hard work, effort, and perseverance, but it also demands that you take the time to check in with yourself in whatever form that may take. Setting boundaries, taking time to rest, and prioritizing your well-being are all acts of self-love and are equally as crucial to your career. There will be a lot of stories and advice that you hear heading into law school that may shape your expectations, but take time here and there to figure out what this all means to you. Our law school experiences are all different, but at the end of the day, you matter the most.

What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?

My most memorable experience is my time as Chair of the Moot Court Board. I worked closely with my peers and established very strong friendships as a result. I coached and mentored two Board Members with whom I now hold a special bond. I also competed three times with my Moot Court partner during my tenure on the Board, and we placed as two-time National Quarterfinalists. 

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

I am excited to bring my sense of community and leadership that I learned from Villanova Law into the legal profession. I cannot wait to begin my career as a defense litigator for a private firm in Philadelphia, and I am looking forward to gaining the great experience we have all worked so hard to reach. 

What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?

Your mission in law school is to discover the best version of yourself. Law school can place a lot of pressure on you, but with confidence, determination, and personality, you will come out on top. Enjoy every moment and conquer every opportunity. Most importantly, make sure to make great friendships and connections along the way!

I'm going to miss this community more than anything. Over the last three years, I have felt so supported by not only my peers, but also my professors every step of the way. This community has helped me grow into the best version of myself. I'm going to miss walking into our building and being greeted with smiles and waves at every turn!

What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?

Taking Election Law with Dean Alexander during the Fall 2020 semester was my favorite academic experience during my time here. It was amazing to explore one of my passions in real-time with an expert like Dean Alexander!

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

I'm looking forward to putting all of the lessons I've learned and conversations I've grown from to practice. My professors have prepared me to think critically and be open-minded to always be prepared to learn on-the-spot and I could not be more excited to get to work.

What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?

Always remember to be where your feet are. It is so easy to get overwhelmed by the day-to-day happenings of law school (trust me, I've been there), but it is so important to just take each day as it comes and be proud of yourself for how you've come. Completing just one law school class is no easy feat, so this whole three-year journey is a tremendous accomplishment. Embrace the good, learn from the bad, cry it out when you need to, and lean on your friends and family. You can do it!

What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?

More than anything I’m going to miss the people that went through this journey with me. I’ve made life-long friends along the way and as our careers take us on different journeys, I’ll miss sharing in the law school experience with them.

What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?

My most memorable experience was being part of the Sports Law Negotiation Team. Everyone I had the chance to compete with was so passionate about sports and worked extremely hard to be successful in the competitions. It’s always inspiring to be around passionate people.

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

As someone who does not plan on pursing a traditional legal career, I’m looking forward to applying the legal skillset Villanova has engrained in me to sports management. After being in a classroom setting for 7 straight years, I am excited apply my education in a work setting full time.

What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?

I would advise the Villanova Law Class of 2024 to not be shy about pursuing their passions. These three years will fly by, and you don’t want to be left with any regrets. Follow your gut, chase your ambitions with purpose, and have some fun along the way.