Ask the Grad: Class of 2021
The Villanova University Charles Widger School is pleased to celebrate the graduates of the Class of 2021. This impressive group of students joins a tight-knit community of more than 11,000 Villanova Law alumni.
Before they leave us on May 15, we asked members of the Class of 2021 to share more about their Villanova Law experience.
Patience Brown '21
Diversity & Inclusion Chair (2019-20) & 1L Representative (2018-19), Student Bar Association
Secretary (2019-20), Black Law Students Association
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
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.
Liana R. Carvalho Pruna '21
Environmental Law Journal
Student Bar Association
Villanova Latinx American Law Student Association
Villanova Parents & Nontraditional Students Group
Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I am going to miss the community and friends I have made at Villanova. Law school is hard, but I have met the most amazing people who helped make this experience easier!
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience at Villanova Law was winning the designated parking spot at the Public Interest Auction!
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am looking forward to learning from incredible attorneys who are passionate about their work.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?
Get involved! The student groups on campus are incredible and are passionate about making Villanova Law a welcoming community.
Idna G. Castellón '21
Vice-President, Women's Law Caucus
Symposium Editor, Villanova Environmental Law Journal
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I am really going to miss my friends and the rest of my classmates. Getting through 1L finals with the rest of the people in my section really helped me develop a sense community. I am also going to miss all the free food we got at law school events.
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.
Stephen Dranoff '21
JD/MBA Graduate
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
What I will miss the most is the times when I was on campus but not in class. During those times, you get to socialize and build relationships with professors, administrators, and friends who you will one day work alongside. I will also miss the experiences that Villanova Law provides. My time at Villanova would not have been complete without these speakers, competitions, and other events.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experiences at Villanova Law came while competing, coaching, and winning the Tulane Professional Football Negotiation Team. I will always remember how much hard work went into those competitions and the level of success we had over my three years here. Working with like-minded people who are so passionate about sports was an experience I will never forget.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am excited to see where my law degree takes me. I completed both my JD and MBA at Villanova and always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the sports world. While I likely will not have a traditional legal path after law school, I believe the skills I developed and enhanced during the past three years will serve me well moving forward.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to industry professionals and get involved in clubs and groups that you are interested in early on in your time at Villanova Law. The first-year curriculum may seem daunting, but putting in this extra work as a 1L will pay dividends your second and third years when you have more time on your hands.
Leah M. Edelstein '21
President, Student Bar Association
Director of Recruitment & Alumni Relations, Moot Court Board
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
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.
Ishmail Harris '21
Charles Widger '73 Leadership Scholar
Business Law Concentration
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I am going to miss being able to see my friends at the school regularly. I will also miss being able to see my professors regularly as I have established a strong connection with a few of my professors.
What is your most memorable experience from Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience will certainly be the BLSA Black History Month celebrations. I always look forward to sharing more about my culture and my upbringing.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
For my next chapter, I am looking forward to heading to the next step of my life. I am most looking forward to giving back to those who come after me as many have done for me.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?
I would tell the incoming class of 2024 that there is more than one way to do anything so chart your own path. Law school is hard but it was some of the best 3 years of my life and I have met some of my closest friends and had some of my most memorable experiences.
Keith Lee '21
Chairperson, Moot Court Board
3L Representative, Student Bar Association
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I am going to miss my friends, classmates, and the overall community at the law school. There is a special atmosphere and comradery at Villanova Law that is second to none. My law school experience was memorable because of all my experiences with my peers, professors, and staff at Villanova Law.
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!
Annie McDermott '21
President, Street Law
Co-President, Juvenile Law Society
Development & Alumni Coordinator, Public Interest Fellowship Program (PIFP)
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I’ll miss the endlessly supportive, talented, and brilliant faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to see Villanova Law students succeed.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My experiential learning opportunities will stick with me the most. I was able to advance meaningful legal work with the Clinic for Asylum, Refugee, and Emigrant Services (CARES), the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and the Pennsylvania Innocence Project. These externships formed practical legal skills I keep with me still.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I’m excited to fulfill why I went to law school through practicing disability-related law.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?
If you ever have questions, need advice, or just want to vent, don’t be afraid to reach out to your administration and professors. They’re good-hearted and want to help!
Kirsten Reilly '21
Executive Editor, Jeffrey S. Moorad Sports Law Journal
President, Entertainment & Media Law Society
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
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!
Michael J. Schwab '21
Editor-in-Chief, Villanova Law Review Volume 66
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I will miss the people the most. Villanova Law has helped me build relationships with so many incredible individuals. This includes faculty, administration, and my colleagues. Everyone in the Villanova Law community genuinely cares about others' success. I am confident the people I have met and relationships I have built will stay strong as we enter this new chapter of our lives.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience through law school is my time spent as Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review. It allowed me to work with some incredible scholars, faculty, and students. It taught me more about what it takes to write, argue, and research effectively. I learned more about how to effectively manage a business because of my experience. And most importantly, it gave me friendships with some outstanding and thoughtful future lawyers I will have for a long time.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the practice of law as I start my career in Philadelphia. I am fortunate to join a network of alumni who will show me ways to become a successful lawyer. I plan to listen and learn as much as possible from those who came before me.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?
Trust your preparation, and do not forget to take time for yourself. There is no doubt every Villanova Law student will put the work in. But when it comes time for exams or assessments, you need to trust the work you put in will pay off. Also, it is easy in law school to focus solely on your class performance, but do not forget to put first things first—whether it is family or your health. Sometimes, taking a step away from day-to-day studying will allow you to better focus and give your best efforts on school-related tasks.
Arun Thottakara '21
Sports Law Concentration
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.
Sam Vale '21
Vice President, Student Bar Association
Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I am going to miss the sense of community the most. This is an incredibly special place and a unique law school. Not many law schools do you have a student body that is so close and connected as the one at Villanova Law. The students, faculty, and staff celebrate the accomplishments of others. When a friend got a job offer or did well on an exam, it was cause for everyone around to celebrate with them. Law students and members of the community at Villanova Law genuinely care about the success of their classmates and peers.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
For me, there have been a bunch. I was the Vice President of Student Bar Association. It was great to be able to help out my classmates doing something I loved during a challenging year. I loved being their voice and being their advocate when issues involving Villanova Law community and the outside world arose.
On another front, I will genuinely miss Tuesday and Thursday pickup basketball with Professor “Lebron” Caudill and Professor Frischmann. It was a great way to get close with my professors and classmates while taking part in a sport we all loved to play.
Lastly, there has just been relaxing and getting to know all the wonderful people at Villanova Law. I have made lifelong friends that now feel like family and I will miss seeing them every day at the school.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am starting a career in the Marine Corps as a JAG officer. I look forward to the adventure of the job and the places I will get to go. It will be hard to leave friends in the Philadelphia area, but I am excited for the next chapter.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2024?
I would like to tell them to enjoy the law school experience and get involved in groups and activities that interest you. The law school curriculum may be tough, but you will meet some incredible people who will be your friends for the rest of your life. Join clubs and student groups that you are interested in because they could lead you to your passion. Lastly, cherish the time you spend with your friends and in this wonderful community because it ends quicker than you know.