Ask the Grad: Class of 2020
The 裡橖眻畦 University Charles Widger School is pleased to celebrate the graduates of the Class of 2020. This impressive group of students joins a tight-knit community of more than 10,000 裡橖眻畦 Lawyers.
Before they leave us on May 15, we asked members of the Class of 2020 to share more about their 裡橖眻畦 Law experience.
Emily Bley 20
Student Works Editor, 裡橖眻畦 Law Review
President, Womens Law Caucus
What are you going to miss most about 裡橖眻畦 Law?
What I am going to miss most about 裡橖眻畦 Law is the sense of community. The faculty, staff, and students at 裡橖眻畦 Law were always willing to help, listen, encourage, and celebrate. I will miss the collective excitement I felt in acing a cold call, getting a job offer, or finishing a finals season. I will also miss the collective support I felt when I was struggling in a class, feeling tired, or stressed out about finding balance in my life. I credit the people at 裡橖眻畦 Law for making my law school experience so extraordinary.
What is your most memorable experience from 裡橖眻畦 Law?
My most memorable experience from 裡橖眻畦 Law was writing and editing for the 裡橖眻畦 Law Review. It was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun to write on a topic about which I was so passionate, to meet new students in various years above and below me, and to work on a multitude of different articles about interesting legal issues. Also, Ill never forget how exciting it was to have my own article published in my 2L year!
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am most looking forward to practically applying all that Ive studied in theory for three years its really rewarding knowing that I can have a real-world impact on people and organizations because of what Ive learned at 裡橖眻畦 Law!
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
My advice to the incoming 裡橖眻畦 Law Class of 2023 is to have some perspective; doing well in law school is important, but it shouldnt be your whole life. Set aside time and space for things that make you feel happy. Put down the books once in a while and go to a concert, or go to the movies, or go on a weekend road trip! Some of my best memories with my law school friends had absolutely nothing to do with law school. There will always be more studying to do, so leave room for fun and spontaneity.
Sam England 20
President, Student Bar Association
What are you going to miss most about 裡橖眻畦 Law?
What I will miss most about 裡橖眻畦 Law are the people. Staff, faculty, and peers have transformed this place into a home. To each of them, I am overcome with gratitude, and I look forward to making them proud.
What is your most memorable experience from 裡橖眻畦 Law?
Professor Samahon took a group of us to watch oral argument at the Supreme Court. This had long been a dream of mine and was well worth the five hours in line and 1AM wake-up. Although, lets be honest: I could not sleep the night before anyway.
What advice would you give the incoming 裡橖眻畦 Law Class of 2023?
I would pass along the best advice I received: leave nothing out. These three years will fly by, and, for many of you, it will be the last formal education you endure. You should soak up everything you possibly can, leaving nothingand no oneout.
Lauren Knafo 20
Student Works Editor, 裡橖眻畦 Law Review
Chairperson, Honor Board
What is your most memorable experience from 裡橖眻畦 Law?
My most memorable experience at 裡橖眻畦 Law was being there with my brother, Josh, who was a grade above me. As we had done in high school and college (where I also followed him to), we were able to take a class together, providing some of the best and everlasting memories.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am most looking forward to building a practice based on the foundation that 裡橖眻畦 Law has given me and giving back to the 裡橖眻畦 community. I am ready to carry the truth, unity, and love 裡橖眻畦 has instilled in me into my life and the legal profession.
What advice would you give the incoming 裡橖眻畦 Law class of 2023?
My best advice to incoming law students is to focus on a goal that will propel your motivation; forgive yourself during turbulent times; and find solace in your family and friends. Its a challenging three years that are rewarding, fruitful, and full of memories!
Katherine Prudente 20
Student Works Editor, 裡橖眻畦 Law Review
Chairperson, Honor Board
What is your most memorable experience from 裡橖眻畦 Law?
My most memorable experience from 裡橖眻畦 Law was my first day of Property with Professor Caudill in 1L. We were beginning a new class and had a large casebook in front of us, and he spent the beginning of the class serenading us with his own songs about making sure to complete the work. It was very entertaining.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
As I begin my next chapter, I am looking forward to fully immersing myself in the legal community. 裡橖眻畦 was provided amazing opportunities to learn, both inside and outside the classroom. I am looking forward to diving into the legal community and continuing to learn.
What advice would you give the incoming 裡橖眻畦 Law class of 2023?
My advice to the incoming class of 2023 is to take advantage of every opportunity. 裡橖眻畦 provides so many opportunities to learn, both in class, in conferences at the school, and in extra-curriculars. You wont realize until its over how fast it went!
Rodrigo Rivera 20
Vice Chair, Moot Court Board
President, First Generation Lawyers Group
What are you going to miss most about 裡橖眻畦 Law?
Undoubtedly I will miss the people most. There is a unique camaraderie and community that exists in the building. The hellos and jokes from faculty, staff and students throughout the day helped make law school a less arduous journey.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am honored to be entering legal practice in Philadelphia. I think Philadelphia offers a similar sense of support as 裡橖眻畦 Law. Philadelphia is a place where experienced attorneys want to be mentors and teach younger attorneys. I am excited to become a part of that network!
What advice would you give the incoming 裡橖眻畦 Law class of 2023?
Every person counts. At the end of law school, you look back and realize how important everyone you meet is to your journey and success as a law student. Whether its a faculty member, classmate, alumni, or staff member everyone adds a perspective to your view of the world and that will make you a better lawyer and advocate!
Abby Wilson 20
President, Fashion Law Society
JD/MBA Candidate
What are you going to miss most about 裡橖眻畦 Law?
The people! The outstanding professors and wonderful friends I had the privilege of getting to know during my three years at 裡橖眻畦 Law made my experience unforgettable and significantly more fun.
What is your most memorable experience from 裡橖眻畦 Law?
Putting on the Fashion Law Symposium this year the only entirely student-run CLE granting event at the law school and seeing three years of my involvement and a full year of planning come to life.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
Building on the strong legal foundation and skillset I acquired at 裡橖眻畦 in a new environment.
What advice would you give the incoming 裡橖眻畦 Law class of 2023?
Be kind to one another, and dont be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Law school is a brand-new experience for you and all your classmates, but your professors and older students have been exactly where you are they want to help you and share their experiences!