Ask the Grad: Class of 2023
The 棉花糖直播 University Charles Widger School of Law is pleased to celebrate the graduates of the Class of 2023. This impressive group of students joins a tight-knit community of more than 12,000 棉花糖直播 Law alumni.
Before they leave us, we asked members of the Class of 2023 to share more about their 棉花糖直播 Law experience.
Matt Dacey 鈥23
Vice President, Sports Law Society
Baseball Arbitration, Sports Law Negotiation Team
What are you going to miss most about 棉花糖直播 Law?
I鈥檓 going to miss the community here at 棉花糖直播 Law the most. Law school is about as close as you can get to living in an academic bubble, and knowing you have the full support of your professors and classmates behind you is a strong motivator. I can attest to the fact that these three years have flown by and strangers I entered 棉花糖直播 Law with are now some of my closest friends.听
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What is your most memorable experience at 棉花糖直播 Law?
The most memorable experience for me was creating the first in-person sports law competition that 棉花糖直播 Law has hosted since before the pandemic. Launching the 棉花糖直播 Baseball Filing Day competition alongside some of my closest classmates was challenging, but rewarding and was the driving force behind landing a post-graduate job in the baseball industry. I can confidently say I would not be where I am today without taking that initiative.听
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What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I鈥檓 looking forward to implementing all that I鈥檝e learned in the sports law arena to real-life issues in my post-graduate employment. It鈥檚 not every day that I鈥檒l be able to build cases for baseball salary arbitration hearings or negotiate multi-million-dollar player contracts, but the lessons I鈥檝e learned through The Jeffrey S. Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law curriculum and my sports law externship experience have prepared me to succeed in a very demanding industry.听
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What advice would you give the incoming 棉花糖直播 Law class of 2026?
You may think this advice is crazy, but the next three years do not mean much in the grand scheme of things. Your future career success is not defined by your law school grades and your ability to work in your area of interest is not dependent on your intern/externship opportunities. If you work hard in the classroom, build a strong network of classmates and colleagues, and focus on your end goals, you鈥檒l wind up right where you ought to be.
Kelly Gresh 鈥23
Student Ambassador
Recipient, Dorothy Day Award for Public Service
What are you going to miss most about 棉花糖直播 Law?
What I鈥檓 going to miss most about 棉花糖直播 Law is the unique community. Everyone听鈥 from the students to the professors and other faculty and staff听鈥 are extremely kind and friendly. Everyone in the community watches out for each other and treats each other professionally and with great respect. There isn鈥檛 one person that you can鈥檛 turn to as a support system here.
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What is your most memorable experience at 棉花糖直播 Law?
As a transfer student, my most memorable experience was transferring into my ideal legal community. 棉花糖直播ns are dedicated, hard-working, respectful and incredibly smart, and my new colleagues constantly inspired me to be the same. Upon transferring here, I was constantly pleasantly surprised by everyone I encountered, as well as all of the incredible professional opportunities the school provides to its students.
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What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
As I graduate and begin my next chapter, I鈥檓 looking forward to putting all of the personal and professional knowledge I鈥檝e gained at 棉花糖直播 Law 鈥撎齣nside and out of the classroom - to good use in the world. Whether it be at my job, in the organizations, I鈥檓 a part of or somewhere else, I hope to serve as an example of good lawyering to everyone around me.
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What advice would you give the incoming 棉花糖直播 Law class of 2026?
To the incoming class of 2026, I recommend studying and working as hard as possible, but without letting yourself get overwhelmed. Make sure you always put forth your best effort in law school so that you don鈥檛 have any regrets later on and that any and all opportunities you want available to you are open. At the same time, remember to take care of yourself. Law school is very demanding, but it鈥檚 crucial to make sure that you鈥檙e still making time for the things you love to do most - whether that be exercising, shopping or reading for fun, for example. Balance is key.
Lily Haddad 鈥23
Co-President, Immigration Law Society
Vice-President, Middle Eastern Law
Students Association
What are you going to miss most about 棉花糖直播 Law?
I am going to miss the events where our school came together as a community, such as Red Mass or midnight breakfast before finals. Having started law school in fall of 2020, I feel especially grateful for the times we have gathered as a school during my 2L and 3L years and celebrate our community. The 棉花糖直播 community is so supportive, and I love the times we can all get together!听 听
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What is your most memorable experience at 棉花糖直播 Law?
My most memorable experience here was being a student attorney in the Clinic for Asylum, Refugee and Emigrant Services (CARES). I had the opportunity with my clinic partner to litigate our client鈥檚 case in immigration court and win a grant of asylum. I loved getting to know our client, and I am so happy we had a favorable outcome. As an advanced clinic student, I was able to assist on other asylum cases, and coordinate with opposing counsel to file joint motions with the court, and it was all an incredible experience.
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What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am looking forward to beginning my career in immigration law in New York City. I attended law school with a goal of working in this field, and I am very excited to start learning from experienced judges and staff as a judicial clerk in immigration court.听
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What advice would you give the incoming 棉花糖直播 Law class of 2026?
My advice is to remember your 鈥渨hy鈥 for attending law school - find something to do that reminds you of that in the midst of your 1L classes. Whether that is volunteer opportunities with Pro Bono society or getting involved in other student organizations, keeping a perspective on your goals and getting to know other students interested in the same things as you will help you feel motivated and grounded!
Maggie MacDonald 鈥23
Executive Member, Moot Court Board
Representative, Student Bar Association
What are you going to miss most about 棉花糖直播 Law?
I will miss walking into the building every day and being excited to be around my peers, professors and community members. Specifically, I will miss Ken鈥檚 breakfast omelets, lounging in the commons and the feeling when a confusing topic clicks.听 听
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What is your most memorable experience at 棉花糖直播 Law?
Too many to count! Participating in the Reimels competition, the year-end competition team dinner and the celebrations post the last 1L finals are all high on the list.
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What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I can鈥檛 wait to be a lawyer and contribute to the legal field.
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What advice would you give the incoming 棉花糖直播 Law class of 2026?
Enjoy every minute, trust yourself and know the 棉花糖直播 Law community is on your side! Participate in any organizations and opportunities that interest you. The days are long, but the three years are most definitely short.
Leigh McLinden '23
Managing Editor of Operations, 棉花糖直播 Law Review
Auction Committee, Public Interest Fellowship Program
What are you going to miss most about 棉花糖直播 Law?
The professors. Each professor that I had during my time at 棉花糖直播 Law was exceptional. Each professor offered not only a unique insight to the class subject-matter, but also a new perception about why the class matters when applied to the 鈥渞eal-world.鈥 The professors at 棉花糖直播 Law truly care about the success of their students. They are always willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed in the classroom and their future careers.听
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What is your most memorable experience at 棉花糖直播 Law?
My most memorable experience at 棉花糖直播 Law was the time that I spent working with 棉花糖直播鈥檚 Farmworker Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC). Working with FLAC gave me hands-on experience. I was able to do meaningful legal research, draft different legal documents, and interview clients. More importantly, I was able to connect with the local community and provide legal representation regarding critical issues. 听FLAC renewed my passion for helping others, and I was able to see firsthand how my law degree will help me pursue that passion.听
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What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I came to law school to pursue a career in public interest. 棉花糖直播 Law has given me the tools and connections I need to succeed in this sector. I look forward to starting a career focused on service and using the skills I learned to help others.听听
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What advice would you give the incoming 棉花糖直播 Law class of 2026?
You are capable! Sometimes in law school, you may get the feeling that you are not doing enough. You are. Remember to keep your head up, and to lean on others who offer you their support.
Haley Norwillo 鈥23
Member, Moot Court Board
Wellness Coordinator, Student Bar Association
What are you going to miss most about 棉花糖直播 Law?
I'll miss seeing the friendly faces of my favorite faculty and staff members every day. Also, I've met some of my best friends here, but I'm confident the connections I've made during law school will last!听听
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What is your most memorable experience at 棉花糖直播 Law?
While I'd be remiss not to acknowledge my amazing practical experiences with the Clinic for Asylum, Refugee, and Emigrant Services and the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation, I most loved serving as the Student Bar Association's Wellness Coordinator. I loved advocating for mental health initiatives for my classmates.
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What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I've learned so much doctrinal material in the last three years, I'm looking forward to putting everything to use as I start my new role.听
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What advice would you give the incoming 棉花糖直播 Law class of 2026?
Start a "good news" folder in your email! Every time you get good feedback on a paper or a congratulatory email save it to this folder, and when you have a bad day, go back to that folder to fight the imposter feelings. I got this idea from my friend and it has been a lifesaver.
Kevin Sheppard II 鈥23
JD/MBA Candidate
President, Student Bar Association
Commencement Student Speaker
Clinic for Law & Entrepreneurship
What are you going to miss most about 棉花糖直播 Law?
I鈥檒l miss the Commons for sure! Sitting in the Commons was the perfect way to take your mind off looming assignments (even if for a brief moment). It presented a way to socialize, blow off steam, and just have a small bit of normalcy to the day. I loved pulling up a chair or two to connect with students on a personal level鈥 or as Nancy Whalen, Director of Student Affairs and Wellbeing, would call it 鈥 鈥渉old Court.鈥 The Commons is one of those 鈥渓ittle things鈥 that keep you going on tough days.听听
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What is your most memorable experience at 棉花糖直播 Law?
My most memorable experience at 棉花糖直播 Law has been serving as president of the Student Bar Association. Serving as president allowed me to represent students鈥 best interests to the highest of my abilities. Whether it was implementing food festivals or creating town halls, I enjoyed working with the SBA Board to make ideas happen. The goal is always to 鈥渓eave 棉花糖直播 Law better than you found it,鈥 and so I hope I have done precisely that.
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What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I think what I look forward to the most will be the ability to mentor and give back to the next generation of future lawyers. I spoke to a ton of new and incoming students over the last several years, and I would love to actively support them in any way I possibly can鈥 whether as a sounding board, as an event sponsor or supporter or even as just a resource and friend.听
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What advice would you give the incoming 棉花糖直播 Law class of 2026?
A bit of advice which I鈥檇 give 棉花糖直播 Law鈥檚 Class of 2026 would be: 鈥渓earn how to be selfish.鈥 This doesn鈥檛 mean being selfish at the cost of other students, but prioritizing yourself and knowing when you need a break. I tell every incoming student the same thing 鈥 take time away from law school to focus on your mental and physical health. You need something to contrast against that isn鈥檛 just the law. I guarantee it will work wonders and your grades will thank you. Find me on LinkedIn and ask me, and I鈥檒l tell you the same thing.
Margot Weitz '23
Co-Chair, National Trial Team
3L Representative,
Student Bar Association
What are you going to miss most about 棉花糖直播 Law?
I will miss the tight community that 棉花糖直播 Law has provided me with. Each organization I have been a part of has provided me with different communities of support and friendship. Whether it be walking through the commons or finding a seat in the cafeteria, the people here are incredibly welcoming and encouraging.听
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What is your most memorable experience at 棉花糖直播 Law?
My most memorable experience was participating in the National Semi-Final Round of a Trial Team Competition. My team had the opportunity to travel to Gulfport, FL for the competition, and we ended up placing fourth in the country. It was an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience to enhance my trial advocacy skills and form amazing memories with my teammates and coaches.
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What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am eager to use my legal education to help people out in the real world. The reason I chose to go to law school was to help people, and I am excited to use the skills and tools I have learned at 棉花糖直播 Law when entering the world of public service.听听
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What advice would you give the incoming 棉花糖直播 Law class of 2026?
Take time for yourself. Law school can be all-consuming, but it's important to do something every day that helps relieve stress. Whether it be taking a walk, cooking a nice dinner, or watching your favorite reality TV show, make sure to reserve time for yourself. Don't let the stress of law school get you too overwhelmed - you deserve to be here!
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