Why did you choose to go to law school?

For a long time, I had been a full-time mother to my three children. Eventually, I decided to re-enter the work force by obtaining a paralegal certificate. Because I enjoyed the paralegal program so much, and I was so successful at the program, the professors suggested law school. I had some uncertainty, but I decided to apply and see what would happen.

Why Catholic Law? (prior to attending)

Catholic Law became my first choice after I toured the law school and sat in on Professor Kelly’s Civil Procedure class. I visited all the schools in which I was seriously interested. Catholic Law stood out because on my visit, I was struck by how much the faculty and staff seemed to genuinely care for the students. Everyone I encountered expressed a sincere interest in me and my career goals. Professor Kelly even sat down with me after class and spent a few minutes getting to know me. I didn’t see this at the other schools I visited.

What Externships or other practical experiences did you do at Catholic Law?

During summer after my 1L year I worked as a legal intern for the enforcement division of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In spring of my 2L year I served as an extern for Children’s National’s Compliance office. The summer following my 2L year, I worked as a judicial intern for the Honorable Daniel Monahan, Administrative Judge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Children’s National extended an offer to me to work for them during my 3L year as a paid intern, again in the Compliance office. I worked at this position throughout my 3L and while studying for the bar.

What experiences at Catholic Law were highlights for you?

I think the best experiences at Catholic Law came from the sense of community the school offers. I will always remember the Columbus Awards’ nights in the spring; the dread and terror of the 1L oral arguments, with the complete relief that followed, long conversations in the Journal Suite while studying and editing papers, texting editing questions and issues at 10:00 pm on a Friday night, and the wonderful support I received from other students during a particularly challenging class.

What are your plans after graduation?

I have accepted a clerkship position with the Honorable Richard Trunnel at the Anne Arundel Circuit Court.

Why Catholic Law now?

My answer to why someone should attend Catholic Law now is the same as my answer as to why I chose to attend Catholic Law – because of the community.

Members of the Parent Group (Mike Hyatt, Jennifer Shepard, Joey Lopes, and Jason Kellogg) from the Class of '25 gathered for a photo with their families.