For Victoria Aghamalian, a member of the Catholic Law Class of 2026, the decision to pursue a legal career was inspired by her passion for service. “From a young age, I began engaging in various community service opportunities to aid different populations in the community,” she shared. “As I grew older, I knew that I wanted to go into a field that would allow me to continue helping others. I realized that going to law school and becoming an attorney would enable me to do just that.”

Her interest in law took shape during high school, where she participated in the National Student Leadership Conference’s Law & Advocacy program at Yale University. “I learned more about the law and got practice doing a mock trial,” she recalled. A law elective course the following year further cemented her aspirations. “These experiences confirmed that law school was the right path for me.”

Choosing Catholic Law: A Perfect Fit

When it came time to choose a law school, Catholic Law stood out for its unique combination of qualities. “I decided to attend Catholic Law for a variety of reasons,” Victoria explained. “The smaller class sizes, the supportive professors and staff, the sense of community, and the scholarships the school provided all played a role in my decision.”

The school’s welcoming environment proved to be a defining feature of her experience. “Catholic Law’s smaller class sizes allow professors to get to know students personally,” she said. “The career office staff are also incredibly dedicated to helping students achieve their goals.”

Gaining Practical Experience

Victoria’s time at Catholic Law was enriched by a series of hands-on learning opportunities. During her 1L summer, she interned at the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office as a District Court Screener, where she reviewed police case files, gathered witness statements, and collected evidence.

Her 2L year brought new challenges and opportunities. As a Student Attorney in the Columbus Community Legal Service’s Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Clinic, she worked closely with a partner to assist a client in filing for asylum. “I learned how to interview clients effectively and improved my legal research skills,” she said.

The following summer, Victoria served as a judicial intern to Judge Theresa Chernosky at the Montgomery County Circuit Court. “I conducted legal research and observed cases in family, civil, and criminal law,” she shared. In her final semester, she externed in the Estates, Trusts, and Probate division at Bregman, Berbert, Schwartz & Gilday, LLC, where she gained valuable experience drafting petitions, conducting research, and interacting with clients.

Highlights of the Journey

Reflecting on her time at Catholic Law, Victoria pointed to her work in the Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Clinic as a standout experience. “I had the opportunity to work closely with a partner to advance our client’s case,” she said. “Supporting my client at his asylum interview was especially meaningful.”

Another highlight was her role in the Admissions Office. “I enjoyed giving tours to prospective students and showing them why Catholic Law would be a great fit,” she said. “The staff in the Admissions Office were incredibly friendly and supportive, which made the experience even more rewarding.”

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Victoria will clerk for Judge J. Bradford McCullough at the Montgomery County Circuit Court, focusing on family law. “I’m excited to learn more about family law, gain insight into how cases progress through the court system, and build relationships with other clerks and judges,” she said.

Why Catholic Law?

Looking back, Victoria emphasized the unique strengths of Catholic Law. “The school’s smaller class sizes and supportive environment make it stand out,” she said. “The transition to law school can be challenging, but Catholic Law provides resources like an Assistant Dean for 1L students to help with the adjustment.”

She also highlighted the school’s strong sense of community, fostered through mentorship programs. “1L students can connect with upperclassmen and alumni mentors who offer guidance, practical tips, and support,” she explained. “It’s a place where students are supported not just by professors and staff, but by each other and the alumni network.”

For Victoria, Catholic Law was more than just a place to study—it was a community that nurtured her growth and prepared her for a career dedicated to service. “At Catholic Law, you’re not just a number—you’re part of a family,” she said.