Yayra Akolly (she/her)
Hello everyone! Welcome to Maryland Carey Law! I am Yayra (Ya-yuh-rah), a 3E. I am originally from West Africa (I will leave the country to your guess), and have been living in Montgomery County, MD for the past 12 years.
I graduated from Smith College, Massachusetts, and I currently work in Employment Law at a federal agency in D.C. My current favorite things to do apart from work and school are spending time with my family, serving in my church, binge-watching movies/TV shows, and exploring the outdoors.
Lilliana Albanese (she/her)
Hi, I’m Lily! I’m a 2L with a double-track in business law and intellectual property law. I spent my 1L summer interning with T. Rowe Price’s legal team, and I have an interest in practicing corporate and finance law. Before law school, I studied political science and business administration at Towson University. When I’m not studying, I love to travel, spend time with friends/family, practice yoga, and cook! Welcome to Maryland Carey Law :)
Zaid Al-Huneidi (he/him)
Hi, I'm Zaid! I was born in Fairfax, VA, and raised in Kuwait. I graduated from Drexel University with a dual degree in finance and international business, and my Master's at Saint Joseph's University (also in Philly!) in international marketing with a focus on data analytics. I'm a first-generation law student and am on the business and IP tracks. Before coming to Maryland Carey Law, I worked at a branding agency, then in logistics as a professional problem solver. I'm the president of the Middle Eastern and North African Law Students Association and incoming vice-president of the Business Law Society. Outside of law school, I spend my time exploring the local/regional food scene, letting the Eagles dictate my mood for the week, and eternally catching up on my growing backlog of shows and games.
Grace Allen (she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Grace, and I am a 2L. I'm from Annapolis and went to the University of Maryland for undergrad where I majored in government and minored in Spanish! At school, I am the community service chair of Students Supporting the Women's Law Center and this summer I was a law clerk at Prisoner Rights Information System of Maryland. Outside of school I love spending time with my dogs, yoga, baking, and trying new restaurants! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!
Will Andrews
Will Andrews is a 2L at Maryland Carey Law, enrolled in the intellectual property and business law tracks. This past summer, he split his time between a judicial internship with Judge J. Mark Coulson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and working in the IP litigation group at Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff. Before law school, Will studied biomedical sciences with a concentration in chemistry and worked as a contract analyst for a real estate firm. He’s patent bar eligible and enjoys exploring the overlap between science, innovation, and business. On campus, Will serves as president of the Maryland Intellectual Property Student Association and secretary of the Business Law Society. Outside of class, he’s a big fan of golf, collecting watches, hanging out on the beach, and cheering on the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Braves. He’s always happy to chat about career paths, finding your footing in law school, or just how to survive the daunting 1L year.
Ellelyshia Ardo (she/her)
My name is Ellely, and I am originally from Hawaii but have lived in Virginia for several years. I graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2023 and studied business administration. This summer, I am a law clerk at the Maryland Office of the Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division.
Danielle Basdekis (she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Danielle Basdekis and I am a 3L at Maryland Carey Law. I am originally from upstate New York and attended 
Florida State University for undergrad. I am primarily focused on education law, LGBTQ+ rights work, and public health law. I am involved with SBA, MPILP, and Law Review. Outside of school, I enjoy running, spending time with friends, yoga, and going to O’s games!
Aleksandra (Sasha) Bekirova (she/her)
Hi everyone! I'm Sasha, I'm a first-gen American, and I'm from NYC. I went to undergrad at Stony Brook University and majored in political science and psychology. I'm a 3L and I hope to pursue a career in transactional real estate law. In my free time, I love playing tennis, going to concerts, travelling, and spending time with my family (and my tiny, mighty, feisty, yet loving, chihuahua)! Welcome!
Matt Berger (he/him)
My name is Matt and I'm a 2L. I'm from Maryland and graduated from University of Maryland, College Park before moving to New Hampshire to teach elementary school. After a few years there, I decided to come back to Maryland to attend law school! In my free time, I like to watch reality tv, play board games, and attempt to keep my few precious garden plants alive.
Gillian Birdsong (she/her)
Hey! My name is Gillian Birdsong and I am a 2L. I am originally from Bethesda, MD, and graduated from the University of Maryland in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice. I am interested in health law, specifically medical malpractice. Besides being a peer advisor, I am also a staff editor for the Journal of Health Care Law and Policy. Outside of school, I love spending time with friends, going on walks, and exploring Baltimore!
Emily Bracht
Hi everyone! My name is Emily, and I am the head coordinator of the Peer Advisor Program. I was born and raised in Clermont, FL and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's in political science. I have an interest in business law and worked in a firm's business transaction department this past summer. In addition to my role as head coordinator, I am also the managing editor of the Journal of Business and Technology Law. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy running, paddle boarding, and baking sweet treats for my friends. I am so excited to meet all of you!
Kendall Bryan
My name is Kendall, and I am a 2L. I am from Howard County, Maryland. I graduated from the University of Delaware in 2024 where I majored in criminal justice and minored in history and sociology. Outside of school I enjoy going to Orioles games, spending time with my friends, and going to concerts.
Emmanuel Cadet (he/him)
I was born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland. I attended Our Lady of Good Counsel high school and completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. My interest lies in business law, primarily within the practice areas of commercial and tax law. I spent this past summer at McCarthy Wilson LLP within their business and commercial litigation and commercial transaction practice groups. In my free time I enjoy weightlifting and playing basketball.
Patricia Castle (she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Patricia, and I am originally from Connecticut. My undergrad degree is in musical theater and political science from SCSU, where I graduated in 2021. At Maryland I am a proud eboard member of OUTLaw, the Labor and Employment Law Association, and the National Lawyers Guild.
Zhanele Chavez (she/her)
Hello all! My name is Zhanele (pronounced zh-u-nell) and I'm from California. I have a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from the University of California, Davis and am currently a 2L here at Maryland Carey Law. I am on the intellectual property track, am the vice president of the Latinx Law Students Association, and was my 1L IM volleyball team captain (let's go Order on the Court)! I also worked briefly as a pastry chef before law school and love cooking in my free time.
Janice Choi (she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Janice, and I’m from Northern Virginia. For undergrad, I attended Syracuse University and studied International Relations and English & Textual Studies. When looking for law schools, I knew I wanted to be in DMV since I went far for undergrad, but not so close to home that I wasn’t experiencing anything new. I decided on Maryland, where I am currently studying business law. Outside of school, I love to shop and try fun coffees!
Adam Cohen (he/him)
I am starting my 2L year at Maryland Carey Law. Before law school, I worked in legal recruiting and later as an investigator with DC Public Defender Service. During my first year of law school, I served as the 1L president of Outlaw. This summer I worked for the Office of the Solicitor at the Maryland Office of the Attorney General. This semester I am participating in Maryland Carey Law’s Innocence Project clinic and writing my cert paper. Aside from my professional interests, I enjoy running, weightlifting, drawing/painting, reading and playing with my cats!
Kyleigh Cooper (she/her)
Hello, I'm Kyleigh Cooper! I am a 2L interested in public interest law. I have interned for both the Maryland Office of the Public Defender and Maryland Legal Aid and would love to talk about that with you! I am originally from Southern Maryland and received my bachelor's degree in political science at St. Mary's College. When I'm not at school I like to catch an O's game, read a book, or play with my dachshund Tucker.
Greyson Cox (he/him)
Hello, everyone! I'm a 2L this year, and I loved my first year at Maryland Carey Law. I don't have a hometown because I have moved twenty-four times in the past twenty-six years. Before law school, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where I earned a degree in mathematics, and then I completed a master's degree in higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park. I'm the president of the Consumer Justice Advocates, the treasurer of the Federalist Society, a staff editor on the Maryland Law Review, and a member of the National Trial Team. I worked at a defense-side civil litigation firm over the summer, and I'm interested in higher education law and public interest work. My hobbies include playing the violin, crocheting, quilting, and gardening.
Rylee Donaldson (she/her)
Hi, my name is Rylee Donaldson, and I am ecstatic to be a part of the Peer Advisor Program this year. I played Division I soccer at Bucknell University where I obtained my bachelor’s in political science and a minor in public policy; I played soccer during my COVID-19 5th year at Villanova University and studied public administration. Currently, I am the vice president of EASL, a staff editor on the Journal of Health Care Law and Policy, a legal writing fellow, and a very excited peer advisor! Please reach out with any questions, or even if you just need a friend to chat with; we as peer advisors are here for you!
Connor Engle (he/him)
I am from just outside Baltimore in Lutherville. I studied finance at the University of Maryland, graduating in 2023. I am interested in practicing business transactional law in Baltimore, currently leaning towards some type of real estate law. Outside of class, I am the president of the Business Law Society and member of the ADR team. In my free time, I like to attend or watch the O's and Ravens as well as explore new restaurants/parks/areas of the city that I've never been before.
Renzo Fano (he/him)
I am a child of two Peruvian immigrant parents and was raised in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area: Potomac to be exact. I have a passion for Criminal Law, am on the criminal law track here at Maryland Carey Law, and love to talk about it endlessly. I am an open book and am willing to talk about anything and everything. I also know when to keep things confidential, especially if someone comes to me with personal problems or something they want to keep private. I am open-minded, accepting, and always try to hear someone out no matter what their position. Thus, please, come to me with any questions, concerns, or even just someone you want to vent to or hear advice from.
Ben Fero
I played baseball at Stony Brook University in Long Island New York. I am currently attempting to be a Marine Corps JAG and am attending OCS at Quantico to do so. I love going to the Orioles and Ravens games.
Adryena Flores (she/her)
I am a second year law student. I am originally from Florida, but I went to undergrad at The Ohio State University. My interests are in immigration and family law. My outside of law school interests are [solid core], painting, and baking.
Alexis Gabel (she/her)
Hello! I am from Ringoes, New Jersey, and I studied criminology and sociology at Hofstra University for undergrad. I came to law school with a passion for public interest and criminal law. On campus I am involved with the Women’s Bar Association, MPILP, and National Lawyers Guild.
Elliott Gardner (he/him)
Hi everyone! I'm a 3L and will be one of your peer advisors for this upcoming school year. I'm from Roanoke, Virginia, and I graduated from UVA in 2020. At Maryland Carey Law I am in the Business Law Society and am following the business law track. Outside of law school I spend a lot of my time outdoors. I also try to stay active doing things like hot yoga, running, or playing basketball.
Ashley Goldsmith (she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Ashley, and I am a 2L with an interest in health law. I graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a bachelor's degree in political science. Outside of school, I enjoy going to Orioles games, taking walks, and reading.
Jackson Hall (he/him)
Hey everyone, my name is Jackson Hall, and I am a 2L from Pasadena, Maryland. In 2024, I graduated from Stevenson University and earned a commission into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant in which I was afforded the opportunity to attend law school on an educational delay. In my free time I love to workout, hang out with friends, and go fishing.
Patrick Hart (he/him)
I am a 2L from Chicago, IL. I am an event planner for MELS, a member of MPILP, and I am working as a citations research assistant this semester with the library.
Morgan Hennessey (she/her)
I moved to Baltimore from Connecticut for law school, and I don't plan on leaving! I live with my partner and my dog in Federal Hill. Before coming to law school, I worked for several years in marketing and my quarter-life-COVID-era crisis inspired me to take the LSAT and apply to law school. Some of my favorite things to do in Baltimore are trying new (for me) restaurants, taking walks along the inner harbor, and playing Volo sports.
Pariss Holbert (she/her)
My name is Pariss, and I’m a 2L. I’m originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL, but I moved from Huntsville, AL last year to attend law school here in Maryland. I completed my undergraduate studies at Oakwood University, where I majored in pre-law with a minor in psychology. Before law school, I worked as a paralegal at a firm in Alabama. During my 1L year, I served on the Honor Board and worked as a research assistant for Professor Graber. If you're looking to get involved on campus, feel free to reach out! I’m really looking forward to getting to know all of you!
Kira Johnson (she/her)
Hi! I’m Kira, one of your peer advisors. I got my degree in applied physics (I promise it's not as scary as it sounds!) at BYU. After graduation I worked as a paralegal at a business law firm, mostly helping draft contracts, which got me really interested in law. Since starting law school, I’ve dipped into litigation in my summer positions. I also did my clinic in the Decarceration Initiative clinic, which was so good, I’m doing it again. I’m from the Mountain West (Utah and Idaho), and I’ll always take mountains over the beach. When I’m not busy with school, I love reading and gaming. I’m always happy to help fellow students—so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Jon Kane
Jon Kane is a 3L student from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Prior to law school he attended Penn State University. Jon is interested in working in public policy after law school. In his free time Jon enjoys weightlifting, hanging out with friends, watching Philly sports, and reading.
Annie Kelly
I’m Annie Kelly, a 2L at Maryland Carey. I am a Maryland native, and I was born and raised in Darnestown, MD. I’m on the business law track and a fellow in the Rose Zetzer Fellowship. I plan to go into corporate litigation after graduation. I went to the University of Denver, where I studied international business, and then spent a year living in Vail, Colorado where I skied as much as possible before starting law school. In my free time, I love skiing, sailing, and going to concerts. I am always happy to talk about 1L life, classes, or career paths. Please feel free to reach out!
John Kennedy
My name is John Kennedy, and I am a 2E. During the day I work in affordable/low-income housing development. When not working or studying I try to stay active and learn new skills. This summer I became (re)certified in scuba, and next summer I will earn my pilot's license. I grew up in Michigan and would strongly recommend spending time there.
Amanda Liang (she/they)
Hi! I’m Amanda (2L). I grew up mostly in Hong Kong, though my family’s technically from the SF Bay Area and elsewhere (third-culture kids??). I studied argument at the University of Rochester. Before law school, I was a finance bro. After tiring of the spreadsheet life, I wanted to get a PhD. While I was applying, my mom asked if I wanted to be broke for six years. So, here I am instead. At Maryland, I’m a member of the National Trial Team, co-president of OutLaw, and a research assistant. Outside of school, I coach the UMD Women’s Rugby Team and write poetry that will never be seen by others.
Jack Libby (he/him)
Hi everyone, I’m Jack, a 3L on the environmental law track. I’m originally from Anne Arundel County and absolutely love Baltimore. This past summer, I worked at a boutique firm in Baltimore, with a focus on civil litigation. My interests include environmental law, litigation, and appellate law. Outside of law school, I enjoy hiking, boating, playing soccer and ultimate frisbee, the TV show Survivor, coffee, Baltimore sports, and cooking. I’m very excited to meet you all!
Hannah Lowe
Hi everyone! My name is Hannah Lowe, and I am from Hershey, Pennsylvania. I earned both my B.A. and M.S. from the University of Maryland, College Park before beginning my law school journey a year ago. This upcoming year, I will be serving as the executive treasurer of the Student Bar Association, secretary of the Asian Pacific-American Law Student Association, and communications chair of the Criminal Law Association, as well as a member of the Thurgood Marshall Trial Team and a research assistant for Professor Sirleaf. Beyond the walls of our law school, I am extremely passionate about social media, music, traveling, and tennis. Looking towards the future, I am excited about practicing at the interface of business, healthcare, and criminal law. Please feel free to reach out and I cannot wait to meet all of you soon!
Emma Lyles (she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Emma, and I am a 2L. I was born and raised in Perry Hall, Maryland. I graduated from Stevenson University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and a history minor. I am particularly interested in labor and employment law. I enjoy being active, watching sports, reading good books, and hanging out with friends and family. Welcome to Maryland Carey Law. I look forward to meeting you!
Robert Manson (he/him)
I am Rob Manson, an entering 3E at Maryland Carey Law. I chose Maryland Carey Law because it is the perfect cross-section of proximity to home, flexibility of class schedule, cost, and school rank. I haven't chosen a specialty per se, but I am interested in disability law serving the veteran community and civil rights protecting the public against law enforcement abuses of power.
Nikhil Mathur (he/him)
Hi, I'm Nikhil. I am originally from Bel Air, Maryland, but currently live in Baltimore. I am interested in practicing corporate transactional law after graduating from Maryland Carey Law. In my free time, I enjoy getting outside, watching sports (especially catching O's games at Camden Yards), and trying new food spots in Baltimore.
Ikenna Mbaruguru
Ikenna Mbaruguru is a Southern California native and third-year law student interested in corporate transactional work and business restructurings. Prior to attending law school, Ikenna earned his BA in economics from the University of California, Riverside and spent time working with California’s chief financial regulator as a financial examiner. At the law school, Ikenna has maintained an active presence, serving as treasurer of BLSA, a staff editor for the Maryland Journal of International Law, a member of the Maryland Bankruptcy Moot Court team, and a member of the BLSA ADR team. Following his 1L year, Ikenna gained invaluable legal experience as a judicial intern with Chief Judge Russell at the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Ikenna spent his 2L summer working at Ropes & Gray, LLP as a summer associate in the firm's Boston office. He plans to return to Ropes as a full-time corporate associate after completing the bar exam.
Kezia McDonald-McNeal (she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Kezia, and I am a 2L at Maryland Carey Law. I am from Brighton, Colorado, and went to the University of Colorado-Denver. I am interested in special education and juvenile defense law. I am currently the vice president of Students Supporting the Women's Law Center. I am also on the E-Board for BOSS. Please feel free to reach out at any time!!
Breanna McNary
Hi! My name is Bre and I'm a 2L. I'm from Atlanta and went to Georgia Tech for undergrad. I'm mostly interested in health law but have a budding interest in criminal defense and spent the summer with Maryland OPD. Apart from being a peer advisor, I'm involved in the Student Bar Association, a member of the ADR team and a new staff editor on the Journal of Race, Religion, Gender and Class. Outside of school I love to read (especially fantasy, memoirs, and romance), craft (I crochet and knit!), and go to concerts. I can’t wait to meet everyone and I’m looking forward to a great year!
Sadye Miller (she/her)
Hi! My name is Sadye. I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science and Russian from Bowling Green State University. After undergrad, I took two years off to study for the LSAT and gain work experience as a paralegal. I spent about a year working as a criminal defense paralegal in Cleveland, OH, while simultaneously completing a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. After that, I moved back to Pittsburgh and worked as a trademark paralegal at a small boutique firm. My 1L year was both challenging and rewarding. In the spring, I chose to take Law and Policy of Cybersecurity as my elective. I had gotten a glimpse into topics like cyberwarfare during a Russian politics class in undergrad, and I wanted to explore that area more deeply. I’m so excited to meet all of you and support you however I can!
Isabella Moes
Hi, my name is Izzy, and I am a 2L! I'm from outside of Philly, and I graduated from Dickinson College with a BA in economics. At Maryland, I'm a member of the National Trial Team. I also conduct environmental law research, which is a big passion of mine. Outside of law school, I love practicing pilates and film photography. Please feel free to reach out; I am always down to grab coffee, go on a walk, or just take a study break :)
Nene Narh-Mensah (he/him)
Hi, my name is Nene Narh-Mensah, and I'm a 2L from Silver Spring, MD. I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with majors in journalism and public policy. I'm interested in public interest law, especially subjects like criminal justice, education, and racial equity.
Natalie O'Connor (she/her)
I am a 2L and grew up in the Towson area. I went to the University of Maryland in College Park for undergrad and graduated with a degree in marketing and management with a minor in sustainability. In between college and law school, I worked as a paralegal at a personal injury firm. I've loved living in Baltimore and enjoy hanging out with my friends and trying new places to eat!
Moojin Park
Greetings. This is Moojin (pronounced "moo" as in cow goes moo~, and "jin" as in gin and tonic). I’m a 2L who still remembers the mix of excitement and nervousness that comes with orientation — it’s a lot, but you’ll find your rhythm. I’m an international student from Changwon, South Korea, and I’m pursuing a JD/MBA dual degree. If you ever need someone to talk to about navigating law school — especially as an international student or dual degree candidate — I will always find a way to make myself available, so feel free to reach out. Prior to law school, I worked as a teacher before being drafted into the Korean Army. My hobbies include chess, sneakers, and reading. Looking forward to meeting you all.
Dhara Patel (she/her)
Hi! I’m Dhara Patel, a 2L interested in employment and labor law. I’m from Clarksville, Maryland, and I went to the University of Maryland, College Park. After law school, I’m hoping to explore a new city and see what life outside of Maryland is like. On campus, I’m involved with the Student Bar Association and the Journal of Health Care Law and Policy. I signed up to be a peer advisor because I remember how stressful and overwhelming 1L year was. As someone who also commuted, I know that adds another layer of challenge to everything. If you ever need someone to talk to, ask questions, or just vent to, I’m here.
Courtney Patterson
My name is Courtney Patterson, and I am a 2L at Maryland Carey Law. I am originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia and graduated from the University of Delaware in 2024. This school year I will be serving as president of the Business Law Society, a staff editor for the Journal of Business and Technology Law, and a 2L Class Representative for the Student Bar Association. I will be pursuing bankruptcy and restructuring law in Delaware in the future after an amazing opportunity as a summer associate this past summer. Outside of school, I love to run along the harbor, cheer on Philadelphia sports (I do love the Orioles, too), and spend time visiting my college friends in different cities on the weekends.
Raishawn Poitevien
Hi everyone! I was born and raised in NYC (Brooklyn to be exact). I joined the United States Marine Corps straight out of high school and served 13 years active duty, deploying to various locations. I have an interest in criminal prosecution and cybersecurity law. This past summer I was a Law Clerk at The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office within the Firearms and Drug Trafficking Division. I am also the vice president and co-founder of Homeland Security Law Association (HSLA) where we cover various topics pertaining to the law and policy of our country's Homeland Security. During my free time, I enjoy running and working out.
Samari Price (she/her)
My name is Samari Price, and I am a 2023 graduate of Marquette University, where I earned a B.A in criminology, and social welfare and justice. My academic background equipped me to pursue my goal of becoming an attorney and establishing an organization that serves underrepresented communities. In Fall 2025, I will be entering my second year at Maryland Carey Law, with a focus in criminal defense and movement law. I currently serve as an executive board member of the Mid-Atlantic Black Law Students Association (MABLSA), Criminal Law Association (CLA), and the National Lawyers Guild (NLG).
Aarushi Roperia (she/her)
Hi! I'm Aarushi, a 2L and very excited to be one of your peer advisors this year. I was born and raised in New Jersey and lived in New York for 5 years before coming here. I am interested in public interest work and international law. I'm also on the National Trial Team and previously on the Thurgood Marshall Trial Team, so I’m always up for a good case theory brainstorm!
Lindsey Rosenbloom (she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Lindsey, and I’m a 2L from Baltimore, MD. I went to the University of Miami for undergrad and taught special education in Boston for two years. At school, I’m on the ADR Team, a legal writing fellow, and a staff editor for the Maryland Law Review. I’m also involved in JLSA, DLSA, and SHLO! This summer, I interned at Project HEAL at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. I’m so excited to meet you all!
Emma Simes (she/her)
Hi, my name is Emma! I am a 2L from all over the South. I got my BAs from Purdue University in English literature and film studies. I plan to work in some sort of public interest law, and I interned for DSS's legal division over the summer, working in child welfare. Outside of school, I love gaming, watching football (go Bills!), thrifting, hanging out with loved ones, and exploring Baltimore as I'm still new to the area! I am super excited to get to know you all!
Kaelyn Starrs
My name is Kaelyn Starrs, and I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona. I graduated from the Honors College at Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice. My professional interests lie in criminal advocacy, particularly in defending the rights of individuals wrongfully accused. Relocating to Maryland was a deliberate decision to immerse myself in the DMV area and explore new opportunities. Additionally, I have a pet bunny!
Cameron Steele (he/him)
I graduated from Georgia College and State University in 2010 and joined the Army in 2012. I served as an Intelligence Analyst from 2012 - 2024 on 4 continents and spent 8 years working at NSA. I'm interested in immigration, criminal, and civil rights law as a legal professional.
Carleigh Solomon (she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Carleigh Solomon, and I’m a 2L from Maryland. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina and spent a gap year working for the Baltimore Ravens before starting law school. I’m passionate about business law and I gained in-house experience at an entertainment company this past summer. Outside of academics, I enjoy baking, staying active, and spending time with friends. I'm excited to meet you all and look forward to a great year together!
Rashmi Sunder (she/her)
Hi everyone! My name is Rashmi, and I am a 2L. I’m from California and studied political science at American University in DC! I have an interest in business law and am a member of the ADR team. Outside of school, I enjoy doing arts and crafts (crochet, drawing, and making bracelets) as well as exploring new cafes and going to museums with friends!
Desire Tadesse
My name is Desire Tadesse. I earned my bachelor’s degree in physiology and neurobiology from the University of Maryland, College Park, where I was on the pre-med track before transitioning to law. I’m currently a 3L and look forward to the diverse opportunities a legal career can offer.
Jacob Toll (he/him)
Hi everyone! I'm a Baltimore native, and excited to welcome you all to law school. I am proud to have served as the 2027 class president of the Student Bar Association during my 1L year and will continue to serve in the same role during 2L. Before law school, I earned my degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, where I also spent a year teaching a course on political comedy for the government department. I spent time in college as the business manager and a vocalist for Faux Paz, an award-winning a cappella group that secured first place at the 2021 International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (the competition from Pitch Perfect). I'm on the intellectual property law track, and I spent my summer working in-house for a New York-based artificial intelligence and anti-counterfeiting company, working to secure our clients' IP. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions about school, living in Baltimore, or anything else!
Anna Trull
Hi everyone! My name is Anna, and I am a 2L. I’m from Maryland, went to undergrad at Georgia Southern University (Go Eagles!), and came straight back for law school! I am primarily interested in civil litigation but I worked as a law clerk at the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Office this past summer. Outside of law school, I love to hang out with friends, try new things, and go to museums or historic sites!
Anagha Velamakanni (they/she)
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Hi! My name is Anagha Velamakanni and I am so excited to be a peer advisor this year. I was born in India and moved to the U.S. when I was young, after which I moved around a lot and spent most of my time in Ohio. I went to The Ohio State University for my undergraduate and spent a few years post-graduation working in Columbus, OH before moving to Baltimore for law school. I love collecting vinyl and music, baking, learning languages, and meeting new people! I can't wait to see what the new academic year will bring!
Garrett Witte
Hi all! My name is Garrett. I completed my undergraduate studies at Towson University with a concentration in criminal justice, and I’m currently a 3L. I’m very excited for my final year of law school and look forward to supporting anyone who is just beginning their law school journey.
Natalie Wren (she/her)
Hi everyone! I am originally from Idaho but spent several years teaching middle school in Colorado before moving to Maryland with my husband in 2022. This past summer I worked for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and I loved it! I am an associate editor for the Maryland Law Review and secretary of the Women's Bar Association this year. Looking forward to working with you all!
Andrea Zapata
Hi everyone! I’m an immigration paralegal by day and a 2L in the part-time law program by night. I was born in Honduras but have lived in the U.S. my entire life, having had the opportunity to live in several states, including Arizona (my fav), as well as Florida, New Jersey, and Maryland. Although law school will be a challenge, I promise you’ll find what works best for you and adapt accordingly. For me, that looks like living a Christ-centered life, going for runs, enjoying some light reading, and spending time with loved ones to stay grounded. I look forward to meeting all of you and being a resource in any way I can.