Murch Exits the Stage
Professor Brian Murchison will retire from full-time teaching at the end of the academic year.
Law Alumni Archive (135 Stories)
Preserving a Tradition
Tom Millhiser ’81L and his wife Shelly have established an endowment to fund the purchase of the W&L Law walking sticks.
Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Clark ’21L
Alexandra Clark is an associate in the antitrust and competition practice at Latham & Watkins in Washington, D.C.
Alan Carrillo ‘18L Recognized as a Best Lawyer Under 40
Carrillo is a partner in the Dallas office of Brown Fox and focuses his practice on commercial litigation.
Alumni Spotlight: Micaela Owens ’19L
Micaela Owens is a partner at Cruser Mitchell in New Jersey and focuses her practice on litigation in a variety of civil law contexts.
Alumni Spotlight: Tom Boss ’24L
Tom Boss is an associate at Williams and Connolly in Washington, D.C.
Alumni Spotlight: Arman Nikkhoo ’19L
Arman Nikkhoo is senior counsel in the Houston office of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani.
Jenna Lorence ‘17L Appointed Solicitor General of Alaska
Lorence is the first person to hold the newly created position meant to strengthen the state's appellate advocacy.
Gabriella Passidomo Smith ’19L Elected Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission
Passidomo Smith will lead the commission's efforts to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility service for Floridians.
Sarah Powell ‘93L Appointed General Counsel for Planet Fitness
Powell will advise one of the largest and fastest growing fitness center operators.
Alumni Spotlight: David Thompson ’19L
David Thompson is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and currently serves as an instructor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Alumni Spotlight: MK Mallery ’21L
MK Mallery is currently a managing associate in the Global Finance Group at Sidley Austin in Dallas, where she represents borrowers in a variety of lending and debt transactions.
Alumni Spotlight: Matt Bass ‘19L
Matt Bass currently works as Employment and Commercial Counsel at Rent the Runway, an e-commerce platform that allows users to rent, subscribe, or buy designer apparel and accessories.
Alumni Spotlight: Hector Quesada ’21L
Hector Quesada is an associate at Waldrep Wall Babcock & Bailey PLLC in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Morina ’20L
Lauren Morina serves as director and corporate counsel for Hibbett Retail, a leading athletic fashion retailer.
W&L Law Welcomes Impressive Law Class of 2028
The class includes 131 students from 28 states and D.C. and four countries, representing 96 undergraduate institutions.
Jonathan Gould ‘01L Confirmed as New Comptroller of the Currency
Gould was sworn in on July 10 to lead the office he previously served as senior deputy and chief counsel.
Patrick Barthle ‘12L Named Rising Star by Law360
Barthle earned a top spot as one of five cybersecurity and privacy attorneys under 40.
Law School Exceeds Annual Goal, Sets New Campaign Target
Generous law alumni, parents and friends contributed over $1.4 million to the W&L Law Fund in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Alumni Spotlight: Morgan Sexton ’21L
Morgan Sexton is Corporate Counsel Director at Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc., the largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in the United States.
Dan Howell ’13L Named an Emerging Leader by The M&A Advisor
The award recognizes young professionals for success in mergers and acquisitions, turnarounds, and financing.
W&L Welcomes New Trustees Jason W. Aiken ’94 and Courtney Camp Enloe ’97L
Aiken and Enloe were sworn in as trustees on May 9.
Alumni Spotlight: Karen Vallejos Corrales ’20L
Karen Vallejos Corrales is Executive Director of the Dream Project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Virginia students whose immigration status presents barriers to higher education.
Angelica Didier Light ‘75L to Deliver Law Commencement Address
Commencement is scheduled for Friday, May 16 beginning at 10 a.m. on the lawn in front of University Chapel.
School of Law Celebrates Distinguished Graduates during Law Alumni Weekend
Charlie Tomm ’68, ‘75L was honored with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Eone Beck ‘95L and Sarah Kathryn Stahling ‘15L were recognized for volunteer work.
W&L Law Releases 2024 Graduate Employment Report
According to the report, 95 percent of the class of 2024 secured a job that either requires bar passage or for which a J.D. degree is an advantage.
Law Reunion Spotlight: Emily Chowhan ’20L
Emily Kendall Chowhan reflects on her time at W&L Law ahead of her 5th class reunion.
Alumni Spotlight: Caroline Crosbie ’20L
Caroline Crosbie is an associate in the New York Office of Simpson Thacher.
High-wire Act
Whether he is trying a case or drumming with a jazz band, Curtis Joseph ’93, ’96L doesn’t miss a beat.
Alumni Spotlight: Anjelica Hendricks ’15L
Anjelica Hendricks is an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School where she focuses on criminal law.
Steve Abraham ’80, ’83L Named a Washingtonian of the Year for 2024
As founder and president of Wilderness Leadership and Learning, Abraham has impacted hundreds of youths in the D.C. area.
Alumni Spotlight: Adam Hawks ’23L
Adam Hawks is an associate at Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C. in Newport News.
Practice Profile: Jonathan Gould ’01L Is a Partner in the Financial Markets Group at Jones Day
With extensive experience in government and business, Jonathan Gould provides financial regulatory and strategic advice to financial services providers of all types.
Alumni Spotlight: Roy Abernathy ’20L
Roy Abernathy is an associate attorney for Crowell & Moring in the Advertising and Brand Protection and Litigation and Trial practice groups.
Alumni Spotlight: Kate Thompson ’21L
Kate Thompson is a clerk for the Honorable Ronald L. Buch of the United States Tax Court.
Alumni Spotlight: Adrianne Williams ‘17L
Adrianne Williams is an Assistant Corporate Counsel at Amazon and owner of an athletic workout brand called The Fitness Collaboration.
Practice Profile: Elizabeth Summers ‘12L is an Estate Planning Consultant with Wealthspire Advisors
As Senior Vice President and Director of Wealth Strategy, Family Wealth at Wealthspire Advisors, Elizabeth Summers helps families plan for their future and solve the problems that keep them up at night.
Meet a Colleague: Alex Klein
Alex Klein is an assistant professor of law who teaches courses in criminal law.
Alumni Spotlight: Cole Bollman ’16, ’19L
Cole Bollman is an associate in the Corporate, Finance and Investments practice group at King & Spalding LLP in Atlanta.
Alumni Spotlight: Kimberly Shi ’21L
Kimberly Shi works as an associate in the National Security group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Building a Dream Team: Austin Brown ’13L
As as top NBA sports agent, Brown knows the power of making authentic connections.
W&L Law Welcomes Impressive Law Class of 2027
The class includes 125 students from 28 states and D.C. and four countries, representing 88 undergraduate institutions.
Alumni Spotlight: Michael Brown ’19L
Michael Brown is an Air Force JAG officer serving as Victims’ Counsel at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.
Alumni Spotlight: Morgan Fiander ’16L
Morgan Fiander is a litigation associate at Fried Frank in New York City, where she represents clients in a variety of real estate, financial, and general commercial disputes.
Alumni Spotlight: Matt Kaminer ’18, ’22L
Matt Kaminer is clerking for Judge Julio Fuentes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Freda Coleman-Jackson Named Assistant Dean of Career Strategy
Dean Melanie Wilson has announced the appointment of Freda Coleman-Jackson as Assistant Dean of Career Strategy, effective July 1.
Maureen Edobor Tapped for Inaugural Brennan Center Fellows Program
Professor Edobor is among the first five recipients of the Polan Fellowship in Constitutional Law and History.
School of Law Honors Graduates at 2024 Commencement Ceremony
The Washington and Lee University School of Law celebrated its 169th commencement on Friday, May 10, awarding 141 juris doctor degrees.
Alumni and Friends Endow Scholarship to Honor Long-time Staff Member
The gifts honor Elizabeth Outland Branner and her 25 years of service to the School of Law.
Alumni Spotlight: Tomi Akinmola ’21L
Tomi Akinmola is a judicial clerk for the Hon. Jamar K. Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
W&L Law Presents Alumni Awards during 2024 Reunion Celebration
Bill Oast ’71, ‘74L was honored with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Calvin Awkward ’06, ‘09L and Kathy McLaughlin ‘19L were recognized for volunteer work.
W&L Law Releases 2023 Graduate Employment Report
According to the report, 98.1 percent of the class of 2023 secured a job that either requires bar passage or for which a J.D. degree is an advantage.
Alumni Spotlight: Thuan Tran ’21L
Thuan Tran is an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney for Fairfax County.
Alumni Spotlight: Arthur Vorbrodt ’17L
Arthur Vorbrodt is a senior counsel in the Transactions Practice Group at Foley & Lardner in Dallas.
William Toles ’92, ’95L Named Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers
Toles, a member of the W&L Board of Trustees, was recently named a fellow of one of the premier legal associations in North America.
Alumni Spotlight: Noriya Shahadat ’21L
Noriya Shahadat is an associate in the Environmental and Mass Tort litigation group at McGuireWoods.
Alumni Spotlight: Looking Ahead with Freedi Friedfeld ’83L
Freedi Friedfeld '83L steers ClearVision Optical through COVID and beyond.
Alumni Spotlight: Eugene Butler ’98L is Making a Difference
Last year, Butler became the first Black judge in Virginia’s 24th District.
Ryan Snow ‘01L Installed as 136th President of the Virginia Bar Association
W&L alumni Chip Nunley '81 and Mark Peake ‘88L will also serve in leadership roles with the organization.
Alumni Spotlight: Gretchen Panchik ’17L
Following a clerkship and working as a prosecutor, Gretchen Panchik now practices in the areas of commercial litigation and insurance recovery.
Alumni Spotlight: Christian Addison ’17L
Following his service in the JAG Corps, Christian Addison opened ASE Representation, a full-service sports and entertainment agency.
Melanie Wilson Assumes AALS Presidency, Named to List of Most Influential in Legal Education
Wilson appears at number 14 on the list as she begins her presidency of the Association of American Law Schools.
Law School Announces Transitions in Career Strategy Office
Freda Coleman-Jackson has been named Interim Assistant Dean of Career Strategy, taking over for Cliff Jarrett '91L, who departs the law school this month.
Alumni Spotlight: Patrick Bolling ’14L
Patrick Bolling is a principal at Woods Rogers, advising a variety of employers in traditional labor and employment.
From Big Law to Foreign Assets
Chrishon McManus ’14L—attorney and competitive swimmer—radiates calm when it counts.
Sarah Hughes Selected as Assistant Dean of Law Advancement at W&L Law
Hughes has over 16 years of experience in fundraising and development within the education sector, including a stint at W&L Law earlier in her career.
W&L Law Receives $2 Million Gift for Student Financial Aid
An anonymous donor will match up to $2 million for student scholarship funds raised during the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign.
Josh Fairfield to Lead Law School Artificial Intelligence Strategy
In this role, Fairfield will lead efforts within the law school to create policies, initiatives, and programing to support faculty, staff, and students as AI use grows and evolves.
Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Griffin ’19L
Lauren Griffin is an associate at Alston & Bird LLP, working in the Intellectual Property Litigation group based in the Charlotte, North Carolina office.
Alumni Spotlight: Carson Cox ’22L and Trey Smith ’22L
Carson Cox and Trey Smith, both new associates at Troutman Pepper in Richmond, are involved with a pro bono case concerning veteran's benefits.
Brandon Hasbrouck ’11L to Give Inaugural Provost’s Lecture
Annual Provost’s Lecture celebrates W&L faculty for excellence in scholarship and teaching.
Alumni Spotlight: John Henry ’98L
Following his entrepreneurial passions, John Henry gets comfort from his discomfort.
W&L Law Welcomes Impressive Law Class of 2026
The class includes 125 students from 21 states and six countries, representing 83 different undergraduate institutions.
Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Tracy ’13L
Jessica Tracy is General Counsel at video hosting, sharing, and services platform provider Vimeo.
First Year in the Dean’s Office
A Q&A with Law Dean Melanie Wilson
Alumni Spotlight: Stanley Sacks ’44, ’48L
Virginia’s, and perhaps the nation’s, oldest practicing lawyer.
Alumni Spotlight: Negin Farahmand Wood ’12L
Negin Farahmand Wood is Senior Assistant Public Defender at Office of the Public Defender for Fairfax County.
Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Redd ’15L
Ryan Redd is an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Lubbock Division of the Northern District of Texas.
Meet a Colleague: Sarah Cravens
Sarah Cravens is a Visiting Professor of Law, who joined the law school as of June 2023.
New Faculty Join W&L Law
W&L Law is pleased to announce the following faculty joining the law school for the upcoming academic year.
Chris Seaman Named Robert E.R. Huntley Professor of Law
Seaman joined the Washington and Lee Law faculty in 2012. His research and teaching interests include intellectual property, property, and election law and voting rights.
School of Law Honors Graduates at 2023 Commencement Ceremony
The Washington and Lee University School of Law celebrated its 168th commencement on Friday, May 12, awarding 106 juris doctor degrees.
Alumni Spotlight: Josh Keruski ‘21L and Ainsley-Brooke Satterwhite ‘22L
Josh Keruski ‘21L and Ainsley-Brooke Satterwhite ‘22L are both stationed at Fort Novosel in Alabama as members of the U.S. Army JAG Corps.
W&L Law Presents Alumni Awards during 2023 Reunion Celebration
David “Freedi” Friedfeld ‘83L was honored with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Nan Hannah ‘93L, Tom Mitchell ‘93L, and Kit Thomas ‘18L were recognized for volunteer work.
W&L Law Releases 2022 Graduate Employment Report
According to the report, 96.6 percent of the class of 2022 secured a job that either requires bar passage or for which a J.D. degree is an advantage.
W&L Law Commits $330,000 Annually to Public Interest Students and Alumni
W&L Law has announced the creation of a program to guarantee financial support for current students and graduates interested or serving in public interest and government careers.
Alumni Spotlight: Ben Richie ’22L
Ben Richie works for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the Division of Corporation Finance’s Disclosure Review Program.
Alumni Spotlight: Junior Ndlovu ’20L and Natey Kinzounza Ndlovu ’20L
Junior and Natey Kinzounza, who met at W&L Law, are both trial attorneys who honed their skills in moot court and summer externships.
Lisa Hedrick ‘08L Named 2022 Mergers and Acquisitions Legal Advisor of the Year
Lisa Hedrick, partner and chair of the M&A and Finance practice group at the firm Hirschler Fleischer, has been recognized for her work in the field.
The Art of: Roaming Freely
Sandy Hooper ’97, ’03L sold his home and went part time at work to travel the country in a camper van.
Hon. Robert Payne ’63, ’67L Receives Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award
The Honorable Robert E. Payne, senior United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), has been awarded the prestigious Harry L. Carrico Professionalism Award for 2023 by the Virginia State Bar Section on Criminal Law.
50 Years of The Law News
‘Irreverence With Some Measure Of Reverence’
Beautiful Struggle
Janssen Evelyn ’06L uses resilience and intentional joy to find his purpose.
Painting with Words
After a successful career in big law, Michael Cohen ’90L returns to his passions of poetry and painting.
Career Paths: Chris Chino ’21L
As a public defender, Chris Chino enjoys fighting for his clients in the "theatre of trial."
Career Paths: Namrata Kang ’21L
Nam Kang enjoys solving the puzzles in compliance investigations as a member of the regulatory team at Troutman Pepper.
WLSO Symposium Celebrates 50 Years of Women at W&L Law
This symposium will highlight the experiences of women over the past 50 years in relation to three pivotal events that are all observing anniversaries.
Warren Buff ‘21L Awarded Equal Justice Works Fellowship
Buff will serve as the Housing Justice Fellow with Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Spotlight: The First-Generation Student Union
Students have launched a new organization to support first-generation students during law school.
W&L Law Welcomes Impressive Law Class of 2025
On Tuesday, August 23, Washington and Lee University School of Law enrolled 125 students in the J.D. Class of 2025.
Career Paths: Georgi Pisano Goetz ’20L
Although clerking after law school was not part of her plan, Georgi Pisano Goetz '20L is about to start her third after stops in Baltimore and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Paul Trible ’71L Honored for Service to Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin has proclaimed July 31, 2022 to be The Honorable Paul S. Trible, Jr. Day in the commonwealth of Virginia.
Career Paths: Casey Floyd ’15L
With his company NOCAP Sports, Casey Floyd '15L helps athletes and agents negotiate and transact NIL deals.
Henry Leventis ’03L Nominated for U.S. Attorney Post
W&L Law alumnus Henry C. Leventis '03L has been tapped by President Joe Biden to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Law Fundraising Tops Annual Goal
Generous law alumni, parents and friends contributed over $1.6 million to W&L Law’s Annual Fund in the 2021-22 fiscal year.
Pranita Raghavan ’02L Appointed to NEH Operations Post
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced the appointment of Pranita A. Raghavan as NEH’s new Assistant Chair for Planning and Operations.
Running to the Fire
As global head of litigation for 3M, Courtney Enloe ‘97L is never bored. And that’s the way she likes it.
Elon Musk and the SEC: A Collision between an Unstoppable Force and an Immovable Object
Law professor Karen Woody breaks down some of the history behind Elon Musk’s relationship with Twitter and the controversy surrounding the takeover of the company.
W&L Law Presents Alumni Awards during 2022 Reunion Celebration
Bobby Hatten '72L was honored with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Jim Seevers '97L and Bo Mahr '17L were recognized for volunteer work.
Melanie D. Wilson Named Next Dean of Washington and Lee University School of Law
Melanie D. Wilson has been named the next dean of Washington and Lee University’s School of Law. She will also hold the Roy L. Steinheimer Jr. Professorship in Law.
Bootleggers and Aliens
Phil Brown '85L blends history and science fiction in his inaugural novel "It Gives You Strength."
Law School Launches Endowment Campaign for Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice
W&L Law is seeking to raise $200,000 to support the Journal in perpetuity and increase publication rate.
Victor Cardwell ‘87L Elected President of Virginia Bar Association
W&L Law alumnus Victor O. Cardwell ‘87L has been elected to serve as the 134th President of the Virginia Bar Association (VBA). Cardwell’s election marks the first time a Black lawyer has served as VBA President.
Education Elevators
Allison McJunkin ‘04L helps kids take flight through mentoring program.
Paul Fletcher ’85L Named Executive Director of Virginia Bar Association
Fletcher, who was publisher and editor-in-chief of Virginia Lawyers Weekly for more than 30 years, will lead a volunteer professional association with over 4000 members.
Oren Griffin ’96L Named Dean of Tulsa College of Law
Griffin currently serves as the Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and a professor of law at Mercer University, where he has taught since 2006.
Farewell to the VC3
Alumni and faculty reflect on the legacy of the Virginia Capital Case Clearinghouse, closing its doors after over 30 years serving capital defense attorneys.
W&L Law Alumnus Edward Neufville ’03L on Olympics, Legal Practice
Neufville, an immigration attorney based in Maryland, competed in the 1996 Olympic games representing Liberia.
Law Classroom Named in Honor of Alumnus Edmund D. Campbell
Campbell was a champion of desegregation in Virginia and worked to fight Virginia’s program of massive resistance.
W&L Law Presents Annual Alumni Awards
Washington and Lee School of Law has announced the winners of the annual alumni awards. The presentation occurred during a virtual Law Reunion gathering held April 10.
Struggle and Triumph
As the new General Counsel for the Carolina Hurricanes, Nigel Wheeler '15L has fulfilled his dream of a legal career in professional sports.
W&L Law Kicks Off First Generation Student Resource Network
Alumni David Hurst '14L and Kasia Wiggins '20L discuss the new effort to support first-generation students.
Immersed in IP
After his start as a prosecutor, Dan Collopy ’81L found his way into intellectual property law, and a career in Asia.
Adventurer in Law
The latest turn in the winding career path of Christopher Riano ’10L finds him leading a national effort to improve civic education and engagement.
From Courtroom to Camera, Advocacy Fuels Brian Buckmire’s Drive for Justice
A public defender with the Legal Aid Society of New York City, Buckmire '14L is also the host of “Law & Crime Daily,” a nationally syndicated program described as ESPN’s ‘SportsCenter’ for courtroom drama.
Spencer Cox ‘01L Sworn In as 18th Governor of Utah
Spencer Cox, a 2001 graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law, was sworn in Jan. 4 as governor of Utah following his victory in the general election held in November. He is the state’s 18th governor.
A Life Concerned with the World
With podcasts that look inward and outward, the Younis brothers amplify their perspective as global citizens.
Personal Experience Leads Tina Beamon ’97L to Success in the Pharmaceutical Industry
As vice president and chief compliance officer for a pharmaceutical company, Tina Beamon uses her legal background to promote the greater good.
Career Paths: Rachel Rossetti ’11L
As Senior Corporate Counsel at UKG Inc., Rachel Rosetti works on a wide variety of data privacy, data protection, and data security matters.
Career Paths: Ernest Hammond ’13L
As senior product counsel at Twilio, Ernest Hammond's work is centered at the intersection of tech, healthcare, and telecommunications.
W&L Law Unveils Tribute to First Female Graduates
A new installation at Washington and Lee University School of Law celebrates the first female graduates of the law school.
Joy Lee ‘12L Serving as Counsel to the Republican National Convention
Helping plan the 2020 convention has required creativity and flexibility as the COVID-19 pandemic has required big changes to the event.
W&L Law Announces 2020 Alumni Awards
John Sicilian ‘85L, Andy Lee ‘90L and Katie Waibler 15L were honored for their accomplishments and contributions to the law school.
Slowing the Spread
Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox ‘01L is leading the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser ‘79L Warns of COVID-19 Scams in Op/Ed
Strasser is urging residents of hard-hit Louisiana to be on the lookout for criminal activity.
