Immigrant Rights Clinic Client Wins Citizenship after 15-Year Struggle
The clinic first assisted the client, a woman from Central America, with an asylum claim.
Experience, W&L Law Archive (95 Stories)
Summer Experience: Julia Lanning ’26L
Julia Lanning spent the summer as a student case worker in the Black Lung Clinic.
Summer Experience: Caroline Penfield ’26L
This summer, Caroline Penfield worked at the Public Defender’s Office in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Immigrant Rights Clinic Prevails in Six Year Asylum Case
The clinic secured asylum for a client who was persecuted in his home country for his political beliefs.
Third-Year Law Student Argues Black Lung Benefits Case Before Fourth Circuit
Annelise Burgess '25L argued the case as a student attorney in W&L Law’s Advanced Administrative Law Clinic, better known as the Black Lung Clinic.
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.
A Collaborative Partnership
This fall, Ana Laura Gonzalez Coria ‘25L was as an extern at Scognamiglio Law Firm in Naples, Italy.
Criminal Justice Clinic Students Win Freedom for Client Due to Ineffective Counsel
Katie Heller ‘24L and Nina Gagnon ‘24L gained valuable practice experience before beginning careers as public defenders.
A Relentless Pace
This fall, Jermaine Jones '25L was an extern with the Delaware Court of the Chancery.
At Work with Brilliant Minds
This fall, Cory Morris '22, '25L worked at the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Asking the “Why”
Mikayla Nasis '25L reflects on working in the Commonwealth Attorney's Office for Rockbridge County and the City of Lexington.
In House at USAG
Lillian Weitz '22, '25L spent the fall semester working for USA Gymnastics.
Committed to Service
Olivia Scheidt ‘25L discusses her experience as a student attorney in the Community Legal Practice Center.
Achieving Just Outcomes
Spencer Thomas '25L discusses his externship with the Commonwealth's Attorney in Roanoke.
Meet Siju Oshin ’26L: Legal Fellow with the International Refugee Assistance Project
This semester, Siju Oshin is working in an independent research position with a global legal aid and advocacy organization.
Black Lung Clinic Wins Case in Third Circuit Court of Appeals
Haley Carter '24L argued the case as a student attorney in the clinic.
W&L Law Student Argues Case before Third Circuit Court of Appeals
Haley Carter '24L argued the case as a student attorney in W&L Law’s Advanced Administrative Law Clinic, better known as the Black Lung Clinic.
Good Work for Good People
Taryn Washburn ‘24L discusses her experience working with clients in the Trusts and Estates Practicum.
A Client-Focused Experience
Colin Matthaei ‘24L spent the fall semester working in the Intellectual Property group at Nixon Peabody in Washington, D.C.
Clinic Students Win Asylum for Afghanistan Human Rights Advocate
The case spanned nearly two years and involved two sets of clinic students who worked to secure the outcome.
Gaining Insight at Juvenile and Domestic Court
Lexi Acosta '24L spent the fall semester as a judicial extern in the Roanoke City Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Empowered in the Immigrant Rights Clinic
Jose Lopez '24L describes his clinical experience and trip to Mexico City to advise migrants and refugees on the U.S. asylum process.
Trial Experience at the Department of Labor
Madison Howell ’24L spent the semester as an extern in the litigation office of the Plan Benefits Security Division.
Summer Experience: Yardley Borten ’25L
Yardley Borten spent the summer as a legal intern at the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project (MAIP) in Washington, D.C.
Real Practice in the Black Lung Clinic
Lexi Weber '23L discusses her year helping miners get federal benefits.
Overcoming Barriers in the Refugee Protection Practicum
Anne Rodgers '20, '23L writes about her experience using creativity and emotion in her work helping her client seek asylum.
More than a Number
In the Rights of Prisoners practicum, Courtney Ebersohl '24L urges the Virginia Parole Board to see past the crime.
Help During the Hardest Times
Mallory Kostroff ‘23L discusses her year as a student attorney in the Criminal Justice Clinic.
International Human Rights Practicum in Tanzania
Audrey Curelop '23L discusses a recent research trip to Tanzania as part of the International Human Rights Practicum.
Real Practice in the Immigrant Rights Clinic
Winni Zhang '24L discusses her work in the Immigrant Rights Clinic, where she has been able handle important legal matters from start to finish.
With the Delaware Court of the Chancery
Melissa May ’23L spent the fall semester as an extern in the Delaware Court of Chancery under Vice Chancellor Lori W. Will.
Connecting with Clients in the Tax Clinic
Ben Halligan '23L discusses his year as a student attorney in the Tax Clinic, helping clients resolve post-filing controversies with the IRS.
With the Brooklyn Defender Service
Shannon McGrath ‘23L spent the fall working in the criminal defense practice of the Brooklyn Defender Service.
Clerking for the EEOC
Nikolaus Smith '23L spent the fall semester as a judicial extern for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
A Semester in New York
This fall, Joseph Aminov '23L researched cryptocurrency and other emerging financial technologies with the law firm Pryor Cashman.
Law Students Argue Case in 4th Circuit Court of Appeals
Sica Matsuda ‘23L and Brian Warren ‘23L were assigned the case as part of their work with the school’s Criminal Justice Clinic.
W&L Law Professor and Students Win Pardon for Excessive Sentence
Ronald Davis was given 80 years in prison—an effective life sentence—for a series of armed robberies where no one was hurt and he never held a gun.
Planning for the Future
W&L Law students offer free estate planning to area residents.
Starting Up
W&L Law students help launch local businesses.
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.
2L Reflects on Tax Court Externship
Andrew Dagen '22L got the chance to work in the United States Tax Court in Washington D.C. after it reopened virtually this fall.
Erin Hayes ’21L Works for Racial Justice in Texas
Third year law student Erin Hayes works pro bono as legislative director for the Racial Justice Coalition of Texas.
Black Lung Clinic Files Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Health Care Case
The brief seeks to protect two provisions of the Affordable Care Act that impact coal miners' ability to receive payments through the Black Lung Benefits Act.
Anti-corruption Efforts in Albania
3L Kyle Hess reflects on the Global Corruption and Good Governance Practicum.
The Delaware Court of Chancery
Melissa Lagoumis '20L writes about how a 3L externship changed her outlook and her career.
In-House at the UVA Hospital
Helen Gray Dunnavant '20L shares experiences from her internship last summer.
U.S. Senators Respond to a Case in W&L Law’s Immigrant Rights Clinic
Kevin Euceda, a Honduran immigrant seeking safety from persecution in the United States, saw confidential therapy notes used against him in court. Now, legislation has been introduced to stop the practice.
A Semester with Washington and Lee University’s Office of the General Counsel
Mary Kate Nicholson '20L reflects on her externship, saying the general counsel is a "jack of all trades."
Working in the Criminal Justice Clinic
Kasia Wiggins '20L, a future public defender, has advocated for clients during two bond hearings and two trials in the CJC.
Immigrant Rights Clinic Wins Asylum for Client after 20 Year Struggle
Student Caseworkers Andrew Salinas '20L and Isabella Gray '20L delivered strong, creative arguments that beat the odds.
The Environmental and Natural Resources Division of the DOJ
Bapi Bikkani '20L reflects on his semester working on environmental law issues in Washington, D.C.
Time Served
W&L Law students help long-serving inmates earn parole.
Day (and Night) at the Museum
Hannah Cloh is taking part in W&L Law’s residential externship in Washington, D.C., working at the Smithsonian Institution.
Anywhere Can Be Somewhere
W&L Law students and Ed Walker '96L bring his unique brand of community-based real estate development to Buena Vista.
IRS Renews W&L Tax Clinic Federal Grant Award for Three Years
The Tax Clinic at the Washington and Lee University School of Law has been awarded a matching grant by the Internal Revenue Service’s Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) Program Office. This is the twelfth straight year that the Tax Clinic has received federal dollars to support its efforts.
Semester in DC: Gabriella Passidomo at the U.S. Department of Energy
W&L’s DC Externship Program enables students like myself not to have to make that fretful decision-- urban or rural, academic or experiential. I got the best of both words, and will be a more effective lawyer because of it.
Semester in DC: Daniele San Roman at Federal Appeals Court
Even if I had taken a full course load of patent classes, I would not have gained as much practical knowledge of patent law as I did in Judge Reyna’s chambers.
Criminal Tribunal Students Provide Input on Anti-Terrorism Proclamation
This past Fall semester, a team of W&L Law students in the Criminal Tribunal Practicum class were given the unique opportunity to review and suggest legislative amendments to Ethiopia’s Anti-terrorism Proclamation.
Semester in DC: Michael DiBiagio ’19L at the SEC
Working full time and living in DC granted me the opportunity to immerse myself in the work I was assigned and form a network of securities law professionals.
Al Otro Lado
W&L law students provide legal assistance at the border.
Black Lung Clinic Wins Case in Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
The U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of a client represented by the Black Lung Clinic at W&L Law.
IRS Matching Grant Helps W&L Tax Clinic Serve Low-income Taxpayers
The Tax Clinic at the Washington and Lee University School of Law has been awarded a matching grant from the Internal Revenue Service’s Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic program (LITC).
Charu Kulkarni ‘18L Wins Oliver White Hill Pro Bono Award
The Virginia State Bar has named Washington and Lee University law student Charu Kulkarni, a member of the Law Class of 2018, as the recipient of the Oliver White Hill Law Student Pro Bono Award.
International Human Rights Practicum: 2018 Trip to Tanzania
This year's class focused on investigating the divorce process in Tanzania that often leaves women in poverty.
W&L Law Student Argues Case before Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
3L Luisa Hernandez argued an appeal of a Black Lung Case, moving one step closer to her life-long dream of becoming a lawyer.
Experience, W&L Law: Inside the Black Lung Clinic with Dowin Coffy ’18L
Dowin Coffy is a registered nurse whose desire to understand fully the healthcare system brought him to W&L Law.
Experience, W&L Law: A Week in the Immigrant Rights Clinic
3Ls Kendall Manning and Aileen Almonte, student attorneys in the Immigrant Rights Clinic, provide a snapshot into a typical week working in the clinic.
Finding Passion and Purpose in the Law
An externship in DC gave Ali Hakusui '18L a chance to do something different, and find new meaning in the law.
Using the Network for a One-of-a-Kind Experience
Mark Dewyea '18L used the W&L alumni network to find a unique placement with the government affairs and legal departments at Rolls Royce in DC.
W&L Law Student Contributes to Report on Juvenile Detention Center
Washington and Lee law student Hollie Webb ‘18L offered her experience representing underage immigrants for a recent media report on conditions at a regional juvenile detention center.
Roland Hartung ’18L Argues Case Before U.S. Tax Court
Tax Clinic cases rarely go to trial, but this semester, for only second time in the Clinic's history, a student argued a case before the U.S. Tax Court.
Tax Clinic Students Present at State Legal Aid Conference
W&L Law Tax Clinic students Gabrielle Ongies, Roland Hartung, and Javier Puga presented at the Annual Statewide Legal Aid Conference.
Stacey LaRiviere ’17L for the Commonwealth
Third-year law student Stacey LaRiviere got the unique chance to try a jury trial during her externship with the Commonwealth Attorney's Office of Roanoke City.
W&L Law Students Organize International Anti-Corruption Conference
The students are participating in an innovative practice-based course that engages them in research and analysis of international acts pertaining to good governance and corruption.
The DC Program: Andrea Marshall ’17L Gets “The Talk”
3L Andrea Marshall interned with the EPA while participating in W&L Law's Program in DC, a one-semester, residential program that gives W&L students practice experience in the nation's capital.
Tax Clinic Students Release Guides for Taxpayers
The guides help with a variety of tax issues, including determining filing status and information about claiming children as dependents.
Experience,W&L Law: Bethany Belisle ’16L
Bethany Belisle is a third year law student from Austin, Texas. She graduated from Amherst College with a degree in political science.
Experience, W&L Law: Emelia Hall ’16L
Emelia Hall '16L, a graduate of Mout Holyoke College, is a student attorney in the W&L Law Criminal Justice Clinic and the symposium editor for the Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice.
Experience, W&L Law: Kerriann Laubach ’16L
Kerriann Laubach is a third-year law student at Washington and Lee School of Law.
U.S. Appeals Court for Armed Forces to Hear Case at W&L, Law Student to Argue
On Tuesday, October 20, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces will visit W&L Law to hear a challenge involving a Fourth Amendment claim in the case of U.S. v Matthew Hoffmann. 3L Loren Peck will appear before the Court.
Katherine Moss ‘15L Wins Oliver White Hill Pro Bono Award
The Virginia State Bar has named Washington and Lee University law student Katherine Moss as the recipient of the Oliver White Hill Law Student Pro Bono Award for her extensive pro bono work in indigent criminal defense, and specifically indigent death penalty defense.
Inside the 3L Year: W&L Law Student Argues Unique Black Lung Case
Paul Wiley, a third-year student in the Black Lung Clinic at Washington and Lee School of Law, recently argued one of the most complex and important legal questions in black lung litigation today.
Experience, W&L Law: Jessica Chi ’15L
Jessica Chi is a member of the Law Class of 2015. She was born and raised in Southern California and attended undergrad at UCLA.
Inside the 3L Year: Access to Justice Class Visits Israel
Hannah Shtein is a 3L from Milwaulkee, Wisconsin. In the final post in this series, she discusses the Israeli public defender system and the barriers, both literal and figurative, to Israeli and Palestinian lawyers working together for justice.
Inside the 3L Year: Access to Justice Class Visits Ramallah
Hannah Shtein is a 3L from Milwaulkee, Wisconsin. In this blog post, she describes the second leg of her trip to the middle east with the Access to Justice practicum, during which she an her fellow students visited Ramallah for a U.S. trial demonstration and visit a juvenile detention center.
Inside the 3L Year: Access to Justice Class Visits Hebron
Hannah Shtein is a 3L from Milwaulkee, Wisconsin. In this blog post, she describes the first leg of her trip to the middle east with the Access to Justice practicum, during which she an her fellow students visited Hebron University and conducted a mock U.S. trail for Palestinian law students.
Inside the 3L Year: Marshall-Brennan Practicum Brings Constitution to High School
In this Q&A, 3L Katherine Moss describes her participation in the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Law Literacy Practicum teaching "street law" to high school students.
Inside the 3L Year: Q&A on Access to Justice in the Middle East
In this Q&A, Professor Speedy Rice discusses the Access to Justice practicum and the class trip to Israel and Palestine that occurred in late November.
Experience, W&L Law: Haley White ‘15L
White, who participated in W&L Law's public prosecutors externship program this year, was there to argue on behalf of Commonwealth's Attorney's office that the 2012 sentence should be reinstated in full for the probation violation.
Inside the 3L Year: Jonathan Caulder on Turning Scholarship into Practice
3L Jonathan Caulder discusses how the innovative third-year curriculum at W&L gave him the unique chance to see scholarship and practice come together.
Inside the 3L Litigation Immersion – The Trial
Hannah Shtein '15L concludes her blog series about her experience in W&L's fall litigation skills immersion, discussing final trial prep and the trial.
Inside the 3L Litigation Immersion – Motions and Trial Prep
Hannah Shtein '15L continues her blog series about her experience in W&L's fall litigation skills immersion, discussing drafting and arguing motions.
Inside the 3L Litigation Immersion – Complaints and Negotiations
Hannah Shtein '15L continues her blog series about her experience in W&L's fall litigation skills immersion, discussing complaints and negotiations.
Inside the 3L Litigation Immersion – Day 2
Hannah Shtein '15L continues her blog series about her experience in W&L's fall litigation skills immersion, discussing client counseling and pretrial strategy.
Inside the 3L Litigation Immersion – Day 1
Hannah Shtein is a 3L from Milwaulkee, Wisconsin. She's blogging about her experience in W&L's fall litigation skills immersion, one of the key components of the School's innovative third-year curriculum.
