Meet Nina Dascoli ’27L Nina Dascoli discusses why she chose W&L Law, her role as a Law Ambassador, and some of her most impactful experiences during law school.

Nina Dascoli ’27L

Nina Dascoli ‘27L was born and raised in Charleston, West Viriginia and went to Elon University in North Carolina for her undergraduate degree in political science and public health. Her decision to pursue a legal education was a result of her upbringing in West Virginia as the daughter of a union lawyer. From a young age, Nina had a passion for history, persuasive writing, and what it means to be an advocate for others. The drive to attain a legal education was solidified during her undergraduate experience, where she served as president of her sorority and worked as the senior editor of an undergraduate political science research journal. Nina knew that she wanted to continue to grow her advocacy and leadership skills, as well as nurture the academic interests she had come to love. Law school was the clearest next step. During her first summer at W&L, Nina worked as a Summer Clerk at Bowles Rice LLP in their Charleston, West Virginia office. This coming summer, Nina will work as a Litigation Summer Associate at Holland & Knight LLP in their New York office.

Why did you choose W&L Law?

I chose W&L Law because of the supportive alumni network and for the opportunity to go to school in a beautiful part of the country. In my senior year of college, I attended one of W&L Law’s Admitted Student Open House Weekends in hopes that I would leave with a clearer answer on which law school was right for me. During lunch I sat next to a Law Ambassador, and for the first time began to imagine what my life would be like if I attended this school. We talked about the things she was involved in, how W&L Law had supported her throughout her time at law school both professionally and socially, and even what it’s truly like to live in Lexington and become part of this community. I left that lunch and day knowing that if I could meet someone as open, inspiring, and fun as the Law Ambassador I chatted with, within the first day of being at W&L Law, that I would thrive in this environment. One month later I committed to W&L for law school, and I know that my choice became solidified during my incredible experience on Admitted Students Day.

Share an experience, class, professor/staff member that has had an impact on your time as a law student.

One of the most impactful professors I have had at W&L Law thus far is Professor Maureen Edobor. 1L spring I had Professor Edobor for Constitutional Law and enjoyed her class so much that I took her Voting Rights course my 2L fall. Professor Edobor has a way of connecting course content with the lived reality of lawyers and people today that allows for constructive discourse, shared understandings, and a deeper appreciation for the inner workings of a democratic society. She truly is a model for the type of alumna, academic, and lawyer that W&L Law cultivates, and continues the tradition through her excellent mentorship.

Why did you choose to be a Law Ambassador—what are some responsibilities you have in this role?
I chose to be a Law Ambassador because I wanted to be the person that helps a student figure out why W&L Law is the best school for them, as a previous Law Ambassador had done for me. I wanted to support students in their law school decision journey, while giving back to W&L Law for all of the experiences that the school has afforded me throughout my time here.

As a Law Ambassador, I give tours to visiting students and applicants, answering any questions they have about life at W&L Law. Law Ambassadors meet monthly to ensure that we are up to speed on everything W&L—from OSC career programming to new law student organizations, and even the happenings on the undergraduate side of campus. This spring I will also be assisting  the Admissions Office with Admitted Student Open House Weekends to connect with admitted students as they prepare for life in Lexington.

What do you enjoy about working with the Admissions Office and meeting prospective law students?
I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet prospective law students and share with them why W&L Law is such a special place to get your legal education. Working with the Admissions Office has allowed me to meet even more people in the law school and undergraduate community, making Lexington feel even more like home. I also have appreciated how the Law Ambassadors program teaches each of us more about the school and the many offices and teams that make W&L work!

Anything you are looking forward to this spring semester?

I’m looking forward to planning and putting on events for WLSO (Women Law Student Organization) as one of the Vice Presidents of Events. I love working with the WLSO Executive Board to create spaces where the women of WLSO and the W&L Law community can connect with one another outside of the law school.