Class of 2025
Editor-in-Chief
Sarah Harker (she/her) – Sarah Harker is originally from West Virginia, but now calls Roanoke, Virginia home. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 2013. Before law school, she had a varied career that included stints in sports medicine, outdoor education, and social services. She also volunteers at sexual assault support organizations and her local roller derby league. Sarah is excited to help guide Volume XXIX of PILR into existence, and after graduation plans to return to Roanoke, where she will work in the niche of local government and social services work.
Executive Editor
Spencer Hamilton (he/him) – Spencer is a Richmond local who graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. In between undergrad and law school he worked as a paralegal in a small law firm in Richmond specializing in Worker’s Compensation Claims. Spencer is interested in indigent criminal defense and spent his 1L summer interning at the Pulaski County Public Defender Office. Aside from PILR, he serves as the Vice President of the Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Board, Co-President of the National Lawyer’s Guild, and volunteers as an admissions ambassador. Outside of law school he enjoys rock climbing, vanity license plates, dancing at weddings, and Paddington 2.
Managing Editor
Claire Pitzer (she/her) – Claire is from Washington, D.C. and studied political science at Trinity College. She spent this summer as a legal intern for the Richmond City Circuit Court, where she will return after graduation to clerk for Judges McClenney and Cardwell. Outside of school, Claire loves spending time with her family dogs and is on a mission to find the best chai latte in Richmond. She is so excited to serve as PILR’s Managing Editor and looks forward to another great year ahead!
Senior Manuscript Editor
Anna Wachsmuth (she/her) – Anna is excited to be this year’s Senior Manuscripts Editor! Before joining the Richmond Law community, she graduated from Randolph-Macon College. During her 1L summer, she interned with a prosecutor’s office. She spent her 2L summer interning with a staff attorney’s office at an appellate court.
Director of Programming
Emma Sauer (she/her)
Articles Editor
Kadhapriya Lindo (she/her) – Kadhapriya came to Richmond Law from Central Florida, where she got her Bachelor’s Degree from Stetson University in political science and philosophy. Her career interests include women’s rights, such as reproductive justice and gender-based violence, and victim advocacy. Outside of law school, Kadhapriya like to swim, tend to her porch garden, walk her dog Asami, and collect fun and interesting earrings.
Articles Editor
Emma McGovern (she/her) – Emma is a graduate from James Madison University (go Dukes!) with a degree in Justice Studies and an interest in civil rights litigation and public defense. Emma interned with the Prince William County Public Defender Office after her 1L, externed with the ACLU of Virginia in the spring of her 2L, and just finished a summer at the government watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. In her free time, you can find her on the roof of the Hof or hanging out with her stepdaughter (roommate’s cat).
General Assembly Editor
Alexa Cinque (she/they) – Alexa grew up in Rockland, New York, and received a dual Bachelors of Science in Politics and Biopsychology from Juniata College in Pennsylvania. During her 1L summer, she interned at Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia. Now as she enters her 2L year, she hopes to continue to explore different types of public interest law.
General Assembly Editor
David Shaikh (he/him) – David came to Richmond after attending George Mason University for undergrad. This summer he worked at the Virginia Employment Commission where he would read, watch, and write decisions regarding unemployment insurance for an Administrative Law Judge. David hopes to work for a government agency or city/county attorney’s office after law school.
General Assembly Editor
Logan Smith (he/him) – 3L grew up in the Richmond area, hoping to work in criminal law
Symposium Editor
Sara K. Arora (she/they) – I grew up in Chicago, London, and Singapore. I attended Elon University for my undergraduate education. At Elon I earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies and a Bachelor of Arts in political science. My internships with Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow, the Honorable Judge Paul W. Bonapfel, and the Boleman Law Firm have grown my interest in international business law and bankruptcy law which I aim to pursue.
Symposium Editor
Shawn Mattox (he/him) – I grew up in a small county, just a few hours north of Houston, Texas. I attended Sam Houston State University (go Bearkats!) and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Political Science. I came to the University of Richmond interested in constitutional, labor, and employment law. After completing my first semester at the University of Richmond School of Law, I interned at the First Level of Appeals at the Virginia Employment Commission. In my second year I had the opportunity to join the Public Interest Law Review and I currently serve as one of the two Symposium Editors in PILR for my 3L year. With the Bar approaching faster than I would like, I am currently looking to work in Labor Law or Employment Law. Outside of law I am often found playing Dungeons and Dragons, world building (also related to D&D), or spending time with my cat, Cleo.
General Topics Editor
Paige Hathaway (they/them)
General Topics Editor
Brooke Hoppe (she/they) – Originally from Houston, Texas, Brooke studied Screenwriting at Emerson College. Before coming to law school, Brooke worked as an assistant at several major film studios and a prominent talent agency in Los Angeles. In addition to PILR, they are involved in the Trial Advocacy Board, Moot Court, National Lawyer’s Guild, and OUTLaw. Brooke has interned at the Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. She hopes to pursue a career in public defense after graduation. In her free time, Brooke enjoys talking about and spending time with their two beloved cats.
Publications & Online Editor
Áine Lowndes (she/her) – Áine graduated from University of Rochester, where she studied International Relations and Russian. Before law school, Áine taught English online to students in Vladimir, Russia. Áine is interested in labor and employment law and public interest law. She has interned with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Legal Aid. Áine is the President of Public Interest Law Association (PILA).
Notes & Comments Editor
Mary Klein (she/her) – Mary is one of PILR’s Note and Comments Editors. Originally from Raleigh, NC, she graduated from Bard College with a degree in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. Before law school, she worked on a fruit orchard/winery in the Hudson Valley region of New York, where she developed an interest in labor rights and food justice. She has interned with Blue Ridge Legal Services in Harrisonburg, VA and Legal Aid Justice Center in Richmond.
Notes & Comments Editor
Libby Larro (she/her) – Libby is a 3L from Richmond, VA. She is hoping to be a public defender in Virginia specializing in youth defense, and she is the current SBA President! She loves to take walks, read fun not-law school books, and play with her cat, Fig.
Blog & Social Media Editor
Brianna McCall (she/her) – Brianna is originally from North Carolina, but graduated from University of Louisville where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice. Brianna hopes to continue to pursue her interest in criminal defense.
Blog & Social Media Editor
Aislin Murphy (she/they) – Hailing from Sacramento, California, standing at a staggering 5’8.5″, Aislin is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz with a BA in Philosophy and a Minor in Education. She spent her 1L summer interning at the Pulaski County Public Defenders Office and her 2L summer with the Eastern District of California Office of the Federal Public Defender. They hope to continue to work in indigent defense after graduation. Until then, Aislin is thrilled to be serving this year as one of PILR’s Blog and Social Media Editors and spending her free time line dancing and gossiping about The Bachelor.
Manuscript Editor
Nicholas Eliades (he/him)
Manuscript Editor
Samantha Farpour (she/her) – Samantha graduated from Virginia Tech in 2023 with a B.A. in Political Science. Prior to law school, she spent two summers interning at a personal injury firm in Norfolk, VA. She spent her 1L summer exploring Richmond and interning with Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, where she worked with the housing law team. Outside of law school, she enjoys reading, running, and watching Virginia Tech football (go Hokies!).
Manuscript Editor
Harry “Nate” Jarvis (he/him) – Nate is a graduate of Georgetown College, where he studied English and History. Before beginning law school, Nate worked first as a legal assistant for a Woodbridge-area DUI practice, then as an investigator for the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission in the Prince William County Public Defender’s Office. Nate is interested in indigent criminal defense, immigration litigation, and family law. He has interned with U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston, Jr. in the Eastern District of Va. (Alexandria Division), Bland & Sorkin P.C., and the Federal Defender for the Western District of Va. (Charlottesville Division). In addition to serving on PILR staff, Nate chairs the Honor Council Student Advocate Corps., serves as the advanced clinic practitioner for the Institute for Actual Innocence Clinic, and volunteers with the National Lawyers Guild.
Manuscript Editor
Joe Meiners (he/him) – Joe is from Burke, Virginia and graduated from George Mason University with a BA in Government and International Politics with a minor in Legal Studies. During undergraduate, Joe worked as an assistant for Joanne Sgro PC Law Offices, a firm that represents residential landlords in DC. He is interested in constitutional law, property law, and intellectual property law. In his 1L summer, Joe interned at both the Department of Homeland Security in the Intellectual Property Division of the Office of General Counsel and at the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Joe is also a competitive powerlifter and has been replaying the Batman Arkham video game series for the past ten years.
Manuscript Editor
Matt Wright (he/him) – Matt is from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and attended Old Dominion University where he studied History and Political Science. He spent his 1L summer interning for the Honorable Elizabeth W. Hanes at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Norfolk. Additionally, he spent his 2L summer in the Finance and Real Estate practice Group at Williams Mullen, where he will return after graduation. Outside of law school, Matt can be found playing trucks with his sons, juggling, or swimming in a friend’s pool.
Senior Staff
Bradford Dudley (he/him) – Bradford is from Hanover County, Virginia. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 2019, double-majoring in Political Theory and Classical Studies. Before joining Richmond Law as a 1L, he interned under the Honorable Mark C. Christie at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Bradford is interested in administrative law, and he spent his 1L summer at the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Office of General Counsel. Additionally, Bradford serves on the Honor Council as a Justice. Outside of school, Bradford enjoys mountain biking, scratchboard drawing, and reading classical mythology.
Senior Staff
Sarah Stuart (she/her) – Sarah is unsurprisingly from California, and graduated from UC Merced with a B.A. in History in 2023. She has interned with the Smithfield Public Defender’s Office, and intends to work in public defense after graduation. When she isn’t pursuing a deeply held passion for spading, she’s spending time with her cat, Tabernacle.
Class of 2027
Katelyn Bennett (she/they) – I am from Spotsylvania, VA. I graduated from Christopher Newport University, where I studied International Affairs and Philosophy. Aside from PILR, I am a member of the International Law Society and Richmond Women’s Law. I aspire to practice International or Immigration Law. Finally, I spent this past summer interning for the Fredericksburg Office of the Public Defender.
Alexi Berges (she/her) – Alexi is originally from New York, where she graduated from Binghamton University with a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Law in 2023, and a Master of Public Administration with a certificate in Local Government Management and Leadership in 2024. After completing her first year at the University of Richmond, Alexi interned at the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for the City of Colonial Heights. She is interested in criminal law and constitutional law. Outside of law school, Alexi enjoys reading, cooking, and listening to music.
Anna Gabriella Ceruti (she/her) – I am from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I graduated from Florida State University with a BA in English Literature. During my 1L summer, I interned with the Florida Department of Children and Families in the Dependency Division. Having grown up around Cuban immigrants, I speak Spanish and was able to leverage my language abilities this past summer to engage with Spanish-speaking clients. I am most interested in criminal prosecution, family law, and civil litigation, and I hope to pursue a career in one of those areas.
Nicole Daudelin (she/her) – Nicole came to Richmond Law from Pennsylvania where she graduated from Shippensburg University with her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Psychology. Outside of law school, she enjoys reading books and spending time with her boyfriend, cat Topaz, and her Richmond Law friends.
Anne “Gracie” Dougherty – Gracie is from Virginia Beach and graduated from Virginia Tech in 2024 with degrees in Criminology and Political Science. Before law school Gracie interned at three different civil litigation firms. 1L summer Gracie interned with the Virginia Office of Children’s Ombudsman in Richmond, VA and she is hoping to pursue a career in family law after graduation. In her free time, Gracie enjoys reading, watching new shows and spending time with family and friends (especially on the beach).
Anna East – Anna was born and raised in Virginia and plans to remain in Richmond, VA after graduation. Anna graduated from William and Mary with a degree in International Relations. She came to law school knowing she wanted to have a career in service of Richmond and the State of Virginia. She is glad to have the opportunity to read and review public interest legal research. Outside of law school, she enjoys backpacking, music, and hanging out by rivers or other large bodies of water.
Raymond Escoto – Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Raymond graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Journalism. During undergraduate, two of his articles were awarded by the South Carolina Press Association, and he spent his 1L summer interning with the Sixth Circuit of Virginia. Outside of law school, he enjoys reading, gaming and writing his novel.
Rebecca Fielding – Rebecca grew up in Midlothian, VA. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics at Southern Utah University. During her 1L summer, she interned at the Halifax Public Defender’s Office. She strives to continue her career in public defense.
Lily J. Goodman (she/her) – Lily Goodman is a Richmond native whose commitment to public interest began at age 13, when she helped pass legislation in New York to improve working conditions and prevent child trafficking in the modeling industry. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. in Global Affairs with a minor in Chinese from George Mason University and later worked as a paralegal for a criminal defense attorney. She spent her first-year summer as a judicial intern to the Honorable Judge Hannah M. Lauck at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. At Richmond Law, Lily serves as Vice President of the International Law Society, Phi Alpha Delta, and the Mindfulness in Law Society, and is a member of the Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Board. Outside of school, she enjoys teaching yoga and spending time with friends and family.
Emily Henderson – Emily is a 2L staff member who moved to Richmond from Westminster, Maryland to attend law school. Emily received her bachelors degree in psychology from Towson University in 2020 and worked as an admissions counselor before deciding to embark on her law school journey. Emily is interested in administrative law, with passions for ethical land use and environmental justice. In her free time, you can find Emily watching Gossip Girl and hanging out with her cat, Bean; her dog, Del; and her partner, Cyann
Daisy Holder (she/her) – Originally from England, I moved to Maryland as a child and eventually attended Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland, where I studied economics. During my undergraduate years, I worked for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender in St. Mary’s County and Shore Legal Access in Salisbury, MD. Those experiences sparked my passion for working with low-income clients and inspired me to pursue a career in public defense. During my 1L summer, I worked at the Richmond Public Defender’s Office. I am excited about continuing my journey to becoming a public defender!
Maggie Hufnagel – Maggie grew up in rural Maine, and is a graduate of Champlain College where she received a Bachelors of Science in Law. Prior to law school, Maggie became a real estate agent at 19, was a dance teacher, was an event coordinator, and interned for Vermont’s States Attorney. In order to keep the performing arts in her life while in law school, Maggie took a job at our very own Modlin Center. In her limited free time, Maggie spends her time reading, knitting, and hanging out with her cat Hadley.
Katherine Lanphear (she/her) – Katherine was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and earned her B.A. in history and anthropology at the University of Houston. During her 1L summer, she interned with Aequitas, a group focused on improving access to and quality of justice for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Outside of school, Katherine enjoys baking, taking care of her reptiles and amphibians, and playing with her cat Elvira.
Trey McAdams (he/him) – I was born and raised in Nashville, TN. After graduating from Vanderbilt in 2020, I moved to Hawaii through Teach for America where I taught 8th grade for four years. I’m interested in anything public interest, but am particular passionate about protecting our constitutional rights.
CeJay Morgan (she/her) – Hello! My name is CeJay Morgan, and I am from Culpeper, Virginia. I graduated in 2024 from Longwood University with a major in Political Science and a minor in Communications Studies. After graduating from Richmond Law, I would love to work for a family law firm, or in an area where I work with families and children. In my free time, I train for and participate in half marathons and also practice acrylic and oil painting.
Leo Piazza (he/him) – Leo is a double Spider, earning his Philosophy and Rhetoric degree from the University of Richmond. He coaches UR’s Mock Trial team and spent his 1L summer interning with the Federal Public Defenders Office, pursuing his goal of becoming a criminal trial attorney. Leo now serves as Vice President of the Trial Advocacy Board and is a recipient of the Robert A. Slimack Outstanding Oral Advocate Award. Outside of law school, he enjoys theology, working out, and grilling steaks.
Maria Pittella
Arianna Prete – I am from South Carolina and I graduated from Francis Marion University. I worked 2 jobs while in college and wrote my honors thesis on the development of the death penalty and its constitutional arguments. In my free time I love to get sushi with friends and weight lift.
Maddie Walker (she/her) – Maddie is from Lynchburg, VA and attended Virginia Tech for undergrad, where she studied Political Science and Italian Language. Before law school, she did a mixture of government, elder law, family law, and lobbying work. During her 1L summer, she worked for the Virginia State Bar doing research on legal deserts in the state and for the Virginia Coalition for Open Government working with the Freedom of Information Act. She is the Communications Director for the UR Chapter of the American Constitution Society, a Justice on the Honor Council, and is a member of Phi Alpha Delta. Outside of law school, Maddie enjoys longboarding, playing guitar, and building model planes.