Q: After your first year of law school, you helped Professor Scharf draft the case for the 2025 International Bar Association's International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition. Tell us about that experience.
As a Summer Fellow with the Cox International Law Center, I had the privilege of helping Professor Michael Scharf draft the case for the 2025 ICC Moot Court Competition. My research primarily focused on two emerging areas of international law: gender apartheid as a potential crime against humanity and the complex jurisdictional challenges presented by dual nationality in ICC proceedings. This experience greatly deepened my understanding of how international law evolves to address human rights challenges.
Q: During your second year of law school you externed at the U.S. Coast Guard Office of General Counsel. What was that work like?
With the Ninth Coast Guard District Legal Office, I've supported the operational goals of the District Commander through diverse legal challenges at the intersection of military and maritime law. I've conducted research on administrative regulations, prepared investigative reports on harassment claims and other various UCMJ violations, and assisted with international case coordination involving American deaths abroad. This hands-on experience has shown me how legal expertise directly enables the Coast Guard’s critical missions across the Great Lakes region.
Q: You will be externing this coming summer for the U.S. Navy JAG in Honolulu, Hawaii. How did you find out about the externship and what was the application process like?
My path to the Navy JAG externship began during my undergraduate Army ROTC experience, which sparked my interest in military service. In fall 2024, I applied to the Navy's legal internship program, as I felt drawn to it by the unique blend of national security law, operational support, and international legal challenges. When I received my acceptance to the Honolulu office, I was ecstatic about the opportunity to gain firsthand experience with the complex legal matters facing our naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
Q: You are the lead singer of the Law School's faculty/student rock band. What is that experience like?
Yes! I am the lead singer for the law school's rock band "Razing the Bar" in addition to my own work as an independent singer-songwriter. With the band, I've had the incredible opportunity to play at various local venues and some out of state! I've been singing and making music since I was a kid, so having an outlet to pursue my passion and connect with my peers is a dream.
Q: What are your post-graduate aspirations?
Post graduation, I hope to commission to the Coast Guard or Navy JAG through their direct-commission lawyer (DCL) process. I am really drawn to national security matters and hope to specialize in this practice of law while a JAG. During the next few years, I also hope to grow more as a music artist. This year, I have a few singles set to release and I am starting to establish myself more through live and paid gigs. I don't believe that I have to fit into a single box after graduating law school: I hope to blaze my own trail and prove to myself I am capable of doing what I love.