Jonathan Peterson ‘23
Co-Executive Editor
On Saturday, September 3, I attended a watch party for the first game of UVA’s football season. The Cavaliers were playing the Richmond Spiders, and, considering the football behemoth that is UVA’s program, attendance and spirits were high. The event, hosted by three different organizations,[1] was held in Kardinal Hall’s back room.[2] Nadia Doherty ’24 said that it was the fact that the three great organizations were bringing spirit to the Law School that got her out to Kardinal Hall. Although, the free food also played a role, she admitted. The full buffet line of sides definitely drew a lot of people over, the author of this piece included (everybody loves the Kardi brussel sprouts). Add on a food tab of around $1,500—which, rumor has it, was entirely used up by the end of the event—and you’ve got yourself an incentive to attend. Take note, all ye orgs of low attendance—food can turn even the most introverted of 1Ls into an extrovert for an hour. Suffice it to say, as with most events that include good drinks, free food, fun people, and mediocre football, the vibes were immaculate. And, to top things off, the Cavaliers won!
While at Kardinal, I was lucky enough to speak with representatives from each of the three organizations. I spoke first with Conor Rooney ’23, the president of the Virginia Sports and Entertainment Law Society. After giving me a run-down on who was responsible[3] for the phoenix-like rise to prominence that VSELS has had this semester, I asked Rooney what he was most excited for in the organization’s future. “Soon, we’ll be co-hosting an event with the Virginia Law and Business Society,” Rooney said. “The chief legal counsel of Netflix will be coming and doing a lunch Q&A with our students. I think that should be really exciting, as he’s a UVA graduate who really wants to talk to students. That should be happening in two weeks.” Rooney went on to say that he was excited to continue similar programming. In addition to this, VSELS is hoping to host more informal events, like tailgates and more football watch parties. Interested individuals may reach out to Rooney directly at his email, cjr7cs@virginia.edu.
Pictured: Christian Carlow '24, Deirdre McDonough '24, & Conor Rooney '23
Next, I spoke to Dierdre McDonough ’24, the president of the Virginia Bar Association.[4] VBA is an “organization for networking and connecting people with opportunities if they would like to work in Virginia after graduation.” It’s this connection that brought VBA, VSELS, and Southeastern Wahoos together at the event—a love for Virginia. VBA also has some exciting things planned for this year—not only is there a new advisor, which should lead to some incredible events for the organization, according to McDonough, but there was also a huge turnout at the activities fair, meaning that the club is back and better than ever. Plans include meetings with professionals all over Virginia, as well as an upcoming general body meeting. For those interested, please reach out to McDonough to get on the listserv by emailing her at zfc7wu@virginia.edu.[5]
Finally, I spoke with Christian Carlow ’24, the president of Southeastern Wahoos. “With great power comes great responsibility,” were some of the first words that Carlow had to share with me, signifying an illustrious reign and a prosperous future for those looking to practice in the Southeast during Carlow’s time at the helm. Carlow described the event as “a fun time with three fun clubs,” which the author of this article firmly agrees with. Carlow and McDonough share territory hiring-wise, or as Carlow put it, “have concurrent jurisdiction over Virginia,” so any who would like to be hired in the area should reach out to them both. Southeastern Wahoos started over COVID, but this is, according to Carlow, the year that Southeastern Wahoos “reaches Lone Star Lawyers level.” The plan begins with a new website—sewahoos.com. Others who are interested can reach out to Carlow directly at his email, cc4bn@virginia.edu. And if you loved Southeastern Wahoos’ Durty Nelly’s Feb Club night last February, expect similar programming going forward from Carlow. He knows what the fans want.
And remember, in the wise words of Jeremy Kass ’23, “secrets are what we want them to be.” Deep stuff happening at Kardinal Hall.
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jtp4bw@virginia.edu
[1] The Virginia Sports and Entertainment Law Society, The Virginia Bar Association, and Southeastern Wahoos all participated in organizing the event.
[2] I had actually not thought this possible after a notorious Law School/Med School mixer that took place last year, much to Kardinal Hall’s chagrin. In fact, I never expected to see an official Law School event back at Kardi. Those of you who get it, get it.
[3] Vice President of the Treasury David Kinnaird ’23, Vice President of On-Campus Events Sean Onwualu ’24, and Professional Development Vice President Derek Hitz ’24.
[4] She would like all 1Ls to be firmly aware that they do not have to join VBA, despite an apparent mix-up between SBA and VBA (neither of which have mandatory attendance, for the record). It’s okay, 1Ls. It only gets harder from here!
[5] Can we talk about how the School seems to have abandoned using initials in emails? How in all that is holy does “zfc” relate to “Dierdre McDonough” in the slightest? Sincerely, jtp4bw.