Joseph Digirolamo ‘20
What is your favorite word?
Pugnacious. It includes the name of a dog breed, which is fantastic.
Where did you grow up?
Brookfield, Connecticut.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Sushi with Austin in Newport Beach, California.
If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why?
I would want to meet David Mitchell; he’s a famous novelist who wrote my favorite book, The Bone Clocks.
What’s your favorite hobby to avoid the stress of law school?
Reading fiction novels.
Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Cape Cod. I’ve been going with my family since I was a little kid, so I have years of great memories. I really enjoy revisiting our favorite spots, like Four Seas Ice Cream in Centerville!
What’s something you wish you’d known about law school before coming to UVA Law?
I wish I knew that I didn’t have to worry about finding a community because it’s pretty easy to find one here.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
I had an everything bagel with herb cream cheese from Bodo’s.
What’s your most interesting two-truths- and-a- lie? (And what’s the lie?)
I had a miniature poodle. I have a twin brother at Columbia Law. I like skydiving. The third one is a lie. I really, really hate heights. I’m probably the person who is least likely to jump into a swimming pool from the edge of that swimming pool.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
London, England. I lived in England for a year, and I would love to live there again one day. I would be able to reconnect with old friends and it’s difficult to find a place with as much history and diversity (people, culture, food, etc.) as London! Also, it’s so easy to travel virtually anywhere in Europe from the U.K.
What’s your least favorite sound?
A fork grating on a plate.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
My twin brother gave me an Oxford-English Dictionary when he let me know that the both of us got into the University of Oxford Visiting Student Program. I didn’t know yet, but that’s how I found out.
Backstreet Boys or *NSYNC?
I don’t know the difference.
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
U2 at the O2 in London.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Charlottesville?
Go to wineries. We have a lot of beautiful ones, and many of them are great places to relax for an afternoon with friends.
If you could make one rule that everyone had to follow, what would it be?
Read at least one novel every year. It’s always helped me get out of my own head for a little while and given me a better understanding of others’ perspectives.
What’s your spirit animal?
A snow leopard.
What’s your favorite food?
Chocolate. I’ve even learned how to make my own!
If you won the lottery, what would you do with it?
I would buy a house on Cape Cod for my parents, give to my favorite charities, and get a new set of golf clubs!
If you had Matrix-like learning, what would you learn?
I would learn other languages. I really enjoy traveling, but I can only speak English, which definitely limits my ability to really engage with the people and cultures of whatever non-English speaking places I visit.
If you could be in the Olympics, which sport would you compete in?
Rowing. I’ve been part of a couple of rowing teams and have always experienced a great sense of camaraderie and team spirit.
Where is a place you haven’t been but want to travel to?
The Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, etc.). Between amazing natural beauty and great baked goods, it’s hard for me to imagine I wouldn’t love it!
What are you looking forward to after you graduate?
Moving to the same city as my twin brother. We went to the same undergrad together and are very close, so it will be great to be able to see him regularly again.
What are you going to miss most about the Law School?
Everyone I met here!
What are the 7 wonders of the law school?
(1) Wilson Parker’s table near Scott Commons, (2) The bust of RFK, (3) The RFK plaque, (4) The big table in Scott Commons (most often occupied by 3L Section A women), (5) Spies Garden, (6) Professor Frederick Schauer’s office, (7) Caplin Pavilion.
What kind of impact do you hope to have as a lawyer?
Like just about all of us, I would love to be able to help people who cannot afford to gain access, or traditionally have been denied access, to legal services. Also, growing up I watched my Dad, (who was a government lawyer in New York) give legal advice to family and friends when they didn’t know how to navigate the legal system. I similarly look forward to providing guidance to people in my life who are struggling with whatever legal hurdles life throws their way.
Favorite place in Charlottesville?
Lampo pizza. Charlottesville has such a great food scene, but, like many people, Lampo is the standout!
Pet peeve?
The worst thing that can happen to me at the start of a day is for my travel mug to leak in my bag. No one wants that.
What’s one movie that left an impression on you?
Love Actually. I can’t say it was a deep impression, but I’ll always remember Hugh Grant dancing down the stairs in Number 10!
If you could pick one song to play in the background of your life, what would it be?
“The Great Pumpkin Waltz” from Charlie Brown. An absolute classic.
___
jad3mv@virginia.edu