Phil Tonseth ‘23
Phil, Phil, Phil. The day has finally come for you to relinquish your editorial immunity and return to the general student body. That means you’re on the hot bench chopping block. Let’s get the basics out of the way: where are you from and why are you in law school?
I’m from Salisbury, North Carolina, like the steak. Why am I here? There was an opportunity, and I was looking for a career change. Before, I was doing HR for the Army.
You’ve been involved with the Law Weekly since 1L in different positions. Was EIC always in your plan?
Absolutely not. I never planned on joining Law Weekly in the first place; I was lured in by the free pizza. I enjoyed staying after meetings and talking to the 3Ls, and by the time elections came around, I realized I was having a lot of fun. No one wanted to be Production Editor when I was a 2L, so I volunteered, and then I somehow became EIC as a 3L.
You’ve made some changes to how things run around here. What change do you think has ended up being the most important? Personally, I am a big fan of how you redecorated our office.
My focus has been to make it fun. People want to read things written by people who care about what they’re writing. I’ve tried to make the paper more personable for both the readers and our editors. My dad worked on his high school newspaper, and when I talked to him about what made memorable pieces, it was always the ones people had fun with.
My favorite article you’ve written was in last year’s April Fools edition—UVA’s Law Weekly and Law Review Join Forces: VLR Cites Needs for Actual Readers. Do you have a favorite article or column you’ve submitted?
When I tell people I write for the Law Weekly, I immediately default to the COPA. NGSL v. IM Rec is my favorite. I was able to use what I learned in my Religious Liberty class, and I was so happy with it I sent it to my professor.
2Hell, My Journey Through Finals is probably my favorite non-COPA. I worked on it all week and workshopped all the puns with multiple people.
Were there any events you went to for an article that you ended up genuinely enjoying?
I only went to one event for an article, and it was my first ever article. It was about the primaries for the 2020 election. It was interesting, but I realized I couldn’t enjoy the event while focusing on outlining my article.
Of course, I loved writing about Barrister’s and other social events in my copyrighted stream-of-consciousness style. I don’t know how much I would remember from those events without the writing.
I feel like you’ve been involved with pretty much every club at this school at some point. What is your second-favorite organization?
It’s more that I know a lot of people who are in a lot of different clubs. I’m most involved in Libel and NGSL. I think I would choose Libel just because I love making people listen to my jokes. Hosting 1L softball with NGSL has also been something I enjoyed because I think that’s when a lot of people really connect with their section outside of class for the first time.
As any loyal Law Weekly reader could tell you, you’ve spent a lot of time out on the golf courses during your time here. You’ve even written an in-depth guide to the best local greens! What’s something in Charlottesville you think everyone should do before they graduate, besides taking some swings on the back 9?
I haven’t even done this myself, but the bus that goes down 151 and stops at all the breweries and distilleries looks like a great time. Even if you don’t drink, the views are incredible.
We’re always recruiting new editors. What’s your elevator pitch?
The Law Weekly is the best place to hear the goss, start new goss, and write about your favorite goss while eating Domino’s.
Managing Editor and bestie Stan Birch is also moving on to greener pastures. Any message you want to send him? Try not to make it too embarrassing, you’ll still have to see him around until May.
Part of me regrets asking you to become Managing Editor as a favor, because I knew writing for Libel in exchange would be a lot of work. But I think it worked out better than either of us expected. I don’t have any regrets.
Here’s your Lightning Round!
Favorite word?
Over yonder
Favorite type of weather?
Hot and humid. I want it to be miserable.
Favorite food?
Meat lover’s pizza, easy.
Why did you make me buy you a coffee for this meeting when you don’t even like coffee?
Social obligation. Fun fact, my strongest personality trait in negotiations is avoidance.
Did you shoot par at golf this morning?
I played well, but I’m not proud. Will I still go back tomorrow? Absolutely.
What are you going to do with your newly freed Monday nights?
Catch up on The Bachelor and watch more Animal Planet.
Dream job?
Zookeeper, maybe. I love zoos and aquariums. I wish I could change jobs every five years. Also, trophy husband.
Are your cats coming with you on your next adventure?
I’m not going anywhere without them!
Finally, any advice for the next EIC? I hear she’s nervous about filling your shoes.
Well, this is life advice: learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. You’re going to have to make a lot of new friends.
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pjt5hm@virginia.edu