Will, thank you so much for sitting for The Hotbench! Let’s get the basics out of the way: where are you from, and why are you in law school?
Thanks for having me! I’m from Westchester County, New York (the suburbs of NYC). I’m in law school because I always felt like this career is where my skill set was best aligned. I naturally felt a calling to be an advocate for people. Even back in undergrad, whenever any of my friends had an issue with the administration, I was the one to draft their emails and strategize the best approach to achieve their desired relief.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I’ll be starting in the New York office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP.
You’ve been writing for the Law Weekly since 1L—what made you want to join?
The free Domino’s every Monday was certainly a nice perk. Aside from that, it has always been nice having the inside scoop on all of the drama going on at the law school. The Law Weekly GroupMe is typically pretty tapped into all the happenings around North Grounds.
My favorite article you’ve written is the brief but compelling call to action, A Modest Proposal: 2Ls Must Do Dandelion. Do you have a favorite article or column you’ve submitted?
That was my favorite article as well. During 1L, I wrote an article about a Yankee game that I attended over fall break, which was also fun.
Do you still think the class of 2023 should be forced into doing Dandelion? We’ll be aged 3Ls hobbling around on stage.
Absolutely. It’s hard to wrap my head around how the class of 2023 could be okay with being the only class to not participate in such a glorious tradition. Y’all are certainly going to miss out on bonding with your own class and shared conversations with alumni forever. And it’s not Covid’s fault, a little coordination can get this done before you graduate. But the attitudes of vocal classmates will be influential, and it doesn’t help to hear things like: “I don’t want to do Dandelion because I only do what I want.” – Paige Kennett ’23.
You’re involved with a few different groups here at the Law School. What are they, and what’s your second-favorite organization?
I’ve had the pleasure of serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Rivanna Investments this year. It has been great for bolstering my background for corporate transactional work. But more importantly, that role has provided me opportunities to mentor 1 and 2Ls and become more involved in the community.
What Law School tradition do you think absolutely everyone needs to do at least once before they graduate?
(Aside from Dandelion), everyone should take a professor out for a meal. Covid has restricted our ability to do this, but it is truly an awesome opportunity and can make for great memories. It is always interesting to see professors in a setting more casual than a classroom.
Same question for Charlottesville as a whole. Have you discovered any hidden gems?
The rooftop at the Graduate Hotel is one of the nicest bars in town and many people do not know about it.
If you could go back to little 0L Will and give him one piece of advice what would it be?
There are many opportunities to have fun (aside from bar review and softball) through student organizations and on-grounds activities. While they might involve work, they can be the most rewarding experiences. For instance, this year I participated in the Transactional Law competition and the Libel Show. Both involved work outside of school but I have amazing memories from those experiences.
You were a 1L when the Corona Virus started and everything moved online, and now in your last few weeks things are beginning to return to normal. How do you think that affected your Law School experience?
Covid was a reminder to not take things like basic human contact for granted. In a way, I think it taught our class how to adapt when our entire realities are turned upside down. Similar to my response to the last question, Covid also motivated many of us to find creative ways to make human interactions that were not in person.
Do you have a finals plan or are you fully 3LOL?
At this point, just focusing on transitioning the Rivanna board to the 1 and 2Ls and doing my best to pass on my 3L wisdom.
Did you know there is a Law firm called McDermott, Will and Emery? It makes searching for you online difficult.
Ugh, I know. It was one of the only firms that I never considered, would be way too confusing.
Lighting Round!
Favorite word:
Loophole
Type of weather:
Spring
Favorite food:
Pasta
How do you take your coffee:
With whole milk, maybe a splash of chocolate syrup
Favorite case you’ve studied:
Dodge v. Ford. Henry Ford’s insistence that he “can’t keep prices down” is inspiring. So strong to his convictions, even though it hurt his ability to win the case.
Any professors you want to give a shout out to:
Prof. Jim Donovan. If you’re lucky enough to get into his class, absolutely take it.
Prof. Peter Lyons. It was great learning from a seasoned practitioner.
Any last words:
Some of my best advice, in law school and in life, is to only root your opinions of people in your actual personal interactions with them.
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Interviewed by Dana Lake ‘23
wjm7ym@virginia.edu