Delaney Toomer ‘26
Hi Delaney! Thanks for sitting down for this week’s Hot Bench. To start, where are you from, where did you go for undergrad, and what were you up to before heading to law school?
I’m from Columbia, South Carolina. I went to Clemson University—go Tigers! I came straight through from undergrad, and my summer consisted of babysitting, resting, and spending time with family and friends.
Sounds like a super good summer to me! As a South Carolina native and Clemson University alumna, what drew you to Virginia and UVA Law?
I was drawn to the community aspect of UVA. I felt welcomed immediately during Admitted Students’ Weekend, and now that I’m actually here, I see how everyone works together. Law school can be challenging enough, so knowing that there are genuine people in your corner is invaluable. Also, being in South Carolina my entire life, I knew I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone a bit more and experience a different place. I feel that UVA Law is a place where I can continue to grow as a person.
During undergrad, you interned at the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General and the United States Attorney’s Office. Do you view those experiences differently now looking back since starting law school?
I really enjoyed and learned a lot from both experiences. They solidified my interest in working in public service at some point in my career, potentially as a federal prosecutor. I particularly enjoyed the semester I spent in Washington, D.C. at the United States Attorney’s Office because I met some great mentors and got to observe a couple of criminal trials for the first time. Now that I’m a law student, I am able to look back on certain assignments with a different perspective. I see why there was such a focus on proving mental state when assessing culpability. I also see how knowing how to IRAC back then would have probably saved me a bunch of edits on my memos!
I know you have only been living in Charlottesville for a couple months, but so far how are you liking it? Do you have any favorite spots or things to do?
Charlottesville has been great so far—hopefully I’ll be able to cross more things off my list soon! I loved going to the sunset series at Carter Mountain, and I also like the ice cream at Dairy Market. I take a weekly adult ballet class at Charlottesville Ballet studio, which is one of my favorite de-stressors and hobbies. It’s fun to get back into dancing because I didn’t get many opportunities to do so during undergrad!
Time for a little lighting round!
What is your least favorite TikTok trend?
I’m not sure about “least favorite,” but at the moment I’m obsessed with “get ready with me” videos/story times and anything to do with pets!
Favorite Halloween movie?
“Twitches Too,” a Disney and childhood classic. As a twin myself, it’s always been a favorite.
Funniest case you’ve read for class so far, and four-word explanation why?
Christian v. Mattel, Barbie doll was thrown.
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Interviewed by Ashanti Jones '26