Maggie Rossberg ‘24
Hi Maggie! Let’s start with a little background about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to undergrad, and how did you end up coming to law school?
I am from Crozet, VA, which is a place, not just a bar on the Corner. I went to UVA for undergrad, so I am a Double Hoo. Well, I like to say that I am a hopeful Double Hoo because I have to graduate law school first.
I actually started off in the nursing school in college but took every chance I could to take classes unrelated to nursing. That was a sign that I should make a change. I ended up majoring in American Studies with the hope of going to law school one day. First, I wanted to get out in the working world and prove to myself that it was a worthwhile endeavor. I worked on the Hill and then for a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. Through both of those experiences, particularly the nonprofit, I got to meet a lot of federal prosecutors and see them do their jobs, which drove home that law school was what I wanted to do.
You clearly love Charlottesville and UVA. What makes this place so special to you?
It is hard to describe why it is special, because it is a feeling. I love Charlottesville for a lot of reasons. It offers many of the benefits of a big city, namely great restaurants and activities, like hiking and wineries. But you don't have the downsides of living in a large place. I guess sometimes the traffic on 29 is bad, but that’s only for an hour each day.
I also think UVA is a really special school. You get a lot of the charm of a southern school with great academics and history. The Lawn and the Rotunda are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The last time I checked, there are only ten UNESCO sites in the whole United States. Charlottesville is a convergence of a lot of wonderful things.
You mentioned loving the restaurants here. What are your top three Charlottesville restaurants?
My top restaurant is Tavola. I love Italian food, and their selection is so good. The ambiance is also great because it is casual yet refined. The wine selection is unbelievable. Go and talk to their sommelier, Caleb. He is knowledgeable, and I’ve learned a lot about wine from him. My favorite dishes are the pomegranate cosmopolitan, the burrata, the bucatini all’amatriciana, the eggplant, and I like an affogato for dessert.
C&O is my second favorite. That is a classic Charlottesville restaurant with delicious French food. My mom worked as the pastry chef there when I was little, so I have a lot of childhood memories of sitting at the secret bar downstairs and drinking Shirley Temples.
Third is Lampo. I love pizza, and the Neapolitan style is the best of them all. Lampo is great because it is affordable and delicious. It feels like you are in a little bistro in Italy with how small and intimate it is.
This is your last year in Charlottesville before you start your career. What are your 3L goals?
Before law school, I got advice from a friend who had just graduated that I shouldn't get involved in any extracurriculars and should just focus on school. I think part of that advice was good. Law school isn’t like undergrad where you need to prove your leadership abilities. I took it to the extreme, however, and didn’t get involved in anything. As a 1L, I just focused on school, made friends, and played on my section softball team. I wasn’t involved in a single club, not even Virginia Law Women.
As a 3L, I am becoming more invested in this community via organizations and things that I care about. I am the president of Agape, a new Christian organization. Agape is an openly affirming and theologically diverse organization. I feel really passionately about it and am excited to be involved. Last year, I did the Innocence Project clinic and am continuing my involvement as a pro bono team leader this year. I am also trying new activities, like Barrister’s United pickup soccer and tennis lessons with friends. I can’t go back and change 1L Maggie, but I’m expanding my horizons to have my finger on the pulse at the Law School. I’m calling it my involved era.
Lightning Round:
Your Go-To Dessert?
The best chocolate chip cookies. I have been browning butter for years.
Favorite Grand Slam Tournament? Wimbledon. I went to the club where it is held this summer and would die to be a member there. It is impossible. You need to know three people who will vouch for you.
Most Interesting Law School Class? Con Law II: Religious Liberty with Professor Schwartzman. The doctrine is complex but very relevant.
Favorite Member of the Royal Family? The Princess of Wales. I will happily engage in a nuanced conversation about Megan and Harry with anyone who wants to discuss it.
Best Taylor Swift Era? 1989, but Lover is a close second.
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Interviewed by Sally Levin ‘24
ezn3yy@virginia.edu