Hi Adam, welcome to Hot Bench! Thanks for being here today. Let’s start with an introduction—tell us where you’re from and where you went for undergrad.
Thanks for having me! I was born and raised in Maryland and am a product of Baltimore County Public Schools. My parents were high school sweethearts who, like my siblings and I, graduated from Dulaney High School in Timonium, Maryland. It was a great place to grow up, and my entire family still lives in the area to this day. Based on all of that, the University of Maryland was a natural fit for me, and I absolutely loved my time there as an undergrad. In my family, I am the oldest of my generation, and since I attended UMD, one of my siblings and four of my cousins have followed suit.
A family of Marylanders! And now you’re at UVA. Oh, how the turns have tabled. So what did you study at UMD? Did you always have your sights on law school?
I have always loved math and science, so I came into college hoping to major in some type of engineering. Eventually, I settled on materials science and engineering, which gave me the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technology related to things like energy storage and nuclear power. As much as I loved learning about these areas, I knew that a career in engineering was not for me, so I decided to work as a management consultant in Washington, D.C., after college. There are no lawyers in my family, and I did not even consider applying to law school until I had worked for a couple years and was ready for a career shift. Eventually, I realized that I wanted to position myself at the intersection of technology, policy, and business. The law is fundamental to each of those areas so I decided to take a chance and apply to law school to see where that would lead me. It was, I think, the best decision I could have made, and I have absolutely loved my time so far in law school.
That’s a really unique combination—and one that has been especially relevant during our time in law school! What role do you think technology will play in the future of the legal profession?
Technology has always played a role in the law, but I believe that this connection will only become more apparent and more critical in the coming years. The legal profession will need to keep up with new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, which present enormous potential for innovation but also pose serious risks in areas such as individual privacy. These same technologies will likely have enormous implications on how the law itself is practiced, particularly when it comes to things like legal research. I think it will be crucial for new lawyers to have a strong understanding of both the underlying legal concepts and the new technologies that will one day become standard in every industry. I also believe that these new technologies will have big implications with respect to law firms’ business models and the role of younger associates.
I’m sure it will mean fewer billable hours for us… right? Where did your unique background lead you to this past summer?
This summer, I interned for the Office of General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Defense. Through this internship, I had the opportunity to complete research assignments for current cases, sit in on depositions, and explore the Pentagon. I had an amazing group of fellow interns, and our internship program coordinators set up field trips for us around the DMV including to military bases in the area, the Supreme Court, and the White House. I would highly recommend this internship to all 1Ls interested in national security or government work, even if (like me) you intend to work at a firm after graduating.
What are you most excited about as you begin your second fall semester at the Law School?
I am excited to work with Professor Ware as an LRW fellow and hope to use this as an opportunity to get to know some of the 1Ls and provide them with feedback that will help them in the class and help them to build skills that they can take to their internships this summer. I am also looking forward this semester to taking classes with two professors I really enjoyed having as a 1L (shoutout to Professors Nachbar and Gulati). Outside of class, I am excited to play poker and softball.
Oh wow, that’s two Ware fellows on Hot Bench in a row. Maybe I’ll go for a hat trick… Okay, lightning round! What’s your favorite season?
That’s a tough one, but I’m going to go with fall. The weather is nice enough to enjoy being outside (at least most days) and there is plenty of football and baseball to watch.
Agreed, fall is the best! Which of the hominids would you most like to have a beer with?
I would have a beer with someone whose upbringing in Baltimore has shaped her career and whose career in Congress has been one of the most consequential in history. That person is Nancy Pelosi.
Hm… I was looking for “the humble orangutan,” but that answer works, too. What’s your go-to for a quick, cheap meal?
I live in the Pavilion, so when I want to grab a quick meal with friends, Sedona is always a solid option.
Great beer selection—look out for the Smuttynose on your next visit. What’s at the top of your travel bucket list?
Earlier this summer, I traveled to Italy for the first time and absolutely loved it. I would love to get back to the Mediterranean and would have to say that Greece is at the top of my bucket list.
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Interviewed by Andrew Allard ‘25