Undergraduate institutions attended and degrees earned
University of Delaware – Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
Hometown – City, State, and Country (if not the U.S.)
Baltimore, Maryland.
Extracurricular and co-curricular activities
Moot Court Board
Republican Law Society
Post-graduation plans
I will be clerking for the Honorable Judge Robert E. Cahill, Jr., in the Criminal Division in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
What was your most memorable moment?
Winning the Fall 2019 Moot Court Competition. My whole family coordinated their lunch breaks to come watch me compete, and many of my friends took time between their classes to come wish me luck or watch part of my argument. I remember that when the Judges announced me as Best Oralist, my mother practically jumped out of her seat (something my friends talked about for days afterwards)! I was thrilled that all my hard work had paid off, but was also filled with a new sense of confidence and relief, for that was the moment I became absolutely certain that I was meant to be a litigator.
Finish this sentence: I could not have gotten through this experience without …
My family, my Section A support system, and boxes upon boxes of multi-colored highlighters.
Who are your mentors? How have they impacted your journey?
Julia Arfaa, Esq. – Thank you for taking a chance on me 5 years ago. I was just beginning to develop an interest in the law, and you – without hesitation – brought me along every step of the way, showing me what it means to be a great lawyer. You’ve unquestionably set the bar for the kind of advocate I hope to become.
Judge Cahill – “Some decisions are easy; some are much more difficult. But I can honestly say I leave each case feeling like I’ve done the right thing.” You said this to me when we first met and I’ve never forgotten it. I’m honored to be serving as your clerk next year.
What did you learn about yourself while earning this degree?
That I am always capable of more than I initially think. There were many areas in my law school career where I started with the goal of “just getting it done,” but ended up excelling. From Moot Court and Clinic, to legal writing and everyday cold calls, I’ve learned that I need to trust myself more and be confident in believing that I just might be doing better than I may give myself credit for.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Professor Michael Van Alstine. He made me look forward to Contracts and Secured Transactions, something I didn’t think was possible based on what I’d heard from attorneys I know and friends at other law schools. His energy and level of engagement are consistent in every single class he teaches, and while I truly enjoyed learning from each and every one of my professors at Maryland Carey Law, Professor Van Alstine’s teaching style is unparalleled.
What was your favorite class and why?
Constitutional Law.
Contrary to popular law-student opinion, I honestly never get tired of learning about the Constitution, its history, and the ways in which it can be interpreted. Our entire way of life is based on this one document that affects us in ways we may not even realize and, in my opinion, often take for granted. Our nation has continued to function for 245 years based almost entirely on the words and amendments written, not by kings, emperors, or great philosophers, but by a group of ordinary people who were determined to govern themselves. I find that absolutely fascinating.
Write a message.
Mom, Dad, and Jacob – Thank you for your never-ending love and support. From the moment I mentioned that I was “maybe, sort of, thinking about law school,” to when I declared that I want to be a judge, you guys were all-in with me every step of the way, ready to help in any way you could. I love you all.
Section A – Thank you all for being such an amazingly kind, supportive, intelligent, and fun group of people. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better group of friends to start my law school journey with, and I know each and every one of you will do incredible things. See you in court! 🙂
Julia Arfaa, Esq. and Judge Robert Cahill, Jr. – Thank you both for all the advice, opportunities, and experiences you have given me in my legal journey and continue to give me to this day.