Hometown: Lakehurst, New Jersey
Email: bem5653@psu.edu

Legal Areas of Interest:
Criminal Public Defense

Undergraduate Study:
Criminal Justice and Psychology with a concentration in Law Enforcement and Corrections — Georgian Court University

Campus and Community Involvement:
Public Interest Law Fund (PILF), Criminal Law Society, Kaplan Bar Review Head Rep

Life Before Law School:
As my friends like to say, I’ve gone from Kindergarten to Law School! I’ve gone straight through with my education, as well as working for a Criminal Defense firm.

A Law School Favorite:
Meeting my best friend! <3

Internship:
Both of my internships were with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, which is hopefully where I will end up post-graduation.

Favorite Course:
Trial Advocacy

Advice for Prospective Law Students:
Know that you are capable, you are a brilliant legal mind, and you deserve to be here! Also make sure you take time for yourself and figure out what it is that you love to do outside of law school.

Something You Love About University Park:
The tight-knit community, the natural light-filled library in the law school, and of course… football!

On Choosing A Law School:
“Follow the money!” Just kidding — well only partly. Go where you feel aligns with your goals and aspirations, and if you have no clue what you want to do, ask yourself if you can spend three years in that building! Base your decision on what you want and need, the community, and your financial status/needs. While having a great community and program is wonderful, you also do not want to be hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt!

You’d Never Guess That… :
I used to dance for 16 years!

Favorite Book:
Right now? Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas