Spotlight on Incoming IL Mark Martinez

Hometown: Glen Rose, Texas
Undergraduate School: University of North Texas
Major: Anthropology

Q. If you could only tell the Regent Law community one thing about yourself, what would it be? 
A. Although my parents’ divorce left an indelible mark on my life, their separation allowed me to be exposed to what I call “two Americas” when I was growing up. My stepfather was a fourth-generation peanut farmer who valued hard work. So, I spent the first half of every summer from 1993-1997 on the farm. I trekked up and down a hot dusty field with a hoe in hand, disposing of pesky weeds that grew among our crops. During the second half of my summer, I followed my dad, who was the director of a Boys & Girls Club in Fort Worth, Texas, around the barrio while he mentored ex-gang members. Moving from rural to urban landscapes every summer heightened my awareness of socioeconomic disparities in the United States at an early age.

Q. Which life events and personal/professional goals brought you to law school? 
A. I spent a few years working for a non-profit advocating for at-risk youth. I felt I was hardly making a dent in helping clients overcome systemic barriers, so I transitioned to traditional church ministry. However, I met a wise man along the way who challenged my limited understanding of ministry. He said, “Ministry is not what you do, like preach or plant a church, but it is who you are. Once you know who you are, everything you do is ministry.” This paradigm shift helped me realize that I have the greatest impact on society when I live out the role God created for me. Doing so has led me to law school.

Q. How did you know that Regent Law is the right law school for you? 
A. My visit to Regent definitely confirmed what I already felt. It’s hard to describe, but there is a momentum unique to Regent that is palpable, and I wanted to be a part of it. I’d also like to tip my hat to the Admissions Staff at Regent Law for making a big impression. They clearly take pride in recruiting, which is shown by their attention to detail. There is a standard of excellence unmatched by any other law school admissions office I encountered.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. Becoming a lawyer means operating as a reformer and leaving things in a better state than when I found them. It means being sprinkled into the fabric of society like salt and releasing hope in hopeless situations.

Q. How will you spend your last summer before law school? 
A. I will spend my last summer before law school with my wife and son, happily obliging to whatever they want to do. I want to make sure that I get a lot of quality family time.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. My previous work experience lends itself to family and immigration law. However, I remain very open to the process and understand that things can change.

Q. What is your favorite book and why?
A. Depends on the season of life. When I was in elementary school, it was Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! When I was in high school, it was Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. In college, it was Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. In this particular season, living with an 18-month-old son, I would have to say Dr. Seuss again, but this time it’s The Foot Book. I read somewhere that it’s important to remain childlike.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Q. You have a rare weekend in which nothing is on your schedule. What will you do with the free time? 
A. Is it college football season? If not, then I would load up the family and take a technology-free hiking trip.

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers and future law students to learn about you? 
A. I once lived in a tent in the Stanislaus National Forest, which was 15 miles from the nearest electrical outlet, for over five months. It was 2007; I was 26 years old; and I was building trails for the National Forest Department. Perhaps—not unlike law school—the idea sounds great until you are about three months into the season, with no contact to the outside world, running on very little sleep, and crying out to God at night for mercy.

It was an AmeriCorps program partnership with the California Conservation Corps. We hiked between 2 and 5 miles per day carrying 50-100 pounds each way. I lived in a trail crew of around 20 people and became adept at managing conflict. A layer of extended adolescence was shed in the transcendent Sierra Nevada Mountains, and I became attune to my servant identity. Serving not for the sake of notoriety but for the sake of others was engrained in me in that season. I returned home with greater vision for my life and a peace I’d never known before.

Spotlight on Incoming 1L Brittany Jones

Brittany Jones
Hometown: Pineville, Louisiana
Undergraduate School: Louisiana College
Major: History

 

Q. If you could only tell the Regent Law community one thing about yourself, what would it be? 
A. I am a very passionate person who does everything with great vigor and focus. I am also a compulsive planner. Sometimes, I have to slow down and remember to enjoy the moments and the people God has placed in my life. I am really looking forward to learning and growing with all of you.

Q. Which events in your life and personal/professional goals brought you to law school? 
A. Since the age of seven, I have been interested in politics and government; however, I dreaded the idea of going to law school even though I knew God was calling me in that direction. During my second year of college, my school went through a controversy, and I realized how important it is for me to understand the law and stand for truth in the midst of confusion. I still was not happy about the idea of law school, but I had a peace. Last summer, I interned at the Family Research Council. I worked with some wonderful constitutional lawyers who showed me how fun the law could be.

Q. How did you know that Regent Law is the right law school for you? 
A. Close family friends moved near the school when I was in high school and kept hinting that I should come to school at Regent. I knew for certain when I visited a second time and met with Dean Brauch. I had been praying that the Lord would make it clear to me, and the warm, friendly environment won me over!

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. It is the next step on the journey that God has placed me on and will allow me to continue growing and learning. Also, it is important for my family because I will be the first one on either side of my family to earn more than a bachelor’s degree.

Q. How will you spend your last summer before law school? 
A. I am working at a law firm in my hometown and spending time with my family.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. Constitutional law.

Q. What is your favorite book and why? 
A. I believe this is literally the most difficult question ever asked! I will attempt to limit myself to just two! The book that has perhaps had the most impact on my political and legal career is Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas. I read this book as a freshman in high school as I struggled to understand how to mold my vocational calling with my Christian faith. Wilberforce’s persistence in his calling and devotion to God gave me a vision of how I desire to live my life. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis has also influenced me personally because it has helped me analyze habits and beliefs that I was unaware of that were separating me from Christ. It also helped understand the sheer beauty and glory of our Savior.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Isaiah 40:28-31: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”

Q. You have a rare weekend in which nothing is on your schedule. What will you do with the free time? 
A. Read, bake something scrumptious, go for a run or to the gym, or hang with my family or one of the families I babysit for.

Spotlight on Incoming 1L Chris Holinger

Q. Briefly tell us about yourself. 

Hometown: Lewiston, Maine

Undergraduate School: Gordon College

Major: Business Administration

A. I’m a husband and father doing my best to live according to God’s call on my life. I served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, but now I am called in a new direction.

Q. How will you spend your final months of freedom before law school begins? 
A. Having fun with my kids in our pool and going on scout camping trips. Travelling with the whole family to Alaska to fish, camp, and relax. Taking my wife out to all the local restaurants we’ve been dying to try. Hosting my retirement ceremony and party.

Q. How did you know that Regent Law is the right law school for you? 
A. I graduated from a Christian college that placed a lot of emphasis on integrating faith and learning and integrating faith into one’s vocation. I have been part of a military ministry throughout my career that teaches officers to make their faith an integral part of their professional lives and serve as Christ’s ambassadors in the military. When I learned how aggressively Regent seeks to integrate faith with the study and practice of law, I knew it was a perfect fit for me. I know people with similar values will surround me, and they will challenge me to excel not for personal gain but to bring glory to God through my work.

Q. You’re a husband, father, and have served the military for 22 years. How have these roles and your professional experiences shaped your perspective of law school? 
A. As part of the commissioning oath, officers swear to support and defend the United States Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. In recent years, I have become convinced that our constitution and our form of government are under a greater threat from domestic enemies than the foreign ones I faced throughout my career. Law school is basic training for the fight to defend the Constitution against domestic enemies. I really want my kids and grandkids to grow up in an America that has preserved the ideas that make it unique, not one that has decided to just go along with the rest of the world.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. It means I will be able to engage in the legal arena in whatever role God calls me and help people in a concrete and meaningful way. I want to influence some small corner of the legal system with a Christian/biblical worldview because I think that has been lost and our system has suffered because of it.

Q. How do you plan to tackle the challenges of law school? 
A. Deliberate planning, careful time management, and lots of prayer.

Q. Which class/classes are you excited to take? 
A. Anything related to the Constitution, Christian Foundations of Law, and practicums/externships that will provide opportunities for hands-on learning.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. I’m trying to be very open to God’s direction over the next few years. Either constitutional/appellate work (like the ACLJ) or some combination of family law and legal aid work. I think it’s unfortunate that our government and legal system has become so complicated and difficult that average citizens stand a very good chance of being denied justice in a host of areas if they can’t afford a good lawyer.

Q. What is your favorite book and why? 
A. Other than the Bible, How Now Shall We Live? by Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey. This was the first book I read that explained worldviews to me and helped me understand how philosophy and worldviews shape every aspect of our culture and our lives, from individual relationships to whole societies, the arts, education, science, politics, and law. Worldview explains how people “do life” together and why.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Proverbs 3:5-7. Everyone knows verses 5 and 6, but verse 7 is a good word of caution to people who tend to be high achievers and confident in themselves. It reminds us that our own wisdom is not sufficient for success if we don’t fear (revere) God.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why? 
A. I’m sure the right “Christian” response would be “Jesus,” and spending time with him would be great. I’d love to ask him all of the tough questions that we seem to grapple with as we try to accurately interpret his words in the New Testament. Also, I would have loved to have the chance to meet and talk to Charles Colson. His life and testimony are fascinating.

Spotlight on Incoming 1L Lindsey Gilman

Q. If you could only tell the Regent Law community one thing about yourself, what would it be? 
A. I am one of those people who can’t stop talking about her passion once she finds it. My passion truly propels who I am. I am blessed to have a family that wholeheartedly embraces this attitude and mindset.

Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Undergraduate School: Arizona State University, Barrett Honors College
Major: History/Justice Studies

Q. Which events in your life and personal/professional goals brought you to law school? 
A. I have wanted to be a lawyer for at least 10 years. During my senior year of high school, I realized that I was supposed to embark on a legal career, not knowing exactly what that path meant at the time. I have an instinct to fight for those who need a voice. While I could still fight for the voiceless without a law degree, this is the path that God has chosen for me.

Q. How did you know that Regent Law is the right law school for you? 
A. After visiting the school during the Preview Event, I knew that Regent is where I am supposed to attend law school. Regent’s faculty, vision, general atmosphere, and picturesque landscape embody what I always believed a law school should encompass. If I get emotional about something, I can assure you it’s always God tugging at my heart. Also, I was given the privilege to speak with Dr. Sekulow over the phone when I was still unsure of where to attend law school. The call left me with no doubt that Regent’s principles align with my own.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. It means so much to me. I want to leave a legacy and provide an example to fellow Christians who feel law is their calling. I also want to do my part in expanding God’s kingdom on earth by being a Christian attorney. Ultimately, becoming a lawyer will enable me to further the Godly principles that I hold so dear.

Q. How will you spend your last summer before law school? 
A. I will be working a lot, spending time with friends and family (who I will miss dearly when I move), and reading as many novels as possible before law books become my go-to read.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?
A. I do not know for sure at this point because I have many interests. First, I love learning about criminal law (at least the little that I was exposed to in my undergraduate career), so a career as a prosecutor and/or a lawyer for the FBI have sparked my interest for a while now. I am fascinated by the insanity defense and the manner in which it brings together both psychiatry and law. Second, going back to my desire to fight for those who need a voice, I greatly admire the American Center for Law and Justice and their admirable defense of the Constitution, an act that must be done. In a perfect world, I would practice in both areas.

Q. What is your favorite book and why? 
A. As an avid reader, this is an incredibly hard question. Two books that immediately come to mind are David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell and Angel of Death Row by Andrea Lyon, who is a death row defense lawyer in Chicago. Both works shed light on the power of the underdog and why it is wise to root for them. I am always amazed at how people intuitively favor the underdog but relentlessly follow the top dogs. I aspire to emulate Lyon’s work ethic, success (she’s never lost a case), and her ability to view every defendant as a human being no matter how heinous the crime.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. It is difficult to pick a favorite, but Proverbs 31:8-9 comes to mind: “Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.” These verses really speak to me, and as an attorney, I will turn to them for comfort and justification.

Q. You have a rare weekend in which nothing is on your schedule. What will you do with the free time? 
A. I would probably spend time at the shooting range, try out a new coffee shop with friends, and take some moments to reflect on my walk with God. I might as well go all out and spend time at the spa too!

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers to learn about you? 
A. I love animals and spending (probably too much) time with my pets. I feel that the manner in which one treats animals is a direct representation of his or her character.

Spotlight on Incoming 1L Natasha Johnson

Q. If you could only tell the Regent Law community one thing about yourself, what would it be? 
A. I am a hoarder of random facts!

Hometown: Tacoma, Washington
Undergraduate School: University of Phoenix
Major: Human Services

Q. Which life events and personal/professional goals brought you to law school? 
A. My genuine desire to help people live happy, mentally-healthy lives. I have always been a fighter for the things I want in life—no matter how down I became and despite what others told me. I believe that if you can connect with at least one person who believes in you, that spark can be fanned into a flame that destroys all the other garbage the world throws at you.

Q. How did you know that Regent Law is the right law school for you? 
A. I honestly heard God tell me, “Regent!” I was not thinking about specific law schools. I simply told God, “You tell me where to go and pay for it, and I will go!” I was on my way to work one morning, and He said where I needed to go. I am following His guidance.

When I began my research on law schools, I had no idea that Regent existed. Halfway through, one of my mentors mentioned it to me and thought the school would be a great fit for me, so I applied.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. It means achieving a life-long goal and fulfilling the purpose God has for me. For friends and family, it means free legal counsel, but I am okay with that too.

Q. How will you spend your last summer before law school? 
A. Resting! I have been going strong as an undergraduate student for the past three years, and I am looking forward to at least six weeks of sleeping and spending time with my family and friends.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. Public Interest or Human Rights law. I feel compelled to work with human trafficking agencies and victims—I’m just not sure if I will do it in America or abroad.

Q. What is your favorite book and why? 
A. My favorite book is The Giver. That book really opened my eyes to living in a world that feels strange and unfamiliar, even though it is the only world you have ever known. Growing up, I was always well-liked but never quite fit, even when I tried my hardest to fit in with the crowd. This book helped me to cope with those feelings in a healthy way and seek out what makes me different.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Goodness! Only one? Recently, I have been meditating on Isaiah 43:1: “Now this is what the Lord says—the One who created you, Jacob, and the One who formed you, Israel—‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.’”

Q. You have a rare weekend in which nothing is on your schedule. What will you do with the free time? 
A. On those rare weekends (believe me, they have been rare these past three years), I am either hanging around my friends, loving on their kids, at the beach or lake, or veggin’ somewhere.

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers and future law students to learn about you? 
A. I cannot wait to meet you all and go on this journey together. I am nervous, overwhelmed, excited, and dumbfounded all at the same time. I am usually the planner, and this is one time where I have no plan outside of coming to Regent and learning. No back up. All my eggs are in this basket, and I am completely dependent upon God to get me through every high and low.

Spotlight on Brandon Wrobleski, 1L

Brandon Thomas Wrobleski

Liberty University

Major: Government (Politics and Policy)

Q. Where are you from?
A. Milton, Georgia, about an hour north of Atlanta.

Q. How did you spend your summer?

A. I will be spending my summer as an intern with the Virginia Beach Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court and hopefully with a job on campus!

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you?

A. Becoming a lawyer means becoming a servant to the community, regardless of whether you end up in solo practice, a firm, a public defender's office, or with a corporation. To perform legal services is such a unique undertaking that a majority of people cannot do it themselves. I treat my journey toward that end with seriousness, but I remain joyful as I develop my ability to meet such a specific need.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school?

A. I wish I had known that, like the points in Whose Line is it Anyway?, the factual background of all these cases you read doesn't matter. It distracted me in my first semester. It's all about the analysis and how you can apply the principles you glean from the cases to new facts. I also wish I had known that it is no longer “uncool” to spend Friday nights in the library.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent?

A. The atmosphere of collegiality continues to pleasantly surprise me. The legal world is portrayed as cutthroat and unforgiving, but that's not the case at Regent. I am thankful for the many amazing friends I've met here.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience?

A. College is still very fresh for me, having just graduated in May 2012. In law school, everybody is as singularly driven as you are. There are no more classmates who rolled out of bed and came to class in sweatpants. Everybody is as passionate as you are about learning, and it makes for a very conducive academic environment.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why?

A. Professor Madison's Civil Procedure, hands down. If you find yourself unable to pay attention in his class, you probably don't have a heartbeat. He makes a potentially mundane topic very relevant and easy to learn.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?

A. It is constantly changing, but I'm leaning toward a career in criminal prosecution. My experience in the recent Intramural Trial Advocacy Competition, which my team won, helped cement my interest in criminal law.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent?

A. It's an amazing group. Seven or eight of us usually get together outside of school once a week and have dinner or just relax and talk about anything but the law. I have made some of the most encouraging and loyal friends at Regent, and I am truly thankful for the balance they bring to my life.

Q. How do you prefer to study?

A. I'm indecisive when it comes to study habits. I can work on my objective memo until midnight in the library, but I also like to sit in the middle of my living room floor and do my class reading in smaller chunks.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why?

A. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell taught me that the world's foremost professionals in various fields have attained that status by putting in 10,000+ hours of practice. I want to be one of those professionals.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse?

A. 2 Corinthians 5:17 is a life verse of sorts for me. It says so much about how when I came to know Christ, I took on a whole new form in God's eyes, even though I am still the same Brandon I was before. The verse speaks about the old being gone and the new coming, and I'm thankful that God now looks at me as if my old ways had never happened. Even though I had been aimlessly pursuing my sinful tendencies for over 19 years, God chose to forget that chunk of my life because the redemption of Christ is sufficient. How neat is that?

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?

A. Sunday School answer: Jesus, so I could learn how he treated people with love, indiscriminately. Real answer: Ronald Reagan, a role model of mine for his effective and unifying leadership.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why?

A. Pat Robertson, obviously! I had a chance to shake his hand at the barbecue in the fall, but I'd love the chance to benefit from his wisdom one-on-one, as would any sensible classmate of mine.

Q. What kinds of extra-curricular activities are you involved with?

A. I'm involved with intramural basketball (2013 League Champions!!!!), Themis Bar Review as a campus representative, the Regent Law Federalist Society, and the American Bar Association Student Division.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area?

A. Besides sleep in? I'd go play nine holes of golf somewhere in Virginia Beach in the morning, then adjourn to the oceanfront for the rest of the day.

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you?

A. My fellow and future classmates should know that I am a die-hard fan of The Ohio State University and Buckeye sports because I make good life choices.

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Spotlight on Marcus Wood, 1L



Marcus Wood, 1L
Texas Tech University
Major: Business Administration Management



Q. Where are you from?

A. Andrews, Texas.

Q. How do you intend to spend this summer?

A. This summer I intend to work for the American Center for Law and Justice and will also be clerking for a judge in Texas.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you?

A. A lawyer is equipped to reconcile differences between opposing parties and is often in a position to influence the influencers. This role is a high calling.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school?

A. It should not be your goal to learn all the law, but rather learn to think like a lawyer no matter what type of law you are learning because you will most likely be doing this for the rest of your life.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent?

A. I expected students to be different, because of Regent’s strong commitment to Christian principles, but I was still surprised to see the spirit of cooperation that existed between 1L's, the other students, and alumni.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience?

A. I get to journey through law school with my own family. I have learned that spending a little time with one or both of my daughters helps get me through the hours of study.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why?

A. Every professor is teaching what they think is be most important class in law school, so they make them all quite enjoyable. I have enjoyed seeing how they all begin to overlap. Contracts has been a favorite for me so far.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?

A. In the future, I hope to practice International Business and Mediation.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent?

A. A group that you would have never imagined hanging out that have come together for a common goal. One thing that we all agree on is Mexican food makes for the best lunch break.

Q. How do you prefer to study?

A. I think too much study of the law before going to bed is the number one cause for nightmares or insomnia. I leave my studying for the morning and spread out over my day. The library is where I spend most of my time studying at my hand picked study carrel.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why?

A. The Bible, because it is the only book with power.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse?

A. John 1:14, “The Word became flesh.” This captures the extent of how far Christ was willing to go for us. We should follow his example of self-sacrifice.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?

A. Putting aside the spiritual heroes from the Bible, Jim Elliot because he was willing to sacrifice everything to spread the Gospel message.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why?

A. Dean Cook, because of his extraordinary history with Regent University’s School of Law.

Q. What kinds of extra-curricular activities are you involved with?

A. I am part of the International Legal Society and I am active in my local church. I am always striving to sharpen my Intercultural Intelligence (ICI), which is what I feel is a key to understanding those around us. ICI involves understanding and interpreting your own culture as well as those around you with their own unique culture.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area?

A. I’d likely hit the beach, and then tour a battleship.

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Spotlight on Stockton Brown, 1L

Stockton Brown, 1L
Asbury University
English Major

Q. Where are you from? 
A. I am from Garysburg, North Carolina. It is a small town about two hours northeast of Raleigh.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. Becoming a lawyer means becoming an honest, courageous, and gracious advocate who seeks justice for those who cannot speak for themselves and lives a life grounded in relationship with God.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school? 
A. I wish that I knew the importance of discipline. If there is one skill that I could have honed before beginning law school, it would be discipline. Thinking like a lawyer, writing like a lawyer, and even reading like one can all be acquired. Discipline is a character trait that comes from a deep work of God and utterly reflects faithfulness to God in the little things. I have spent the last few months learning how integral discipline is to my success in law school and in living a consecrated life.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent? 
A. I was surprised by how life changing it would be. In one sense, I expected to face academic rigors of a level that I had not known, and I certainly have. I have also faced personal challenges that come from being face to face with my own weakness and coming to know God as my strength. I have also learned so much about the value of community in being here.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience? 
A. Law school is almost the opposite of college. Where I spent 80% of my time with friends and 20% of my time studying in college, I now spend 80% of my time with the books and 20% of my time hanging out with friends. This switch is compensated by studying with friends.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why? 
A. Property is my favorite class. The subject of property is interesting because possessions are such a part of daily life. It is interesting to analyze how our relationships to our possessions influence our relationships with each other and potential property owners.

Q. How will you spend your summer? 
A. I will be interning for the Honorable W. Allan Sharrett of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Virginia.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. I came to Regent with an interest in the intersection of International Law and Human Rights. My passion is to be a voice for those who cannot speak up for themselves, and the exact type of law in which I am able to do this could be a multitude of kinds.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent? 
A. Spunky. Sprightly. Fair-minded. They have a spring in their steps and a song in their pockets. I am very grateful for the friends that I have met in this first year and look forward to growing in Christ with these and others as this journey through law school continues.

Q. How do you prefer to study? 
A. I prefer to study in the library at the big tables, preferably across from a friend, for 2 to 3 hours at a time for six days of the week. When my joy for studying wanes, I also enjoy studying at Starbucks for extra motivation.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
A. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis changed my life as a I came into a deeper understanding of the spiritual battle that Christians are in against darkness. My favorite verse of all time is Romans 12:2 that speaks of being transformed by the renewing of the mind. In the Screwtape Letters, Lewis illustrates how the battle against darkness is fought in the mind, and how seeking Truth and believing Truth makes us victorious.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Well! Perfect transition! Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This verse reminds me that my life both in body and spirit is meant to be surrendered to God because of the joy set before me of delighting in God and walking in His will.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why? 
A. Caroline Moncure Long. She was my great-grandmother, and played a significant role in my grandfather's spiritual maturity. She was also known for her sense of humor, huge heart, and dancing shoes, and it would be a privilege to have known her.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why? 
A. I would love to have lunch with Professor Duane because I want to know 1) why and how he developed his talent with the guitar, 2) why he wanted to be a lawyer in the first place, and 3) how he came to know Christ. His class is a lot of fun, and I appreciate his deep commitment to following God wholeheartedly and encouraging us to do the same.


Q. What kinds of extra-curricular activities are you involved with? 
A. As a 1L, I have devoted most of my time to studying. The few activities that I have participated in include serving as a bailiff for a couple of the Moot Court Board competitions. Most recently, I competed in the Trial Advocacy Competition. I also enjoy the prayer group through my church, New Covenant Presbyterian.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area? 
A. Wow! That sounds SO exciting! I really want to hang my hammock in the First Landing State Park and hike/run/bike through there. Then, I would spend the following afternoon on the beach. Living so close to the ocean is utterly delightful. For the remainder of the weekend, I would go to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and the Wells Theatre for a play!

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you? 
A. If you are a potential Regent Law student, I want to encourage you to pray. When I have been tired or overwhelmed, I have found strength in the fact that I know that God has called me here. Just be sure to seek Him!

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Spotlight on Alfred Acha, 2L

Alfred Acha, 2L

Q. Where are you from?
A.  I came from Cebu City, Philippines but I was actually born in Honolulu, Hawaii. I spent thirteen years in the Philippines. I finished my undergrad there too.

Q.What does becoming a lawyer mean to you?
A. The first word that always came to mind when I heard the word 'lawyer' was 'advocate.' Becoming a lawyer for me, means being an advocate and giving your best for your client in seeking justice for your client in an honest and Christian-like manner.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school?

A. This is a very good question to ask. Honestly, I really want to thank the faculty behind the Academic Success Program (ASP), which is a two week summer program for selected incoming 1Ls, because ASP helped me and my colleagues on what to expect on day one of law school from outlining all the way down to test preparation.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent?

A. I will be frank, Regent law was not at the top of my list when I was selecting law schools to apply to but when I participated in a campus visitation program during the summer and got to hear from faculty and current students how good a community Regent is, that interested me and then I decided to apply to Regent Law. When I got accepted to Regent Law, I got some e-mails from Alumni and current students congratulating me on being accepted. It really surprised me how friendly and caring the Regent community is to its prospective students and current students.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience?

A. Very different. Law school is a whole different level of learning than in undergrad. I remember in undergrad in my first year, I once took 32 units and was still able to get by the semester without having to read assignments once in a while. In law school, you have 15 units and you won't be able to understand a class without touching your casebook and reading/briefing the cases. Law school forces you to study and you cannot slack off in your work.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why?

A.  I would go with Civil Procedure. Professor Madison teaches very well. He adapts his teaching methods to the different learning styles of students. He even shares some of his life experiences as an attorney whenever it is related to the topic of the day.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?

A.  When I came to Regent, I was focused, and still am, on taking up on family law and I was further encouraged when Professor Kohm mentioned to us in the campus visitation program 'that in family law, we teach our students not to just hand to their clients and have them sign divorce papers but we teach our students to first ask their clients if there is any way to prevent divorce and to work things out between spouses before the divorce papers.'

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent?

A. My group of closest friends here in Regent are just great. I met most of my closest friends from ASP. Coming from the Philippines back in 2010, I had to start from scratch and I did not know a lot of people coming into Regent. I would never have imagined that I could have close friends at Regent. One great attribute of Regent is that the community is so close. You will certainly make a lot of friends during the first few weeks of law school. I also love the fact that Regent's community is one of diversity and you get to know people from different walks of life.

Q. How do you prefer to study?

A.  My family and I moved together from the Philippines here to Virginia Beach and we have a house five minutes away from Regent. When I do have long breaks in between classes, I go home to study and eat some lunch. Sometimes when I feel pressed for time, I go to the library and study there during breaks between classes. I do most of my studying at home when I get back from my last class. How long I study depends on how much reading I have to do or whether there is a paper that needs to be worked on.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why?

A.  I love to read fiction books. When I was a kid, my favorite books were the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. I loved reading them because whenever I read the books, I always imagined myself in another world where you were in this school full of wizards and you were learning different spells here and there. Since I am a sports fan, their fictional sport of quidditch interested me too.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse?

A. That would be Matthew 19:26 which states, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ Everyday when I think that I could not do things like doing an objective memorandum, trial brief and especially an appellate brief, I would turn to the Lord in prayer and recite this verse and, in turn, I would be inspired to start doing an objective memorandum and all the major papers that 1Ls have to do for Legal Analysis, Research and Writing. At the end of the day, when you include God in everything you do, nothing is impossible.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?

A. I always wanted to meet Pope John Paul II, now known as Blessed John Paul II. He was a great Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and has done a lot of great things to people around the world. He even celebrated mass in the Philippines two-three times, one was during the World Youth Day. He inspired me because even though he was seriously ill or even after being shot at, he continued to do God's work and to spread the Gospel of the Lord to countries around the world.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why?

A.  I would have lunch with Professor Whittico. I owe a lot to Dean Gantt and Professor Whittico. Both of them got me on the right track two weeks ahead of the first day of law school with ASP, especially Professor Whittico who continues to interact and have meetings with us throughout the school year. Whenever I had problems or worries with classes, I would go to her office and ask for some advice and some tips on how to deal them and she would always greet me with a smile and make me feel much better by the time I left her office.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area?

A. There are a lot of things to do in the Hampton Roads area. The first thing I would do is to find out if there are any basketball pick-up games being played at my local church or to play with friends in the area. The next thing is go out with my family, go shopping or maybe watch a movie with them.

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you?

A. If anyone needs help or has questions that you would like to ask me, I'll be around Regent and I would not mind sitting down and having a chat with you.

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Spotlight on Leslie Pendrey VanOrden, 1L

Leslie Pendrey VanOrden, 1L

Q. Where are you from? 

A. I am from the very small town of Edgefield, South Carolina, right on border of South Carolina and Georgia.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you?

A. Being a lawyer means being in a position to help those that cannot help themselves. It means being an advocate for those who are powerless or have no voice to help themselves.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school?

A. I really wish I had known how trying it can be at times and the impact it can have on not just me, but everyone around me.  

Q. What surprised you most about Regent?

A. It really was surprising how eager everyone, both students and faculty, is to offer assistance and support to others. Regent is like a family and everyone is there for everyone when needed. Regent is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience?

A. I have to study and try a lot harder than I did in undergrad. Law school definitely involves more stamina and focus.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why?

A. I like my Civil Procedure class. Professor Madison is great and very entertaining. I go in there knowing I will laugh at least once, while also learning valuable information.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?

A. I’m really not one hundred percent sure yet, but I believe I may be leaning towards animal advocacy by trying to prevent and remedy abuse and neglect of animals.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent?

A. My friends are wonderful individuals. They are fun, warm, intelligent, and I am so lucky God brought them into my life. Having a great circle of friends in law school is extremely important. They really know what you’re going through, while people not in law school may not. It helps to have understanding people to lean on in times of need.

Q. How do you prefer to study?

A. My study schedule varies, depending on when I have time. I usually do most of my studying at night, when I get off work, or on the weekends, but I also study during my breaks between classes at school. However, I prefer to study at home in my office or living room, with my Rat Terrier, Crash, laying on the couch watching me and waiting for me to finish. I study for as long as time will allow or until I get tired and realize I must get some rest before the next day.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why?

A. I have always loved The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. It’s my all-time favorite. I don’t know what it is about that book, but I just love the characters and the plot of the story is amazing.  

Q. What is your favorite bible verse?

A. Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” I think this is a great verse to remind us to lean on the Lord and rely on Him to guide us through our tough times. It is important to understand we will never have all the correct answers, but if we rely on Him, he will show us the way. We cannot trust just ourselves. Everything we do, we must do through and for Him. This verse definitely comes in handy around exam times!

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?

A. My maternal grandmother, “Nannie,” (DOD 4/23/10). I miss her so much and think about her every day. I would give anything to be able to see, touch, and talk to her again. She was the wisest person I ever knew and I have lots of things I’d like to tell her.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why?

A. I would enjoy a lunch with Professor Madison and Mrs. Carol. They are a hoot together and I think it would be a very entertaining time! They both are wonderful people with a great sense of humor.  

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area?

A. I would want to go to the beach on a hot, sunny day and swim, relax, and read a book for fun!!!

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you?

A. I love animals and have four dogs and one cat. I am a member of the ASPCA, Humane Society, North Shore Animal League, and Animal Legal Defense Fund. My favorite past times are swimming and Zumba.

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Spotlight on Kevin Hoffman, 1L

Kevin Hoffman, 1L

Q. Where are you from?
A. The very small and interesting little town of Ocean Grove, New Jersey. If you have ever seen the not-so-famous Hillary Duff movie, 'Greta' then you know all about it!

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you?
A. I have a strong desire to serve my community, and becoming a lawyer has grown out of that desire. Whether I'll be working in our justice system or somewhere internationally on human rights issues once I graduate, I know that I want to serve people around me with talents and education. There are many great things that can only be done with a law degree!

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school?
A. Everyone who goes to law school is at least partially a type A personality. This has to be accounted for in regards to simple things like getting the seat you want in class, etc. People will show up earlier than you if you aren't on top of things. But then of course they see that you're more on top of things than them and show up even earlier. It's a funny thing that really caught me by surprise.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent?
A. The extent to which the environment truly is family friendly. That was one of the biggest factors in my family's decision to come here, and it has still exceeded expectations. Faculty and students alike are considerate of the demands of having a family and will do everything they can to support you in that.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience?
A. You really do have to do your reading before class...all of it. Everyone who comes to law school did well at undergrad; although each of us had to put in different amounts of work to achieve that success. But, no matter who you are, you will be pushed harder academically in law school than ever before.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why?
A. I am a big fan of Civil Procedure. I like to learn the rules of the game and figure out how to use them to my advantage. Professor Duane also does an amazing job of delivering the material in a way that is interesting and practical. Property is probably a close second however.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?

A. Some variant of prosecution. Whether that is as a U.S. Attorney or with an international NGO, I don't really know yet. I definitely would like to clerk for a judge for the first year or two after graduation as well. As a 1L I'm still very willing to be flexible and to see where God takes me!

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent?
A. Amazing! I do not advise going through your 1L year without a tremendous support system. No one person can stay on top of everything by themselves and you need those people there to spur you on when you are on the brink of giving up. I met with the same small group of friends from 9 till 5 every day from the end of classes until the last day of finals. At one point or another every one of us had a breakdown or two, but there were always friends there to help you keep going and to pick up your slack. We do have fun outside of studying now and then too!

Q. How do you prefer to study?
A. My wife works on campus here at Regent, so I like to pretend that the Law Library is my office. Whenever I'm not in class then I'm at my desk there from 9-5. Any work that I have left over I do as soon as I get home. On a normal day it's fair to expect that I'll have another hour or two left to get done from home.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why?
A. C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. I took an entire course on the series in undergrad and it continues to amaze me how deep those books are. It takes a masterful author to write a book that can thoroughly entertain a child and still captivate an adult.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse?
A. Psalm 139. It is so powerful to know that no matter where I go, or how I feel, God is always there. In some of the toughest times in my life that chapter has brought me peace.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
A. There are way too many good answers to this question. In the interest of variety I will go with the unconventional answer of Abner Doubleday. I love the sport of baseball and I would love to talk with the man who is supposed to have invented the game (maybe?) and ask him if he ever could have imagined what it's become now. As a bonus item for conversation, he is also the man who fired the first shot of the Civil War for the North.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why?
A. That would have to be Adjunct Professor Randy Singer. Not only is he a practicing lawyer, so he could give me all sorts of helpful tips on that front, but he's also my pastor! If you are new to the area and looking for a great church, I highly recommend his - http://trinitychurchvb.com/

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area?
A. Generally speaking, when I have a free weekend I end up filling it with pick-up sports with some of the guys from our intramural football team, 'Assault & Battery,' and a date with my wife. Cinema Cafe for a movie and Skinny Dip for some frozen yogurt can be a real fun cheap date! There are lots of great places to eat around Town Center, so that's definitely worth stopping by if you are visiting the area.

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you?
A. I am always willing to be helpful if there's a need. If you are reading this as a future Regent Law student and you see me here next year, please don't hesitate to ask me anything you want to know!

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Spotlight on Ashley Irwin, 1L

Ashely Irwin, 1L

Q. Where are you from? 
A. Saint Louis, Missouri.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. I see becoming a lawyer in two ways. The first is that it is obedient to the individual call the Lord has put on my heart. I am so blessed by the Lord's faithful pursuit of us and the ways in which he communicates his will for our lives. For me, coming to law school was outside of my comfort zone but the Lord affirmed me and opened the doors to be here. I came here thinking I knew exactly what I wanted to do but have been amazed at how the Lord has challenged those preconceptions. He has not changed what my heart is passionate about but he has opened my eyes to the bigger picture regarding that issue and the possibility that being involved in it may look different than I originally thought. The second is that I believe that the pursuit of justice is dear to the Lord's heart and should be a concern of all followers of Christ, though that concern will look different for each person. Becoming a lawyer is also the way in which I believe the Lord has called me to engage with his heart on this issue

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school? 
A. Truthfully, I'm not sure. This may sound obvious but law school is such a learning process. Obviously law school in and of itself is an academic pursuit, but understanding how to do law school is a learning process. The reality is that the process of figuring it out is valuable. There aren't any magic keys that unravel law school and make it easy. Keeping your focus on the Lord will keep you sane and peaceful, but beyond that the most important thing is to be willing to try. Maybe that is what I wish someone had told me: that you're going to feel like you don't have a clue and that that is okay.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent? 
A. I am continually amazed by the evident love the professors have for students. They are eager to equip us for our profession but also to build our character and encourage us toward excellence. This has been such a profound encouragement to me on the hard days. They are challenging and will address it if you are not prepared but I have never doubted that their motives are for my good.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience? 
A. In college I showed up to class and the professor taught me the material. In law school you show up to class and the professors guide you through the material. If you have not done your part you will not learn what you need to.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why? 
A. I have really enjoyed each of my classes for different reasons but the one that has had the most impact on me is Christian Foundations of Law. For years I have struggled with understanding how we are to interact with the legal system as Christians and this class was an opportunity for me to wrestle through that issue.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?
A. I am interested in human rights and advocacy but I am not sure exactly how that will look after graduating. I have learned over the years to pay attention to what the Lord is putting on my heart but leave the specifics open to his leading. I know that I am passionate about representing people who are taken advantage of; beyond that I trust that the Lord will open the doors he intends to.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent? 
A. They love the Lord and challenge me to love him more...and we have a lot of fun. I love that we challenge one another but are free to laugh and enjoy each other's company as well. We don't have a lot of free time but we get creative and have cake parties in the library among other things. We are law students but we are also people and we have learned that to do well in school we have to take care of each other.

Q. How do you prefer to study? 
A. I have a table in the library where I pretty much set up shop. For me it works best to keep my school work at school. Home is where I relax and school is where I focus. Separating the places helps me to put boundaries on my school work but knowing that when I leave campus I am 'done' also motivates me to stay focused while I am there.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
A. That is actually a very hard question for me but I think it is Poyama by Russell Irwin. It was written by my dad so I may be a little biased but it is an excellent book. I have read it three times and each time I find something new that I love about it. In about 150 pages it takes you through the whole range of emotions. Every time I read it I laugh and cry as the main character wrestles with his pride and learns what it means to surrender to the Lord.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Zephaniah 3:17 says, "For the Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save, he will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, and he will rejoice over you with song." This has been my favorite verse since I was in high school. It reminds me that the Lord is intensely personal. He knows every thing about each of us, he fights on our behalf, when things are hard and confusing he quiets the chaos, and though we are not deserving he delights in us. This verse never fails to amaze and humble me.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why? 
A. Oswald Chambers. For years I have read My Utmost for His Highest and I would love the opportunity to talk to this man and hear his thoughts about some of the issues that are arising today.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why?
A. Professor Boland. Every class Professor Boland shares devotions that challenge and encourage me, but more than that they make me aware that he is pursuing and learning from the Lord daily. I am so blessed by the wisdom the Lord has given to him and the humility with which he communicates it.

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Spotlight on Philip Germann, 1L

Philip Germann, 1L

Q. Where are you from? 

A. Ohio. For the past thee years my wife and I lived in Toledo, Ohio while she was attending school, but I grew up in a small town called Ohio City.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. To me, becoming a lawyer means learning the law and being able to work in the law in a way that shows God.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school? 

A. I wish I knew how each of the Supreme Court Justices tended to vote and generally what their platforms are.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent? 
A. The support of the 2Ls and 3Ls. They are, for the most part, very willing to help with any questions you may have and are uplifting and supportive.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience? 

A. I study much more than I did in undergrad and do not have as much time to hang out and relax. Also, I got married after undergrad, so balancing time between my studies and my wife is a new obstacle, but one that I gladly take on.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why? 

A. Contracts because I feel like that it is most related to the field of law I would like to join. I also enjoy the professor and his teaching style.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. Business/Corporate Law

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent? 
A. A little crazy, fun, and uplifting.

Q. How do you prefer to study?
A. I prefer to study in the library. I get there in the morning and work till my classes. Then I start back up after my classes and stay usually until my homework is done, or until I get hungry.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
A. Right now it would probably have to be To Kill a Mockingbird because I like the message of standing up for what is right even though it may be against the crowd.

Q. What is your favorite bible verse? In what way does it speak to you or inspire you? 
A. Philippians 4:13. It is nice to know that even through my weaknesses God gives me the strength to make it through situations that I may think are impossible.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why? 
A. I would probably like to meet with David. He was a man after God’s own heart and to hear how he thought ask about his relationship with God would be pretty fascinating.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why? 
A. Out of the limited faculty members I know of, I would probably want to have lunch with Professor Duane just to hear his story.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area? 
A. If it was warm out, I would spend it at the beach. If it wasn’t warm enough to go to the beach, I might see if there were any games or shows in town.

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Spotlight on Jennifer Brown, 1L

Jennifer Brown, 1L

Q. Where are you from? 

A. I was born in Miami and was raised there until I turned 10, when my mother moved us to Virginia. I lived in Harrisonburg, Virginia for 19 years before moving back to Miami the day after Katrina touched down. I thought that I would spend the rest of my life in Miami, now here I am back in Virginia.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. First, it means finally fulfilling my life-long dream. Second, it means that I will finally be able to put a lot of my pent up energy to use in helping those who cannot defend themselves. I have a passion for the arts and an equal passion for volunteering, so if I can somehow combine those two and get paid for it, that would be even better. I know that a lot of my entertainer friends find it difficult to be Christians in the entertainment field and not be prejudiced against because they refuse to take on certain roles or perform certain scenes. It is tough to be an entertainer, especially in this economy, but it is even harder when a chance finally does arise and it goes against your morals and beliefs.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school? 
A. A lot more about the law. All kidding aside, I have extensive knowledge about the legal field since I was employed with a solo practitioner in Harrisonburg, Virginia and then a large boutique firm in Coral Gables, Florida. I also have many friends who are lawyers, all of which immediately asked me why I wanted to do such a crazy thing as become a lawyer and then went on to tell me the horrors that would await me. So far the only horrors I have run across are the exams.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent? 
A. What surprised me most about Regent was how incredible the professors truly are. I had read the literature prior to applying, and read reviews online, but it really did not make a complete impact until I experienced it firsthand. The fact that my lawyer friends would tell me they barely ever saw their professors was at first disheartening upon arriving through Regent’s doors, but the fact that the professors make themselves so accessible is amazing and a huge relief. It is also good so that they know my name when they see me camped out in front of their doors.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience? 
A. Oh let me count the ways. Undergrad was awful. I made it through but was unhappy about my experience. It was not what I expected at all. Grad School was much better. The professors were just like the ones here at Regent. They were incredibly helpful, accessible and accommodating, especially since I was working full-time, I was the PR Director for a non-profit, I was performing in a musical revue, two plays, and was singing, acting and directing worship services at my church, all in the same year! Needless to say, we all made it through fairly unscathed minus my sprained foot. Yes, I was on crutches during that whirl-wind life-style.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why? 
A. I really enjoy all of my classes, but I would have to say that my favorite class is Property, followed by Contracts and Civil Procedure. (Sorry Professor Duane!) I guess I find Property interesting just because I have dealt with property issues for years now helping my mother with the renters in our house in Miami. I also worked in a law firm in Miami that specialized in Condominium and Homeowners Associations, so we dealt a lot with different types of property issues.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. My goal is to become an entertainment lawyer. That has been my dream, but I also have a passion for animals and non-profits, and since Animal Law is becoming more popular I may start looking more into that field as well.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent? 
A. Well, they are all crazy for one. We are in law school. We have to be a little crazy, right? I would have to say eclectic. Since we all come from different backgrounds, it makes for a wonderful potpourri of personalities. What is also nice is that we have not gotten sick of each other after hours and hours of studying together. That is what true friendship is made of.

Q. How do you prefer to study?
A. It depends. I normally study better solo. Always have. But, I like to bounce questions and thoughts off of others to make sure that I am still on the same page. This is one thing I had to learn last semester, to adapt to a study group environment. However, most of the time I need to be holed up in my apartment just me and my work for hours at a time, until my brain just stops.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
A. Anything by John Grisham. I know, sounds like a typical law student, but I just can’t help myself. Whenever I see a Grisham, I have to read it, although, I have to admit that I have not been able to read the last few due to school. Imagine that.

Q. What is your favorite bible verse? In what way does it speak to you or inspire you? 
A. There are so many, but the two that really speak to me are Philippians 4: 6-7, 13, and Jeremiah 29:11. The verses in Philippians are especially appropriate now that I am in law school. However, they have always rung true throughout my life. And the Jeremiah verse tends to go hand-in-hand with the Philippians verses. Whenever, I start to feel anxious about what I am doing with my life, or if I am doing the right thing, these verses remind me to not be anxious because God is in control. He knows what is best for me, and I just need to let go and let Him guide my path.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why? 
A. Easy one. Jesus. Just to have the opportunity to sit and listen to his teachings and wisdom would take my breath away. When I read about how those who were able to be near him and listen to him, yet chose not to, I envy their opportunity but pity their foolishness. To have the opportunity to be near God would be an experience like no other.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why? 
A. Pat Roberston. I find him to be the most interesting and hilarious person, outside of my professors, of course. I would just like to listen to his story of how he became the person he is today and hear about his trials and tribulations throughout his journey. What a wonderful man of God! And with such intelligence, humility and grace. I would like to have the opportunity to just glean a little of that, so that I may somehow try to emulate that in my own life.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area? 
A. You mean to tell me that there is life outside of Regent? Kidding. I would just like to take the time to explore my surroundings. I have not had the chance to do that. I know where the malls are. That is very important. I would like to go horseback riding on the beach, go to a local theater to see a performance, visit a museum or two, just explore what little gems are hidden in this area.

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you? 

A. I have experienced a lot and I have accomplished a lot in my life, but I won’t expand on that here. I would rather save those topics for more personal and meaningful conversations.

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