Spotlight on 2L Josiah Lindstrom

Q. Where are you from?
A. Yemli Village, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

Q. How will you spend your summer? 

Josiah Lindstrom, 2L
Undergraduate School: University of Minnesota
Major: Political Science
Minor: Business Management

A. I will be working at Davis Law Group, P.C. in Chesapeake Va., developing business ideas for Regent Law School, and learning to surf on weekends. I also plan on reading The Will to Power by Nietzsche, finish Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France so I can start reading Lenin, peruse used bookstores in the Hampton Roads area, and read more of Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan Saga. I also want to find somewhere to start singing again. Unfortunately, singing Mozart and Fauré in the Regent Village tends to upset my neighbors, and I have already been kicked out of the Regent Library piano room for singing Coldplay. Perhaps my new housing arrangement will provide a venue.

Q. How did you know that Regent Law is the right law school for you? 
A. After visiting the campus, it just felt like the right school. I can’t really explain it completely. It felt a little bit like coming home, yet I had never been to Virginia Beach before. But it felt so right that I stopped and asked myself how it could possibly be that right. I took a second (and third) look; and then I just decided that I was making excuses and had to give it a shot. I have not been disappointed.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school? 
A. I wish I was an expert in legal writing before starting law school. That would have been nice. It would still be nice.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent? 
A. The diversity of thought. My peers and I talk about everything I talked about at my secular undergraduate school, and we also get to talk about faith.

Q. How would you describe your closest friends at Regent? 
A. My closest friends at Regent are people that I would be honored to work with professionally, trust to give honest advice, and want to spend the rest of my life interacting with.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. Becoming a lawyer means gaining a skill set that entitles me to continue learning and meeting people that I want to spend the rest of my life in a professional network with.

An aerial shot of Yemili Village, where Josiah grew up. 

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. Transactional Law. I want to help give concrete form to business ideas.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why? 
A. Torts and/or Contracts. I am still waiting for final grades in both. So the final judgment will probably be in hindsight based on a contextual indicator that colors my perceptions. In all honesty, I would have to flip a coin to decide. I like both classes because I have found them both to be directly related to my transactional business development interests. Oh, and I got heads. That would be Torts. Sorry, Professor Pryor.

Q. How do you prefer to study? 
A. In a coffee shop.

Q. What kinds of extra-curricular activities are you involved with? 
A. I play Ultimate Frisbee with peers a couple of times a week and also enjoy running.

Q. What is your favorite book and why? 
A. That is a hard question. My favorite fantasy book is the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Ilse Witch by Terry Brooks because he makes flying airships WORK! My favorite historical fiction book is the Killer Angels by Michael Shaara because he made Chamberlain’s desperate (and innovative!) bayonet charge at Gettysburg come alive. My favorite philosophical book is Miracles by C.S. Lewis because he helped me discover an epistemological foundation for my faith and creativity. My favorite children’s book is Tell Me the Secrets: Treasures for Eternity by Max Lucado. My favorite academic book is the Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism by Daniel Bell because he makes Alexis de Tocqueville’s observations relevant to the latter half of the 20th century. My favorite teen fiction book is the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling because she is an excellent emotive writer. My favorite novel is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo because he has something wise to say about everything you have faced and will face in life.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. John 14:6 when Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the light.”

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area? 
A. I would round up some law school friends and go to the beach. Swimming. Walking around the strip. All day. Then maybe we could draw straws to pick a church to go to on Sunday. Then the beach again. Or, we might just stay at the beach. It would be an in-the-moment decision.

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers and future law students to learn about you? 
A. I am not an atypical law student. Nothing I say should be taken as dispositive on the nature of Regent University in general or Regent Law School in particular.

Spotlight on Elissa Polley, 2L

Elissa Polley, 2L
Undergrad: University of Minnesota-Duluth
Major: Environmental Studies

Q. Where are you from? 
A. A tiny town in northern Minnesota called Tamarack!

Q. How did you spend your summer? 
A. I spent my 1L summer with Shared Hope International and National District Attorneys Association in the D.C. area. I assisted them with anti-trafficking projects including legislative research and recommendations for The Protected Innocence Project, as well as case law research on labor and sex trafficking convictions involving force, fraud, and coercion. This summer I will spend the first half with Traffick 911 in Dallas, Texas working with minor victims of trafficking and creating a legislative advocacy program, and the second half with Norfolk Commonwealth Attorneys Office to gain prosecution experience.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. Becoming a lawyer means that I have a platform and a responsibility to be a voice for the voiceless. It means using the God given skills I have to seek justice for those who do not have access to, or an understanding of, the justice system. It means protecting life through justice from the womb to the grave.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school? 
A. Nothing, I would have done it the same way! Law school has been obeying the call of God for my life and trusting Him for the outcome. If I had known before I went how life altering it would be, I may not have obeyed as quickly. (This ride is not for the faint of heart, but with God ALL things are possible!)

Q. What surprised you most about Regent? 
A. The kindness of the faculty and staff! From Dean Brauch, to the professors, to the staff, I have been blessed. From my admissions process with Bonnie Creef, to the daily devotions by my professors, to donut day with the dean, this experience has been a great representation of the love of Christ being reflected in the actions of the faculty and staff.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience? 
A. The amount of time I spend studying is the major difference. I focused more on friends and sports in undergrad and much more on writing in my master’s program. Also, a positive difference in law school is that I enjoy the in-depth discussions, and the heightened level of intellect of these discussions.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why? 
A. I would have to say Immigration Law and Evidence top the list because Professor Valverde and Professor Duane are passionate about these subjects and passed that along to me! I also must add that before law school I would have never imagined being interested or even excited about Civil Procedure, but now it makes me want to jump up on tables thanks to Professor Madison!

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. I am open to being stateside or international, and can see public interest/human rights law in my future, with an emphasis on anti-trafficking and protection of children.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent? 
A. I like to think of my friends at Regent as a beautiful mosaic. Each come from differing backgrounds, varying interests, unique talents, but we care deeply for one another. We encourage, support, and pray for one another regularly. On the days when law school is overwhelming, these friends have been there to offer a kind word or a reminder that we are going to make it!

Q. How do you prefer to study? 
A. My favorite place is in my backyard (weather permitting!) with a glass of sweet tea within reach. Because I am a mom, my “when” and “where” vary depending on my family, but early in the morning and late at night seem to be my best times. I have a great study area in my home with plenty of snacks and chocolate to get me through. I also have an amazing husband who cooks, and kids who love to serve me coffee or tea, so I am well cared for during my study times!

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
A. I am a huge fan of books of all kinds, yet I adore classic children’s books most of all. I would have to say Boxcar Children is my favorite, but Jenny Goes to Sea comes in at a close second! The theme of both of these books has to do with the characters finding adventure in unusual places. While facing different kinds of difficulty, they make the most of where they are and use what tools are available to them for success. (Sounds similar to law school?)

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. “But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12: 24. This verse encourages me to live out my faith and love for God on a daily basis. I am grateful that even though I am still “a work in progress,” he strengthens me and blesses my life in infinite ways!

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why? 
A. I would meet Christine Caine, the founder of The A-21 Campaign. She is a wife, mother, and world changer. She had a choice early in her life to be a victim, or a victor. As she allowed God to bring her through the darkness, she began to realize the greatness He had planted in her. She now uses that greatness to rescue and restore victims of human trafficking. I admire her greatly, and hope to meet her someday either at a conference, or because I work for her!

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why? 
A. Professor Van Essendelft! She is an amazing woman of God, not to mention a marvelous instructor! She encouraged me a lot during 1L year and I would love to chat with her more outside of looming LARW brief deadlines!

Q. What kinds of extra-curricular activities are you involved with? 
A. Track, Baseball, and Soccer mom, Women’s Leadership Council at my church, The Center for Global Justice Student Staff, International Law Society Board, Law Chapel Media Representative for COGS, and Kaplan Representative.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area? 
A. First, I would pack up the car with a picnic and beach gear. I would bring along my “liquid sunshine.” (i.e. my husband and kids!) We would explore a beach we have not been to and swim, boogie board, build sandcastles, and find hidden treasures (which often amount to a pile of shells!). When we are completely worn out from the beach we would head to Captain George’s and indulge on the finest seafood buffet around!

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you? 
A. I have learned that the following sermon quote fits well with my law school experience and the perspective I have gained through the challenges and joys of it all: “God does not call the equipped, He equips the called!”

Spotlight on Lindsey Brower, 2L

Lindsey Brower, 2L
Undergrad: Lee University
Major: Psychology

Q. Where are you from? A. Manassas, Virginia. It’s about an hour outside of Washington, D.C.

Q. How did you spend your summer? 
A. I interned with the Virginia Beach Public Defender’s Office for the first half of the summer, and then I participated in the Regent Law Study Abroad Program to Strasbourg, France. I also did some traveling with friends in Europe before and after the program.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. Being a lawyer means being a voice for those who cannot speak up for themselves. It is a very tangible way to live out Micah 6:8, “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school? 
A. It is OK to not always be on top of all the little things in your life! In law school there is always more that you can do for classes, and sometimes other things in your life get really behind (like dishes!) but I had to learn to be OK with that sometimes.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent? 
A. How incredibly supportive the entire Regent family is. One example from 1L year was sometimes before competitions, everyone getting ready to compete in that round would pray together.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience? 
A. Law school is academics on level that I didn’t even know existed! The material requires a much deeper level of attention and depth than any of my undergrad classes. I never studied on a Friday night during undergrad, but in law school I have definitely spent more than one Friday night studying!

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why? 
A. Civil Procedure and Evidence are my favorites. The classes are very logical and the way the rules fit together connect well with the way my brain works. The professors are also one of the reasons I enjoy these classes.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. I want to work with some combination of human trafficking, foster care and adoption law, and criminal law. What kind of job that will look like, I have no idea!

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent? 
A. They are incredible! I really don’t know how I would do law school without them. They are passionate, genuine, silly, supportive, and so much fun to be around.

Q. How do you prefer to study? 
A. I study almost anywhere. I do most of my studying at the library or at home, but sometimes for a change of pace I’ll go to a friend’s house or Starbucks. If it is a pretty day, especially on a weekend, I have a tendency to study on the beach.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
A. Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. This book has transformed the way I think about myself and my identity as a woman in Christ. It also gives such great insight into the heart of God.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” It is so easy to become distracted by everything else that goes on in life, especially in law school. However, when I am completely focused on who God is and what He has done, everything else doesn’t seem quite so consuming or intimidating.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why? 
A. Joan of Arc. She was an incredible leader and fearless woman of God.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why? 
A. General Ashcroft. He has so many great stories and experiences and is such a man of faith.

Q. What kinds of extra-curricular activities are you involved with? 
A. I am on the Regent Journal of International Law, Trial Advocacy Board, Center for Global Justice, and a Kaplan student representative.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area? 
A. I would have a couple movie nights, go to the beach, and go thrift store shopping.

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Spotlight on Katherine David, 2L

Katherine David, 2L
Virginia Tech
Major: English
Minor: Political Science, Leadership & Social Change

Q. Where are you from?
A. I am from Northern Virginia, specifically Leesburg, Virginia.

Q. How did you spend your summer? 
A. This summer I interned with the Honorable Deborah M. Paxon at the Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. I also spent the end of my summer interning at the law firm of David, Brody & Dondershine in Northern Virginia.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. I strongly endorse Regent’s motto that states, “Law is more than a profession. It’s a calling.” To me becoming an attorney means advocating on behalf of another individual, requiring both determination and diligence to represent the client to the best of my ability.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school? 
A. Before law school, I wish I had enjoyed my free time more! I am the type of person who always wants to be doing something, but once my first year of law school began, that something was always studying.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent? 
A. I was most surprised by the encouraging and friendly environment that welcomed all of the first year students into the community, including the upperclassmen and faculty. While law school is competitive in nature, at Regent you are going to meet people who truly care about your future as an attorney and those that will do everything within their power to help you on your path to success.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience? 
A. I graduated from Virginia Tech and had the time of my life; I was involved in anything and everything as extra-curricular activities filled the majority of my time. In contrast, during my first year of law school, studying took up most of my time and the idea of ample free time was no longer a reality.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why? 
A. My favorite class my first year was Civil Procedure. Professor Duane is one of the most brilliant and entertaining professors; he has the ability to make a seemingly otherwise dull topic appear somewhat interesting to say the least. He has a passion for teaching and exhibits a true and genuine concern for our well-being as Christian attorneys. Additionally, while his exams are difficult, I am confident that I will now be prepared for the Civil Procedure portion of the Bar Exam!

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. I am currently interested in practicing Family Law as I have always had a special desire to serve children in some capacity; I am very interested in learning more about practicing as a Guardian Ad Litem, an attorney that represents the best interests of the child.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent? 
A. The group of my closest friends here at Regent has the perfect balance between work and fun. I am so grateful for the friends I have met here!

Q. How do you prefer to study?
A. I prefer to study in the law library at my carrel while listening to the Pandora classical music station. I do most of my studying in the evening with coffee nearby for those late nights during finals.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
A. Although I don’t really have a favorite book of all time, during my first year of law school, I became very appreciative of any and all types of study aids.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. My favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11; “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” This is a constant reminder that God has a perfect plan for my life and despite the stresses and uncertainties that life may bring, the Lord is faithful.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member, administrator, or alumni from Regent who would it be and why? 
A. I would share lunch with Mrs. Ashleigh Chapman, a Regent Law alumni who previously worked as the Administrative Director of the Global Center Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law. Mrs. Chapman has used her law degree to impact the lives of individuals around the globe by reaching out to truly oppressed people that desperately need advocates. I am so inspired by her ability to use her law degree and be a world changer.

Q. What kinds of extra-curricular activities are you involved with? 
A. During my first year, I served as an intern in the Global Center for Justice and as a Student Ambassador. This year I am a staffer for the Journal of Law and Public Policy and an Associate Member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area? 
A. If I had an entire weekend available, I would spend my time at the beach and enjoy concerts on the boardwalk. The great thing about this area is that there is always something fun to do within the community.

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you? 
A. I am a Redskins fan, a Virginia Tech Hokie for life, and although I am no expert, I would be happy to talk to anyone who is interested in learning more about studying the law at Regent.

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Spotlight on Cortland Bobczynski, 2L

Cortland Bobczynski
University of California, San Diego
Major: History

Q. Where are you from? 
A. San Diego, California.

Q. How did you spend your summer? 
A. I will be spending a month at home and then I will be interning in Colorado Springs with Citizen Link, an affiliate organization with Focus on the Family. I will be doing research on Public Policy Issues.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you?
A. Becoming a lawyer means being an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Jesus is the best advocate of all. He advocates on our behalf, because He knows we cannot do it ourselves. He speaks to the Father on our behalf. I desire to be an advocate for others like Jesus is our advocate.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school?
A. I wish I knew how to organize my life a little better. It took me a little while to get my life organized. Law school can be a bit overwhelming as far as academics and it can be difficult to balance aspects of law school with other parts of my life. It is hard to stay on top of my studies as well as doing basic tasks like grocery shopping, cleaning, or catching up socially. It would have been nice to have been mentally prepared for that.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent?
A. What surprises me about Regent is how much of a family it is like. Everyone is so friendly and so nice. People really care here. If you ever need it, people are always willing to pray with you!

Q. How is law school different from your college experience?
A. Well, I came from a very massive, secular college. I basically got lost in the masses of people running to their next class. So Regent is different from my college experience because it is much smaller and I have gotten to know much, if not most, of my class. Plus college is a bit easier than law school. I had a lot more time in undergrad than I do in law school.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why?
A. Probably, torts, because tort cases are pretty interesting. I especially enjoy cases dealing with intentional infliction of emotional distress. Those types of cases are colorful and quite entertaining. It is amazing to see what people can be capable of.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?
A. Well, I would really love to do first amendment right issues like Christian freedom of expression and religious liberty. I would love to practice with the American Civil liberties and Justice.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent?
A. I love my group of friends here at Regent. We are family! That is really the best way to describe us. We are fun, spunky, silly, and just close.

Q. How do you prefer to study?
A. I like to study in a study room in the library with my classical music blaring through my head phones. I will typically do most of my work in the morning, between my classes, and in the afternoon. I like to get an early start on my day and enjoy my nights.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why?
A. I love reading the Bible, of course! My favorite book besides that is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen because I love to vicariously live through Elizabeth Bennet. I think it is almost every girl’s dream to marry a British duke and live happily ever after. I am a big Jane Austen fan!

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse?
A. Philippians 4:13, “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency.” I love this verse because it is Christ's strength that sustains me and gets me through each day!

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
A. Hands down it would be Jesus! I would love to spend a day and just ask Him everything that pops into my head! There are so many questions I would ask Him, but if I had to ask Him one, it would be, why does He love me so much?

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area?
A. I think I might go to the mall. I don't think I have done that while I have been here!

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you?
A. I am a very silly individual! Being a law student doesn’t necessitate being serious all the time. I sometimes play with Barbies to re-enact tort and contract cases because they help me visualize what’s going on. Law school can be fun if you make it that way! My friends and I once built a fort in the library after spending hours doing work. It was a lot of fun! I love Regent and I love the people here!

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Spotlight on Nicole Tutrani, 2L

Nicole Tutrani, 2L

Q. Where are you from? 
A. I was born and raised on Long Island, but I moved to Connecticut when I was 16 and graduated high school from there.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. In all honesty, I am not looking to become a lawyer in the traditional sense. It didn't take long for me to realize it wasn't exactly my calling. For me, getting my J.D. means an opportunity to serve the cause of justice and help the oppressed. I know, I know that sounds like what every Regent student says, but I am truly looking to enter into the criminal justice field so that I might serve others by seeking justice and working to restore those who are broken in spirit.

Q. How did you spend your summer? 
A. Through a grant provided by the Center for Global Justice I interned for an organization in Baltimore called The Samaritan Woman, a restoration home for victims of human trafficking. I was initially charted with writing a five-year legislative plan for amending the Maryland Code as it relates to human trafficking to a more victim-oriented model.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school? 
A. Probably that I did not want to be a lawyer. Just kidding, sort of. I wish I had known that not everyone in law school was looking to become a prosecutor. Sure I can handle the Atticus Finches of the world, but it has taken me some time to realize that being a lawyer means being an advocate for a client at one of the more difficult times in his or her life, and not trying to help the local prosecutor convict him. I'm still working on that one.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent? 
A. I came here for undergrad and pretty much lived in Robertson Hall back then, so not a lot surprised me about the University in general. I was surprised, however, at how quickly I made connections with my fellow classmates when I started law school, and at how familial an environment it was. It has been a real blessing.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience? 
A. More tears. I was a government major in undergrad here at Regent, so my environmental experience hasn’t been much different, but the workload certainly has. Generally, it’s very different when you are surrounded by a group of peers who have chosen to further their degrees in this particularly difficult field. In a way, this is opposed to a certain percentage of undergraduate students who feel obligated to achieve that first degree, but weren’t looking to go any further. I suppose I mean that there is a bit more motivation to succeed among the students in law school.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why? 
A. Well, I haven't particularly liked school since I was 6 and the nurse had to call my parents and tell them I needed to stop trying to get them to send me home. That being said, I have only taken my required classes thus far, and considering I am somewhat adverse to actual lawyering I haven't had a “favorite.” I did, however, very much enjoy Christian Foundations with Dean Brauch my first semester. The Queen vs. Dudley and Stevens will forever be my favorite case.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. Hopefully no law at all! I wish I was kidding. If anything, I would like to advocate for victims of domestic violence or human trafficking and perhaps take up prosecutions within those fields.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent? 
A. I must say that the friendships I have made here are some of the closest I have ever had. They are the kind of people who I know I will remain friends with for a lifetime. They have put up with me for this long, and are diligently trying to convince me I need to take a Bar Exam, so I know they are keepers. I would like to thank them for making this (visualize arms waving in a general circular motion) experience a positive one.

Q. How do you prefer to study? 
A. I would prefer not to study, but I do so none-the-less. I have a fantastic study group (Woo Ben-Henry) that attempts to keep me focused, and we work hard on the classes we take together. I am also a flash-card person as opposed to an outline person. If I think it is pertinent to the topic at hand, it has a flash-card. I actually do most of my studying a Barnes and Noble, surrounded by all the books I promise myself I am going to read when I finish the semester. When I get too cold to feel my toes, that's when I stop.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
A. This is like asking a mother which one of her children she loves the most. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was always my classical favorite, but I have to admit that the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkein probably takes the cake.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Psalm 139 has been the most powerful passage in my life. It is the passage the Lord always gives me to let me know that I am beautiful, valued, and loved. It always gives me the strength to push forward.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why? 
A. Dead: William Wilberforce (and I am again the typical Regent student.) He inspires me every day to fight for justice even when the cause seems hopeless. The Lord used him in mighty ways.
Alive: Rafa Nadal (I am generally a fan of gorgeous, Spanish, professional tennis players).

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why? 
A. Probably Anca Potoan. I don't know her, but she seems to do everything, and the Italian in me wants to make sure she is well-fed.

Q. What kinds of extra-curricular activities are you involved with? 
A. I am on Law Review, so that on top of law school takes up the majority, if not all of my free time. I am the treasurer for Phi Alpha Delta as well, and I also help to instruct a course for the university Writing Center.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area? 
A. I love how this is wisely predicated with an “if.” I always go up to Colonial Williamsburg during my limited free weekends. I love the history and the food. Oh the food...I get a big candy apple from the chocolate shop and...I am going to stop now.

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you? 
A. I'm a pretty open book, but I think what I would like people to learn is that I was a very different person before the Holy Spirit got a hold of me. I am fully a product of God’s grace!

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Spotlight on Sloan Eisenring, 2L

Sloan Eisenring, 2L

Q. How did you spend your summer?
A. I spent my summer at home in California working as a paralegal for Bradford & Barthel, LLP, which is a worker's compensation law firm located in Tarzana, California.

Q. Where are you from?
A. I am from a small town in California called Palmdale. It is located in the northern part of Los Angeles County.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you?
A. Becoming a lawyer means using my degree to help as many people as I possibly can. I am not in this for the money. Of course, I want to be able to support myself, but my goal is to help people.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school?
A. I wish I would have known how much it would consume all of my time and really just how stressful law school would really be. I knew it would be tough, but I had no idea how much of my time it would require.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent?
A. I would have to say the helpfulness of all the professors. They really are awesome! I expected law professors to be mean and intimidating and thus far I have been pleasantly surprised.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience?
A. Law school has been completely different from any other school experience I have had. The biggest difference has been the fact that the days of going to class, listening to lectures, taking notes, barely studying, and yet still getting an 'A' are over. You have to work your tail off if you want to get those kind of grades in law school. I have honestly enjoyed the challenge. It means more knowing you have worked so hard for something.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why?
A. My favorite class thus far has been Contracts with Professor Ching. I really enjoyed having him as a Professor. I also was very surprised by how much I enjoyed learning about contracts in general. It is definitely a subject that is present in almost every area of law. It seems like everything nowadays involves some sort of contract.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?
A. I have always been interested in Criminal Law, but after coming to law school, I am not really sure what I want to practice. I am praying about it and leaving that up to God. I know He'll direct me to wherever He wants me to be.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent?
A. My closest friends are fun and lighthearted. We don't take ourselves too seriously. Granted, we are serious about what we are doing here, but we know when to put the books away and take some time to just enjoy ourselves.

Q. How do you prefer to study?
A. I prefer to study alone in my room, outside at the park, or (and this is going to sound strange) in my car parked at Forest Lawn Cemetery. When I am studying I don't like distractions. I have found that these places provide me with the most productive study sessions.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why?
A. My favorite book is The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. I have loved this book from the moment I read it because of the great determination illustrated by the main character, Santiago. Although the story has a tragic ending, he never gave up on his fight for the marlin.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse?
A. My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 139:16, "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them." This verse helps me remember that God is in control of my life and He knows everything that has and will come to pass in my life. It reminds me to trust in Him. He knows His plan for me.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?
A. I would meet with both my Grandmother and my Grams (who have both passed away) so I could share Regent with them and catch up with them on what I have been doing here.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why?
A. I think lunch with Professor Stern would be interesting. Before taking Criminal Law with him at Regent I had taken it in undergrad and I expected this class to be similar. He has shed an entirely different light on the subject of Criminal Law! Not only that, Professor Stern just seems very knowledgeable as a person and I think it would be great to pick his ear over lunch.

Q. What kinds of extra curricular activities are you involved with?
A. I am currently the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Hispanic Law Student's Association here at Regent.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area?
A. If the weather was nicer I would spend the weekend at the beach lying in the sun reading. I love to read.

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Spotlight on Aaron Seymour, 2L

Aaron Seymour, 3L

Q. Where are you from?

A. San Antonio, Texas

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you?

A. Becoming a lawyer doesn't mean all that much to me, what it will enable me to do does. To me being a lawyer opens doors that would otherwise be closed to you. My heart is to fight for and protect others. This can be done in number of different ways. However, you can't advocate for others effectively in a court of law unless you have the skills to do that. Thus, a law degree is a critical piece to my "advocacy" puzzle.

Q. How did you spend your summer?

A. I spend the first few weeks of the summer researching and writing for a local organization that's combating human trafficking. The last ten weeks of the summer I worked for a human rights NGO that investigates abuses and advocates for victims of religious persecution in the Middle East.

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

A. That eating 3+ cinnamon rolls from the Ordinary every week causes you to gain weight.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent?

A. The quality of the teaching. I've always felt as if my professors are experts in the subject matter they're teaching. Coming from a very large university that feeling was surprising and encouraging.

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

A. In law school there's an "experience." I watched more TV when I was in college, and I certainly didn't spend weekends studying what I had already studied the week before!

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

A. Again, it's a tie. I absolutely love International Law with Professor Shaheryar-Gill and International Development and the Rule of Law with Professor Farkish.

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

A. I would love to work for an organization, governmental or not, that investigates and prosecutes different forms of organized crime, essentially any enterprise that engages in the traffic of sex, drugs, guns, or money.

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

A. Amazing. Friendship is an integral part of the law school experience here.

Q. How do you prefer to study?

A. Typically in my office. I have 23" monitor that I plug my lap top into, which makes side-by-side viewing of multiple documents/articles quite enjoyable. I study in four-hour blocks. Anything less is too short. Anything longer and I start to experience diminished returns.

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

A. The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis - It's unique collection of essays that Lewis produced, many of them reflecting the war-time psyche and its effect on the Christian walk. His words are persistently relevant to the challenges of today.

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

A. It's tie between C.S. Lewis and George Washington. I can't pick just one, sorry. Lewis's writing on the Christian journey resonates with my soul. I'm convinced we're going to be home-boys in heaven (not unlike millions of others). G.W.'s vision for our country, his application of leadership, and continual focus on God is model for all men and women.

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

A. Professor DeGroff. He's a man that truly loves the Lord. You can see it in his devotions and the way he conducts himself in the classroom. Interactions with Professor DeGroff never feel scripted, but always feel authentic. That's hard to find in today's social networked world.

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

A. Captain of our 2L football team!
Law Clerk with the American Center for Law and Justice.
Graduate Assistant for Professor Kathleen McKee.

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

A. I'd like spend time reading a good book on the beach.

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