Ask the Grad: Class of 2025
The ĂŰĚŇTV Charles Widger School of Law is pleased to celebrate the graduates of the Class of 2025. This impressive group of students joins a tight-knit community of more than 12,000 Villanova Law alumni.
Before they leave us, we asked members of the class of 2025 to share more about their Villanova Law experience.
Samantha Follen ’25
President, Health Law SocietyĚý
Scarpa Fellow
National Competitor, Scarpa Corporate Negotiation TeamĚý
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
What I’ll miss most is the incredible community I’ve built here. I’ve made unforgettable memories with some of the best friends I’ve ever had, and it’s going to be hard not seeing them every day. Villanova Law became a second home, and I’ll always be grateful for the people who made it so special.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experiences were my three externships. Each one gave me access to invaluable mentors, opened professional doors I never imagined and gave me the confidence to pursue my career with purpose. They shaped not only the kind of lawyer I want to be, but also the kind of person.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
Through the Villanova Law Clinic, I learned the importance of client-centered advocacy and the impact of meeting clients where they are. As I begin my career as a corporate litigator in Philadelphia, I’m excited to carry those lessons with me, grounding my work in empathy, clarity and a deep respect for the client relationship.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
Don’t let imposter syndrome convince you that you don’t belong here. You are on this path for a reason, and you absolutely deserve the success that’s ahead of you. Lean into the challenges, trust yourself and know that you are more capable than you think.Ěý
Joe Harmar ’25
President, Villanova Environmental & Energy Law Society
Executive Editor, Villanova Environmental Law Journal
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
The people!Ěý Villanova Law has such a warm and supportive sense of community.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience was The 2025 Villanova Environmental Law Journal Blank Rome LLP Symposium, and specifically the opportunity to discuss my student “Comment” on federal prosecutions of corporate environmental crimes with Professor David Uhlmann. Professor Uhlmann not only led the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section and EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, but also is a leading scholar in the field and a nice guy.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
Serving my community.Ěý I’m excited to do work that I believe in for the people and the Commonwealth that I love.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
I benefited from being intellectually curious and following that curiosity.Ěý The work is more fun and more meaningful when I’m connected with my “why.”
Nic JohnsonĚý’25
Class of 2025 Commencement Student Speaker
Public Interest Scholar
PIFP Fellowship Recipient
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
What I’ll miss most is the incredible community I’ve found and helped build over the past three years. There’s something special about being able to greet nearly a hundred familiar faces each day—those small interactions have a way of brightening your day and making you feel like you belong. That sense of connection is something I’ll always treasure.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience, without question, was being part of a three-person team that played a key role in securing freedom for a man sentenced to life in federal prison. This incredible moment was made possible through my work in the Caritas Clemency Clinic—a powerful reminder of the real impact advocacy can have. It’s a defining moment I’ll carry with me for a very long time.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I’m thrilled to step into the role of inaugural pro bono coordinator at Jensen Bagnato, PC, where I’ll have the opportunity to support clients navigating child custody, divorce, criminal, civil and immigration matters. This role marks the beginning of a chapter I’ve long looked forward to—doing what I love: advocating fiercely for those who need it most and working every day to make our society more just, compassionate and accessible for all.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
The greatest piece of advice I can offer is this: it’s not about where your journey begins but how you choose to finish it. Embrace every moment—learn from it, grow through it and enjoy it as much as you can. Challenges and hardships are inevitable, but they don’t define us. We are where we are, and we’re heading where we’re meant to be because we’ve refused to let any obstacle feel too big to overcome. And if you ever find yourself doubting your path, remember this: we’re all rooting for you. We believe in you—so keep going.
Vidhu B. Joshi ’25
Charles Widger ’73 Leadership Scholar
President, APALSA
Dean’s Ambassador
Online Editor, Villanova Law Review
Editor-in-Chief, IP Society Blog
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
Before coming to law school, I had a career in an unrelated field. For anyone who’s worked for a few years, a job can feel stagnant after some time.ĚýTo me, law school was the opposite of stagnant. It was a period of immense personal and professional growth.ĚýThere were so many opportunities to develop new skills—in fact, too many to squeeze into three years. Despite knowing which area of the law I wanted to work in before starting law school, I’m going to miss the latitude for exploration that law school provides to try new things across disciplines for the sole purpose of learning and growing.ĚýIn this way, law school—and education in general—is a great privilege.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience at Villanova Law was serving as a law clerk on the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary for Delaware Senator Chris Coons this year.ĚýI was able to travel to D.C. for a few days each week and work on Capitol Hill. Having had no exposure to government work prior to this experience, every day at the Senate was jam-packed with new experiences like attending hearings, meeting with constituents and reviewing drafts of new bills.ĚýI worked with an incredibly talented group of attorneys and was happy to be a fly-on-the-wall most days seeing them in action.ĚýThe whole experience was fantastic and was made possible by two Villanova Law grads who previously worked on the same team, which speaks to the strength of the Villanova Law community!
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
There is so much to look forward to. In the fall, I’ll be starting as an Associate at Fish & Richardson doing patent litigation, which merges my love of science with the law. I’m very excited to enter this next chapter of professional growth at Fish alongside so many talented colleagues. In addition, as a Charles Widger Leadership Scholar, I plan to stay engaged with Villanova Law in the years to come through the current and incoming Widger Scholars, Charles and Barbara Widger and the amazing alumni community of Widger Scholars. Finally, I’m hopeful that I’ll have the opportunity to mentor Villanova Law students and pass on the guidance that my mentors have given me over the past three years.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
I’d urge any incoming student reading this to remember how much of a privilege being a student at Villanova Law is—especially during times of stress. There is an immense power in gratitude, and there is so much to be grateful for as a law student.ĚýAs I mentioned, law school allows you to learn and try new things all in the service of self-improvement. And so, when you are feeling stressed, try and remember that you are surrounded by faculty, staff and students who are all there to help you grow and become the best version of yourself.ĚýPracticing gratitude may give you the little push you need to finish that reading, start that outline, or write that brief!Ěý
Kelsey McCafferty ’25
Chair, National Trial Team
Associate Editor, Villanova Law Review
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
The people. The Villanova Law community is like no other. From students to staff members to professors—everyone is kind, helpful and so down-to-earth.
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience is having the honor of competing in the National Trial Championship final round. I will never forget the feeling of standing up in front of a jury of 25 Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers and trying a case in front of them with one of my best friends.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I’m looking forward to trying more restaurants in Center City! And in between great dinners, working on cutting-edge legal issues with my incredible colleagues.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
Do practice exams even when your outline isn’t perfect. Find a mentor—and don’t feel bad about asking your mentor a bunch of questions because we’ve all been in your shoes. Leave the law school immediately after exams and prioritize really getting to know your classmates because you will meet so many incredible people. Most importantly, though, remember that pressure is a privilege. What you are embarking on may be the hardest thing you have ever done, but even during the lows, don’t forget how much of a privilege it is to be in a position that challenges and empowers you every day.
S.K. Pilcher ’25
Dean’s Ambassador
President, Women’s Law Caucus
Secretary, Student Mental Health Society
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
When I applied to Villanova Law, I interviewed with the dean of admissions. We joked about how the public perceives lawyers: mean, rude and competitive. He told me that Villanova Law is for law students who want to break that stereotype and redefine what it means to be a lawyer. In that moment, I decided to attend Villanova Law, and I am so glad I did. Villanova Law is full of an amazing, connected energy that celebrates you in your highs and supports you in your lows. The camaraderie of the students here is unmatched, and I will miss this comfort as I venture into the legal profession.Ěý
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
Although I won’t forget the countless hours of studying anytime soon, my most memorable experiences at Villanova Law happened outside the classroom. Serving as president of the Women’s Law Caucus and as a Dean’s Ambassador were incredible honors and helped shape my time here in meaningful ways. But above all, the moments I’ll cherish most are the simple ones: laughing, bonding and living life with my classmates.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I’m looking forward to carrying the spirit of Villanova Law into my next chapter, where collaboration, empathy and authenticity guide my legal practice. I hope to build and contribute to a legal community that is as supportive and uplifting as the one I found here, where people show up for each other both professionally and personally.
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
Be yourself, be silly and be unique. Comparison is the thief of joy, and that proverb is more relevant than ever in law school. You will inevitably compare yourself to your classmates and vice versa, but remember there’s no right way to be a law student, especially at Villanova (we’re breaking stereotypes, remember?). School is very important; don’t get me wrong, but being a person—specifically being yourself—is more important.Ěý
Hannah Posencheg ’25
Editor-in-Chief, Jeffrey S. Moorad Sports Law Journal
3L Representative, Student Bar Association
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I will miss the friendships I’ve made at Villanova Law the most. Law school is undoubtedly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and I really think it’s the people, both fellow students and faculty, that helped me get through the toughest moments!
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
Among so many memorable moments, I’d say that giving my end-of-the-year speech at the Journals Recognition Dinner was one of my favorites. It was in that moment where the feeling of finally being finished with law school started to really sink in, especially because my 3L year was the complete opposite of the “3LOL” some students joke about!
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am most excited to begin my career at the firm where I first started my legal journey the year before law school! It feels like such a full-circle moment, and I can’t wait to learn from such incredible mentors and attorneys. I also got engaged in March and can’t wait to get married!
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
Take care of yourself! Law school is a marathon, not a sprint. Sleep and fresh air are more important than annotating every single page in your textbook. Your 3L self and beyond will thank you!Ěý
Anthony Ryback ’25
Public Interest Scholar
Associate Editor,ĚýJeffrey S. Moorad Sports Law JournalĚý
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
I will miss my friends and the community I was fortunate enough to cultivate over my three years. I came here from out of state not knowing anyone, and I am leaving with life-long friendships. I will also miss being in a space where I had opportunities to pursue my professional interests and passions while being taught by incredible professors.Ěý
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience would be getting to know the other public interest-minded students and building community with them! We might not be the biggest group, but hearing the types of work that others are getting to do during law school and afterwards inspires me.Ěý
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am looking forward to applying all the skills I have learned during my three years here in representing indigent clients. I came to law school wanting to go into public defense, and Villanova helped get me to the job I wanted coming into law school!Ěý
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
Focus on the process, not the outcome! As long as you feel like you did your best, you should be proud of yourself. I would also recommend adopting two cats for your mental health.Ěý
Bae Schulz ’25
Editor-in-chief, Villanova Environmental Law Journal
3L Representative, Health Law Society
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
What I'll miss most about Villanova Law are the relationships I have formed with both faculty and students. As the editor-in-chief of the Villanova Environmental Law Journal, I have had the pleasure of working closely with my student peers and with the Journal's faculty advisor, Professor Aagaard. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been in a leadership role that allows me to not only help others grow as writers, but to get to know people beyond their identities as law students. Professor Aagaard's support and guidance throughout my tenure have been invaluable, and I am so grateful for everything he has done for me and our Journal.Ěý
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience at Villanova Law would probably be the 2023 PIFP Auction when I was a 1L. My mom was visiting from Florida, and I got to introduce her to some of my closest friends and show her around the building. The bidding and live auction are so much fun each year, and the proceeds help fund students who seek careers in public interest. All around, the annual PIFP Auction is a wonderful event that unites local businesses, alumni, friends, family and faculty to support a great cause.
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
I am most looking forward to practicing full-time in healthcare litigation and medical malpractice defense. I came to Villanova Law in pursuit of a career in health law, and I am doing just that post-graduation. The practical experience I gained from my summer positions and externships have shaped me significantly. Learning the law in a classroom and textbooks is one thing; applying it to real-life situations is entirely different. My three years at Villanova Law gave me the tools I need to be a successful litigator, and I cannot wait to use them every day as a practicing attorney!
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
The one piece of advice I would give to the class of 2028 would be to seek out friends and a support system early on. My closest friends are those I met in my 1L year, and they are some of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met in my life! The competitive atmosphere during 1L can be intense, but finding the right people will help you more than you know. Stress in law school is inevitable, but having supportive friends kept my mental health in check and grounded me when I felt overwhelmed.Ěý
Brendon Weatherspoon ’25
Mentor, Black Law Student AssociationĚý
Member, Sports Law Society
Admissions Ambassador
What are you going to miss most about Villanova Law?
What I will miss most are the smiles, laughter and joy that filled the commons, whether faculty, staff or student day in and day out. (Except during finals!)
What is your most memorable experience at Villanova Law?
My most memorable experience was the standing ovation for ProfessorĚýEllen Wertheimer's last day at Villanova. Students lined up from the third floor all the way to the front of the building showering Professor Wertheimer in applause as she walked out. It was inspiring to see the school, as a collective, come together and share that moment for such an amazing professor.Ěý
What are you most looking forward to as you begin your next chapter?
As cliche as it sounds, I’m most looking forward to helping people who don’t have the means to help themselves, or are facing adversity greater than their own means to help themselves.Ěý
What advice would you give the incoming Villanova Law class of 2028?
Equip yourself with persistence. Don’t allow one blunder to define you, nor one success. Instead, allow your reaction to those results to be theĚýdefining factor.Ěý
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