Kim Ahern is from Oak Hill, VA.  She attended Providence College where she majored in Public & Community Service. She helped earn PC the national title in women’s rugby in 2005.  Kim’s experience in the non-profit world led her to realize the value of a law degree in changing people’s lives.  She hopes to either become a lobbyist or to work in direct client experience for a holistic public defender service.

On faculty/student interactions:
The relationship between the faculty and students can be summed up in one word:  exceptional.  From speaking to faculty during their office hours to seeing them at various events, such as the Public Interest Auction, the faculty is absolutely committed to being there for support of the students.  Just this past weekend, I attended the APIL (Association for Public Interest Law) BBQ and was excited to see so many faculty and administration were in attendance since it was at a local park after work hours on a Friday evening – this surely shows one of the great things about coming to RWU Law.  Personally, the faculty has demonstrated to the Alliance (for LGBT students and allies) that the RWU School of Law is committed to students of diversity having their voices heard.  For instance, one Friday night last year, a group of interested professors met the Alliance at a local Providence restaurant just to get to know each other better and also to discuss topics that may be of interest to the group. 

On her favorite professors:
I have so many I don’t know where to begin!  Professor Lawton immediately stands out because of her incredible academic background in the field of contract law but also her overall personality.  As a first-year, Contract Law can be intimidating because of its nature and that most people have no understanding of it prior to coming to law school.  That being said, Professor Lawton made it my (and many others) favorite course by far!  She has an ability to intertwine humor, intellect and passion into her course, which makes students want to excel.  Professor Elorza also stands out to me as a professor who has really interjected himself into helping the community of Providence and giving back in the area of Housing Law.  He is also just a great person to talk to during his office hours about anything that may be on your mind.

On her summer job experience:
This past summer I was a legal fellow for Alliance for Justice (www.afj.org) in Washington D.C.  AFJ is a national association of many legal nonprofits that represent women’s, civil, environmental, and LGBT rights.  This was an incredible experience and one I could not have secured without the assistance of many people at RWU.  I had many great experiences in Washington D.C. such as, lobbying and attending committee hearings on the Hill and coalition building between interest groups.  These experiences have taught me the importance of working with other similar-interested groups to really effect change and have your voice heard.

On Rhode Island:
After living here for nearly six years now, I am a huge advocate for Rhode Island! I love everything about this small but great state.  From downtown Providence’s revitalization over the past thirty years, the politics at the State House, Waterfire, the eclectic restaurants, the history of the founding of RI by Roger Williams and the beaches in the summer – I truly find this to be an amazing state.  Providence provides the more trendy and eclectic lifestyle with also a touch of old town feel, still visible by the ever-changing landscape of the city (i.e. old factory mills turning into loft apartments).  Bristol is the quintessential New England town with plenty of its own culture and it’s great to just sit at one of the many waterside restaurants and enjoy the atmosphere and view.

Kim Ahern

Oak Hill, Virginia