Champions for Justice: Celebrating Alumni Leaders in Legal Advocacy and Social Impact

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Roger Williams University School of Law hosted its annual Champions for Justice event at the Graduate by Hilton Providence. The evening brought together members of the Rhode Island legal community to honor RWU Law alumni and organizations making significant contributions to social justice.

Dean Gregory W. Bowman thanked the evening’s sponsors, including Grand Partner Chisholm Chisholm Kilpatrick LTD and Sponsor Reception Partner Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell LTD, and noted in his remarks that the event was an opportunity to “celebrate members of the legal profession whose work defends liberty and justice and the rule of law.” 

The honored Champions this year were Champion for Michelle Alves, Esq. L’03, Chief of the Criminal Trial Division at the Rhode Island Public Defender’s Office; Alumni Champion Christine K. Castro, Esq. L’16, Senior Staff Attorney at the Women’s Law Project; and Community Partner Champion Common Cause Rhode Island, presented to Executive Director John Marion MSL'20.

Andy Horwitz, Associate Dean for Experiential Education, presented Michelle Alves with her Champion for Justice award, recognizing her outstanding career as a trial attorney and mentor. 

Horwitz spoke highly of Alves, saying, “she's an extraordinary trial attorney—clearly one of the best trial attorneys in the state of Rhode Island—and if it's even possible, an even better mentor and teacher.” In addition to praising Alves’ skills and dedication as a criminal defense attorney, Horwitz emphasized her impact on rising attorneys and her recognition as RWU Law Adjunct Professor of the Year in 2022.

Accepting her award, Alves thanked RWU Law for providing her with opportunities and supporting her career. She reflected on the challenges and rewards of being a public defender and the importance of justice and “speaking for the people who cannot speak for themselves.” 

Laurie Barron,Director of the Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education, introduced Christine Castro for her Alumni Champion award, noting Castro’s unique position as the only RWU Law alum working full-time in the reproductive justice legal field.

Barron highlighted Castro’s dedication to women’s law and reproductive rights, both during law school—through internships, externships, and pro bono work—and beyond, noting that “she came to law school with a passion for this work, and she made her dream happen.”

Castro acknowledged the support she received at a student at RWU Law, particularly through initiatives like the public interest stipend program, which allowed her to work with organizations focused on reproductive rights and health. 

Nicole Dyszlewski, Assistant Dean of Academic Innovation, presented the Community Partner Champion award to John Marion on behalf of Common Cause Rhode Island. 

Highlighting the organization’s nonpartisan mission to work “nationally and locally to strengthen our democracy,” Dyszlewski remarked that it has also become a dynamic partner to RWU Law, expanding its collaboration to include student engagement through pro bono projects, voter protection work, and research efforts.

Marion further emphasized the strong partnership between Common Cause Rhode Island and RWU Law, highlighting that many faculty and alumni serve on organization’s board. He also noted that being named the Community Partner Champion was particularly meaningful, as it marked the first time the organization had been recognized with an award. 

The evening concluded with the debut of a video showcasing RWU Law students and highlighting the impact of the Rhode Island legal community’s support in advancing legal advocacy and innovation at the school, including its clinics, experiential learning opportunities, and pro bono initiatives.

Reflecting on the evening, Bowman remarked, “We are so proud that Champions for Justice has become a premier go-to event for the legal profession in Rhode Island.” 

Since 2015 Champions for Justice has been a cornerstone event in Rhode Island’s legal landscape, bringing together a strong network of supporters, alumni, and students who share a commitment to justice. For information on past honorees, please visit this Champions for Justice page.