Moot Court

Elijah Santos is from Westport, Massachusetts. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, in 2022 and holds dual degrees in English and Philosophy. In addition to being the President of Moot Court, Elijah is the Alumni & Outreach Editor of the Roger Williams University Law Review and a member of the Trial Team. During his 1L, Elijah worked as a summer associate at Sulloway & Hollis, P.L.L.C. in Concord, NH, and as a law clerk at Cameron & Mittleman LLP in Providence, RI, during his 2L.

Jonathan Tonico, hailing from Long Island, NY, holds a bachelor's degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology from SUNY Old Westbury. He is an active member of BLSA. During Jonathan's first summer, he gained valuable experience as an intern at the Rhode Island Center for Justice, where he dedicated himself to upholding the civil rights of incarcerated individuals. 

Furthermore, Jonathan interned with the Harris County District Attorney in Houston, Texas. In his 3L year, Jonathan plans to work as a Teaching Assistant for the writing center while participating in the Criminal Defense Clinic and the Prosecution externship. Upon graduation, Jonathan aspires to pursue a career in criminal litigation. Beyond his legal studies, Jonathan finds enjoyment in socializing with friends, maintaining an active lifestyle through workouts, and indulging in hiking adventures.

Meredith Daigle is from Belle Rose, Louisiana. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Theology from Providence College in 2020. Prior to attending law school, she earned her Masters in Secondary Education in 2022. While working on her Masters, she taught in Worcester for 2 years, where she taught American History. During her time teaching, she also coached the girls' track and cross-country teams. At Roger Williams University School of Law, Meredith is the 3L Representative for the Employment and Labor Law Society (ELLS) and the Treasurer for the Quahogs RWU Softball team. She spent her rising 2L summer working as a legal intern for the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations and working at Newport Vineyard. Her rising 3L summer was spent as a legal intern working on employment law with a sole practitioner. Outside of school, Meredith enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Spencer MacDonald is originally from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and graduated from Dalhousie University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Economics. Prior to law school, Spencer gained valuable experience through internships at Sobeys Inc, where she worked in finance, customs, and process development. During 1L she participated in the Alternative Spring Break Program at Housing Works RI, and interned at MacGillivray Injury and Insurance Law in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Throughout 2L she completed pro bono work at the Providence Law Department, a High School Moot Court Program, followed by becoming a Rule 9 Intern at the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office in the Special Victims Unit. Additionally, she was a Professional Responsibility Teaching Assistant. In her 3L year, Spencer will be Externing at the Rhode Island Worker’s Compensation Court with the Chief Judge Ferrieri, will be a Teaching Assistant for Criminal Law, and will apart of the Business Start-up Clinic.

Julia Keefe is from North Attleboro, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant University. After serving two terms as President of the Bryant Fashion Forum she set off for a career in supply chain operations management in the fashion industry. That experience sparked her interest in applying to law school. In addition to her involvement in Moot Court, she also leads the Volunteer Income Tax Pro Bono Program. In her spare time, Julia tries to catch a Peloton ride and watch the sunset. 
 

Aidan Boisvert is a native of Woodstock, Connecticut. He graduated from Plymouth State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Management and a minor in Pre-Law. At Roger Williams University School of Law, Aidan serves as an executive board member of the Roger Williams Law Review and Moot Court. During the summer following his 1L year, he worked extensively at the Public Defender's Office at the Danielson Superior Court in Connecticut, completing over 300 hours of pro bono work. During the summer following his 2L year, he worked at Keches Law Group as a summer associate. Currently, he is working part-time at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD as a legal clerk.

Abby Cook

Abby Cook is from Thompson, Connecticut. She graduated magna cum laude from Wheaton College, MA, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and minors in Legal Studies and Hispanic Studies. During her 2L year, Abby earned the distinctions of Runner-Up Best Oral Advocate and Runner-Up Best On and Off Brief at the Esther Clark internal competition. As a 3L, she is excited to enhance her advocacy skills through her participation in the Veterans’ Disability Appeals Field Clinic and the Prisoners’ Rights Litigation Clinic.

Anna Fennell

Anna Fennell is from Niantic, Connecticut. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Statistics and a minor in Business Fundamentals. At Roger Williams University School of Law, Anna is a member of the Honors Program and the Sports and Entertainment Law Society. She is currently working at the Law Office of Robert Coulter in Newport, Rhode Island. In her free time Anna enjoys running, reading, and playing ice hockey.

Austin Lentz

Austin is a third-year law student this who is fond of his new home, Little Rhody. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Austin attended Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he earned a degree in Physics. Austin later enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 82nd Airborne Division as an infantryman. Austin thoroughly enjoys supplementing his coursework with various student activities including the Student Bar Association and the Alternative Spring Break program with the Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Learning. He interned with the Honorable John J. McConnell Jr., at the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, last summer and interned with Integrity Review Bureau at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office last fall. Currently, Austin is a summer clerk with Motley Rice in Charleston, South Carolina.

Cindy Balog-Chavez

Cindy is from Los Angeles, California, where she attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. During her first year of law school, she participated in Street Law and Alternative Spring Break. In the summer after her first year of law school, Cindy interned with Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), which provides pro bono legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant children. She was also a judicial intern with the Honorable Mary S. McElroy at the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. During her second year of law school, Cindy continued her internship with Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) and also volunteered at the Eviction Help Desk. In the summer after her second year, Cindy interned with the Law Office of Melanie Shapiro, LLC. Outside of law school, Cindy enjoys rockhounding, amateur astronomy, and kayaking.

Ethan MacDonald 

Ethan was born in the city of Cranston and raised in Smithfield, making him a proud native of Rhode Island. He hails from a large and loving family, comprising his parents and three younger brothers. In 2020, Ethan graduated from Roger Williams University with a major in American history and a minor in professional writing. During the summer months, he finds enjoyment working as a server in both Newport and Narragansett.

An avid sports enthusiast, Ethan passionately supports professional Boston teams as well as local ones. When he's not occupied with work or sports, he spends his free time hiking and immersing himself in nature. Moreover, he dedicates time to training for upcoming triathlons, making fitness and outdoor activities essential components of his life.

Jordan Carvalho

Jordan Daniel Carvalho is from Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He graduated cum laude from Endicott College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2021. While studying at Endicott College, Jordan played on the Men’s Baseball team. Prior to law school, Jordan was a warehouse manager for C.P. Pools in Swansea, Massachusetts and a bartender at a local restaurant, S.S. Dion, in Bristol, Rhode Island. The latter of which he still does today. The summer after his first year of law school, Jordan was a legal intern at the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General. Specifically, he was an intern within the Narcotics and Violent Crime unit. Since November of 2023, Jordan has worked as a Legal Intern at Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O’Gara LLC within the litigation department. In his spare time, Jordan enjoys training and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Keishia Dormena

A rising 3L, Keishia Dormena is a Brooklyn native that enjoys reading, mooting and self care. Keishia aspires to be an appellate attorney where her oral advocacy skills learned from moot court can help provide the justice people deserve!

Leticia Salgado

Leticia is from Phoenix, Arizona. She received a BA in Political Science from Arizona State University. She was selected as a Just the Beginning Scholar and was a judicial intern after 1L year. Leticia hopes to use her law degree to serve her community. Leticia enjoys going to the beach, hiking, and reading Jane Austen novels.

Rafael Rodriguez

Rafael Rodriguez was born in El Salvador and immigrated to Los Angeles at the age of six months. He is a Posse Scholar who attended Syracuse University in upstate New York. During his time there, Rafael excelled in club gymnastics, eventually becoming a trainer. Graduating in 2018 with a degree in Supply Chain Management, he went on to work as a Supply Chain Manager for CVS Health, earning recognition with the Breakthrough Achievement Award for his supply chain innovations. Rafael attended Roger Williams School of Law in 2023, where he is a member of the Honors Program, Moot Court, serves as President of the Latino Law Student Association and is an Academic Teaching Fellow. He interned with Professor Melanie Shapiro, filing mandamus lawsuits concerning Humanitarian Parole Applications for Afghan Nationals. His interests span all aspects of litigation including federal and immigration litigation. Beyond law school, Rafael remains a fitness coach at a local gym in Pawtucket, RI, sharing his passion for fitness with others.

Tyler Williams

Tyler Williams was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. Tyler graduated magna cum laude from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Political Science, and Spanish, and was a student-athlete. In addition to the Moot Court Board, Tyler is a member of the Honors Program, participates on the trial team, works as a student editor for the Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce, and serves as the president of the Military Law Society. In his free time, Tyler enjoys playing guitar, rolling jiu-jitsu, and is the assistant coach for the Roger Williams University wrestling team.
 

Alexis Annarummo

Alexis Annarummo is from Bristol, Rhode Island. Alexis graduated from Stonehill College as a student-athlete with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in journalism. Prior to starting law school, Alexis worked in the finance industry and at a law firm in Providence, RI, specializing in personal injury. At Roger Williams University School of Law, Alexis serves on the Honor Board and is a member of Moot Court. During her 1L, Alexis participated in Alternative Spring Break at the Office of the Attorney General in Washington County. Following her first year, Alexis was a legal intern at the Office of the Attorney General in the Special Victims Unit. In her free time, Alexis enjoys golfing, going to the beach, and spending time with her friends.

Alyah Achabi

Alyah Achabi is a second-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law and a native Rhode Islander. She graduated magna cum laude from Roger Williams University with a B.A. in Political Science, Legal Studies, and Public and Professional Writing. After interning at the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island while in high school, she knew she wanted to be an immigration attorney. In her first year of law school, she participated in Street Law and was a 1L Representative for MESALA. During her 1L summer, Alyah interned at Bremer Law & Associates in Providence, RI, where she was able to directly work on asylum cases while also attending family and immigration court hearings. In addition to Moot Court, she is also a member of the RWU Law Trial Team. In the future, she is interested in practicing immigration law.

Brianna Williams

Brianna Williams is from Cranston, Rhode Island. She received her B.S in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. During her 1L year she participated in Street Law, as well as alternative spring break at the Waterbury CT Public Defender’s Office. During the summer following her 1L year she interned with the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, where she will be returning for a second internship in the spring of her 2L year. She also works in RWU’s law library. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, especially her favorite genre, thrillers!

Caroline Stanton

Caroline Stanton Chlaupek hails from Dowagiac, Michigan. She is a career mariner with twelve years of service as a Naval Officer and two years of seasonal sailing as a merchant mariner. During her Naval career, she served as Navigator of USS NEW YORK (LPD 21), Navigator of USS ESSEX (LHD 2), and Operations Officer of USS KIDD (DDG 100). She is a USCG licensed Captain of 1,600 ton vessels as well as a licensed Second Mate of Unlimited Tonnage. She also holds a Navigation Expert Additional Qualification Designation (AQD) from the United States Navy. She earned a Master’s Degree in Communication from Liberty University, where she graduated with high distinction. At RWU School of Law, she is a member of the Law Review Editorial Staff, a Legal Writing Teaching Assistant, and a member of the Honors Program. During her 1L summer, she gained valuable experience in maritime law while interning for Fulweiler, llc in Newport, RI. She and her husband, Todd, live in Charlestown, Rhode Island, where they enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Cecilia Liu

Cecilia Liu is from Taipei, Taiwan. She earned a BFA in Architecture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Before attending law school, she worked in architecture and design firms in New York City and Shanghai, specializing in commercial projects. During her 1L summer, she worked with the Arts and Business Council of Boston, focusing on intellectual property law.

Emanuell Smith

Emanuell Smith, a native of Niagara Falls and Buffalo, graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance. During his first year of law school, Emanuell participated in the Alternative Spring Break Program at the Western New York Law Center (WNYLC). The following summer, he returned to WNYLC as the Frank Dolce Activist Legal Fellow. While at WNYLC, Emanuell worked within the CLARO department, where he drafted motions, conducted legal research, provided advice and counsel during clinic sessions, and successfully argued his first Order to Show Cause to Vacate a Judgment in Buffalo City Court under a student practice order.

Josephine Good 

Josephine is from Woodbridge, Virginia and attended the University of Mary Washington, where she earned a Bachelors of Science in International Business with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies. Josephine was an intern at the Rhode Island Public Defender's Office during the summer between her first and second year, where she conducted research for Juvenile Criminal Defense. She holds a specific interest in Military Law and government work. Outside of law school, Josephine likes to bake and hike.

Hannah Page

Hannah is from St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology, Law, and Justice in 2021. At Roger Williams University School of Law, Hannah is a member of the Military Law Society and a member of the Art & Cultural Heritage Law Committee of the American Bar Association. Hannah also interned at the Rhode Island School of Design during the Summer of 2024. In her free time Hannah enjoys reading, painting, and visiting the beach.

Jacob Young

Jacob Young is from Lincoln, Rhode Island. He graduated summa cum laude from Roger Williams University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Law and minors in Political Science and Economics. During his 1L year, he participated in the Alternative Spring Break Program through the Feinstein Center for Pro Bono & Experiential Education, volunteering at the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office in Providence. In the summer following his first year, Jacob worked as a legal intern for Attorney Gerard M. DeCelles in Providence, Rhode Island. In addition to being a member of the Moot Court Board, Jacob is a member of Law Review and will be a TA for Civil Procedure this year. Upon graduation, Jacob aspires to pursue a career as a litigator.

Karen Perez

Karen Perez is a first generation Guatemalan-American originally from California, though she calls Georgia home. Karen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Rhetoric Studies and Non-Profit Management. Her path to law school came after a number of years working as a paralegal at an international family law firm where she saw the impact of advocacy on clients and their families, and more importantly, the need for a diverse pool of legal professionals to meet the needs of a vast community. The summer after her 1L year she spent time in Washington, D.C. as a Fellow with the Christian Legal Society. In her spare time she enjoys reading fiction, watching live theater, going to concerts, and FaceTime dates with her niece Rosie.

Kevin Lowther

Kevin Lowther II is a native of Westerly, RI, where he serves as a Town Councillor until December. He earned a B.S. from West Point and an MBA from the University of Miami. He served on multiple deployments during his 13 year career as an Army Engineer. He is an award winning hip hop violinist and owner of Big Lux Entertainment. Last summer he worked as a legal intern at Robinson + Cole.

Kirsten Taylor

Kirsten Taylor grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Health and Kinesiology from the University of Utah. Prior to attending Roger Williams University School of Law, Kirsten earned two master's degrees from Pepperdine University, Caruso School of Law, in Legal Studies in 2023, and Dispute Resolution in 2022. At RWU she is the President of the International Law Society, and a member of both the Intellectual Property Association, and Women's Law Society. She is a law clerk at Carrara and Associates. In her spare time, she enjoys spontaneous travel, golfing, paddle boarding, and skiing.

Marriah Binek

Marriah Binek is from North Kingstown, RI. She has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in applied economics. She worked as an economist for Customs and Border Protection for several years before beginning law school. Marriah is a member of the Law Review and Women’s Law Society. She enjoys baking and reading mystery novels.

Meaghan Francis

Meaghan Francis is from Woodbridge, Connecticut. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Endicott College in 2022. Prior to attending law school, she gave a year of service through AmeriCorps. She was placed at a middle school in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she tutored and mentored 6' grade students. During that time, she also assisted in coaching a travel girl's ice hockey team. At Roger Williams University School of law, Meaghan is a member of the Honor Board. She spent her rising 2L summer working as a legal intern for the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General in the Civil Rights Prosecution Unit. Outside of school, Meaghan enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, and going on walks in downtown Bristol.

Melanie Baez

Melanie was born and raised in New York City, and received her B.A in John Jay College  of Criminal Justice. In John Jay, Melanie majored in International Criminal Justice with a minor in Law. She has interned in the Manhattan District Attorneys Office, worked for private law firms in the Bronx, New York, and worked alongside Attorneys who advocate for 9/11 survivors. During her first year, Melanie has participated in the Alternative Spring Break at the Safe Passage Project and was the 1Lrep for the Latino law Student Association. As she progresses into her second year she plans to continue her involvement as the vice president of the Latino law student association, Moot Court and more.

Nicole Barbieri

Nicole is originally from Roxbury, New Jersey and graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor of Science in Law and Justice. After graduation Nicole went on to receive her Paralegal Certification from Montclair University and work as a paralegal for a few years before coming to law school. During her first year at law school, she joined Women’s Law Society and Criminal Law Society. In the summer after her first year, Nicole interned at the Rhode Island Center for Justice and helped at both Providence and Kent County Eviction Help Desk. Outside of school, Nicole enjoys reading, pottery and road-tripping with friends.

Nilda Chajon Navas

Nilda Chajon Navas is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. She attended Gordon College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After graduation she pursued a career in early childhood education and served as director at a nonprofit childcare organization. There she helped low-income families in marginalized communities access quality education and care as well as other available community and state resources. Nilda continued this work in her next position as family services director for Head Start. During her time in these roles she encountered many families who were dealing with significant life challenges including immigration issues, food insecurity, unemployment, and homelessness. Seeing them face injustices and struggle to navigate the system to access resources, Nilda was motivated to pursue a law degree and aspires to work in public interest law. At Roger Williams University, Nilda serves as the secretary for the Christian Law Students Association. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Samantha Barnes

Samantha  graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, including a minor in English. During her first year in law school, she was a part-time student, while also working at a construction company as their Mentoring and Onboarding Coordinator. At the end of the first year, she left her role and transitioned into a full-time student. Last Spring, Samantha competed in the Phi Alpha Delta Mock Trial Competition in Alexandria, Virginia. Additionally, she was a Teaching Assistant for Professional Responsibility and Family Law. In addition to being a member of Trial Team, Samantha is the President of the Employment and Labor Law Society (ELLS), is a member of Moot Court, and is a member of Law Review. In her 3L year, Samantha will be externing at the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island with the Honorable Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. and will be a Teaching Assistant for Constitutional Law. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her horses, Ima and Rosie.

Sarah Egan

Sarah Egan is from Warwick, Rhode Island. She earned a Bachelor's degree in English and Political Science from the University of Rhode Island. Prior to coming to law school Sarah worked as a paralegal for Green and Spiegel LLC, an immigration law firm headquartered in Philadelphia. During her 1L summer she returned to Green and Spiegel as a Law Clerk. Sarah volunteered with the Arizona Center for Law and Policy for Alternative Spring Break during her 1L year. Sarah is a member of the Law Review Editorial Staff in addition to Moot Court and is the secretary of the O.W.L's club. In her spare time, she likes to snowboard, read, and hike.

Vylia Omar

Vylia is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, and graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Public Health. Prior to her time in Rhode Island, Vylia was a volunteer health educator in an Iraqi refugee camp, and worked for the Utah Department of Health. She also has volunteered for the Legal Aid Society in Manhattan, and completed legal research for the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. This upcoming year Vylia will be serving as teaching assistant for Contracts, and as a Fellow in the Academic Excellence Center. Outside of law school, Vylia loves the beach, yoga, and playing piano.