Moot Court

Skyler R. Blackbird, from Orlando, Florida, earned a B.A. in Sociology with minors in Anthropology and Interdisciplinary Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. At RWU Law, Skyler serves as a Law Clerk Extern in the Workers' Compensation Court, President of the Moot Court Board, Treasurer of the LGBTQ+ Alliance (formerly President), and is active in the Family Law and Employment & Labor Law Societies. Skyler has also served as a faculty research assistant and as the law clerk at Foundations Family Law & Mediation Center, a boutique firm focused on mediation and negotiated resolution of family law disputes. Skyler is eager to support clients in matters involving family law and comprehensive estate planning through wills and trusts. Before law school, Skyler worked in university education, focusing on advising and institutional growth. An avid outdoorsman, Skyler has traveled as far as Antarctica.
 

David Pinsonneault lives with his wife, Valerie, and their son, Avery, in Providence. David graduated from Providence College in 2014, with a B.A. in Political Science and Public and Community Service Studies. The decade prior to beginning law school, he worked for Service Employees International Union (SEIU). During that time, David worked as a Union Organizer and Contract Negotiator. He has helped several groups of workers form unions for the first time and has negotiated more than two dozen collective bargaining agreements. His political experience consists of having worked on two presidential campaigns and several local races, including ballot measure campaigns. In 2019, he was part of a team that led 7,500 Chicago Public School employees on a two-week strike with nearly 30,000 members of the Chicago Teachers Union. David is interested in public sector areas of law, such as Labor and Employment, Criminal Defense, Environmental, and Immigration. In 2024, David earned his professional triathlon license and competes in multiple IRONMAN races every year.
 

Naomi Zhang is a law student passionate about public interest and advocacy. Originally from China, she has overcome significant challenges, including systemic bias and language barriers, by approaching every obstacle with resilience and determination. She draws strength from her children and family, who inspire her to serve as a role model and pursue a meaningful legal career. Naomi’s experiences interning with public defenders in her 1L summer have strengthened her commitment to using the law as a tool for justice and equity. She looks forward to a career dedicated to defending the rights of vulnerable communities and making the legal system more accessible and fair.

Trevor Meeks is a 3L at RWU Law, where he serves as the Chair of Communications & Records for the Moot Court Board. Originally from Georgia, he earned his B.A. in Neuroscience from Wesleyan College before heading north for law school. Since May of 2026, Trevor has served as a Rule 3:03-certified Student Attorney with the Committee for Public Counsel Services' Youth Advocacy Division (YAD) in Worcester, Massachusetts. With YAD, he represents juvenile clients facing delinquency and youthful offender charges. The summer prior, Trevor worked as a Summer Associate at Donald Roberts Law in Irwinton, Ga, where he aided in the representation of indigent clients in Care and Protection cases. During his 2L year, Trevor worked as a research assistant to Professor Dyszlewski, the Assistant Dean for Curricular Innovation, and served as a fellow with the ABA's Legal Education on Police Practices Consortium. In his free time, Trevor loves to relax with friends, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and find new movies.
 

Kelsey Carter is from Shamong, New Jersey. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Utica University, where she also played basketball. In addition to being a member of Moot Court, Kelsey is a member of Law Review and is a teaching assistant for Civil Procedure. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys going to the beach, playing pickleball, cooking, frolicking in the sun, and spending time with family.
 

Grace Guachione is a 3L from Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2021 with a double major in Finance and Business and a minor in Spanish, and was a member of their DII women's basketball team. Before attending law school, she worked in Boston for a financial manager doing investment operations. Along with being a member of Moot Court, she is also an Articles Editor for the RWU Law Review, Evidence Teaching Assistant, and Writing Center Fellow.
 

Ebonie Aghahowa
Ebonie Aghahowa hails from Lynn, Massachusetts, and is a proud first-generation West African law student with a passion for entertainment law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Spelman College and has gained entertainment industry experience through legal internships at NBCUniversal and FOX Entertainment in Los Angeles, supporting studio legal affairs, intellectual property, television production, and talent matters. She currently serves as a legal intern with the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts program at the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston, supporting artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural organizations through legal research and client services. In 2026, Ebonie competed in the National Black Law Students Association’s Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition, earning second place in the Northeast Region with her moot court partner. She also mentors students through the LEAD Program and First-Generation Law Student Association. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts and sporting events, and taking on escape room challenges.

Gabriella Armanious
Gabriella Armanious is from Old Bridge, New Jersey. She graduated magna cum laude from Seton Hall University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy. During her undergraduate years, she interned at the NYPD Legal Bureau's Administrative Subpoena Unit, which solidified her pursuit of law. In her first year of law school, she served as a 1L representative for the Women's Law Society and participated in the Street Law program. As a rising 2L, Gabriella volunteered with the Eviction Help Desk and interned at Moyer Law. This past summer, she interned for the Honorable Colleen M. Flynn, P.J.Cr. of the Middlesex County Superior Court, and will clerk for Judge Flynn upon graduation. In addition to being a member of the Moot Court Board, Gabriella serves as a Criminal Law and Professional Responsibility Teaching Assistant, a Writing Center Fellow, a student attorney in the Immigration Clinic, and Vice President of the Women's Law Society. Beyond academics, she is an avid animal lover and enjoys playing basketball.

Tyler DaSilva
Tyler DaSilva is from Warwick, Rhode Island. He graduated from Roger Williams University with a degree in criminal justice and psychology. While there, he minored in music, a passion he continues to explore. During his first year in law school he participated in Street Law, teaching high schoolers their legal rights. During the summer Tyler volunteered at the Eviction Help Desk in Kent County. In his free time, Tyler enjoys gaming as well as listening and playing music (jazz is his favorite). In the future, Tyler has aspirations of working for the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General.

Gianna Delmonico
Gianna DelMonico is from Smithfield, Rhode Island. She received her B.A. in Justice Studies from Rhode Island College, graduating as President of her class. During her 1L year she participated in Street Law, as well as Real Estate Law Society. In the summer following her 1L year she worked as a Summer Associate at Adler Pollock & Sheehan, P.C., where she will be returning next summer to assist in complex corporate litigation and business law. This year Gianna serves as a teaching and research assistant in Civil Procedure and Legal Practice, as a Peer Mentor in the LEAD Program with her fellow first-generation college students, and as a Student Leader in the Street Law Program. In her spare time, she enjoys thrifting and singing in her church choir.

Trent Huff
Trent Huff is from Scituate, Rhode Island. He attended the University of Rhode Island where he graduated summa cum laude in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Following his 1L year, Trent served as a judicial intern at the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island in the chambers of the Honorable William E. Smith. This past summer, Trent interned with KPMG’s M&A Tax group which he will be joining full-time after graduation. In addition to Moot Court, Trent is a member of the Law Review and served as a teaching assistant for Professor Varyani’s Property class. Outside of law school, Trent enjoys traveling, watching football, and riding motorcycles.

Madeleine McAllister
Madeleine McAllister is from Richmond Virginia and attended Sweet Briar College where she earned her Bachelor's degree in History. She spent her post-grad years before coming to RWU Law working in the clinical laboratory field. Madeleine spent her 1L summer as an intern with the Expert Witness Team at Ellis Fall Safety. In her 2L summer she was Intern with the Mecklenburg Public Defender's office in Charlotte North Carolina, and is currently completing a Semester in Practice for the Gaston County District Attorney's Office. Madeleine is interested in criminal and civil litigation as well as family law. Outside of school Madeleine likes to hike, thrift, and read for fun.

Mizael Mendez

Stephen Olive
I am from Methuen Massachusetts. I went to Undergrad at Bryant University in Smithfield RI where I studied politics and law with three minors in Management, psychology and communication. I also played on the Football team there for 4 years. After Law School I want to do some sort of litigation whether criminal or civil. I am also a member of Law Review, Student Bar Association as a 2 L representative, and am a 2L representative for the Sports and Entertainment Law Society. After my 1L year, I worked as a Law Clerk for the Law Offices of Richard S. Humphrey, writing motions to dismiss OUI charges, as well as drafting civil complaints for various types of civil actions. In my free time I like watching football, playing video games, and hanging out with friends
 

Tim Picard
Timothy Picard is a native of Scituate, Rhode Island, where he has lived and studied his entire life. He graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University. He is currently pursuing his J.D. at Roger Williams University School of Law and a Master's degree in Marine Affairs through the joint degree program with the University of Rhode Island. Prior to law school, Timothy worked full-time as a stone masonry foreman, managing crews and completing custom masonry projects. He later began working at a criminal defense firm in Boston, where he continues to assist on cases and has gained practical experience with criminal trials and appellate work. During law school, Timothy has developed a burgeoning focus on environmental and coastal law. He participated in the Coastal Resilience Law and Policy Clinic and is currently completing a legal externship with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, gaining practical experience with environmental and administrative law. Inspired in part by his mother, who was admitted to the inaugural class of Roger Williams University School of Law and sat for the bar exam while pregnant with him, Timothy hopes to pursue his legal career in Rhode Island, with interests in environmental, marine, and criminal law. Outside of academia, he enjoys spending time on the water fishing. 
 

Cassie Salazar
Cassie Salazar is a second-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Global Affairs from UTSA, where she developed an interest in international law and public service. Before law school, Cassie worked with the Interfaith Welcome Coalition in San Antonio, Texas, supporting individuals in high-stress environments and strengthening her commitment to advocacy and community service. At Roger Williams, she serves as Secretary of the Latino Law Student Association and is a co-founder of the Humanitarian Action Alliance. In addition to her involvement in Moot Court, Cassie enjoys connecting with fellow students and supporting a collaborative learning community.
 

David Salzillo
David Salzillo is a lifelong resident of Providence, RI. He graduated from Providence College in 2024, with a double major in American Studies and History. At Roger Williams University School of Law, other than being a member of Moot Court, David is a member of the Humanitarian Action Alliance. He holds a specific interest in federal workers' compensation law, employment law, and policymaking/politics. Other than that, David enjoys reading, taking walks, and playing the keyboard, among other things.
 
 

Madi Wolf
Madi Wolf is thrilled to continue her time in moot court. She is an aspiring criminal prosecutor who wants to work in domestic violence and SA post-graduation. In her time at RWU Law she has served on the executive boards of the Student Bar Association and the Women's Law Society as well as participating in moot court. In her free time she loves to read, sew, and play piano!
 

Kiley Ahn 
Kiley is from Rhode Island and graduated cum laude from the University of Rhode Island with a B.A. in Criminology/Criminal Justice and Political Science, with a minor in Philosophy. During her first year of law school, Kiley participated in the Street Law program and now serves as a Student Co-Leader. This past summer, she worked as a law clerk at Pannone Devereaux & O'Gara, where she continues to work. Kiley is also pursuing an MBA through the JD/MBA program at RWU. She is especially interested in employment, construction, and probate law. Outside of school, Kiley rides horses competitively, enjoys going on vacation, and loves attending sporting events, especially Celtics and Bruins games! She also enjoys golfing and spending time with her dog, Murphy!
 
Kyla Barnhart 
Kyla Barnhart is a Rhode Island native and a second year law student. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Salve Regina University, where she developed a strong interest in human behavior and the ways trauma can affect individuals and their experiences within the legal system. Her background in psychology has shaped her desire to advocate for survivors and has fueled her interest in pursuing a career as a criminal prosecutor, with the ultimate goal of working in a Special Victims Unit. As a first-generation student, she is especially proud of the path that has brought her to law school and is passionate about pursuing a career centered on advocacy and public service. This past summer, she had the opportunity to study law abroad in Madrid, Spain, fulfilling a longtime dream while gaining a broader perspective on the law and experiencing a new culture. Through Moot Court, she looks forward to continuing to grow as an advocate while strengthening her skills in oral advocacy, legal reasoning, and persuasive argument.

Keinah Baron 
Keinah Baron is from San Francisco, California, and received her B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from the University of California, Davis. She has a growing interest in corporate, tax, and business law and hopes to pursue a career at the intersection of these fields. This summer, Keinah interned with Rhode Island Legal Services, where she gained hands-on legal experience and explored her interest in tax law. Outside of law school, she enjoys golfing, painting, and spending time with family and friends.
 

David Botelho 
David Botelho is from Smithfield, Rhode Island where he currently resides. He graduated summa cum laude from Rhode Island College with a B.A. in History and a minor in Political Science. Before law school, David interned in the chambers of Justice Goldberg at the Rhode Island Supreme Court. In addition to being a member of Moot Court, David is a member of Law Review and works as a teaching assistant for Torts with Professor Friedlander and Foundations of Legal Studies with Professor Thompson. During his post-1L summer, he worked as law clerk at the City of Providence Law Department. Outside of school, David enjoys playing board games and hiking.
 

Gumps Bazile 
Gumps is from New York and originally from Haiti. He attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Before law school, he worked as a legal assistant and litigation paralegal in New York City. Following his 1L year, Gumps interned with the New York Waterfront Commission, where he conducted legal research, drafted legal memoranda, and worked on a variety of legal matters. He is interested in corporate law and business litigation. In addition to Moot Court, Gumps serves as President of the Tax & Business Law Society, as the ABA Representative for the Student Bar Association, and as a peer mentor for 1L students. Outside of law school, he enjoys traveling, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.
 

Hannah Carty
Originally from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Hannah Carty is a third-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law whose career has spanned government leadership, regulatory policy, and public service. Before law school, she served as the inaugural Executive Director of the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Cannabis Regulations and as Deputy Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture. She later worked for the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, administering statewide agricultural grant programs and advancing food system initiatives. This past summer, Hannah served as a Summer Law Clerk at Motley Rice LLC, where she conducted legal research and supported attorneys in complex civil litigation and public interest matters. Her legal interests include complex civil litigation, trial advocacy, constitutional law, and public policy. Outside of law school, Hannah enjoys baking, exploring new restaurants, traveling, and believes the best conversations, legal or otherwise, happen over good food.
 

Liam Craffey
Liam Craffey is from Little Compton, Rhode Island. He received a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island, where he majored in Accounting and minored in Economics. During undergraduate, he interned at the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, where he found a passion for business, tax, and corporate related practice areas. Outside of school, Liam enjoys playing the guitar, fishing, and golf.



Mary Grace Cravens
Mary Grace is from Cookeville, Tennessee. She graduated from Furman University with a B.A. in Politics and International Affairs. After graduation, she lived in Dublin, Ireland, for six months before returning to the United States to work at a law firm and begin the law school admissions process. At RWU Law, she is a Student Ambassador, a member of the Honor Board, and Treasurer of the Fashion Law Society. While she ultimately hopes to pursue a career as a lobbyist, she is particularly interested in Constitutional Law, Civil Rights Law, and Immigration Law. During the summer following her 1L year, she interned at a private insurance defense firm in Syracuse, New York. Outside of school, she enjoys watching movies, drinking coffee, and laughing with her friends as much as possible.
 

Sam Culwell 
Sam Culwell is originally from Kerhonkson, New York, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Cortland with a B.A. in International Relations and Anthropology. While in undergrad, he also studied abroad in Barcelona to improve his Spanish and learn some Catalan. During his first summer in Rhode Island, he interned for Senator Julian Cyr at the Massachusetts State Senate, where he worked to consolidate two environmental bond bills introduced in both the House and Senate. He is interested in working in international business and immigration. Outside of law school, Sam loves riding his bike to Providence, jumping rope, and brushing up on his Spanish.

Anthony Gilchrist
Anthony Gilchrist is from Norfolk, Massachusetts. He attended Northeastern University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science, along with a minor in Law and Public Policy. Anthony is interested in pursuing a career in corporate litigation, business law, or real estate disputes.  The summer following his 1st year of law school, Anthony worked as a law clerk at Berluti McLaughlin & Kutchin LLP, a law firm in Boston, where he gained experience in legal research and legal writing.  Outside of school, Anthony enjoys hiking, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.

Marquis Henry 
Marquis Henry was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, alongside his three brothers and one sister. Growing up in a lower-income, underserved community led Marquis to ponder sociological questions at a young age, such as: What differentiates the working class from the upper class, and why is it this way? Pursuing the answer to these questions ultimately led Marquis to Ohio Wesleyan University, where he studied sociology and anthropology with the goal of exploring the intersection of people, culture, society, and its institutions. After gaining an understanding of how deeply law is rooted within those structures, Marquis decided to pursue a J.D. in hopes of strengthening the voices of those left unheard and overlooked within marginalized communities like his own. Last summer, Marquis interned with the Rhode Island Center for Justice and Aspen Publishing, gaining valuable experience in legal advocacy, research, and legal education. A fun fact about Marquis is that he has co-piloted a propeller plane!

Marquet Humphrey 
Marquet Humphrey is from Shelton, Connecticut. He attended Western Connecticut State University where he graduated with a B.A. in Political Science, & also played football. In addition to Moot Court, Marquet is a Criminal Law teaching assistant and served as a 1L Student Bar Association representative. In the summer following his 1L year, Marquet worked as a tort and family law clerk at Mission Focus Legal Group, primarily drafting various & civil complaints for clients. Following law school Marquet hopes to pursue a career in criminal or civil litigation in CT, NY, or MA. In his free time Marquet enjoys playing recreational sports, going to concerts, and thrifting.

Sean Kennedy 
Sean Kennedy is from Hartford, Connecticut. He graduated from Trinity College in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, where he played football and was a member of two NESCAC championship teams. Before attending Roger Williams University School of Law, Sean worked as a paralegal at Hasbro and founded his own record label. During the summer following his 1L year, Sean served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Melissa R. DuBose of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. In addition to Moot Court, Sean is a member of Law Review, serves as a Foundations of Legal Studies Teaching Assistant for Dean Brown, serves as Vice President of the Tax and Business Law Society, and is a representative of the Intellectual Property Law Association. His legal interests include entertainment and business law, intellectual property, and real estate. Outside of law school, Sean is a recording artist and entrepreneur who enjoys coding, snowboarding, and spending time with his son.

Riley Lenihan 
Riley Lenihan is from Hope Valley, Rhode Island. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Rhode Island in 2024. The summer following her 1L year, Riley worked as a Judicial Intern to the Honorable Melissa R. DuBose of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. In addition to Moot Court, Riley is a TA for Criminal Law during the Fall Semester. Outside of law school, Riley is usually hanging out with her friends, family, and dogs, or on the hunt for her next favorite restaurant, movie, or book.

Taylor Logan
Taylor Logan is originally from North Canton, Ohio, and is a second-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law with interests in intellectual property, fashion law, and litigation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from The Ohio State University before attending law school. During her 1L summer, Taylor served as a judicial intern to the Honorable O. Rogeriee Thompson of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. At RWU Law, Taylor serves as the Founding President of Fashion Law Society, a Legal Writing Fellow at the Writing Center, and a Teaching Assistant for Civil Procedure.

Esther Olosho
Esther is from Abuja, Nigeria, and Maputo, Mozambique, but has found a home in the United States in New York City. Her legal interests include international law and policy, particularly issues affecting the economic and legal well-being of women, youth and children in Africa, as well as legal research on racial disparities and appellate-level civil litigation. She has developed a particular love for Torts, is strong in Contracts, and would also love the opportunity to explore fashion intellectual property. This summer, Esther worked locally for a personal injury attorney. Outside of law school, she loves music, black cinematography, art, eccentric interior decor, design, and fashion. She has recently developed a particular interest in fabric sourcing and textiles, especially West African textiles such as damask, àdìrẹ, àńkárà and àṣọ òkè. When she is not studying, Esther enjoys Chinese takeout, a good steak dinner or discovering a great restaurant with excellent pasta and wine.

Lauryn Pregoni
Prior to coming to law school, Lauryn worked with General Counsel and Employment Lawyers at early stage tech startups. She has a Bachelor's in Anthropology & Sociology and a Master's in Legal Studies. Prior to law school, Lauryn was also involved in local politics, working with non-partisan progressive groups advocating for improvements in several municipalities. She is most interested in International Employment Law / Employment Law and International Human Rights and Business Law. This summer, Lauryn studied abroad at the Hague through the collaboration program between Stetson and Roger Williams. There she took four classes related to international business law and international criminal law, and had the opportunity to tour and learn about the ICJ, ICC, and the EU local office. She also worked with the C-Suite and General Counsel on an acquisition and several Canadian employment law claims. Outside of school, Lauryn runs marathons, loves to travel, and is planning to do the Mont Blanc hike next summer.

Kelsey Rice
Kelsey Rice was born and raised in Derby, Connecticut, with family roots in Kingston, Jamaica, and Hemingway, South Carolina. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware before coming to law school. Kelsey is particularly interested in criminal and family law and hopes to become a juvenile public defender, with an eye toward a future in politics. This past summer, she worked at the Rhode Island Center for Justice. Before law school, she gained hands-on experience as a judicial intern at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Delaware's Family Court, as well as with the Kent County Office of Defense Services in Dover, Delaware. Outside of school, Kelsey teaches dance at Thrive the Dance Center, with a particular love for tap. She is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, where she dedicates time to community service. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her family.

Sofia Rossi 
Sofia is a lifelong resident of Rhode Island, born in Cumberland and currently residing in Providence. She has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and worked as a software engineer for several years before beginning law school. Her legal interests are in civil liberties and criminal defense. This summer, Sofia worked as a legal intern at the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, as well as with a local personal injury attorney. She also spent many days volunteering with the Eviction Help Desk program run by Roger Williams University School of Law. In her free time, Sofia loves fantasy novels and board game nights with friends.

Jakob Sudhoff
Jakob Sudhoff is from Connecticut and graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2025 with bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Political Science. He has spent the past two summers working as a legal intern at Fitzpatrick, Santos, Sousa, Perugini P.C., a Connecticut general practice firm, where he gained experience working on a wide range of matters, including personal injury, real estate, and land use. Jakob is particularly interested in litigation, with a specific interest in negotiation and mediation. Outside of school, he enjoys golfing, watching UConn basketball, and attending car shows.

Jordan Sundel 
Jordan Sundel is from Long Island, New York. He graduated from Gordon College with a degree in communication arts and a minor in political science. In addition to being a member of Moot Court, Jordan is the treasurer of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society at RWU Law. In his free time, Jordan enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and watching his favorite New York sports teams.

Jahan Venk 
Jahan was born and raised in California, and has had the opportunity to live in some pretty cool places, like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Italy. He went to the University of Florida for undergrad. Go Gators! This past summer, Jahan interned with FM, where he had the opportunity to work on business litigation matters and gain exposure to emerging areas of law, such as space law, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and evolving regulatory issues. The experience sparked a strong interest in these areas, and he hopes to continue exploring them throughout law school and in his career. Outside of school, Jahan loves playing tennis and spending time with his border collie, Kinsey.