Moot Court

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.

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.

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. 

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 the community. The summer after her 1L year she spent time in Washington, D.C. as a fellow with the Christian Legal Society. This past summer she worked as a Research Assistant for the Director of RWU SOL's Immigration Clinic. In her spare time she enjoys reading fiction, watching live theater, going to concerts, and FaceTime dates with her niece Rosie.

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.
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 6th-grade students. During that time, she also assisted in coaching a travel girls' 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.

Josephine Good

Josephine is a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps from Woodbridge, Virginia. Josephine attended the University of Mary Washington, where she earned a Bachelor 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 National Security Law and International Law. Outside of law school, Josephine likes to bake and hike, and spend time with her cat, Prudence, and her dog, Freya.

Cecilia Liu

Cecilia Liu is from Taipei, Taiwan. She holds a BFA in Architecture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Before attending law school, she worked in commercial architecture and design firms in New York City and Shanghai. During her 1L summer, Cecilia worked with the Arts and Business Council of Boston, focusing on contracts and intellectual property law. In her 2L summer, she interned with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, in the Civil Division of the Government Litigation Unit. She continues to work part‑time with the Center for Animal Litigation in Connecticut, and is currently serving as a Rule 9 student attorney in the Immigration Clinic.

Kevin Lowther II
Kevin Lowther II is a native of Westerly, RI, where he served as a Vice President of the town council. 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. He worked as a legal intern at Robinson + Cole and at the RI Supreme Court. He is an affordable housing advocate and plans to practice entertainment law. He enjoys paddleboarding, snowboarding and watching the Celtics.
 

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.

Caroline Stanton Chlaupek 

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 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, a member of Admiralty Moot Court, and a Research Assistant for Professor Louise Ellen Teitz. She has worked as a summer legal intern for Fulweiler, LLC in Newport, RI and Floyd Zadkovich LLP in New York, New York. She and her husband, Todd, live in Charlestown, Rhode Island, where they enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

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. During her 2L year, she served as a TA for Torts. During her 2L summer, she interned at the RI Public Defender. During her 3L year, she is participating in the Criminal Defense Clinic and is a TA for Constitutional Law. She also works in RWU’s law library. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, especially her favorite genre, thrillers!

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. 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.

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, before gaining extensive legal and professional experience. During her 1L summer, she completed a legal rotational internship at NBCUniversal in Los Angeles, where she supported both the Universal Studio Group Legal Affairs team and the Business Legal Group’s IP Analytics & Insights team.
At law school, Ebonie serves as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association and as a 2L Representative on the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee. She is also an active member of the Sports and Entertainment Law Association and the Intellectual Property Law Association. In addition, she mentors fellow students through both the LEAD Program and the 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 for 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, where she continues to work while in law school. In addition to being a member of the Moot Court Board, Gabriella serves as a Criminal Law Teaching Assistant and Treasurer of the Women’s Law Society. Beyond academics, she is an avid animal lover and enjoys playing basketball.

Kelsey Carter 

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.

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. 

Grace Guachione

I am from Pittsfield, Massachusetts. I played basketball at Saint Anselm College and graduated from there in 2021 with a double major in Finance and Business and a minor in Spanish. Before attending law school, I worked in Boston, MA for an investment manager in their investment operations department. Along with being a member of Moot Court, I am also a Law Review member, Contracts Teachers Assistant and VITA Student-Leader. During my rising 2L summer, I worked as a legal intern at Guardian Life on their corporate litigation team. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and going to the beach.

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. In the summer 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. In addition to Moot Court, Trent is a member of the Law Review Editorial Staff and will be a teaching assistant for Property in the spring. Outside of law school, Trent enjoys traveling, watching football, and riding motorcycles
 

Madeleine McAllister

Madeleine 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 and molecular laboratory field as a project manager. Madeleine was an intern with the Expert Witness Team at Ellis Fall Safety in the summer between her first and second year and is interested in a variety of possible legal fields including litigation. Outside of school Madeleine likes to bake and spend time outside and with her cats. 


Trevor Meeks

Trevor Meeks is a second-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law. Originally from Georgia, he earned his B.A. in Neuroscience from Wesleyan College. Following his first year of law school, Trevor gained practical experience as a summer associate at Donald Roberts Law in Irwinton, Georgia. He is an active member of the Moot Court team and currently serves as a research assistant to Professor Dyszlewski, Assistant Dean for Curricular Innovation. Trevor is also a fellow with the ABA’s Legal Education Police Practices Consortium, where he contributes to research and advocacy efforts focused on law enforcement practices. Outside of law school, he enjoys relaxing with coffee and a podcast.

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

Timothy 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 The Salve Regina University. Prior to law school, Timothy worked full-time as a stone masonry foreman, where he built stone walls, patios, and other custom masonry projects while managing crews on job sites. He later began working at a criminal defense firm in Boston, where he continues to assist on cases and has gained practical experience working on multiple criminal trials and a criminal defendant’s appeal. 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 criminal and environmental law. Outside of academia, he enjoys spending time on the water fishing and skiing during the winter months.

David Pinsonneault

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.

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.
 

Skyler K. Silva

Skyler K. Silva is from Orlando, Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in Anthropology and Interdisciplinary Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. At Roger Williams University School of Law, Skyler is a member of the Moot Court Board, serves as President of the LGBTQ+ Alliance, and participates in the Family Law Society, Real Estate Lawyer Society, and the Employment & Labor Law Society. Skyler is eager to support clients in matters involving family law, tenant-landlord disputes, and comprehensive estate planning through wills and trusts. Prior to law school, Skyler's career in university education focused on consultative advising and advancing institutional growth initiatives. Outside of academic and professional pursuits, Skyler is an avid outdoorsman and even spent time in Antarctica. 

Madi Wolf

My name is Madi Wolf and I am so excited to be on moot court! As an aspiring criminal prosecutor, I look forward to the opportunity to hone my legal writing and oral argument skills with the moot court team. In addition to moot court, I am the Administrative Vice President for the SBA and a 2L Representative for the Women's Law Society; I love being involved with my school. In my free time I like to play the piano, read romance novels, and paint my nails. I look forward to a great year!
 

Naomi Zhang

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.