Trial Team

Shannon Heery joined the Roger Williams University School of Law faculty in July 2025. Prior to joining RWU Law, Professor Heery taught Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence at Vermont Law and Graduate School. She currently serves as the Reporter for the Advisory Committee to the Vermont Supreme Court on the Rules of Criminal Procedure. She was previously a felony trial attorney with the Baltimore City Maryland Office of the Public Defender and a senior trial attorney with Brooklyn Defender Services in Brooklyn, New York. While at Brooklyn Defender Services, she co-founded the DNA and Forensics Division that is now a leader in challenging the admissibility of forensic evidence in criminal trials. Professor Heery received her J.D., cum laude, from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and her B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Kassidy Landwehr is a third-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law and is originally from Summerville, South Carolina. She graduated magna cum laude from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania with a double B.S. in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Before law school, she worked as a legal secretary at Trask & Howell LLC, a workers’ compensation defense firm in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

During her time in law school, Kassidy has received several academic awards and scholarships for her dedication to public interest litigation and advocacy. During her 2L Spring break, she interned with the Federal Public Defender for the District of Massachusetts in Boston, where she observed numerous federal pretrial proceedings. This past summer, she worked as a Rule 9 Courtroom Advocate at the Rhode Island Public Defender, where she represented indigent clients in various misdemeanor cases. In this position, she was fortunate to have one of her cases go to a bench trial. Most recently, Kassidy is serving as a Rule 9 Student Attorney in the Roger Williams University School of Law Criminal Defense Clinic., where she will continue representing clients in a variety of criminal matters. In addition to serving as the Chair of the Trial Team, Kassidy is also the President of the Criminal Law society and a member of the Women’s Law Society and Phi Alpha Delta. She also serves as a Teaching Assistant for Trial Advocacy with Professor Shannon Heery. Kassidy hopes to build a career in criminal defense and continue to advocate for her client’s constitutional rights. 

Outside of law school, Kassidy enjoys bowling, which she has done competitively for most of her life, and musical theatre.

Hannah Carty is a third-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law, where she serves as Vice Chair of Operations for the Trial Team and is a member of the Moot Court Board. Originally from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, she has received numerous academic awards and scholarships recognizing her commitment to public service and advocacy.

Before law school, Hannah served as the inaugural Executive Director of the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Cannabis Regulations, where she developed the regulatory frameworks, operational systems, and policies governing the territory's medical, sacramental, and adult-use cannabis programs. She previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture and later worked with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture before pursuing a legal career.

Hannah spent the summer with Motley Rice LLC, where she worked on complex civil litigation. She hopes to build a career as a trial lawyer focused on complex litigation and public service.

Outside the courtroom, Hannah enjoys baking, exploring new restaurants, traveling, and convincing everyone that the best strategy sessions happen over good food.

Sofia Fileccia is a 3L at Roger Williams University School of Law. She is from Old Bridge, New Jersey. Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rider University, with a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a double minor in Legal Studies and Sociology. Over the past few years, she has been the Judge’s Assistant for the Honorable Kay Walcott-Henderson. Sofia enjoyed working in the New Jersey Superior Court in the Family Law Division and Civil Division, and New Jersey Appellate Division. At RWU Law, Sofia is a Teaching Assistant for Property Law with Professor Varyani. In addition, Sofia serves as a Rule 9 Student Attorney and Law Student Council, US District Court, District of RI through the Criminal Defense Clinic and Prisoners’ Rights Litigation Clinic. She currently serves as 3L Representative for Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International. Her academic and professional journey reflects her interest in advocacy and justice for all. Outside of her academic pursuits, Sofia enjoys going to the beach, working out, martial arts, snowboarding, and spending time with family and friends. She looks forward to learning and growing with her trial team teammates!

Jordyn Cardoso is a 2L at Roger Williams School of Law. Born and raised in Rhode Island, Jordyn graduated Cum Laude from the University of Rhode Island, where she received a B.A in Criminal Justice and Criminology, a B.A in psychology, and a minor in Political Science. Over the summer, Jordyn had the opportunity to intern at the Sojourner House in Providence, RI, where she spent the summer facilitating client intakes and oversaw multiple cases for Social Security disability. Jordyn is on the Social Media Team for the RWU Trial Team, and a member of multiple organizations on campus, including Women’s Law Society, Mental Health Club, and First Generation Law Student Association. Following graduation, Jordyn hopes to pursue a career in public defense in NYC. Outside of her studies, Jordyn enjoys working out, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Sadie Projansky is a 2L at Roger Williams School of Law. She is from Manhattan, New York. She graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a minor in English. After her 1L year, she served as a Summer Legal Intern with The Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice in Brooklyn, New York, where she represented children in Family Court proceedings. In addition to serving as Secretary of the Trial Team, Sadie is an editorial staff member on the Law Review and a Criminal Law Teaching Assistant for Professor Shannon Heery. She hopes to pursue a career in public defense after graduation. Outside of law school, Sadie enjoys watching movies and traveling.

Lanee Cox is a second-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law, where she serves as Treasurer of the Trial Team, Vice President of the Christian Legal Society, and Secretary of the Black Law Students Association. Originally from The Bahamas, Lanee earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business Law from Florida Atlantic University.

During her 1L summer, Lanee interned with the Rhode Island Center for Justice, where she gained experience working on matters involving prisoners’ rights and public interest advocacy. Her legal interests include criminal defense, wrongful convictions, and maritime law. As she continues her legal education, Lanee hopes to use her experience and Bahamian background to advocate for individuals and communities in both the United States and The Bahamas.

Chris Schreurs is a 2L at Roger Williams University School of Law. Originally from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area of Texas, Chris graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas State University) with a Bachelor in Business Technology and later from the same university with an MBA.

Chris served on the SBA as Section A 1L Representative gaining experience in leadership. During his 1L summer, he worked with the Marine Affairs department as a Sea Grant Fellow researching bluff erosion and shoreline stabilization on Block Island. In his free time, he likes to play softball with the Quahogs and ride his mountain bike or go for a run.

Natalia Elyd is a third-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law and is originally from Texas. She graduated cum laude from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a B.B.A. in Management and a certificate in Legal Studies. Before law school, Natalia worked at BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys in San Antonio. During law school, she has continued developing her interest in criminal practice through an Alternative Spring Break placement with the West Palm Beach Public Defender’s Office and, most recently, as a summer intern with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. Natalia also serves as a Rule 9 student attorney through RWU Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic, where she gains hands-on experience representing clients in criminal matters. In addition to Trial Team, she serves as Secretary of the Criminal Law Society, a 3L Representative for the Latino Law Students Association and Women’s Law Society, and a First Generation Mentor. Through Trial Team, Natalia hopes to strengthen her oral advocacy and litigation skills before returning to Texas to practice criminal defense.

Alexis Wozdusiewicz is from Meriden, Connecticut. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Roger Williams University in 2024, where she studied Legal Studies and Anthropology & Sociology. Alexis plans to build a career in criminal law, with a particular interest in juvenile defense. 

During her 1L spring break, she participated in the Alternative Spring Break program with the Connecticut Public Defender’s Office in Waterbury and later returned to the office as a legal intern for her 1L summer. During her 2L summer, Alexis interned with the Rhode Island ACLU, where she worked on a prisoners’ rights case. She spent the second half of her summer studying abroad in Oxford, England, where she studied trial advocacy. Alexis is also a Teaching Assistant in the Writing Center and an extern at a District Attorney’s Office, where she works on appellate matters.

Outside of law school, Alexis loves finding new places to visit and having a trip to look forward to when the semester is over. She is always happy to talk about where to go next.

Judith is a third-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law. Originally from Jamaica, she migrated to Brooklyn, New York, then relocated to Rhode Island to pursue her legal education.  

Judith earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College, where she graduated cum laude with a double major in Media Studies and Political Science. She went on to earn her Master of Business Administration, graduating summa cum laude from the Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University. At RWU Law, she is the Administrative Vice President of the Student Bar Association, Vice President of the Black Law Student Association, and a member of the Honor Board. 

During her 1L year, Judith gained hands-on legal experience through pro bono work at Kent County Superior Court in Warwick, where she assisted with research on ADA accommodations. During the summer of 2L, Judith interned with the Innocence Project for a short stint. Presently, Judith serves as a Rule 9 student with the Rhode Island Center for Justice, working on matters involving public advocacy and prisoner rights.   

While Judith once considered a career in real estate, her interests have since grown toward criminal law and immigration law. Following graduation, she hopes to practice law in Washington, D.C., or New York. 

Alana Quashie is a third-year (3L) law student at Roger Williams University School of Law, with a focus on criminal defense and post-conviction law. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Alana attended the University of Rhode Island, graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science. At RWU Law, she is a member of the Christian Legal Society, the Association for Public Interest Law, and the Black Law Students Association.

She also joined the Trial Team to further develop her courtroom skills in preparation for a future in criminal defense litigation.

Alana currently serves as a Rule 9 Student Attorney with the Criminal Defense Clinic. She previously volunteered as a Law Student Partner with the Pro Bono Collaborative's ACI Women's Legal Assistance Project, where she met biweekly with incarcerated women at the ACI Women's Facility to conduct intakes and provide limited legal advice under attorney supervision.

After law school, Alana plans to continue advocating for clients in the criminal justice system, building on her clinical and pro bono work in criminal defense.

Jake Connor is a 2L from West Springfield, Massachusetts. He graduated from Westfield State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. At Roger Williams University School of Law, in addition to being a member of the Trial Team, he is also a member of the Criminal Law Society and the Family Law Society. After his first year of law school, Jake spent the summer at the Committee for Public Counsel Services in the Youth Advocacy Division as a Legal Intern. Outside of law school, Jake enjoys skiing, golfing, and spending time with his friends and family.

Anthony Karwashan is a 2L from Seekonk, Massachusetts. He graduated from University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Political Science and Legal Studies. This past summer, Anthony was a Legal Intern at the Committee for Public Counsel Services, Public Defender Division, in Brockton, Massachusetts. Anthony hopes to pursue a career in public defense following law school. In his free time, Anthony enjoys playing soccer and basketball, as well as spending time with his family and friends.

Liam is from Westport, Massachusetts, and attended Loyola University New Orleans, where he studied journalism. Over his 1L summer, he interned at the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office in Fall River, MA. He is also a current member of the Roger Williams Law Review. Liam is interested in one day becoming a criminal trial lawyer, preferably in Massachusetts. Outside of law school, he enjoys reading, movies, and traveling.

Zach is a 2L member of the trial team from Kennebunk, Maine. He attended Union College, graduating with a Philosophy major in 2024 as well as completing four years on Union’s varsity swimming team. Zach hopes to graduate from Roger Williams Law and begin working as a public defender after seeing the work firsthand at the New Bedford Public Defender's Office over his 1L summer. Zach is also a member of the Roger Williams Law Review, where he is currently working on arguing for changes to Rhode Island's Habitual Offender Statute. Outside of school, Zach enjoys working with his hands, hiking, and being outdoors.

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 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. 

Lexi Pereira is a current 2L at Roger Williams University School of Law. Before law school, she graduated from the University of New Hampshire Summa Cum Laude in the honors program with a bachelors in History and a minor in Philosophy. Her time at the University of New Hampshire fostered her love for the law while she participated on the UNH Mock Trial Team, where she won two attorney awards.

During law school, she’s interned at the Eviction Help Desk Program in Providence, Rhode Island, where she worked closely with attorneys from the Rhode Island Center for Justice and Rhode Island Legal Services to help tenants facing eviction cases. She also worked over the summer as a counselor for the Mandel-Bosclair Social Justice Summer Camp, where she helped inspire middle and high school students and foster their engagement in the legal field. 

She’s planning to go into civil litigation and trial work after graduation. Outside of school, she loves cooking, playing video games, and reading.

Faith graduated magna cum laude from Ithaca College with a B.S. in Television-Digital Media and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. Before law school, she worked as a paralegal at a multi-practice law firm. At Roger Williams University School of Law, she has focused much of her experience on criminal defense and courtroom advocacy, including two summers with the Ontario County Public Defender’s Office in New York. Under a student practice order, Faith arraigned clients and conducted a probable cause hearing. She has also served as Secretary of the American Constitution Society, a 3L Representative for the Criminal Law Society, and a mentor to first-generation law students. She will return to the Ontario County Public Defender’s Office in the spring through New York’s Pro Bono Scholars Program.

Isabella is a 2L from Massachusetts. She graduated cum laude from New York University with a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Public Policy and Management. Prior to law school, she worked in Worcester, Massachusetts as a trust and estates administrator. She spent her 1L summer in upstate New York participating in the Rural Pathways Program with the Third Department Appellate Division. In addition to the Trial Team, Isabella is a Teaching Assistant for Criminal Law and Legal Writing courses. Isabella hopes to become a criminal litigation attorney and is also interested in prisoner’s rights litigation.  Outside of law school, she enjoys cooking and working towards her goal of visiting all of the United States National Parks.

Christian is a 2L from Los Angeles, California, with an interest in criminal defense and plaintiff personal injury litigation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of New Mexico. Prior to law school, he worked at a plaintiff personal injury firm in Albuquerque, NM and a mass tort litigation firm in Los Angeles, CA. Over the 1L summer, he spent his time as a Judicial Extern with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. He is also a member of the Latino Law Student Association as Treasurer. Outside of law school, he enjoys working towards his goal of visiting all 50 US states, and playing basketball.

Laliya is a 2L originally from Tanzania who came to the United States under refugee status and settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where she attended Arizona State University, majoring in Global Studies with a minor in African and African American Studies. Shaped deeply by her background as a refugee, she's passionate about human rights and currently focused on immigration law, an interest that led her to intern this past summer doing defense work in New York working on criminal immigration law, gaining firsthand experience in the field she hopes to build her career around. As a first-generation college graduate and the first in her family to attend law school, she now serves as President of the First Generation Law Student Association, a role that reflects how central that identity remains to her journey, and she's excited to join the trial team as her first real chance to build skills she's always admired but never gotten to practice — it seems fun, challenging, and genuinely useful as she continues shaping her path toward a career in human rights and immigration law. Outside of school, Laliya enjoys keeping up with her Duolingo streak, traveling, and watching Korean Dramas and one day hopes to like cooking again. 

Darren Salazar is a 2L from Sequim, Washington. He graduated summa cum laude from Central Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minors in Business and Law and Justice. At Roger Williams University School of Law, in addition to being a member of the Trial Team, he is also a member of the Law Review and the Sports and Entertainment Law Society. He also serves as a Teaching Assistant for Contracts, Torts, and Foundations of Legal Studies. After his first year of law school, Darren spent the summer as a research assistant for Professors Susan Heyman and Shannon Heery. Outside of law school, Darren enjoys hiking, playing pickleball, and spending time with his friends and family.

Benjamin Schnurr is a third-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law. Ben is originally from Fall River, MA. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a dual B.A. degree in History and Political Science. He interned this past summer with the Rhode Island Center for Justice in Providence, RI, where he worked as a Rule 9 Student Attorney. He negotiated on behalf of clients facing eviction, conducted legal research, drafted pleadings and discovery motions, and successfully argued a motion to dismiss.

Ben is currently participating in the Housing Law and Policy Clinic at Roger Williams, where he is conducting research to help reform Rhode Island’s right of first refusal for resident-owned manufactured housing communities. He hopes to pursue a career in housing or public interest law.

Outside of school, Ben enjoys traveling, good food, football, and his black cat Cosmo.

Javier is a 2L from Miami, Florida, with an interest in employment litigation, trial advocacy, and LGBTQ+ rights. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Florida International University. Before law school, Javier worked at a workers' compensation firm in Coral Gables, Florida, where he became a legal assistant. Javier spent last summer working remotely as a law clerk at Roxanne Conlin and Associates and traveling to Lavender Law and the American Association for Justice conferences. Separately, Javier serves the LGBTQ+ Bar Association as a Student Congress member and as President of the Straight Gay Alliance. Outside of school, Javier enjoys baking, hiking, and working out.

During her 1L spring break, she participated in the Alternative Spring Break program with the Connecticut Public Defender’s Office in Waterbury and later returned to the office as a legal intern for her 1L summer. During her 2L summer, Alexis interned with the Rhode Island ACLU, where she worked on a prisoners’ rights case. She spent the second half of her summer studying abroad in Oxford, England, where she studied trial advocacy. Alexis is also a Teaching Assistant in the Writing Center and an extern at a District Attorney’s Office, where she works on appellate matters.

Outside of law school, Alexis loves finding new places to visit and having a trip to look forward to when the semester is over. She is always happy to talk about where to go next.

Lauren is a 2L from Phoenix, Arizona, with an interest in criminal litigation and trial advocacy. Before law school, she worked as a personal injury paralegal, and this past summer she worked with Rhode Island Legal Services, assisting with housing matters and eviction defense for low-income tenants. Outside of Trial Team, Lauren serves as a Student Ambassador, Family Law Society Secretary, and President of Phi Alpha Delta. She is excited to be part of Trial Team and further develop her courtroom and advocacy skills.

Megan Tierney is a second-year law student at Roger Williams University School of Law and is originally from Long Island, New York. She graduated summa cum laude from Utica University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and minors in Fraud and Financial Crime Investigations, Criminal Intelligence Analysis, and Law, Justice, and Society. While at Utica, Megan was a member of the Mock Trial team, serving as Vice President and Captain during her three years on the team. She also holds the record for the most individual awards earned in the Mock Trial program.

Megan has gained legal experience through positions with Forchelli Deegan Terrana, Taylor Eldridge & Endres, and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office. At Roger Williams, she is a member of the Trial Team and serves as a Teaching Assistant for Legal Practice I. Megan hopes to build a career as a trial attorney, with particular interests in civil litigation and criminal prosecution. Outside of law school, she enjoys baking, spending time with friends, and hiking.

Jahan is a 2L from San Jose, California. He attended the University of Florida, where he majored in Political Science and minored in Sociology and Anthropology. Prior to law school, Jahan worked at a local firm in Gainesville, Florida, Knellinger and Associates, where he became the firm's Senior Litigation Paralegal. This past summer, Jahan interned at FM, an American mutual insurance company based in Johnston, Rhode Island which specializes in high-risk property insurance for large corporations globally. There, Jahan supported FM’s in-house litigation team and Law and Governance Department on emerging legal issues involving space law, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and international regulatory developments.

At RWU, Jahan is a member of both the Moot Court Team and the Trial Team, where he seeks to continue refining his advocacy skills as he prepares to pursue a career in litigation. He currently serves as a Teaching Assistant for Foundations of Law with Professor Hodor-Walker, and will serve as a Teaching Assistant for Professor Varyani’s Property course in the Spring. Outside of school, Jahan’s hobbies include hiking with his dog, snowboarding, boxing, and playing tennis.