Academic performance and service to the greater community were recognized in a program hosted by Dean Zak Kramer on the eve of Commencement for Elon Law’s Class of 2023.
Several students in Elon Law’s Class of 2023 were honored before family and friends in an evening reception that celebrated their philanthropy and service to the law school from which they would graduate the next morning.
The annual Dean’s Reception hosted in the Elon Law library included a check presentation to Elon Law Dean Zak Kramer by Todd Bowyer L’23, who was among those who made a gift to the school as part of a 3L Class Gift Campaign to support scholarship funds, moot court and law review programs, or clinics.
The 3L Class Gift Committee was comprised of:
- Mekhai Jones-Foye
- Nadia Moore
- Priscah Olouch
- Nina Palamaris
- Haley Williams
- Lauren Jones
- Jasmine Turner
- Samantha Hepler
- Dalton Shell
- Timberly Southerland
- Michelle Aguilar
“Our students are a very philanthropic group,” said Scott Leighty ‘09, Elon Law’s assistant dean for development and alumni relations. “They led the 3L class giving effort to pay it forward to those who will follow in their footsteps.”
In closing the December 7 program, Kramer charged graduates to “go do good” in their communities at a time when the number of lawyers in the country can’t meet a growing demand for legal services. He also encouraged family and friends to offer support to graduates who are preparing for the bar exam.
Kramer then reminded graduates to stay in touch with their alma mater and not to forget the faculty and staff who have worked to help graduates achieve their dreams:
“There are people who have been teaching you. They have taught you torts. They have mentored you. They have advised you. They have frustrated you. They have angered you. They have inspired you. They have given you feedback.They have talked with you about professionalism and they have guided you along the way to becoming the lawyers that you are about to become.
“There are people who have cleaned the facility. There are people who have served coffee. There are people who made sure your financial aid showed up in your bank account. There are people who have done every little thing, a lot you can’t see – and they do it, and they do it here – because they care about the mission of the school.
“And every single person who works here chooses to work here and choosing to work in higher education means helping you to realize your dream. We take that very seriously. The faculty and staff stand behind and they’re so incredibly proud of what you have accomplished and what’s coming next.”
Student Honors in Elon Law’s Class of 2023
Note: Some individual awards were publicized at Commencement on December 8, 2023, on Elon University’s main campus.
North Carolina Advocates for Justice
This award recognizes a graduating student who has demonstrated a commitment to public service and excellence in trial and/or appellate advocacy skills.
- Alyssa J. Harris
International Academy of Trial Lawyers Student Advocacy Award
This award recognizes a graduating student who demonstrates a strong interest and ability in trial advocacy by high achievement in trial practice, evidence, and pleading and procedure courses.
- Jonathan Bryant Maultsby
Order of Barristers
The Order of Barristers is a national honorary organization whose purpose is the encouragement of oral advocacy and brief writing skills through effective law school oral advocacy programs. The award honors students who have excelled in moot court and/or mock trial competitions or who have made significant overall contributions to these programs at Elon Law.
- Megan Renee Fallon
- Andrew Holt Slaughter
- Zachary Aaron Kovach
- Matthew Robbins Carter
- Michelle Aguilar Figueroa
- Lauren Christine Jones
- Kellin Gent
- Nick Weinrib
- Griffin Clay Kish
- Atlanta Louise Woodall
ALI-CLE Award
The American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education Scholarship and Leadership Award is offered to a graduating law student who best represents a combination of scholarship and leadership.
- Timberly E. Southerland
Michael L. Rich Memorial Award for Excellence in Criminal Law Studies
The Michael L. Rich Memorial Award for Excellence in Criminal Law Studies was created by Elon Law faculty to honor the memory of Professor Mike Rich, the Maurice Jennings Emerging Scholar and associate professor of law. Professor Rich died on December 7, 2016, and leaves an immeasurable legacy of teaching, scholarship, and mentorship. Further building on this legacy, the Class of December 2017, the last class to have been taught by Professor Rich, elected to fund this award as their class gift. This award recognizes excellence in the study of criminal law, his main area of scholarship.
- Campbell Kate Kargo
North Carolina Chapter AAML Award
The North Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Award is given annually to the student that demonstrates an active interest and competency in family law, as well as exhibits the ethics and skills to elevate the practice of family law, as evidenced through exceptional performance in class, leadership in clinic, and/or involvement in research and publication on family law topics.
- Meghan Annette Edwards
National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Student Award
Honorees of this award contribute to the advancement of women in society; promote issues and concerns of women in the legal profession; exhibit motivation, tenacity, and enthusiasm; demonstrate high academic achievement; and earn the respect of students, faculty and staff.
- Constantina Sophia Palamaris
Pro Bono Recognition
Awards recognize 29 graduates who successfully completed 75 or more pro bono hours during their time as students. Each graduate receives two awards – one from the North Carolina Bar Association and one from the law school – recognizing their commitment to pro bono work as law students.
- Chance Acker Bartenfield
- Natasha Castellano
- Ashyra Daijana Corpening
- Joseph David Donley
- Megan Renee Fallon
- Kellin Gent
- Samantha J. Hepler
- Virginia Kathlene Howell
- Lauren Christine Jones
- Zachary Aaron Kovach
- Alexander Storm Long
- Katelyn Ellen Lynch
- Jennifer Ashley Martinez
- Kendall Ann Murphy
- Daphne Marie Myers
- Constantina Sophia Palamaris
- Annalise Elizabeth Pattavina
- Siobhan Lia Petracca
- Emilee Grace Stohl
- Nick Weinrib
- Morgan Ashleigh Woodward
North Carolina State Bar Student Pro Bono Award
The North Carolina State Bar annually awards one student at each North Carolina law school with a special award for individual service.
- Siobhan Lia Petracca
CLEA Outstanding Student Award and the CLEA Outstanding Externship Student Award
The Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Student Award and, new in 2023, the CLEA Outstanding Externship Student Award are each given annually to one student who excels in the field work component of a clinical course determined by the quality of the student’s performance in assisting or representing individual or organizational clients or in undertaking advocacy, community development, education, or policy reform projects; excels in the seminar component of a clinical course determined by the quality of the student’s thoughtfulness and self-reflection in exploring the legal, ethical, strategic, professional, and other pertinent issues raised in the particular clinic; and who makes superior contributions (in nature and extent) to the clinical community of Elon Law.
- Sydney T. Kofi Ladans (Outstanding Student Award)
- Isabella Theresa Gallelli (Outstanding Externship Student Award)
Distinguished Service Award
Each year the law school solicits nominations from faculty, staff and students for the Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes one graduating student for service to the law school through engagement in and contribution to the life of the school and demonstrated commitment to its mission.
In recognition of her commitment to the law school and inspiring others around her, the 2023 Elon Law Distinguished Service Award was presented to Elizabeth Chisoo Kwon.