Meet Your Peer Advisors

Ellelyshia Ardo (she/her)

My name is Ellely, and I am originally from Hawaii but have lived in Virginia for several years. I graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2023 and studied business administration. This summer, I am a law clerk at the Maryland Office of the Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division.             

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Maiwand Grill

 

Danielle Basdekis (she/her)

Hi everyone! My name is Danielle Basdekis and I am a rising 2L at Maryland. I am from upstate NY and went to Florida State for undergrad. I am really interested in public interest law and currently I am the SBA Executive Vice President and President of Maryland Public Interest Law Project. Please feel free to reach out to me any time!! :)

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Haley Bernstein (she/her)

I am the Head Student Coordinator and Liaison of the Peer Advisor Program here at Maryland, and I am looking forward to overseeing the program this year. In addition to this role, I am also the Managing Editor of the Journal of Business and Technology Law, a Senior Writing Fellow and involved in the Student Bar Association. I have also served as a member of the Honor Board and a Research Assistant to Professor Stearns. This summer, I was a Summer Associate in DLA Piper’s Litigation group and am hoping to pursue a career in litigation.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market

 

Maddie Block (she/her)

My name is Maddie Block, I was born and raised in Wisconsin, and I have a Bachelor's in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin (go Badgers!). I am primarily interested in criminal and health law, and I'm currently an intern for the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office in their Special Victims Unit. I am a first-generation law student, and I can't wait to connect with and help incoming 1Ls who are in the same boat! In my (limited) free time, I love to try new restaurants, cook, crochet, and watch (and rewatch) sitcoms.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Pitamore

 

Emily Bracht (she/her)

Hi everyone! My name is Emily, and I was born and raised in Clermont, FL. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's in political science and decided to leave Florida for a well-needed change of scenery. I have an interest in business law, currently working in a firm's business transaction department this summer, and I am also the president of the Entertainment, Art, and Sports Law Association at Maryland. Outside of school, I de-stress by running, paddle boarding, and baking sweet treats for my friends. I am so excited to meet all of you!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Mizu Sushi in Fells has a great lunch deal! Picking up and taking it down to the harbor is my favorite way to take a study break.

 

Emmanuel Cadet (he/him)

I was born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland. I attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School and completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. My interest lies in business law, primarily within the practice areas of commercial and tax law. I spent this past summer at McCarthy Wilson LLP within their business and commercial litigation and commercial transaction practice groups. In my free time I enjoy weightlifting and playing basketball.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Nandos

 

Angie Cole (she/her)

My name is Angie and I’m a 3L. I’m from Jacksonville, FL, went to Florida State University for undergrad, and came straight to law school after. I love eating food, working out, drinking wine, petting dogs, and spending time with my homies. I’m passionate about criminal law - specifically violent crime, human trafficking, and child exploitation issues - and my goal is to become an AUSA.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
The Italian place in Lexington Market or Qdoba!

 

Cameron Coughlin (she/her)

Hi everyone! My name is Cameron Coughlin, and I am a 2L at Maryland Carey Law. I am originally from Madison, Wisconsin, and went to undergrad at Colgate University in New York. I have many legal interests, but I am generally interested in eventually pursuing in-house work. Here at Maryland Law, I am involved in multiple student organizations and am on the ADR team. Outside of school, I love to cook, go for walks, and spend time with my friends. I look forward to meeting you all and supporting you during your time here at Maryland Carey Law!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market

 

Gregory C Deyesu (he/him)

I am a 2L from Bel Air, MD. I got my B.S. in Economics and Wealth Management from Seton Hall University. At Maryland, I am part of the National Trial Team and BLS. I am interested in Business Law and Litigation.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Kaitlyn Drake (she/they)

My name is Drake, and I am from the wonderful state of New York (not the cool part, though. There's a lot of cows in my area). I graduated from Fairfield University in 2023 where I majored in English Writing and Philosophy. I plan to pursue a career in LGBTQ+ rights, but am open to and interested in any type of public interest work. In my spare time, I love to read anything that isn't law, cook and bake vegetarian and vegan treats, and explore all of what Baltimore has to offer.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town and Rita's!

 

Connor Engle (he/him)

I am from just outside of Baltimore in Lutherville. I studied finance at the University of Maryland, graduating in 2023. I am interested in practicing business transactional law in Baltimore, currently leaning towards some type of real estate law. Outside of class, I am the President of the Business Law Society and member of the ADR team. In my free time, I like to attend or watch the O's and Ravens as well as explore new restaurants/parks/areas of the city that I've never been before.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
DosiRock in Lexington Market

 

Valerie Ernat (she/her)

I’m from Detroit, Michigan, and I went to undergrad at Radford University in Virginia. I interned at Democracy Forward last summer and this summer I’m on the Policy team the national Planned Parenthood. I hope to be doing Repro policy after I graduate in May. I love to be active, spend time with friends, and try new places around the city. Welcome to UMD law, and let’s be friends!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market

 

Susie Fan (she/her)

Hi everyone! My name is Susie and I will be a 2L this upcoming year. I studied economics at The Ohio State University and never thought I would end up in law school. In school, I am the president of APALSA as well as a member of ADR and BOSS. Outside of school, I love playing tennis (please play with me), going shopping (even though I don't have any money) and making tiktoks and doing social media! I love being able to mentor and this is definitely one of the things I have been looking forward to.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Maiwand Grill

 

Ben Fero

I played baseball at Stony Brook University in Long Island New York. I am currently attempting to be a Marine Corps JAG and am attending OCS at Quantico to do so. I love going to Orioles and Ravens games.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Lauren Fish (she/her)

Hi everyone, I'm Lauren, and I am from Baltimore, MD. I graduated from Elon University in 2023 as a Political Science Major, and I always knew I wanted to go to law school. Being a Baltimore native, I am a huge Orioles and Ravens fan. So, if anyone ever wants to go to a game, I will be there!   

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
My favorite Baltimore restaurant is the Food Market! If you're looking for a quick bite near campus, though, I love the deli in Lexington Market.

 

Benjamin Friedman (he/him)

Hi! Welcome to UMD, my name is Benjamin but most people call me Benji or Ben, dealer's choice. I'm a 3L who will be working in criminal law after I graduate. I enjoy camping, fishing, D&D, video games (grand strategy and RPGs), and reading. I look forward to meeting you!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Ronny’s Combo!

 

Alexis Gabel (she/her)

Hello! I am from Ringoes, New Jersey and studied criminology and sociology at Hofstra University for undergrad. I came to law school with a passion for public interest and criminal law. On campus I am involved with Women’s Bar Association, MPILP, and National Lawyer’s Guild.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Elliott Gardner (he/him)

Hi everyone! I'm a rising 2L and will be one of your peer advisors for this upcoming school year. I'm from Roanoke, Virginia, and graduated from UVA in 2020. At Carey I am Business Law Society and am following the Business Law track. Outside of law school I spend a lot of my time outdoors. I also try to stay pretty active doing things like hot yoga, running, or playing basketball.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Simon Graf (he/him)

After graduating from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) with a B.S. in Computer Science, I took a software engineering job at a defense contractor in the area. While working for the U.S. intelligence community, my roles and responsibilities shifted from software engineering to technical leadership to project management. After almost ten years, I found that I wasn't happy. I decided I wanted to pivot to a career that would allow me to help more tangibly the people, communities, and world around me, and law felt like the right fit.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Trinacria — their Italian deli sandwiches are amazing

 

Alli Gumienny (she/her)

Hi everyone! I am a rising 2L here at Maryland Carey Law and a 2023 graduate of The Ohio State University! I am the incoming President of the Labor and Employment Law Association as well as the Teen Court Chair of Baltimore Outreach for Student Success (BOSS). Outside of school I am a big sports fan (Go Eagles!), an avid shark lover, and enjoy watching cringey reality TV shows with my roommate!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
The Chinese food restaurant inside Lexington Market

 

Charles Hackett (he/him)

Hi! My name is Charlie Hackett, and I’m a 23-year-old UMD alumni from Carroll County, Maryland. Three fun facts about me: (1) I love the shotti’s point guapo tacos, (2) I’m a mediocre yet delusional trivia player, and (3) you can find me at Wayward’s flip night every Thursday.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Shottis

 

Josh Hale (he/him)

Hello! My name is Josh and I am a current 2L at Maryland Law. Originally from Arkansas, I attended undergrad at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. I plan to pursue a career in public interest law and am especially interested in juvenile justice.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Robert Handler (he/him)

My name is Robert Handler and I am a 2L at Carey Law. I grew up in Stamford, CT and went to undergraduate at Loyola University Maryland. In my free time I like to read, cook, and exercise

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Jordan Hartung (she/her)

My name is Jordan Hartung. I got my undergraduate degree in Legal Studies from Stevenson University. I hope to go into health law and specifically medical malpractice claims. I am from Maryland born and raised and decided to come to Maryland law for their amazing clinic opportunities.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market or Qdoba

 

Kathryn Hastings (she/her)

My name is Kathryn, but I go by Kat, and I’m from Connecticut originally. I attended the University of Maryland, College Park with a BS in Environmental Science and Policy. I am a rising 2L here at Maryland, and I am really passionate about environmental law!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Morgan Hennessey (she/her)

I moved to Baltimore from Connecticut for Law School and I don't plan on leaving! I live with my partner and my dog in Federal Hill. Before coming to law school, I worked for several years in marketing and my quarter-life-COVID-era crisis inspired me to take the LSAT and apply to law school. Some of my favorite things to do in Baltimore are trying new (to me) restaurants, taking walks along the inner harbor, and playing Volo sports.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Jonathan Kane (he/him)

I'm Jon. I'm from outside Philadelphia and I am a huge Philly sports fan. In my free time I like to workout, hangout with my friends, read, and play basketball and golf.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Qdoba

 

Faith Kim (she/her)

Originally from Los Angeles, I attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After undergrad, I worked as a content creator for a start-up company back in LA until I moved to Baltimore for law school. This year alone I’ve read over 100 books and I’m hoping to reach 200 before the end of the year. I’m also training to become an amateur boxer but it remains to be seen how well I’ll actually do.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
The Tuesday farmers market outside the school.

 

Grace Lear (she/her)

My name is Grace Lear. I am a rising 2L from Annapolis, Maryland. I went to received my undergrad and masters degree from the University of Florida before deciding I needed to move back to the best state for more school. Baltimore City in my opinion is the greatest city ever so in my free time I explore it by going on runs, going to fun food/drinks places with friends, or watching the Os and Ravens.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market! So many options.

 

Jack Libby (he/him)

Hi everyone. I’m Jack Libby. I’m a 2L originally from Severna Park, but I went to college at Elon University in North Carolina. I am on the Environmental Law track and work for a judge in Annapolis. Outside of law school, I enjoy hiking, boating, playing soccer and ultimate frisbee, obsessing over the TV show Survivor, coffee, and cooking. I’m very excited to meet you all!             

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market. Many great options, and many places offer discounts to UMB students!

 

Erika Lewis (she/her)

I am a rising 2L first generation law student. Before law school, I worked for two international organizations focused on public health and private sector businesses.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market

 

Robert Manson (he/him)

I am Rob Manson, an entering 2E at Maryland Carey Law. I chose UMD Law because it is the perfect cross-section of proximity to home, flexibility of class schedule, cost, and school rank. I haven't chosen a specialty per se, but I am interested in disability law serving the veteran community and civil rights protecting the public against law enforcement abuses of power.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Starbucks

 

Nikhil Mathur (he/him)

Hi, I'm Nikhil. I am originally from Bel Air, Maryland, but currently live here in Baltimore. I am interested in practicing corporate transactional law after graduating from Carey. In my free time, I enjoy getting outside, watching sports (especially catching O's games at Camden Yards), and trying new food spots in Baltimore.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town!

 

Olivia Moore (she/her)

My name is Olivia and I'm originally from Washington. In my free time I love exploring the city and bingeing tv. I have been enjoying living on the east coast and making Baltimore my home.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market

 

Rianna Mukherjee (she/her)

Rianna Mukherjee is a rising 2L at the University of Maryland Law School with interests in education law, family law, and appellate advocacy. She grew up in Massachusetts and pursued a B.A. in Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is currently a Thurgood Marshall Law Clerk in the Office of the Attorney General's Maryland State Department of Education Division and a Legal Research Assistant to Professor Jeff Sovern, J.D. This fall, she will extern on the Supreme Court of Maryland in the honorable Chief Justice Fader's chambers. When she is not busy with school or work, Rianna loves art projects, dancing, and trying new restaurants in Baltimore.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market

 

Molly Murray

I am from Silver Spring, Maryland. I have an older brother and older sister. I went to the University of Maryland, College Park and was a member of Tri Delta sorority. I love hanging with friends, going on long walks listening to a podcast especially the Toast, and watching UMD and NBA basketball.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Maiwand Grill

 

Allison Paul (she/her)

Hi, my name is Allison, and I am a 2L at Maryland Carey Law. I am currently interning at the Maryland Office of the Attorney General in the Organized Crime Unit. In my free time, I love to go hiking and play pickleball!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market

 

Aryana Ravery (she/her)

My name is Aryana Ravery, and I'm a rising 2L. I'm originally from Bethesda, MD and graduated from UMD College Park in 2023. I'm currently interested in family law, but am excited to explore other legal fields during my time in law school. At Carey Law, I am a member of the Women's Bar Association in addition to the Alternative Dispute Resolution team. I can't wait to meet all of you and to hopefully be a resource while navigating 1L!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Walking distance, Qdoba! Driving, Cross Street Market!

 

Dylan Ritter (he/him)

I’m from Nebraska and went to Loyola New Orleans for undergrad where I studied political science and economics. After law school I want to work on housing affordability and tenants rights. For fun, I enjoy cooking, basketball, and anything outdoors.      

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Ekiben

 

Roshnie Rupnarain (she/her)

Hi! I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for undergrad and came straight to Carey Law from college, but I'm originally from Queens, NY. My goal is to work with criminal law. I really enjoy rugby and martial arts, but also trying new food and drink spots, new boardgames, and reading Agatha Christie novels.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Lea Schwartz (she/her)

My name is Lea Schwartz and I'm from both West Palm Beach, Florida, and Denmark. I lived in Denmark for a few years in a small town called Ganløse, and most of my family still lives there. I've done gymnastics and cheerleading my whole life and even got to be a part of the Danish National Team while living there. I love anything outdoors - hiking, surfing, running, etc. Otherwise, I can be defined as a big reader, a film critic, someone who loves to cook/bake, and a professional dog walker to my dog.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
My favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law is anywhere with a vegan option. However, Land of Kush, Liquid Earth and Harmony Bakery are worthy mentions.

 

Ethan W. Seitz (he/him)

I’m a 3L with an interest in public legal services. I’m from Virginia, but I am now a full Maryland resident. In my free time I enjoy Os games, reading, and playing my cello.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Dosi rock in Lexington market.

 

Chloe Shumaker (she/her)

I'm an incoming 3E originally from NJ with a professional background in the healthcare industry. When I'm not working or studying, I like to find new places to eat and take my cat on walks (mutually exclusive events).

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Kaelyn Starrs

My name is Kaelyn Starrs, originally from Phoenix, Arizona. I graduated from the Honors College at Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice. My professional interests lie in criminal advocacy, particularly in defending the rights of individuals wrongfully accused. Relocating to Maryland was a deliberate decision to immerse myself in the DMV area and explore new opportunities. Additionally, I have a pet bunny!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Watershed

 

Zoe Strahan (she/her)

My name is Zoe Strahan Johnson! I have three cats (by accident) and outside of school I love reading, serving at my church, and spending time with my friends!             

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Rita’s!!!

 

Adam Sundquist (he/him)

First and foremost I’m a social guy. I really enjoy talking to new people and spending time with my friends. I love being active and go rock climbing when I have the time. My main interest within the legal field is immigration law and immigration policy. I am a die-hard Cincinnati Bengals fan (Who Dey).     

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Chipotle (the one near the harbor gives crazy portions, your welcome)

 

Alexander Tinnyo (he/him)

I am a rising 2E and I currently work full time as a workers’ compensation claims adjuster. I am 28 years old and recently married. I hope to work in employment law and work comp when I graduate.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco town

 

Victoria Walters (she/her)

My name is Victoria Walters. I am originally from Maryland, but moved to the Philly suburbs when I was 7, mostly growing up there. I went to the University of Miami, where I graduated from the business school with a degree in economics in 2021. Following that, I worked with Lincoln Financial in a 2 year post-graduate program. After completing that I came back to Maryland for law school!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Nandos

 

Natalie Ward (she/her)

I am originally from Dallas, Texas and went to the University of Texas for undergrad. I really enjoy hanging out with my dog, Nola, and cooking for my friends! I am also the SBA Executive President for the 2024-2025 school year so if you have any questions, comments or concerns reach out to me!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Pitamore

 

Bennett Wasch (he/him)

Hi! My name is Bennett Wasch and I am an incoming 2L at Maryland. I was raised in Annapolis before moving to Pennsylvania for college, attending Franklin and Marshall College. I am currently living in Federal Hill and when I am not in the library reading for class you will find me out running along the inner harbor or at a concert!

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town

 

Ethan Wilt (he/him)

I'm Ethan and I will be a peer advisor this year. I am a 2L from Moorestown, NJ, and graduated from Gettysburg College with a degree in political science and public policy. Over the summer, I interned for the Honorable Kevin F. Arthur of the Appellate Court of Maryland. In my free time, I enjoy playing pickleball and other intramural sports, reading, and exploring Baltimore.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
The halal cart across the street from the law school

 

Matthew Winson (he/him)

My name is Matthew Winson and I am from North Potomac, MD. I went to the University of Maryland for undergrad studying government and politics and am currently on the business track. I am a diehard Baltimore Orioles and University of Maryland sports fan. I love to be outside and take in good views with friends. And I enjoy exploring Baltimore and all the wonderful things it has to offer.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Taco Town. Don't stop at Qdoba when the better place is across the street.

 

Garrett Witte (he/him)

Hello, I am Garrett. I am a first generation law student entering my 2L year. I recently graduated from Towson University. I am currently pursuing the health law certificate and have really enjoyed learning about healthcare law. I also have an interest in business and family law.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Riverside Taphouse

 

Estrada Yarsay (he/him)

I've lived in Baltimore almost my entire life, so every part of this city is well known to me. Before law school, I attended the University of Baltimore majoring in Philosophy, Law, and Ethics with a minor in History. In my spare time I love to weight lift, read, cook, and play videogames. Currently, I'm extremely interested in criminal law and contract law, and I hope to practice primarily in Baltimore.

Favorite place to get food near Maryland Carey Law?
Lexington Market, specifically Dragon Bowl.