SENIOR MANAGING BOARD
Aamina Mariam ('25) | Editor-in-Chief
Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology (minor in criminal justice), University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Environmental Interests: Animal protection, conservation, climate change
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At the law school, I am involved in First-Gen and the extramural moot court competition team. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, music, and theatre.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans, & Interests: During the summer of 2023, I served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Michael S. Nachmanoff of the Eastern District of Virginia. After 2L, I served as a summer associate at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where I focused on cybersecurity and investigations. I hope to return there as a full-time associate before spending the 2026-2027 term as a law clerk for the Honorable Daniel E. Ortiz of the Court of Appeals of Virginia.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology (minor in criminal justice), University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Environmental Interests: Animal protection, conservation, climate change
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At the law school, I am involved in First-Gen and the extramural moot court competition team. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, music, and theatre.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans, & Interests: During the summer of 2023, I served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Michael S. Nachmanoff of the Eastern District of Virginia. After 2L, I served as a summer associate at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where I focused on cybersecurity and investigations. I hope to return there as a full-time associate before spending the 2026-2027 term as a law clerk for the Honorable Daniel E. Ortiz of the Court of Appeals of Virginia.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Seamus Hogan ('25) | Executive Editor
Hometown: I grew up in Fayetteville, West Virginia and Richmond, Virginia.
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in English and Religious Studies, UVA.
Environmental Interests: I am interested in environmental impact litigation and conservation law.
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: In addition to VELJ, I have been an active member of VELF (pro bono chair '23-'24) as well as a Legal Writing Fellow for Professor Sarah Stewart Ware. Outside of law school I like to paint, see live music, and chase the wild fish of Shenandoah with a fly rod.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: I spent my 1L summer at Clarkson Law Firm in Malibu, CA, working on anti-greenwashing suits (among other things). I am spending my 2L summer at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York City.
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in English and Religious Studies, UVA.
Environmental Interests: I am interested in environmental impact litigation and conservation law.
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: In addition to VELJ, I have been an active member of VELF (pro bono chair '23-'24) as well as a Legal Writing Fellow for Professor Sarah Stewart Ware. Outside of law school I like to paint, see live music, and chase the wild fish of Shenandoah with a fly rod.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: I spent my 1L summer at Clarkson Law Firm in Malibu, CA, working on anti-greenwashing suits (among other things). I am spending my 2L summer at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York City.
Cosette Vincent ('25) | Executive Editor
Hometown: West Chester, PA
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in politics (history minor), Catholic University of America
Environmental Interests: Conservation, renewable energy, natural resources, and public lands.
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At the law school, I am a member of the editorial board of the Virginia Law Review and am a member of PILA. Additionally, I participate in pro bono projects and am a member of Virginia Law Women. Outside school I enjoy hiking with my dog, biking, and trying new restaurants.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: In my 1L summer I interned with the Social Security Administration. For my 2L summer I am a Summer Associate with the Government Accountability Office in Washington, DC. After law school I hope to return to the federal government to continue my public service career and hopefully get to work on some environmental-related work.
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in politics (history minor), Catholic University of America
Environmental Interests: Conservation, renewable energy, natural resources, and public lands.
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At the law school, I am a member of the editorial board of the Virginia Law Review and am a member of PILA. Additionally, I participate in pro bono projects and am a member of Virginia Law Women. Outside school I enjoy hiking with my dog, biking, and trying new restaurants.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: In my 1L summer I interned with the Social Security Administration. For my 2L summer I am a Summer Associate with the Government Accountability Office in Washington, DC. After law school I hope to return to the federal government to continue my public service career and hopefully get to work on some environmental-related work.
Cam Moody (‘25) | Submissions Director
Hometown:
Prior Education:
Environmental Interests:
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School:
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests:
Contact Email: [email protected]
Prior Education:
Environmental Interests:
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School:
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests:
Contact Email: [email protected]
Lauren White (‘25) | Submissions Director
Hometown: Weatherford, TX
Prior Education: Boston College (I majored in philosophy and minored in ancient civilizations)
Environmental Interests: Land Use and Renewable Energy
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: My personal interests include gardening and baking. I'm a UVA Law Ambassador and love studying on my picnic blanket in Spies. Come say hi if you see me out there!
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: For 1L I was in-house as Apex Clean Energy's Land Legal Summer Associate. This summer (2L) I've been in the LA office of Barnes and Thornburg trying out a bunch of new practice areas. I hope to build a real estate practice tailored to renewable energy matters!
Contact Email: [email protected]
Prior Education: Boston College (I majored in philosophy and minored in ancient civilizations)
Environmental Interests: Land Use and Renewable Energy
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: My personal interests include gardening and baking. I'm a UVA Law Ambassador and love studying on my picnic blanket in Spies. Come say hi if you see me out there!
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: For 1L I was in-house as Apex Clean Energy's Land Legal Summer Associate. This summer (2L) I've been in the LA office of Barnes and Thornburg trying out a bunch of new practice areas. I hope to build a real estate practice tailored to renewable energy matters!
Contact Email: [email protected]
Caylea Barone ('25) | Managing Editor
Hometown: LaGrangeville, NY
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental studies and art & art history (studio concentration), Colgate University
Environmental Interests: Clean energy and electricity regulation, just transition advocacy, environmental impact litigation, infrastructure development, land use, environmental justice
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: Beyond VELJ, I am a research assistant to Professor Michael Livermore and a mentor to undergraduate students interested in law school through LAW-US. I formally served as a Dillard Legal Research and Writing Fellow, Vice President of the Virginia Environmental Law Forum, Events Co-Chair of Virginia Law Women, and SBA Building Resources and Environmental Concerns Committee Co-Chair. Outside of law school, I am an entrepreneur and enjoy running a small business making clay jewelry and fine art. In my free time, I love hiking with my fiancé David and dog Barnaby, cooking vegetarian meals, and trying new wineries and craft breweries in Central Virginia!
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: For my 1L summer, I interned at the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia in the Public Advocacy Division, where I engaged in public interest environmental impact litigation and climate policy research. I spent my 2L summer at the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in their New York City office, working on infrastructure funds and corporate matters. Careers are long, and I plan to pursue government or non-profit environmental advocacy opportunities after starting out in private practice.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental studies and art & art history (studio concentration), Colgate University
Environmental Interests: Clean energy and electricity regulation, just transition advocacy, environmental impact litigation, infrastructure development, land use, environmental justice
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: Beyond VELJ, I am a research assistant to Professor Michael Livermore and a mentor to undergraduate students interested in law school through LAW-US. I formally served as a Dillard Legal Research and Writing Fellow, Vice President of the Virginia Environmental Law Forum, Events Co-Chair of Virginia Law Women, and SBA Building Resources and Environmental Concerns Committee Co-Chair. Outside of law school, I am an entrepreneur and enjoy running a small business making clay jewelry and fine art. In my free time, I love hiking with my fiancé David and dog Barnaby, cooking vegetarian meals, and trying new wineries and craft breweries in Central Virginia!
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: For my 1L summer, I interned at the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia in the Public Advocacy Division, where I engaged in public interest environmental impact litigation and climate policy research. I spent my 2L summer at the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in their New York City office, working on infrastructure funds and corporate matters. Careers are long, and I plan to pursue government or non-profit environmental advocacy opportunities after starting out in private practice.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Ricky Robinson ('25) | Managing Editor
Hometown: Woodbury, CT
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in Biosciences, Rice University
Environmental Interests: Biotech, forestry, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At the law school, I serve as a peer advisor and as an editor on the Virginia Journal of International Law. I also worked pro bono for the USDA on forestry matters. Outside the law school, I enjoy trail running, project baking, and nature photography.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: For my 1L summer, I worked for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Anchorage, Alaska. This summer I will be working for Wilson Sonsini in Boston, MA.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in Biosciences, Rice University
Environmental Interests: Biotech, forestry, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At the law school, I serve as a peer advisor and as an editor on the Virginia Journal of International Law. I also worked pro bono for the USDA on forestry matters. Outside the law school, I enjoy trail running, project baking, and nature photography.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: For my 1L summer, I worked for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Anchorage, Alaska. This summer I will be working for Wilson Sonsini in Boston, MA.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Raquel Szomstein ('25) | Managing Editor
Hometown: Miami, FL
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with a minor in Urban Studies, University of Pennsylvania
Environmental Interests: Renewable energy, climate justice and policy, green infrastructure
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At the law school, I have served on the ACS, LALO, and JLSA Boards. I am a PLACE fellow, and I did pro bono for the Department of Commerce, Commercial Law and Development Program Latin America and Caribbean team.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: For my 1L Summer, I worked at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. This past summer, I worked at White & Case for their Agency Finance Practice, Energy Infrastructure group.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Prior Education: Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics with a minor in Urban Studies, University of Pennsylvania
Environmental Interests: Renewable energy, climate justice and policy, green infrastructure
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At the law school, I have served on the ACS, LALO, and JLSA Boards. I am a PLACE fellow, and I did pro bono for the Department of Commerce, Commercial Law and Development Program Latin America and Caribbean team.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: For my 1L Summer, I worked at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. This past summer, I worked at White & Case for their Agency Finance Practice, Energy Infrastructure group.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Ryan Carp ('25) | Projects Director
Hometown: New Lenox, IL
Prior Education: UNC-Chapel Hill, Class of 2019 (Business Administration & History)
Environmental Interests: Environmental justice, climate change litigation, conservation, clean air & water protection, renewable energy
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At the law school, I've served on the boards of the Public Interest Law Association, the National Lawyer's Guild, the Immigration Law Society, and the International Refugee Assistance Project; I'm also a Peer Advisor. In my free time, I love cooking, reading, photography, and playing chess & trivia.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: I spent my 1L summer as an intern at Justice in Motion (an immigration non-profit) and a research assistant for Prof. Deborah Hellman. During my 2L summer, I'm interning at Children's Rights (a child advocacy non-profit). After law school, I hope to work in policy or impact litigation.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Prior Education: UNC-Chapel Hill, Class of 2019 (Business Administration & History)
Environmental Interests: Environmental justice, climate change litigation, conservation, clean air & water protection, renewable energy
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At the law school, I've served on the boards of the Public Interest Law Association, the National Lawyer's Guild, the Immigration Law Society, and the International Refugee Assistance Project; I'm also a Peer Advisor. In my free time, I love cooking, reading, photography, and playing chess & trivia.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: I spent my 1L summer as an intern at Justice in Motion (an immigration non-profit) and a research assistant for Prof. Deborah Hellman. During my 2L summer, I'm interning at Children's Rights (a child advocacy non-profit). After law school, I hope to work in policy or impact litigation.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Peter Grema ('25) | Business Director
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Prior Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Class of 2022 (Economics & Real Estate, minor in Public Policy)
Environmental Interests: Water law and land use; conservation and protecting public lands
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At UVA Law, I was in the State & Local Government Policy Clinic during my 2L year and assisted lawmakers in passing a special education omnibus bill in the Virginia General Assembly. I was also a Research Assistant for Professor Kimberly Robinson during my 1L year.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: During my 1L summer, I was a law clerk at the U.S. Senate working on employment and labor matters. During my 2L summer, I was at Lewis Roca, Las Vegas in their litigation practice group. After graduation, I will be clerking for Chief Justice Elissa F. Cadish on the Nevada Supreme Court. During my law career, I would like to help clients with sustainable development and environmental assessments around the Las Vegas Valley.
Contact Email: [email protected]
Prior Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Class of 2022 (Economics & Real Estate, minor in Public Policy)
Environmental Interests: Water law and land use; conservation and protecting public lands
Personal Interests & Involvement at the Law School: At UVA Law, I was in the State & Local Government Policy Clinic during my 2L year and assisted lawmakers in passing a special education omnibus bill in the Virginia General Assembly. I was also a Research Assistant for Professor Kimberly Robinson during my 1L year.
1L Summer Experience, Future Plans & Interests: During my 1L summer, I was a law clerk at the U.S. Senate working on employment and labor matters. During my 2L summer, I was at Lewis Roca, Las Vegas in their litigation practice group. After graduation, I will be clerking for Chief Justice Elissa F. Cadish on the Nevada Supreme Court. During my law career, I would like to help clients with sustainable development and environmental assessments around the Las Vegas Valley.
Contact Email: [email protected]
