Hail to the Class of 2022

Sunday marks the first time graduates will gather for commencement at the University of Virginia School of Law since 2019. As the community prepares to celebrate, learn more about the Class of 2022 in the stories below.

• Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony Details - Inclement Weather Plan in Effect
• Watch the UVA Final Exercises Livestream (10 a.m. ET)
• Watch the Law School Livestream (5:30 p.m. ET)
• Meet Commencement Speaker Kim Keenan ’87

Graduate Profiles and Recognition

Mickel Blazes Trail as First Black Virginia Law Review Editor-in-Chief
Tiffany Mickel made history when she became the Virginia Law Review’s first Black editor-in-chief. She reflects on her time in law school and discusses what’s next.

First-Generation Student Garcia Embraced Challenges
Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Camilo Garcia took on new challenges throughout his time in law school.

From Foster Child to Child Advocate, Harris Heads Into Public Service Career
Elizabeth Harris hopes to use her degree, skills and passion to undo some of the problems she witnessed as a foster child in Texas.

Stiles Made Spreading Joy His Mission
Jeffrey Stiles leaves a legacy of selfless generosity — and good-natured pranking.

Knox Put Teamwork First in Many Roles
Whether serving as a prosecutor for the commonwealth or leading the Federalist Society student chapter, Chloe Knox liked being part of a team.

Jones Named Skadden Fellow
Nevah Jones will help veterans with health claims as a 2022 Skadden Fellow.

Behind Benos’ Drive To Change the UVA Honor System
Schwarzman Scholar Christopher Benos played a pivotal role in making a historic change to the University’s 180-year-old honor system.

Orfanedes Served as Student Bar Association President
Niko Orfanedes, who will speak at graduation on Sunday, discusses taking on the role of student body leader.

Tyree Wins Swanson Award
Rambert Tyree was this year’s recipient of the Gregory H. Swanson Award, named in honor of the first Black student to attend UVA and the Law School.

Medley-Bacon Wins Swanson Award
Nirajé Medley-Bacon, who served as the student representative on the President’s Council on UVA-Community Partnerships, won the Swanson Award in 2021.

21st Powell Fellow To Address School Disciplinary Practices
Meredith Kilburn will help address school disciplinary practices as the 21st Powell Fellow in Legal Services.

Baldacci, Patton Win 93rd Lile Moot Court Competition
Chris Baldacci and Michael Patton won the 93rd William Minor Lile Moot Court Competition.

Ain, Teal Win First Transactional Law Competition
Max Ain and Andrew Teal won the first Transactional Law Competition at UVA Law.

Long, Rocha Named Tillman Scholars
Sam Long and Aleja Rocha LL.M. were named 2021 Tillman Scholars.

Anderson Receives Rosenbloom Award
Rachel Anderson received the Law School’s 2022 Rosenbloom Award, established to honor students with a strong academic record who have significantly enhanced the academic experience of their peers.

Hockett, Imadi, Kupupika, Stiles Named Ritter Scholars
Emily Hockett, Donna Faye Imadi, Trust Kupupika and Jeffrey Stiles were named 2021-22 Ritter Scholars.

Fife Advocated for Inclusivity as Lambda President
Chloe Fife was the first transgender woman to serve as president of Lambda Law Alliance.

Meet 4 Members of the LL.M. Class of 2022
Students in UVA Law’s LL.M. degree program typically have successful legal careers before they even start their studies here.

Appellate Litigation Clinic Students Rack Up Win for Free Speech
Gregory Eng, Benjamin Lerman and Jacob Larson recently represented an Appellate Litigation Clinic client before the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals — and won.

Star Witnesses – Q&As With Students

In Final Lap, Law School Going Swimmingly for Adkins
Claire Adkins discusses the most rewarding aspects of her competitive swimming career and her Legal Writing Fellowship.

Benos’ Music Inspired by Charlottesville
Christopher Benos independently released his third album of piano music, inspired by Charlottesville, the city he first called home as a UVA undergrad.

Conrad Brings Military Education to Law School
Quinn Conrad, a member of the Virginia Army National Guard, sought the rigors of a military education and training so she’d be ready to serve.

Kutchi Investigates Law School
Cait Kutchi says her work at the FBI inspired her to become a lawyer.

Logan Stays in the Game
Savannah Logan says she learned more about the law working with a legal aid organization and Major League Baseball.

Saul Went From Sixth Grade to Law School
Ben Saul has felt at home in the classroom throughout his life — either taking notes with classmates or teaching at the blackboard.

Schlut Puts Spotlight on Community
Andi Schlut builds a sense of community through the student organizations she leads.

Veklerov Changes Beats
As a journalist, Kimberly Veklerov saw the criminal justice system up close covering legal issues, and now she’s using her reporting skills and interest in law to earn a J.D.

Weitzel Completes a Cyber Puzzle
Rebecca Weitzel discusses her interest in tech law as editor-in-chief of the Virginia Journal of Law & Technology.

Year One

First-Year Law Students Receive Top Scholarships
Tim Shriver and Chris Yarrell were named Virginia Public Service Scholars, and Jack Hoover, Ida Abhari and Megan Jones were among the Class of 2022’s Karsh-Dillard Scholars. 

Service to Others Drives Class of 2022 to UVA Law
For many members of the Class of 2022, a law degree is a tool to continue to help others.