Student Bar Association
(SBA)
2016 - 2017 Elections Applications
STATEMENT OF INTEREST NARRATIVES
Lauren Stewart- President:
I LOVE SBA! I am completely dedicated to the success of SBA and sincerely do whatever it takes! I have been the Vice President of Student Affairs this year and planned many events, as well as helped generally with communicating to the student body and answering concerns and questions. I also lead the efforts to put on a great Barrister’s Ball, and help the team with other committees as needed. I am super excited about next year, and would love nothing more than to be the President!
Adam Bereston- Vice President of Academic Affairs:
My desire to be involved in the Student Bar Association is centered around my longstanding desire for community service and involvement. I take great pride in contributing to the well being of others, whether it be fellow students, professors, or people living in the community. I feel as though my continued involvement with the SBA will provide me with access to different avenues of service, both within the campus community as well as the outside community. I enjoy getting to know as many people as possible while also getting the most out of my educational experience here at the Columbus School of Law.
I will make the perfect Vice President of Academic Affairs because of a multitude of previous experience. First, I personally organized a crab feast at my undergraduate institution for the campus community. This required me to obtain sponsorship from alumni, coordinate with campus officials to assure all guidelines were being followed, and to promote the event on campus. The end result was a successful turnout of several hundred students, which both strengthened existing friendships and boosted our school pride. I have also organized four separate socials at my undergraduate institution which required strong organizational skills and open communication between different organizations.
In addition to my experience with event planning and because I maintained a successful track record, I was given the opportunity to have monthly individual meetings with both the president and the dean of academic affairs at my undergraduate institution to discuss upcoming events and brainstorm ideas about how to strengthen relationships amongst the different organizations on campus. This experience will translate into a strong ability to communicate between my class section and campus officials.=
Finally, I worked as a paralegal at a personal injury firm for approximately two and a half years prior to coming to law school. From this, I established a strong work ethic, ability to handle a large workload while operating under strict deadlines, and the capability of communicating effectively with both my colleagues and my superiors.
I look forward to the opportunity of continuing my service on SBA as the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Sonit Bhatt- Vice President of Financial Affairs:
A significant part of why I choseColumbus School of Law is the sense of community here. Being on SBA this year hasenabled me to become more involved with our law school and be the voice for my fellow classmates. For the upcoming year, I would be honored to serve as the Vice President of Financial Affairs. Prior to attending law school, I managed a multi-million dollar real estate company and was in charge of its daily activities and setting a budget for the year. I truly believe this experience will enable me to be a successful and efficient Vice President of Financial Affairs. I have also held several leadership positions during my undergraduate career including the Vice-President of the biology honorary, Treasurer of the pre-health honorary and Treasurer of Indian Students Association at West Virginia University. These opportunities have helped me further better my organizational, time-management and teamwork skills.
Law school has been a great experience so far and all of my schoolmates have been there for each other which makes me very proud to be a part of this school. Therefore, I would really appreciate the opportunity to serve as your Vice President of Financial Affairs.
Jonathan Cannon 3L Representative:
Having been interested in running in SBA for a while, I am now determined to represent my class as the 3L SBA representative. I want to ensure that we have more events, and a greater diversity of events. Law School is stressful enough, so having diversions and distractions would help make the situation more manageable. I also would like to create something memorable that the 3L class can take away from school like a sweatshirt, or mug (to be determined based on cost, interest etc..). Having been involved in SGA in undergrad I relish the opportunity to give back and help provide a great experience for the students, while also providing a way I can get involved in law school in a way outside of academics. I would like to bring a fresh face to SBA, and provide greater programing, and ideas to the school going forward.
Samantha Bognar- Communications Director and 3L Representative:
I am interested in being a part of the Student Bar Association because I want to get more involved in the CUA Law community. I attend many of the SBA events and really enjoy how each event is different and offers an opportunity for all of us to get together. I would like to contribute to planning these events in the future. During my time at the law school, I have held multiple executive board positions and planned lots of different events. I have experience dealing with the various university procedures from both my time at the law school and during my undergraduate career. Overall, this experience would be a great way to finish out my last year at the law school and to ensure that the 3L class and the entire school has a fantastic 2016-17 year.
Chris Hurley- 3L Representative:
As a rising 3L, I have come to appreciate everything CUA Law, SBA, and my colleagues have to provide. Further, communication between the administration and the student body is imperative to a close-knit, productive community. As a representative for the 3L class, I would make sure there is an open dialogue between students and administration. I look forward to working with everyone and helping CUA Law to be as great as it can be.
Alex Cerussi- Vice President of Student Affairs and 3L Representative:
My name is Alexandra Cerussi and I am interested in serving as Vice President of Student Affairs. I recognize that this is a great way to influence the law school community. As a current 2L Representative, I am committed to continuing to make SBA an accessible and prominent feature of the law school experience. Through SBA and the events we organize, I have helped to create interpersonal connections necessary for impactful academic interactions and lasting memories outside of the classroom. I also feel confident that my experience balancing work and my involvement in a number of student organizations will allow me to successfully handle this position and give it the attention and dedication that it demands.
I believe that I am the right candidate for Vice President of Student Affairs because I truly care about this school and the students that help make our law school experience that much brighter. As Vice President of Student Affairs, I will make every effort to allow for another successful law school year by working with fellow SBA members, the general student body, and faculty. I’m very excited for this possibility and I promise to make it worthwhile!
Monika Ledlova- 3L Representative:
I am interested in being part of the Student Bar Association again as a 3L Representative. I believe that I am qualified for the position because I not only have previous experience with being on the SBA board as a 2L Representative, but I am also passionate about promoting unity and respect between my classmates. I am organized, I have good communications skills and I am able to delegate well.
Based on my current position as a 2L Representative, I know what I would be doing as a 3L Representative, as I am more aware of SBA’s activities and events. I have learned time management through this position, as well as being able to delegate issues with my classmates. My class feels comfortable talking to me about issues they would like to address, whether that is with the school or the SBA board. I am also able to advocate on behalf of SBA and my classmates.
I believe that I am best suited for this position and promise to do my best as a 3L Representative.
Christopher Finelli- 2L Representative:
I am on SBA currently and I hope to continue to serve my classmates in social, academic, and other matters. I throughly enjoyed serving on SBA my first year, and I look forward to serving throughout my tenure at CUA.
Frank Russo- Vice President of Student Affairs and 2L Representative:
Serving as one of the SBA representative allowed me the opportunity to contribute in establishing a tight-knit community with each of my peers. Developing this sense of community is an integral part of both my personal growth in law school as well as the success of others. I am applying for an executive board position to help me build further upon the foundation of leadership skills I have acquired through past experiences. I hope continue assisting my classmates in achieving their goals, as making others around you better is a cornerstone of any successful community. As the first year representative, I was afforded the opportunity to learn from the executive board and work with school leaders to accomplish these goals. Prior to law school, I was able to earn multiple leadership positions in my undergraduate and professional career that have prepared me for assuming the responsibilities required of the 1L SBA representative. During my time at the University of Georgia I was chosen as a member of the Interfraternity Executive Council and placed as a program director of a freshman orientation program aimed at fostering campus involvement and professional development of over 500 new members of the Greek community. I was also elected to the executive council of an 80 plus man fraternity chapter for all 4 years as new member educator, vice president of risk management, and interim president.
Kelby Carlson- 2L Representative:
I am interested in serving as one of the 2L class representatives for the SBA. As a student in the legal profession, I consider it a moral obligation to do what I can to facilitate the success of law students. This includes more than myself or students close sme. It extends to as many students as I can reasonably help.
Since SBA is one student organization geared toward the success of the student body at CUA, I believe serving on it would be good way for me to help students.
I have experience participating in and leading organizations helping to serve specific communities. The experience that means the most to me is helping to found the Disability Awareness Partnership at my alma mater, Vanderbilt University. DAP organized events to educate students around campus about different disabilities, and the ways disability interacts with campus life. We also worked with the administration to help make more features of the campus accessible.
I am disciplined and motivated. I collaborate well with others, and have attention to detail. As a beginning member, I can both adhere to established instructions and procedures as well as work to improve the organization.
Marcos Holguin- 2L Representative:
Hey everyone! I’m Marcos and I'm a dual JD/MA in Congressional and Presidential Studies student here. I’m from South Pasadena, California, a suburb right next to Los Angeles. I’m running for SBA because I believe that we need a voice in the decision making process here. I believe that I would make a great 2L rep because I would be an effective liaison between us, the SBA, and the administration. I vow to always listen to you and make sure our opinions and input is heard and matters. I will always be available to hear your ideas and concerns, and will consider myself a representative for the larger class as a whole as opposed to pursuing a personal agenda.
I’ve had the privilege of holding a variety of leadership positions that I believe would be assets if elected to SBA. In high school I served as Football Team Captain. During my undergrad at St. John's University I served as my fraternity’sChairman of the Formal Planning Committee, Treasurer, Vice President, Pledge Master, and eventually President. I was also Student Government Sophomore Senator, United Greek Alliance Brotherhood Chairman, Interfraternity Council Representative, Intramural Football Team Captain, Campus Facilities Committee Member, and Spring Fling Prince.
During the past year it has become evident that we are a close class, but it couldn’t hurt to try to form closer bonds and continue trying to branch out. I’d propose social events such as barbecues and bonfires when it gets warm out, apple and pumpkin picking next fall, casino night, a booze cruise, and various sporting event outings. I will be always open to suggestions and do all that is in my power to make sure we get all the events we want, both fun events to keep us sane and more professionally geared events.
Council On Professional Conduct
Maggie O’Neil:
Sydny Bryan
I, Sydny Bryan, present myself for candidacy for the 2L representative position on the CPC council. I have served as a 1L representative since Fall 2015. Not only do I have an interest in upholding disciplinary and ethical standards in the law school, but I also have the relevant experience to make me a valuable member on the council.
During my undergraduate career at Valdosta State University, I served as a Justice on the school’s Student Government Association’s Judicial Council. The process for joining the council included: applying, interviewing, and being voted on before the SGA Senate. We served under the Dean of Students and heard school violations from weapons to drugs to assault. It was a prestigious position as we heard confidential information and recommended sanctions for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. We were held to the highest student conduct standards and personally adhered to a strict code of ethics.
I also have a strong desired to be vested in Columbus School of Law and to make sure that it is the best possible learning environment possible. Considering my past experience, I believe I could best serve and be most useful to my fellow students by serving on the CPC council. From my past experience, I understand decisions issued can affect student’s academic careers. Anyone considering me for this position can be assured that they will be voting for someone who can conduct themselves ethically and make objective decisions, all the while upholding the Rules of Professional Conduct for Law Students.
Ilena Russo:
I’m Ileana Russo. Many of you know me as a 2L or President of the Federalist Society. Ethics at CUA Law, is an essential aspect. We are governed by the rules of Professional Conduct, and required to attend ethics events. As a Council member, I will help provide programming that addresses ethical issues arising in the legal profession. I will also help investigate possible violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct. I promise to investigate any possible violations in a fair and impartial manner, and to keep such investigations confidential. It would be an honor and privilege to serve on the Council of Professional Conduct, representing my fellow students.
Jose Espejo:
As a current member of the Council for Professional Conduct, I would like to continue being on CPC and serving the CUA Law community. This past year I have enjoyed working with the other student and faculty members of CPC to create and implement Professional Ethics programming. As an evening student, it is imperative that CPC have a member that can represent the evening division students, since we have different needs than the day division students. I hope that I can continue to represent not only the evening division students, as a member of CPC, but also represent the entire CUA Law community.
If re-elected, I plan on continuing to assist in creating professional ethics programming that not only will engage the student body, but also allow for collaboration between faculty and practitioners. In order to continue meeting student interests and needs, I will strive to work on programming events that are practical and insightful, all while keeping in mind CPC’s goals and objectives. I hope that you consider me as a candidate for CPC as I hope that I can bring to the table a different perspective and experience as a current member of CPC.
Evening Law Student Association
Matt Higginson-President:
I would like to be considered for re-election as ELSA President, to continue representing the interests of Evening Students and create a community of interest among current and former Evening Students.
Kayla Stewart- Vice President:
I am currently Vice President of ELSA and have continued to keep my current class as well as other fellow Evening Student’s informed of events, deadlines, and curriculum updates. I have worked with ELSA and other SBA members in organizing events such as Happy hours and working and volunteering for other school sponsored events. I believe that my participation and role as Vice President this year will continue on as my 3rd year as an evening law student.
Patrick Burke- Treasurer:
My name is Patrick Burke and while I am originally from Worcester MA I have lived in DC for the past seven years. I knew for some time before I came to CUA that I wanted to study the Law but like many Evening Students I also knew that going to school full time was not an option. When I was finally able to start school this past year I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of ELSA in the Fall semester. While we all chose the evening program for different reasons, usually work, family, or finical obligations, I have been extremely fortunate to not only have few obligations outside my job but also live and work very close to the Columbus School of Law. I felt that I could use my fortune and the time it allotted me to give back to CUA and help other evening students by creating events and opportunities that fit into our busy schedules. As an undergrad and in my job I have experience planning events, organizing projects, and managing budgets both big and small I want to use those skills to benefits other evening students. While I have had the opportunity this past year to do some of this I think there is still more I can do and give to our program. I hope to have the opportunity to serve you on ELSA board and see you all at the next ELSA event soon.