Charleston School of Law has announced the addition of new members to our faculty and staff for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year.

Michelle Layman has been named Chief Financial Officer and Director of Compliance. Layman’s previous roles include higher education, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors, and team management.

“Michelle Layman will be a key addition as Charleston Law continues its transition to nonprofit status,” said Dean and Provost Larry Cunningham. “She joins Charleston Law with a wealth of experience and leadership. We are thrilled to have her on the team.”

Visiting Professors Angela Vallario and Jennifer Lanz have joined the Charleston School of Law faculty. Vallario is visiting from the University of Baltimore Law School. She will teach Contracts and Wills, Trusts, and Estates. Lanz comes to the Charleston Law from private practice and education. She begins teaching Business Organizations and Mediation Advocacy this fall.

Lauren Olan has been named Assistant Director for Academic and Bar Success. Olan brings a wealth of experience in the practice of law. She has 15 years of legal experience including her most recent work at the Ishman Law Firm (Raleigh, N.C.). Olan also served as an adjunct faculty member at Shepherd University.

LaRhonda Grant, a 2019 graduate of Charleston Law, joins the team as the Assistant Director of Admission at the Law School. Grant has served as a passionate advocate to “serve the greater good.” She worked for the Public Benefits and Special Education Law division for Legal Services of Alabama. During her tenure she represented veterans at risk for homelessness in civil legal matters.

Leona King has been named Assistant to the Registrar. She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from The Citadel (’20). King brings a wealth of experience to the Law School, previously serving with the Charleston County Government office as an Administrative Services Coordinator. In addition, she worked in the legal industry as a Court Support Specialist in Dorchester County.

Mario Lozoya joined the Information Technology department last Spring. Lozoya is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso. He is a seasoned information technology professional, and his knowledge will support the expanding technology needs at Charleston Law.

Britney Cano has joined the Career Services team as Student Affairs Specialist. Cano, a two-time college graduate from Winthrop University (’19) and the College of Charleston (‘22), previously worked for Charleston Legal Access as an advocate for marginalized people through the legal system.

Charleston School of Law has also welcomed Jim Mullin of Walden Security as Director of Security. Mullin, a native of Bergen County, New Jersey, served 25 years as police captain in Bergen County. During his tenure in law enforcement, Mullin also served in leadership positions including Commanding Officer of the Patrol Operations Division and Commanding Officer of the Criminal Investigations Division. He is a veteran of the United States Navy (1991-1993).