Charleston School of Law Student Ambassadors have come together with the purpose of sharing their own experience with you. During your visit to campus, they volunteer their time to show you around the school, answer all of your questions and provide you with a firsthand account of life as a Charleston School of Law student. You are encouraged to reach out to them if you ever have any questions or simply want to chat about law school.
Name: Chris Baldwin
Hometown: Columbia, S.C.
Undergraduate school: University of South Carolina (2008), University of Nevada Las Vegas (2012)
One thing you want to share with prospective students: CSOL professors are extremely open and willing to help if you have specific questions. Make sure to utilize this valuable resource.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: How open and approachable the professors and other staff are at the law school.
Name: Kaitlyn Clarke
Hometown: Aiken, S.C.
Undergraduate School: North Greenville University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: You are investing in your future. Plan ahead, manage your time, stay consistent and everyone at Charleston School of Law is willing to help and encourage you to succeed.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: Every professor has an unwavering commitment to their students. They make sure every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed not only in the classroom but for the bar and ultimately as a practicing attorney.
Name: Jessica Combes
Hometown: Landenberg, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate School: University of the Pittsburgh
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: How great the professors are.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The location.
Name: Sarah Cooper
Hometown: Charleston, S.C.
Undergraduate School: Clemson University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Make the most of your time in law school because the three years fly by. Don’t be afraid to reach out to faculty/staff for help when you need it.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The small tight knit community atmosphere that Charleston School of Law provides.
Connect with me on social media: @sarah_cooper99 on Instagram
Name: Sydney Denninger
Hometown: Simsbury, Conn.
Undergraduate: University of Florida
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Take advantage of all the opportunities this law school has to offer!
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The community of students and professors and the feeling of mutual respect.
Name: Daisy Downs
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergraduate school: Texas Christian University
One thing you want to share with prospective students: My personal experience at CSOL and the incredible professors and students that really make this school so special.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: Our emphasis on mental health and providing access to resources for students!
Name: Nicole Everett
Hometown: Toms River, New Jersey
Undergraduate School: Westchester University of Pennsylvania
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: You learn so much about yourself and who you want to be as a lawyer. Do your best!
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The people! The environment is all about teamwork. I have never felt alone at Charleston Law.
Name: Aby Freeman
Hometown: Bluffton, South Carolina
Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: The best way to meet people is to get involved in the organizations that interest you. Also, use your resources: the fellows, the professors and the online tools.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The faculty and the intentionality of the law school.
Name: Brinley Garrison
Hometown: Dayton, TN
Undergraduate School: University of Tennessee
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Law school is a tough but rewarding experience. Surrounding yourself with people who care about you and finding time for activities outside the school is important.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: My favorite thing about Charleston School of Law is how helpful the older students are. They are always willing to go out of their way to help you.
Name: Jazmyne Gleaton
Hometown: Miami, Fl./Atlanta, Ga.
Undergraduate: Kennesaw State University
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: I love how we are a big family! Everyone is always willing to help!
Name: Megan Goldthorpe
Hometown: Lexington, KY
Undergraduate School: University of Tampa
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Law school is so much fun.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The people.
Name: Elizabeth Graeber
Hometown: Salisbury, NC
Undergraduate School: Appalachian State University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Making the decision to go to law school was the scariest but most rewarding decision of my life. Don’t worry you are not alone, just do the best you can and always be yourself.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: My favorite thing about Charleston School of Law is the accessibility I have to my professors each and every day. An open door policy has been pivotal to my learning experience here and truly set apart the law school.
Name: Laura Graves
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Undergraduate: Mid-America Christian University
One thing you want to share with prospective students: If you are a changing careers, entering school with a family, or beginning law school after a gap between undergrad and now, I can relate and assist you!
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: I have been impressed with the accessibility of the professors. Each one has been kind, willing to help, and cares about student success.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The environment. Everyone I have encountered at Charleston Law has been happy to help me grow and learn.
Name: Gianna Guarino
Hometown: Patchogue, NY
Undergraduate School: St. John’s University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Ask questions. Everyone is here to learn and help. You never know if you don’t ask.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The professors/community.
Name: Kelsey Haslam
Hometown: St. George, Utah
Undergraduate: Southern Utah University
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Law school is all-consuming, but there is still time for fun! On the weekends, my husband and I love to travel, explore, try new restaurants, read (in addition to the case books), and play with our dog.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: I love the sense of belonging within the school. From early in the application process through the school year, the faculty, student body, and community have welcomed me with open arms. The professors and faculty here have an open-door policy – they actually want you to come and succeed. My teachers know me personally and do everything they can to help me.
Name: Mallory Hendley
Hometown: Savannah, GA
Undergraduate school: The University of Alabama
One thing you want to share with prospective students: The law school experience, specifically the first year, is one of the hardest things you will ever do. It is challenging and rewarding because it pushes you to be better than you could have ever imagined. More importantly, it is crucial to have amazing people to go through the process with. The professors are amazing and believe in you more than you may believe in yourself. I cannot imagine being at any other law school and am so incredibly thankful for all that CSOL has provided me with so far.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: My favorite thing about CSOL is the people. The people at CSOL are all so wonderful: the security officers who greet you every day, the librarians who add so much light to your day, professors who care, and the other students in the school that. Everyone is so willing to help you and extend tremendous resources to help you get to where you want to be. Also, the opportunities for networking that the school has presented have all been so valuable.
Name: Owen Hess
Hometown: Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Undergraduate School: Florida State University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Attending this school has exceeded all expectations.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: Community feel.
Name: Robert Howard
Hometown: Charleston, S.C.
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
One thing you want to share with prospective students: As an older student and one beginning a second career, I have a unique perspective. Humility, commitment, discipline, and open-mindedness are a few characteristics I believe everyone needs to become a successful student.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: Academically – the accessibility of the professors. Aesthetically – the city of Charleston is a phenomenal location.
Name: Jolie Jacoby
Hometown: Merrimack, NH
Undergraduate School: High Point University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: I’ve loved going to law school in Charleston.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The professors and location.
Name: Faith James
Hometown: Savannah, GA
Undergraduate School: Ole Miss
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: It is easy to get involved on campus. Getting involved leads to leaving your mark at Charleston School of Law.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: Meeting people from all across the U.S. who are interested in advocating for others.
Name: Andrew Jordan
Hometown: Hartsville, S.C.
Undergraduate school: Francis Marion University
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Charleston School of Law will prepare you to be more than an attorney. You will be continuously pushed to be a better version of yourself personally, academically, and professionally. The faculty and staff encourage giving back to the community, helping fellow students, and not being afraid to ask for help when needed. Charleston School of Law, is not a school that only teaches you the rules and procedures of the law, but rather a close-knit community that guides you in reaching your full potential.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The faculty and staff. Every professor is genuinely interested in the success of their students and will be there for you each step of the way.
Name: Mariam Khalil
Hometown: Spartanburg, S.C.
Undergraduate: Wofford College
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Get ready for a challenging yet exciting time as you start law school in Charleston!
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The faculty truly does everything they can to help you and see you succeed!
Name: Marah Kiefer
Hometown: Smithfield, PA.
Undergraduate School: Millikin University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Law school can be a challenge but with the right support system of other students and faculty it can be one of the best experiences one can have.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: Everyone is helpful and always willing to lend a hand as we are all one big family.
Name: Hannah Kiene
Hometown: Springfield, Virginia
Undergraduate School: Clemson University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Law school can be challenging but doing it in a city that’s a amazing.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The professors! The faculty is so kind. They genuinely care about their students.
Name: James “Joseph” Kirkpatrick
Hometown: Mobile Al
Undergraduate school: Alabama
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Charleston School of Law has a great learning environment, and the open door policy creates a great community.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: I really enjoy the family atmosphere.
Name: Katie Kosco
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Great law school and close to the beach.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The professors are extremely helpful. Any question I have is easily answered because they are very accessible.
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Law school is hard, but it is SO worth it – especially when you have everyone in your corner! At Charleston Law, everyone is rooting for you and will exceed all expectations in making sure all your needs are met by giving the necessary resources for success. Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The availability of professors and the environment. Any time I have a question, I can walk into a professor’s office, and they will not let me leave until I understand. The faculty, staff, and students are all so kind and welcoming. I would not want to be in any other environment while in the rigorous study of law.
Name: Kevin Larco
Hometown: Broadlands, Va.
Undergraduate School: East Carolina University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: So happy with my decision to come to Charleston for law school.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: Professors.
Name: Robert S. Lee
Hometown: Freehold, N.J.
Undergraduate School: Virginia Tech
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Charleston School of Law and the city of Charleston has endless avenues to further your career and better your life. Seek out those experiences and make the most of being at this school and in this historic town.
Favorite Thing about Charleston Law: The way all of my peers have been nothing but supportive and encouraging towards each other. Law school is “supposed” to be competitive, but I have experienced nothing but comradery and cooperation.
Name: Mary Lewis
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA.
Undergraduate School: Kent State University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Moving away from home was really scary, however, as soon as I stepped on to campus I felt the warmth of the community that comes with the school.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: I love my professors. They are extremely engaging and make the material easy to understand! They truly care about their students and are always open to helping.
Name: Alexa Libert
Hometown: Coral Springs, Florida
Undergraduate School: University of Central Florida
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Choose a law school that checks off your boxes of what you want in a school. It’s a tough decision so make a pros and cons list.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The sense of community and belonging.
Name: Sam Lipman
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Undergraduate School: Clemson University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: This is the best law school in South Carolina.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The faculty really cares, and the students are kind and helpful.
Name: Hallie Lunsford
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergraduate School: University of Nevada- Las Vegas
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Regardless of your reason for coming to Law School, don’t forget to keep chasing the passion that got you here. If you feel like your area of interest doesn’t exist, I promise it does! I came here passionate about Special Education Law and the faculty has assisted so much in helping me find resources and secure real-world experience.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: My favorite aspect of Charleston Law is the chance to distinguish myself; with so many opportunities across various types of law, every student can showcase their dedication, passion and hard work. This creates a vibrant community of achievement and collaboration.
Connect with me on social media: @Halliekathrynnn on Instagram and @Hallie.Kathryn on TikTok
Name: James Lyons
Hometown: Martinsburg, WV
Undergraduate School: Fairmont State University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: The professors at this school truly make the difference. Their willingness to assist students and help them succeed is a blessing.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The community feel.
Name: Megan McCurdy
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Undergraduate School: University of Arkansas
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Take it one day at a time. If it were easy, everyone would do it!
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The professors welcome you with open arms. I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions and they make you feel heard.
Name: Deanna McGee
Hometown: Howell, N.J.
Undergraduate: University of Alabama
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Going through the law school admissions process as an out-of-state student, it was important to me to choose somewhere I felt at home. Charleston Law community has been just that. I have been able to form connections with students and staff that have reassured me that taking a chance and moving away from home was beyond worth it.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The sense of community. Every staff member, professor, and student are genuinely encouraging and supportive of one another.
Name: Katherine “Kelsey” Miller
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Undergraduate School: Clemson University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Your first year of law school is scary but very rewarding. Ask for help and get involved.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The people. From the security guards to the professors and the students, the Charleston School of Law community is comprised of kind, helpful people.
Name: McKenna Moore
Hometown: Woodstock, Georgia
Undergraduate School: Georgia Southern University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Don’t be scared to get involved. It is one way to really make the most of your time outside the classroom and build relationships.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: No one is a stranger.
Name: Maddie Morris
Hometown: Stamford, CT
Undergraduate School: College of Charleston
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Charleston School of Law makes law school less intimidating and learning the law in Charleston is a bonus.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The approachability of everyone. They are willing to help and want to see you succeed.
Name: Abby Nitzken
Hometown: Roswell, GA
Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Law school is hard, but it’s a lot more fun than I anticipated.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The small school atmosphere allows you to make meaningful connections with students, faculty and the Charleston area.
Name: Morgan Overly
Hometown: St. Simons Island, Ga.
Undergraduate: Georgia College & State University
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The professors are amazing and always willing to help students understand the material.
Name: Savanna Page
Hometown: Chesterfield, South Carolina
Undergraduate school: Presbyterian College (PC)
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Be yourself. Make friends. Learn your specific learning/study style early on! Be prepared to not be “good” at law school in the beginning- everyone struggles at first.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: My favorite thing about CSOL is the small community we have here in the heart of downtown Charleston. Each student, professor, and administrator want to see you succeed and will provide any and all resources to help you do so!
Name: Claire Parish
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Undergraduate School: LSU
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Utilize the older students, they are always willing to help and can give great advice.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The people! Everyone from the students, faculty, even the security team will take the time to get to know you.
Name: Matthew Presley
Hometown: Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
One thing you want to share with prospective students: I have a unique perspective as a student who attended another law school. I have been blown away by the contrast of Charleston Law from my prior law school experience, which was toxically competitive.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: I really appreciate the open-door policy and the expertise of the professors. Everyone in this institution is very approachable and eager to help.
Name: Taylor Rice
Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
Undergraduate School: University of Miami
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Three years fly by. Take advantage of this opportunity in law school to define and grow yourself as not only a future lawyer, but also as a person.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The accessibility to the professors and the community of our law school as a whole. All of the professor’s truly want students to succeed and will go over and beyond to help students—this is rare to find. Also, I love how easy to was to get acclimated into the law school and that is because this is a welcoming community of students and faculty. I never felt like I didn’t fit in here or that I didn’t belong; I always felt like I was meant to be and that is in large part due to the admissions team, the faculty, and the other students that attend the Charleston School of Law.
Name: Rachel Rittelmann
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Undergraduate: Walsh University
One thing you want to share with prospective students: When you come here, you are joining a family here at Charleston Law.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: Charleston Law never lets you feel like you are alone; from the professors to the students to the staff, everyone wants to see you succeed.
Name: Caroline Rykard
Hometown: Midway, Georgia
Undergraduate School: University of Georgia
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Law school is a challenging experience, so having a community like the one at Charleston School of Law is priceless.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The open door policy of professors and faculty – everyone is more than willing to help in any way they can.
Name: Daniel Sterbens
Hometown: Hudson, FL
Undergraduate School: Florida State University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: When choosing a law school, go where people want to be your partners in your education. Go to a law school where people talk with you, not at you.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The interactions with faculty.
Name: Trey Thacker
Hometown: Charleston, S.C.
Undergraduate school: USC – Columbia
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Law School is not easy, but it is so rewarding.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: How welcoming the faculty is.
Name: Reagan Thornley
Hometown: Everywhere, USA
Undergraduate School: Mississippi State University
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Choose a law school based on three factors: 1) Choose an area you’d genuinely want to live, 2) A school you know will support you and you feel passionate about, 3) Choose a place you believe you will be come the best version of yourself and grow.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: Being able to walk up to any student or professor on campus and they will help you to the best of their abilities.
Name: Taylor Tugya
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Undergraduate: The Citadel
One thing you want to share with prospective students: I am a non-traditional student who spent nine years in the workforce before coming to law school, and I have a three-year-old daughter.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: I really enjoy the accessibility of my professors and the small class sizes, which together create an intimate feel in the classroom. All of my professors know my name and have been very accommodating throughout the semester.
Name: Susanna Wallinger
Hometown: Columbia, S.C.
Undergraduate: University of South Carolina
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Go to Open House and reach out to other people you have heard are potentially going to Charleston Law!
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The fact the school feels very small; i.e. I get the attention I need from my professors and they all know me by name. Contrast this with undergrad where I don’t think a single professor knew my name.
Name: Kaleb Winkel
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Undergraduate School: University of Missouri
One thing you’d like to share with prospective students: Be willing to take a step out of your comfort zone because it will be very rewarding.
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: Professors are extremely open to helping you learn and want you to be successful.
Name: Rylee Wiseman
Hometown: Beaver, WV
Undergraduate school: Liberty University
One thing you want to share with prospective students: Everyone talks about how stressful and competitive law school is but just know that you can do it and you will succeed! Everyone here is rooting for you!
Favorite thing about Charleston School of Law: The atmosphere. The professors and students really want the best for you and are so encouraging. This is essential to have in law school.
Looking for your people? Get connected on campus through our student organizations.
The Charleston School of Law is a vibrant, exciting learning environment. Check out what’s happening on campus.
There is no better way to get to know a law school than to visit. We encourage you to meet our faculty and students, and see Charleston.
