The Charleston School of Law held its Winter 2024 Commencement ceremony on Saturday. The event was held at the Charleston Museum Auditorium and 29 students celebrated completion of their juris doctor degree.
The Winter Class of 2024 includes the following: Scott Anderson, Rachel Avila, Kaila Bess, Dorothy Blackwelder, Katelyn Brede, Allison Clements, Lawrence Sidney Connor V, Fernanda Obregon, Harlie Heien, Ashley Hobensack, Jared Jackson, Tanner Knight, Libby Kurtzman, Julia Lambert, Ryanna LaMoreaux, Matthew Petrov, Matthew Presley, Helen Ralsten, Andrew Ramey, Alicia Reilly, Maximillian Richardson, Mariah Rodriguez, Cydney Saltzman, John Simpson, Kaylee Smith, Kennedy Snyder, Jamie Stricklen, Lindsay Twedt, Emma Woodham and Isabel Grace Woodworth.
“Three or four years ago, you all started a journey that ended here,” said Jon Marcantel, Charleston School of Law Interim Dean. “There was a day in August where you didn’t really know anybody. You had orientation … You read and briefed your first case. Very quickly, you made friends. formed study groups and joined student organizations. You met our outstanding faculty and saw why they are routinely recognized in the top 10 of Princeton Review for excellence in teaching.”
“We celebrated together your accomplishments on moot court and mock trial and the transactional law team. We learned together during the Law Review’s Law and Society Symposium and the various presentations on professionalism. You also contributed to the mission of the law school. We’re all proud of everything that you’ve accomplished. Now so that we can offer our congratulations to you.”
“This momentous occasion signifies an unparalleled achievement, one that sets you apart, and forever remain unique in your personal and professional journey,” added President Emeritus and Chairman of the Board Edward J. Bell III. “As we celebrate your accomplishments in legal education, it is crucial to acknowledge the unwavering dedication and perseverance you have demonstrated throughout this challenging and rewarding journey. The support of your family and friends present here today has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in your success.”
“Now that you are an alumni, you have joined an esteemed group that has accomplished much in our relatively short history,” said Ryan C. Andrews (’13) Vice President, Charleston School of Law Alumni Association. “You are now part of a group that has been given all the tools to succeed.”
The ceremony included a celebration of students who have completed 100+ hours of community service. “Serving the Greater Good” has been a core value at the law school since its inception in 2003. In conjunction with the Charleston School of Law 20th Anniversary, six graduating students were recognized for completing 100+ hours of community service:
In addition, the Charleston Law Forensic Club announced its newest inductees: Dorothy Blackwelder, Mariah Rodriguez, and Lindsay Twedt. In November 1825, a group of Charleston attorneys were granted a charter by the State of South Carolina to establish a “Lecture-ship on the Law.”
In February 1826, the Forensic Club offered lectures in the law to begin what essentially was the South’s earliest law school. As a tribute to the founding members of the Forensic Club, the Charleston School of Law selects a limited number of graduates to become members.
“I will keep up with you as you go forward, and ask you from time to time, how are you doing?” said Bell. “I will also be interested in how you’re making a difference. Are you a beacon of hope to those who need someone to help them have hope? Did you defend the poor just as you defended the rich?”
Special thanks to Thomas Joyce and The Charleston Brass, Mace Bearer and Grand Marshal Leo J. Brown, Faculty Marshal Suzanne E. Chapman, Lead Student Marshal and Student Bar Association President Sarah T. Cooper and Student Marshals: Rachel Casem, Rachel Digman, Madeline Morris, and Kaelin Thornburg.
The Charleston School of Law is an ABA-accredited law school nationally recognized for its student-centric culture. Our faculty and staff are committed to preparing students for success both in the classroom and in the legal profession. Charleston Law is one of only two law schools in South Carolina.
Charleston School of Law will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, January 20, 2025.
The annual Charleston CyberLaw Forum hosted by Charleston School of Law will be held on Thursday, January 23 at the Charleston Museum.
