March, 2026 | Newsletter Volume 5 | | |
Christopher Ruddy of Newsmax joined Ave Maria School of Law as keynote speaker at the Liberty Ball, the school’s premier annual fundraiser benefiting student scholarships. The event was held in Naples, Florida on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
See photos from the event here.
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This winter has been a season of remarkable generosity and mission-driven accomplishment at Ave Maria School of Law.
At the recent Liberty Ball, held February 24, our community came together in a powerful display of generosity, raising more than $240,000 in scholarships. This extraordinary support will provide the equivalent of nearly five full-tuition scholarships for students pursuing their legal education at Ave Maria. These scholarships are transformative. They allow talented students to pursue their calling to the law while focusing fully on their studies, formation, and service to others. I was especially encouraged to see several of our own students participate in this spirit of giving by making personal contributions in support of their classmates.
During the evening, I had the opportunity to sit down with 2L student Anthony Calello for a brief interview reflecting on his experience at Ave Maria Law and his work in the Veterans and Servicemembers Law Clinic. His story offered a compelling example of the formation our students receive here, where rigorous legal education is paired with meaningful service and real-world advocacy.
That same commitment is reflected in the work of students like Nicholas Radoszewski, who participated in the Veterans and Servicemembers Law Clinic (VSLC) and helped advocate for a mother seeking a discharge upgrade for her deceased son. Through the VSLC’s efforts, that upgrade was ultimately granted. Experiences such as this demonstrate that our students are not only developing the skills of effective advocates, but are also being formed to serve justice and uphold the dignity of every person.
Our students and alumni continue to carry the mission of Ave Maria School of Law into the broader world. I am especially proud of Emily Feyerabend, J.D., ’25, who now serves on Capitol Hill as Counsel to the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. In that role, she contributes to the Committee’s work on several high-profile investigations. Her service reflects the growing presence of our graduates in positions of public trust and national leadership.
Across campus, our students are engaging deeply in competitions, scholarly events, and public conversations that prepare them for lives of professional excellence and principled leadership. Earlier this month, Business Law Institute students earned top honors in national transactional and tax competitions, reflecting both their preparation and the strength of our academic programs. Whether through academic competitions, national conferences, or advocacy for the dignity of the human person, they continue to demonstrate that the study of law is not merely a profession; it is a vocation.
I remain deeply grateful for the dedication of our faculty, the promise of our students, and the generosity of our alumni and friends who make this mission possible.
Finally, never hesitate to contact me directly with any questions, concerns, observations, or even just a simple greeting! My email address is jczar@avemarialaw.edu.
Fides et Ratio,
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John M. Czarnetzky
Chief Executive Officer and Dean
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Admitted Students Experience the Ave Maria Law Community
Ave Maria School of Law recently welcomed admitted students and scholarship recipients for a memorable weekend of fellowship, reflection, and introduction to the Ave Law community.
The weekend began with a reception honoring scholarship recipients, recognizing not only their academic achievements but also their potential to contribute to a community grounded in faith, reason, and service. It continued with Admitted Students Day, where future students and their families attended Mass, heard remarks from alumnus Matthew Brown, J.D. ’12, partner at A&O Shearman; participated in a mock class taught by Dean John Czarnetzky, and met professors and administrators from across the law school.
Throughout the weekend, students had the opportunity to experience firsthand the distinctive character of an Ave Maria legal education, one that integrates academic excellence with moral formation and a commitment to serving the common good. From the classroom to the chapel, and through conversations with faculty, students, and alumni, admitted students were able to see what sets Ave Law apart.
Just as importantly, the weekend offered a glimpse into the close-knit and supportive community that defines life at Ave Maria School of Law. Students and their families connected with current students, faculty, and staff, gaining a deeper understanding of the personal and professional formation that takes place here.
For those who have already been admitted, the weekend served as both a welcome and an invitation to join a community committed not only to excellence in the study and practice of law, but also to forming lawyers who lead with integrity, clarity, and purpose.
We look forward to welcoming the next class of Ave Maria Law students and are excited to see the many ways they will contribute to the life and mission of the law school.
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Ave Maria Law Students Earn Top Honors at Duke Transactional Law Competition
Earlier this month, Anthony Calello and Shannon Lenahan, second-year fellows in the Business Law Institute, represented Ave Maria School of Law at the 2026 Duke Law Interscholastic Transactional Law Competition.
The competition tested students’ practical transactional law skills through a timed contract mark-up round followed by real-time negotiations with opposing teams. Participants were evaluated on their ability to analyze complex agreements, identify key legal issues, and effectively advocate for their clients in a fast-paced, professional setting.
Ave Maria School of Law earned 2nd place overall in the competition, as well as 1st place in the written portion. These results reflect both the strength of the law school’s transactional law training and the students’ preparation, discipline, and attention to detail.
The team was guided by Professor Bruce Connolly, director of the Rodney L. Smith Business Law Institute, whose mentorship continues to support students in developing the practical skills necessary for success in business and transactional law.
This achievement underscores the mission of Ave Maria School of Law to form graduates who are not only intellectually rigorous, but also prepared to serve with competence, integrity, and purpose in the legal profession.
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Ave Maria Law Earns First Place at National ABA Law Student Tax Challenge
Ave Maria School of Law is proud to report that 3L Business Law Institute Fellows John Wright and Vincent Martino won first place in the 25th Annual Law Student Tax Challenge, held in conjunction with the American Bar Association’s Midyear Tax Conference in San Diego.
Selected as one of only six semifinal teams nationwide, Wright and Martino were invited to San Diego to argue their work product before a panel of tax judges at the conference. Competing against approximately 70 teams from law schools across the country, the Ave Law team earned both the First Place Overall Award and the award for Best Overall Written Submission.
The students were coached by Professor Bruce Connolly, director of the Rodney L. Smith Business Law Institute, and Ave Law alumnus Brian Zingaretti, whose mentorship helped guide the team to this national victory.
This remarkable achievement reflects the strength of Ave Maria School of Law’s academic programs, faculty mentorship, and commitment to forming outstanding legal professionals prepared to excel in specialized areas of legal practice.
Beyond competitions, the Rodney L. Smith Business Law Institute continues to provide students with opportunities to engage directly with leaders in the legal and business communities. This semester’s Business Law Institute Seminar Series welcomed distinguished speakers from across the legal, financial, and consulting sectors, including Lia Bliss, LinkedIn strategist; David Simon, partner at Foley & Lardner; Craig Scalise, economist with PwC’s Thought Leadership Institute; Scott Spitzer, founder of the Law Offices of Scott Spitzer; Tim Shields, partner at Kelley Kronenberg; and Joe Rubbone, strategic consultant.
| | | Students Jessica Puk and Sierra Vicente, fellows of the Rodney L. Smith Business Law Institute, attended the Resnick–Wynn Family Business Conference, gaining valuable insight into leadership, succession planning, and governance in multi-generational family businesses. | | |
Meanwhile, the Ave Maria Business Law Herald continues to showcase the scholarship of BLI Fellows. Recent articles include Cecilia Berutti’s analysis of UCC Article 12 and digital asset protections for crypto creditors and Benjamin Dellacono’s exploration of continuation funds in AI-driven private equity portfolios. The Herald highlights the growing engagement of Ave Maria students with cutting-edge developments in business law.
Through competitions, scholarship, and engagement with industry leaders, the Rodney L. Smith Business Law Institute continues to prepare students for careers advising businesses, entrepreneurs, and institutions navigating today’s complex economic landscape.
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Ave Maria Law Moot Court Teams Earn Top-16 Finish at Spong Tournament
Ave Maria School of Law was proudly represented by two student teams at the Spong Moot Court Tournament hosted by William & Mary Law School.
Anthony Calello, James Mrnacaj, and Nicholas Callis advanced to the octofinal round, placing among the top 16 of 42 teams in a highly competitive national field.
Madisen Maring, Madison Dietz, and Joseph Collins III also competed in the tournament, taking on a complex constitutional and tax law problem involving tax exemptions, the IRS, churches, and the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
Competing at this level demands significant research, writing, and oral advocacy preparation. Both teams represented Ave Maria Law with professionalism, poise, and intellectual rigor. We congratulate all six students on an impressive showing at the national level.
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First Career Conversations Event Connects Students with Practicing Attorneys
Ave Maria School of Law recently hosted its first Career Conversations event, bringing together more than 50 attorneys representing over 30 practice areas to share their experience and career insight with students.
The program provided students with the opportunity to engage directly with practicing attorneys, ask thoughtful questions about the realities of legal practice, and begin building meaningful professional relationships. The conversations offered valuable perspective on a wide range of legal careers while reinforcing the importance of mentorship within the profession.
Ave Maria School of Law is grateful to the attorneys who generously shared their time and expertise in support of the next generation of legal professionals.
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Ave Maria Law Contributes to National Conversation on Legal Education
Celestine Oglesby, J.D., M.B.A., Director of Professional Development, recently contributed two articles to the NALP Bulletin, addressing evolving trends in legal education and career pathways.
In the March 2026 issue of the NALP Bulletin, Ms. Oglesby authored the article “Highlighting Law School Innovation: How Legal Education is Adapting to AI” examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal profession and how law schools are responding by integrating technology into curriculum, career preparation, and institutional culture.
Earlier, in the January 2026 issue of the NALP Bulletin, Ms. Oglesby published “Breaking the Stigma JD Advantage, JD Preferred, and the Evolving Legal Landscape.” In the article, she challenges the traditional assumption that success in legal education is defined solely by bar passage, highlighting the growing importance of JD Advantage and JD Preferred careers across industries.
Together, these contributions reflect Ave Maria School of Law’s engagement in important national discussions about the future of legal education and the evolving ways law graduates serve society.
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Estate Planning Leaders Speak with Students
Students recently gathered for a Lunch and Learn program hosted by the Office of Professional Development and the Ave Maria Elder Law and Estate Planning Association, featuring leaders from the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section.
Panelists included Michael Sneeringer (Brennan, Manna & Diamond), Lisa Van Dien (London Bay Homes), Charles Whittington (Gunster), Denise Cazabon (Dunwody White & Landon), and Robert Lancaster (Cummings & Lockwood).
The discussion explored career paths in estate planning and related practice areas, from boutique firms to large law practices. Speakers also highlighted how advanced credentials, including an LL.M., can strengthen professional opportunities in the field and emphasized the importance of early involvement in the REPTL professional community.
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Faculty Scholarship in International Human Rights Law
Professor Ligia De Jesús Castaldi continues to contribute to international scholarship on human rights and constitutional law. She recently published the article “Constitutional Law on Abortion in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Response” in the University of Miami Law Review, examining constitutional developments and legal debates surrounding abortion jurisprudence in the region.
Professor Castaldi is also co-organizing the First International Congress on Human Rights, with particular focus on the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The conference will take place September 17–18, 2026, at Universidad Panamericana in Guadalajara, Mexico, in collaboration with Ave Maria School of Law and CEU Universitat Abat Oliba in Spain. Organized alongside Professors Gabriela García and Luis Landauri, the event will convene international scholars, judges, commissioners, and practitioners to examine structural challenges facing the Inter-American human rights system and to consider proposals for its continued development.
Professor Castaldi will also participate as a speaker, contributing to discussions on both substantive and procedural issues, including litigation before the Inter-American Court, treaty interpretation, and the evolution of international human rights standards.
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Government Ethics Seminar Hosted at Ave Maria Law
Members of the legal community recently gathered at Ave Maria School of Law for the Government Ethics and Ethics in Government Seminar, a Florida Bar–accredited continuing legal education (CLE) program focused on ethics, accountability, and public trust in public service.
During the seminar, Professor Bruce Connolly, director of the Rodney L. Smith Business Law Institute, presented on “Federal Criminal Law and Politics,” exploring how criminal law intersects with public leadership, ethical responsibility, and the exercise of government authority.
Programs such as this reflect Ave Maria School of Law’s commitment to fostering thoughtful dialogue on the legal and ethical challenges facing public institutions today.
Learn more on our blog.
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Professor Stephen Mikochik Publishes on Constitutional Law and Bioethics
Adjunct Professor Stephen L. Mikochik has recently published several articles examining questions of constitutional law, religious liberty, and bioethics.
His recent scholarship includes “Death Across State Lines: The Interstate Shipment of Drugs to Assist a Suicide,” published in The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly (Spring 2026); “Free Exercise on the Covid Court,” forthcoming in the Ave Maria Law Review (Spring 2026); “Due Process After Dobbs,” published in the Journal of Law & Civil Governance at Texas A&M (2025); and “The Church, the Court, and Human Dignity,” published in RJR & R (2025).
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"Thinking Like a Lawyer"
Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law Eugene Milhizer continues his work exploring the intersection of law, literature, and legal reasoning through both his writing and teaching. His recent courtroom thriller, A Matter of Trust, is the third installment in a series that examines legal ethics, trial strategy, and the challenges of practicing law through narrative.
These themes also inform Professor Milhizer’s seminar Thinking Like a Lawyer, which explores how lawyers develop analytical judgment and persuasive advocacy by examining classic courtroom narratives alongside legal doctrine.
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Janeen Malkovich New Assistant Registrar
Janeen recently relocated to Naples from Nevada, bringing with her a strong background in education and business. She holds a Master of Education in Secondary Education Computer Technology from the University of Nevada, Reno, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Montana College, and an Associate’s degree in Business from Casper College.
Originally from Wyoming, Janeen raised her two sons in Fallon, Nevada, where she served as a Professor Emeritus in Computer Technology, an adjunct professor of Information Systems at a community college, and a business owner. She has also been actively involved in committee work and fundraising efforts supporting schools and rural communities.
Known for her outgoing personality and commitment to mentoring students of all ages, Janeen is excited to join Ave Maria School of Law, where she looks forward to applying her business experience while continuing to support student success.
Outside of work, she enjoys community service—and, on a lighter note, chocolate, gum, and chips. Janeen has always maintained an open-door policy, so please stop by and welcome our newest team member.
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CALI Awards for Excellence in Legal Education
Ave Maria School of Law is proud to recognize students who have earned CALI Awards for Excellence in Legal Education.
The CALI Award is presented to the student who achieves the highest academic performance in a particular course. Administered by the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI). The award has been recognized by law schools across the country for decades as a mark of exceptional achievement in legal studies.
At Ave Maria School of Law, these awards reflect the dedication, intellectual rigor, and perseverance of students who have distinguished themselves in the classroom. We congratulate the following students whose outstanding work earned this recognition. A few recipients were too modest to have their names included here, but we celebrate their accomplishments just the same.
Celebrating Our Current CALI Award Recipients
Alexander Krakowski
Kathryn Degregoria
Nicholas Fauteux
Shannon Lenahan
Savannah Woodland
Joseph Collins
Mary Purcell
Jacob Wade
Kelsey Mullen
Crescente Perez Errazuriz
Micah Jakubowicz
Peter Neill
Charles Svestka
Cecilia Berutti
Beth Berger
Alora Kraus
Ethan West
Caroline Funk
Jackson Hyde
Joshua McElwee
Peter Gillette
Greyson Abbott
Vincent Destefano
Lillian Kennedy
Luke Schindler
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Student Spotlight: Peter Neill, 2L
Peter Neill, a second-year student at Ave Maria School of Law, earned two CALI Awards for Excellence in Legal Education this semester—one in Professional Responsibility and another in Bioethics and the Law.
For Neill, the recognition represents the payoff for the many long hours that law school demands.
“There are a lot of long hours in law school spent studying or writing that could easily be spent doing something with more immediate gratification,” Neill said. “The CALI awards are a reminder that those long, hard hours pay off in the long run, and it means a lot to be recognized.”
Courses such as Professional Responsibility and Bioethics challenged Neill to engage deeply with questions of ethics, judgment, and the foundations of the law. He found clarity in the integration of faith and reason that defines the Ave Maria Law experience.
“To do well in these courses, I took seriously our school’s motto of Fides et Ratio—Faith and Reason,” he said. “Take your well-formed faith and conscience and apply it to the ethical problems facing lawyers today, and you will never go wrong.”
Neill noted that understanding the moral framework underlying the law helped bring cohesion to complex subject matter.
“Both courses require a deep understanding of ethical principles,” he said. “Once you recognize that law must be grounded in reason and ordered toward the common good, these questions begin to come into focus.”
He also credited the mentorship of Professor Brian Scarnecchia and Dean Kevin Govern for shaping his experience, noting their ability to connect legal doctrine with real-world application.
Looking back on the semester, Neill emphasized that success in law school is not achieved in isolation.
“Nobody does well in law school alone,” he said. “You have to lean on your support—your friends, your professors, your family, and your faith.”
He also underscored the importance of discipline and consistency over time.
“Work year-round, not just before finals,” he said. “By the time exams arrive, the work should already be done.”
Neill expressed gratitude for the formation he has received at Ave Maria Law, particularly the integration of intellectual rigor and moral clarity.
“I would like to thank God, without whom nothing would be possible, as well as my professors for their guidance and mentorship throughout the semester,” he said.
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Student Spotlight: Jonathan Perez Publishes Cybersecurity Article in The Florida Bar News
Ave Maria School of Law 3L Jonathan Perez recently published an article in The Florida Bar News titled “Cyberattacks Every Lawyer Should Recognize by Name.”
Drawing on his background in information technology and a Cisco certificate in ethical hacking, Perez examines several common cyber threats facing the legal profession, including phishing, malware attacks, brute force password breaches, and session hijacking. The article highlights how seemingly routine actions—such as opening an email attachment or logging into a cloud service on public Wi-Fi—can expose sensitive client information and compromise legal practice.
Perez’s column was published through The Florida Bar Cybersecurity & Privacy Law Committee, contributing practical guidance for attorneys navigating the growing challenges of cybersecurity in the legal profession.
Read his story here.
You can also listen to The Florida Bar News Podcast here.
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Ave Maria Law Students Participate in the 2026 March for Life
More than 50 Ave Maria School of Law students traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2026 March for Life, joining thousands from across the nation in a peaceful public witness to the dignity of every human life.
Students began their day at the United States Supreme Court before joining the March through the streets of the nation’s capital. The annual event, now in its 53rd year, remains one of the largest human rights gatherings in the world and serves as a powerful reminder of the moral responsibility carried by those who study and practice law.
Ave Maria School of Law is proud of the students who represented the school with conviction and clarity at this important national event.
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Students Take the Field for 2nd Annual Flag Football Tournament
We object to sitting on the sidelines.
The Second Annual Ave Maria School of Law Flag Football Tournament was a winning mix of competition, camaraderie, and campus spirit.
Students stepped away from their casebooks to take the field for an afternoon of friendly rivalry and teamwork. The event brought together classmates from across the law school community, offering a welcome break from the demands of legal study and a chance to build the friendships that make the Ave Maria Law experience so memorable.
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Federalist Society Hosts Constitutional Law Speakers
Ave Maria School of Law students recently participated in two thought-provoking programs hosted by the Federalist Society, welcoming distinguished speakers to campus for discussions on constitutional law and the development of the American legal system.
Supreme Court of Wisconsin Justice Brian Hagedorn visited the law school to present a lecture titled “The Past, Present, and Future of the Conservative Legal Movement.” Justice Hagedorn offered historical perspective on the development of conservative legal thought and its influence on contemporary jurisprudence, engaging students in discussion about the ideas shaping courts and legal institutions today.
In a separate event, Mark Chenoweth, president and chief legal officer of the New Civil Liberties Alliance, delivered a lecture examining presidential removal power and the separation of powers. Drawing on constitutional text, historical practice, and current Supreme Court disputes involving independent agencies, Mr. Chenoweth encouraged students to consider how executive accountability interacts with the balance of authority among the branches of government.
Both programs concluded with lively student questions and discussion, reflecting the strong interest among Ave Maria Law students in the constitutional issues shaping today’s legal landscape.
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DeStefano Wins St. Thomas More & St. Thomas Aquinas Oratorical Competition
Ave Maria School of Law recently hosted the final round of the St. Thomas More & St. Thomas Aquinas Oratorical Competition on March 18, 2026, in the Moot Court Room, continuing a longstanding tradition that challenges students to engage deeply with questions at the intersection of law, ethics, and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
This year’s competition asked students to consider whether the Executive Branch has constitutional authority to order the removal of a foreign leader, and whether such an action is consistent with Catholic teaching on political authority and national sovereignty. The prompt required students to analyze both constitutional principles and moral reasoning, reflecting the law school’s commitment to forming attorneys grounded in faith and reason.
Finalists Vincent DeStefano (Class of 2026), Meghan Giffin (Class of 2027), and Magdalen Kleinrichert (Class of 2027) delivered thoughtful and well-reasoned arguments addressing these complex issues. In a closely contested final, Mr. DeStefano was named the winner.
The competition was judged by Dean John Czarnetzky, Professor Antony Kolenc, and Professor Theresa Reid, whose time and insight made the evening possible.
The St. Thomas More & St. Thomas Aquinas Oratorical Competition remains an important tradition at Ave Maria School of Law, highlighting the development of persuasive advocacy, disciplined reasoning, and professional courtroom skills among students.
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Ave Maria School of Law Alumni Announcements & Updates
- Ave Maria School of Law congratulates Holly Paar, J.D., on her recent election to partnership at her firm’s Fort Myers office. Ms. Paar focuses her practice on a range of litigation matters, including first-property insurance coverage, general liability and casualty claims, premises liability, and automobile litigation. She earned her Bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from Florida Gulf Coast University, and her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Ave Maria School of Law. Her promotion to partner reflects her dedication to the practice of law and the professional excellence she has demonstrated in her work.
- Ave Maria School of Law alumna Alex Swoyer, J.D., has been named Editor-at-Large for law and politics at The Washington Times, where she covers federal courts, legal affairs, and national political developments. Her reporting and commentary can be found here.
- Ave Maria School of Law congratulates alumnus Paul Mersino, J.D., president and CEO of the law firm Butzel, on his appointment to the Board of Trustees of Walsh College in Troy, Michigan, where he will help guide the institution’s mission of preparing future leaders in business and technology.
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Ave Maria Law Community Gathers in New York City and Washington, D.C.
This winter, Ave Maria School of Law alumni, students, and friends came together in New York City and Washington, D.C., for two meaningful gatherings that highlighted the strength, unity, and mission of the Ave Maria Law community across the country.
In February, the law school helped host the first-ever joint alumni reunion bringing together graduates of both Ave Maria School of Law and Ave Maria University in New York City. The evening began with Mass at Saint Agnes Church and continued with a lively reception at The Wheeltapper, where alumni reconnected, shared stories, and strengthened bonds rooted in a shared educational and spiritual foundation. The event marked an exciting step forward in building a more unified Ave Maria alumni network and expanding the reach of the community in one of the nation’s most dynamic cities.
Earlier in the season, members of the Ave Maria Law community gathered in Washington, D.C., following the annual March for Life. The reception brought together alumni, students, and friends in a spirit of fellowship and shared purpose, reaffirming the law school’s enduring commitment to defending the dignity of human life. Surrounded by peers who share a common mission, attendees were reminded of the unique formation that unites Ave Maria Law graduates wherever they serve.
Together, these gatherings reflect a growing and deeply connected alumni community—one that extends far beyond campus and continues to advance the mission of Ave Maria School of Law in cities across the nation.
We are grateful to all who participated and look forward to continuing this momentum in the year ahead.
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Steven Pawlyshyn Named Top Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year
Ave Maria School of Law congratulates alumnus Steven Pawlyshyn, J.D., on being named Top Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year for 2026 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). Pawlyshyn currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in New Mexico and will be honored at the IAOTP annual awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
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Alumnus Jason Negri Featured on Catholic Podcast
Ave Maria School of Law alumnus Jason Negri, J.D., was recently featured as a guest on the podcast Is the Church a Cruise Ship, or a Battleship?, hosted by theologian Marcus B. Peter, Th.D. In the episode, Negri discusses the role of the laity in strengthening parish life and reflects on how Catholics can contribute to building vibrant and faithful parish communities.
Negri, a member of the inaugural class of Ave Maria School of Law, is a practicing attorney and serves as Supervisor of Hamburg Township, Michigan. He is also the founder and executive director of the Daniel Coalition, an organization dedicated to advocating for victims of clerical sexual abuse in the Diocese of Lansing.
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Ave Maria Law Alumnus Selected for National Good Counselor Fellowship
Ave Maria School of Law alumnus Justin Corman J.D., ’25, has been selected as a 2026 Fellow of The Good Counselor Project, a national initiative of Napa Legal dedicated to renewing the legal profession through intellectual and moral formation.
The Good Counselor Fellowship brings together a select group of attorneys for a year-long program focused on the vocation of law. Through guided discussions, retreats, and service opportunities, fellows study the great works of the Western intellectual tradition while reflecting on the deeper relationship between law, justice, virtue, and professional responsibility.
By engaging with the writings of thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Dante, and St. Thomas Aquinas, fellows are encouraged to cultivate the habits of mind and character that sustain principled legal practice.
Corman joins a distinguished cohort of attorneys committed to strengthening the legal profession by integrating faith, reason, and a deep sense of vocation into the practice of law.
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Ave Law Community Celebrates Alumna Erin Mersino ’07
On March 25, 2026, members of the Ave Maria School of Law community attended a program hosted by Advocates for Faith & Freedom at TwinEagles, honoring alumna Erin Mersino, J.D. ’07, Vice President and Chief of Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation at AFF.
Also in attendance were Dean John Czarnetzky, Professor Stephen Wagner, and students Lucia Hunt (1L), Mary Purcell (3L), and Lillian Kennedy (3L).
Ave Maria School of Law is grateful to see its alumni recognized for their leadership and witness in the legal profession, and for the continued impact they are making in service to the law and the common good.
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Ave Maria Law Celebrates Alumni Family’s Diaconate Milestone
Ave Maria School of Law is proud to celebrate alumni Kevin Seibert, J.D. ’06, and Rebecca Seibert, J.D. ’06, following Kevin’s ordination to the permanent diaconate on Feb. 1 in the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina.
His ordination took place at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and marked the culmination of years of discernment, formation, and preparation for service to the Church.
As a deacon, Rev. Mr. Seibert is called to a ministry of word, liturgy, and charity, serving the faithful in parish life and in the broader community.
We warmly congratulate Rev. Mr. Seibert on this important vocation and extend our best wishes to both him and Rebecca on this meaningful milestone.
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Ave Maria School of Law Remembers Coach Lou Holtz
Ave Maria School of Law joins many across the nation in mourning the passing of legendary coach and leader Lou Holtz.
In 2016, Coach Holtz served as our Commencement speaker and received an honorary degree from the law school. He was widely admired not only for his accomplishments, but for the character, faith, and leadership he demonstrated throughout his life.
We remain grateful for his friendship and for the example he set for generations of students and leaders.
Read our full memorial here.
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