Washington and Lee School of Law

Why Give to W&L Law : Natey Ndlovu & Junior J.S. Ndlovu, Esq. 2020Ls

What inspired you to make your first gift to W&L Law, and what motivates you to continue giving?

W&L Law and Lexington are very special to us. Not only is it where our legal careers began, but it is where we were fortunate enough to meet. Perhaps, idealistically, we first gave in hopes that our giving could play a small role in the story of a future Junior and Natey and their great adventure! We continue to give because we personally benefited from generous alumni while we were at W&L Law and we wish to pay it forward. We know that, among other things, giving helps reduce individual student debt. Moreover, our giving keeps us connected and engaged with the happenings of the school, something we value.

Is there a particular experience, faculty member, or program at W&L Law that played a meaningful role in your decision to give back?

We know that experiential learning is second to none. We greatly valued our clinic experience and want to continue to support W&L Law in being a school that affords all its interested students the opportunity. The skills Junior and I learned in our clinic continue to make us kind, competent, and curious attorneys today.

How do you hope your support impacts current and future generations of W&L Law students?

We hope that our giving will advance the legacy/reputation that W&L Law educated lawyers are competent and zealous practitioners of the law, all while being kind.

As our fiscal year comes to a close on June 30, we invite you to make a gift and help sustain the programs and people that make this community thrive.

Every gift matters. Every donor makes an impact.

https://advancement.wlu.edu/register/?id=57727db9-f19e-430d-94c2-7fd6523ec947

Experience, W&L Law /// Jeremy Thompson '26L worked as a student clinician in the Civil Rights and Racial Justice Clinic.

Why did you choose to participate in this Civil Rights and Racial Justice Clinic for your 3L year?

I chose this clinic for two main reasons. First, I wanted to learn from one of the most successful professors in their field of expertise. Professor Sweet has a lengthy and accomplished resume. He has the understanding and patience to find a student’s skillset and develop them. He has a bottomless drive for the legal profession, but it is cloaked in respect and kindness for others. I value learning from a professor and legal professional that is regarded so highly for both his personal kindness and professional success.

Secondly, I chose this clinic because the goal of the clinic, in its simplest form, is to ensure a community where everyone is respected and treated fairly. I support equality. The role of a civil rights lawyer, and even a civil rights clinician, has many ups and downs. It is never a smooth ride, but it certainly is a rewarding one. This clinic enables you to speak for those without a voice. This clinic cultivates opportunities to give back to the community that has surrounded me in my three years here in Lexington, Virginia. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. Frankly, I wanted to be a catalyst for change in someone’s life, and this clinic primes you to achieve that desire.

https://columns.wlu.edu/experience-spotlight-jeremy-thompson-26l/

Your Support Shapes the W&L Law Experience : From orientation to commencement, this year was filled with moments that remind us what makes W&L Law unique: a supportive community, meaningful opportunities, and lifelong connections.

These experiences are possible because alumni and friends continue to invest in the future of W&L Law. As our fiscal year comes to a close on June 30, we invite you to make a gift and help sustain the programs and people that make this community thrive.

Every gift matters. Every donor makes an impact.



Donate Today:
https://advancement.wlu.edu/register/?id=57727db9-f19e-430d-94c2-7fd6523ec947

Student Organization Spotlight /// The American Constitution Society at W&L Law advocates for laws and systems that strengthen democratic legitimacy and uphold the rule of law.

How can alumni get involved?

We love having alumni speak and come to the various events we hold. We’ve co-hosted a panel of public defenders with the Public Defense Group that has included alumni in the field. Similarly, we also organized a clerkship panel of ACS alumni to talk about their experiences in getting clerkships with judges that share our goals. We’re always open to suggestions from alumni on ways they can get involved with our events!

https://columns.wlu.edu/student-organization-spotlight-american-constitution-society/

It has been 4 Weeks since the Law Class of 2026 Graduation! The full online gallery as well as the 360 Video is available.

Graduation Gallery:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wlulaw/albums/72177720333772900/

Event Video & 360 Video:

https://vimeo.com/1168246926

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTrmBiS2aUA

Student Leader Spotlight /// Meet Sofia Castillo '27L : Incoming Student Bar Association Vice President.

What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off-campus?

One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had at W&L has been serving as the secretary of the Student Bar Association. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility, collaborate with an incredibly driven group of peers, and help shape initiatives that directly impact the student experience. It’s been especially rewarding to contribute to planning events that not only bring people together, but also emphasize the importance of connection, support, and community within the law school. Through this experience, I’ve grown both as a leader and as a team member, and it’s deepened my appreciation for the kind of environment we strive to build at W&L.

https://columns.wlu.edu/meet-sofia-castillo-27l/

Alumni Spotlight /// Stephen Halpin '15L is senior counsel in the New York City office of King & Ruiz LLP and a member of the W&L Law Council.

What advice do you have for prospective law students?

First, do not let law school compromise your physical or mental health. Law school is demanding, but you must make time for things that recharge you, and there are plenty of ways to do that around Lexington and with the incredible people who are part of the community.

Second, if you want to enter the private practice of law after graduation, whether as a litigator or corporate attorney, try to remember every now and then when you are decrypting 19th century cases about “craving oyer” that the practice of law is a business, and the business is to serve clients. W&L’s experiential offerings provide great opportunities to work with real clients as you progress into your second and third years; you should also begin cultivating an understanding of the economics of practicing law and how they are changing.

https://columns.wlu.edu/alumni-spotlight-steve-halpin-15l/

Clinic Spotlight /// Allie R. Cyr '26L and Emma Claire Canterbury '26L discuss their time in the Criminal Justice Clinic (CJC).

Why did you choose to participate in the Criminal Justice Clinic (CJC) for your 3L year?

Allie: I chose to participate in this clinic for my 3L year because I sought to further my practice in this area and contribute meaningfully to indigent clients in this community during the rest of my time at W&L. The majority of individuals who enter the criminal justice system are indigent and/or dealing with issues (serious mental illnesses, substance use disorders, poverty, etc.) that require solutions external to incarceration. I firmly believe that the best and the brightest should serve as public defenders to ensure the protection of people’s constitutional rights and dignity as human beings. I cannot imagine using my J.D., a privilege, in any other way than this.

What are some skills you have developed this year?

Emma Claire: In the clinic, I have developed skills in negotiation, interviewing, oral advocacy, trial techniques, client counseling, argumentation and rhetoric, time management, and more. At its core, the CJC is a skills-building course that prepares you for a career in criminal defense.

https://columns.wlu.edu/experience-spotlight-allie-r-cyr-26l-and-emma-claire-canterbury-26l/

Faculty Spotlight /// Two new Faculty members, Professor Vania Blaiklock, JD, PhD and Professor Fernando Loayza Jordan will join W&L Law in fall 2026. The new faculty members teach and research in the areas of education and religion as well as tax law and comparative constitutional law.

https://columns.wlu.edu/new-faculty-to-join-wl-law-in-fall-2026/