International Law Studies Staff, 2025 - 2026

Director

Vincent M. Bonventre 

Student Editorial Board, 2025 - 2026
Editor-in-Chief

Alexa Reilly is a third-year student at Albany Law School. Prior to attending Albany Law, Alexa graduated Magna Cum Laude from Siena College with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She then went on to serve on Active Duty as a Field Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army.

Alexa is a board member of the Albany Law School Veterans’ Pro Bono Project and served as a Teaching Assistant for the Introduction to Lawyering Class. Last year, she completed a field placement with the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services. She has also interned with the New York State Assembly for two semesters and O’Connor, O’Connor, Bresee, & First, P.C., a law firm specializing in litigation and defense.

Executive Editor

Tanner Froats is a third year student at Albany Law School. He graduated from the University at Albany, where he majored in Business Administration.

Tanner is this year's Executive Editor for Research & Business for the Albany Law Review, and is clerking at O'Connell and Aronowitz, P.C. Previously, he was an intern at the Albany County District Attorney's Office.

In his free time, Tanner is the Match Secretary for the law school's Rugby Club.

Executive Editor

Brianna Nagengast-McHale is a third-year student at Albany Law. Prior to attending law school, Brianna graduated Cum Laude from Siena College in 2023, as a participant of the 3+3 Law school program, with a bachelor's degree in psychology and double minor in Criminal Justice and Spanish.

After her first year of law school, Brianna began a summer internship with the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. She remained there for the following year in the Field Placement program. 

With a sole interest in litigation, Brianna branched into civil litigation as a Summer Law Clerk at Conway, Donovan, and Manley, PLLC.

In her free time, Brianna enjoys bartending at a local golf course and trying new coffee shops.

Executive Editor

Sophie Nye is a second-year law student at Albany Law School.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston University in Political Science with a minor in Journalism. While at Boston University she studied abroad in Geneva, Switzerland, where she studied global governance, economic development, and human rights.

During her 1L summer, Sophie worked as a Legal Fellow at the Offices of the New York State Inspector General. She looks forward to continuing to develop her legal skills as a Summer Associate at Barclay Damon next summer.

Sophie is currently serving as Executive Vice President of the Student Bar Association, and she is a Subeditor for Vol. 89 of the Albany Law Review.

In her free time, Sophie enjoys figure skating, traveling, and hiking in the Adirondacks.

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For previous years' boards, click HERE. 

International Law Studies Staff, 2024 - 2025

Director  
Vincent M. Bonventre

Student Editorial Board, 2024 - 2025
Editor-in-Chief

Rachael Brown is a third year JD candidate at Albany Law School.  She graduated from SUNY New Paltz where she majored in International Relations and minored in Disaster Studies.  She is the Managing Editor for Business and Production for the Albany Law School Government Law Review.  She spent the summer following her first year at Albany Law as an intern with the Honorable Daniel J. Stewart in the Northern District of New York.  She spent this past summer as a legal intern with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Operational Services Division.  She is still working for the Commonwealth and completing another internship in NDNY with Judge Stewart.  She is also a research assistant for Professor Hirokawa.

Executive Editor

Ethan Rotondi is a 3L at Albany Law School. He received his undergraduate degree from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, where he majored in Political Science and Pre-Law. During his time at Le Moyne, Ethan was invited to the New York State Political Science Association’s Annual Conference where he presented research focused on U.S. foreign policy as it relates to the conflict in Yemen. Ethan is currently a law clerk with Thorn Gershon Tymann and Bonnani, LLP in Colonie, and has previously interned at the New York State Office of the Attorney General and the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office. In his free time, Ethan enjoys skiing and watching the Chicago Cubs. 

Executive Editor

Connor Weingarten is a third-year student at Albany Law School. He graduated from Ithaca College, where he majored in Journalism. Before coming to Albany Law School, Connor worked as a sports radio producer and studio host for Learfield IMG College, and as a production assistant for NBA Entertainment.

He spent the summer following his first year at Albany Law as a legal intern in the Schenectady County Attorney’s Office, on behalf of the Department of Social Services. He has also completed a field placement in the New York State Senate with Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and he spent this past summer as a legal intern with the New York State Department of Labor.

Connor is currently working once again in the Schenectady County Attorney’s Office.

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For previous years' boards, click HERE. 

International Law Studies Staff, 2021 - 2022

 Director   Vincent M. Bonventre

Student Editorial Board, 2021 - 2022
Editor-in-Chief

Julia L. Bertolino is a third-year student at Albany Law School. She grew up in Virden, Illinois, and graduated from Western Illinois University where she studied Political Science. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she was employed with the Illinois House of Representatives for 5 years before continuing her education in Albany.

At the law school, Julia has been Vice-President and is now acting President of the Italian American Law Student Association. Upon graduation, she hopes to work in Family Court with domestic violence survivors and children.

In her free time, Julia enjoys hiking in the Adirondacks and spending time with family and friends.

Executive Editor

Fall Semester

Raymond F. Leggett IV is a third-year student at Albany Law School. He grew up just outside Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Miami University of Ohio where he studied Philosophy and Ethics. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he was employed with the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice for a year before continuing his education in Albany.

At the law school, Raymond is President of the National Lawyers Guild, Albany Law Chapter; a research fellow for the Center for Global Governance and Emerging Law; and a research assistant for Professor Ray Brescia. Upon graduation, he hopes to work as a trial attorney and appellate advocate, specializing in identifying issues for appeal and complex case management.

In his free time, Raymond enjoys writing poetry, philosophy, and fiction, playing blues guitar, and exploring exotic places with friends and family.

Executive Editor

Spring Semester

Matthew K. Geiling is a third-year student at Albany Law School. Raised in Upstate New York, Geiling pursued a career in law after living and working on farms in New York and Jamaica with a crew of workers on H-2A temporary agricultural employment visas. He studied anthropology and political science, achieving a bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany.

In 2020, Geiling defended New Yorkers from discrimination as the Arthur J. Harvey Civil Rights Fellow with the State Division of Human Rights. With Albany’s Immigration Law Clinic, he represented Central American Asylum-Seekers forced to remain in Mexico. Geiling is a Law Fellow with Immigrant Advocates Response Collaborative (I-ARC), a non-profit policy center working to expand access to representation for immigrant New Yorkers. With I-ARC, Geiling contributed to Evacuate Our Allies, a coalition of human rights, religious, and refugee organizations, veterans and frontline civilians working to evacuate and re-settle at-risk Afghans.

Geiling is a certified Kemetic Yoga Instructor and performs with a local band in his free time. He lives in Upstate New York with his wife and two stepsons.

Executive Editor

Spring Semester

Daniel Joseph Lange is a third-year law student. He grew up on Long Island, New York, and attended Stetson University for undergrad, where he studied Public Management. After receiving his bachelor’s degree he worked for Jackson Lewis P.C., a boutique employment law firm in Melville, New York for a year before continuing his education at Albany Law.

While at Albany Law, Dan is the current Vice President of the National Lawyers Guild, and a research assistant for Professor Hayat Bearat. In the past, Dan worked for the Family Violence Litigation Clinic, Bruno, Gerbino, Soriano, & Aitken LLC, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and was published in the Albany Law Science & Technology Law Journal.

Upon graduating, Dan hopes to work as a litigating attorney in Employment or Cyber Security Law. In his free time, Dan likes to hike and play lawn games with friends and family, go to the gym, and play video games. 

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For previous years' staffs, click HERE.

International Law Studies Staff, 2020 - 2021

Director   Vincent M. Bonventre

Student Editorial Board, 2020 - 2021
Editor-in-Chief

Erica Askew, who is continuing for a 2nd year as EIC, is a third-year law student at Albany Law School from Johnstown, NY. She graduated from Siena College where she studied Philosophy, Pre-law, and Environmental Studies while competing on the NCAA Division 1 swim team. At the law school she has been an Assistant Director for the Veterans Pro Bono Project and Associate Board Member for the Anthony V. Cardona ’70 Moot Court Program. She is now a Director for the Veterans Pro Bono Project. Her goal upon graduation in December is to be a lawyer in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, especially hiking in the Adirondacks. 


Executive Editor

Lavinia Bhaskaruni, who is continuing for a 2nd year as Executive Editor, is a third-year law student at Albany Law School from Toronto, Canada. She graduated from Concordia University where she studied International Business and Law while being involved in her department’s extra-curricular committees as an event planner and manager. She recently spent her summer in Brooklyn, NY interning for The Legal Aid Society in the housing unit. After law school, she hopes to work at the International Criminal Court. At the law school, Lavinia is the Social Chair for the International Law Society and is a member of the Albany Law School Soccer club. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, writing, and playing her flute.

For previous years' staffs, click HERE.

International Law Studies Editorial Staff, 2019-20

Director   Vincent M. Bonventre

Student Editorial Board, 2019 - 2020
Editor-in-Chief

Erica Askew is a second year law student at Albany Law School from Johnstown, NY. She graduated from Siena College where she studied Philosophy, Pre-law, and Environmental Studies while competing on the NCAA Division 1 swim team. She recently spent her summer in Pensacola, FL interning for the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps, where she hopes to work upon graduation. At the law school Erica competed in the Phi Alpha Delta Mock Trial Competition, is an Associate Board Member for the Anthony V. Cardona ’70 Moot Court Program, and an Assistant Director for the Veterans Pro Bono Project. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, especially hiking in the Adirondacks. 

Executive Editor

Lavinia Bhaskaruni is a second-year law student at Albany Law School from Toronto, Canada. She graduated from Concordia University where she studied International Business and Law while being involved in her department’s extra-curricular committees as an event planner and manager. She recently spent her summer in Brooklyn, NY interning for The Legal Aid Society in the housing unit. After law school, she hopes to work at the International Criminal Court. At the law school, Lavinia is the Social Chair for the International Law Society and is a member of the Albany Law School Soccer club. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, writing, and playing her flute.

For previous years' staffs, click HERE.

International Law Studies (ILS) Staff, 2017-2018

Director   Vincent M. Bonventre

Student Editorial Board, 2017 - 2018
Editor-in-Chief

Christopher I. Hall is completing his final year at Albany Law School.  He grew up in Tioga Center, N.Y. and received his degree in History from SUNY Geneseo.

He spent four years in the Army as an Intelligence Analyst and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Coordinator.  From 2013 to 2014, Christopher was deployed to Afghanistan with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division.

Christopher has interned with Judge Kahn in the Northern District of New York, and most recently, spent the summer interning with the law firm Hancock Estabrook where he will be employed after graduation.  He enjoys playing soccer and working out in his free time.

Executive Editor

Molly Maguire is a second-year law student at Albany Law School. She holds her bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a Pre-Law Certificate from Siena College.

Molly spent the summer interning with the Special Victims Unit at the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, and is currently a Law Intern for the Albany Law Clinic and Justice Center’s Family Violence Litigation Project. She is also currently a member of Albany Law’s Journal of Science and Technology, and is the Treasurer of Albany Law’s Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.

In her spare time, Molly enjoys going to the movies, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Graduate Editor
(2016 - 2017 Editor-in-Chief)

Lisa Dallessandro is a 2016 graduate of Albany Law School.  She was born and raised in Hudson Valley, N.Y.

Lisa received her B.A. in History from Boston College in May 2012. After graduating college, she interned at Sanocki, Newman, and Turret, a New York City firm specializing in medical malpractice and personal injury.

In her free time, she enjoys reading historical biographies, listening to classical music, and playing with her dog, Eric.

For previous years' staffs, click HERE.

International Law Studies (ILS) Staff, 2016-2017

Director   Vincent M. Bonventre
Associate Director  Alexandra R. Harrington

Student Editorial Board, 2016 - 2017
Editor-in-Chief

Lisa Dallessandro is completing her final semester at Albany Law School.  She was born and raised in Hudson Valley, N.Y.

Lisa received her B.A. in History from Boston College in May 2012.
After graduating college, she interned at Sanocki, Newman, and Turret, a New York City firm specializing in medical malpractice and personal injury.  In her free time, she enjoys reading historical biographies, listening to classical music, and playing with her dog, Eric.

Executive Editor

Glenna Morgan is a third year student at Albany Law School. She graduated from the University of Albany with a B.A. in Linguistics and a minor in Business. As a law student, Glenna has won the national title in the ABA Client Counseling Competition and competed as a semi-finalist at the international competition. She has also competed as a regional finalist in the ABA Negotiation Competition, served as a member of the Albany Law Review, and is on the executive board of several student organizations.

Glenna has worked in the Office of the NYS Attorney General, the regional office of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, and in Governor Andrew Cuomo's counsel's office. She is currently a law clerk at the firm Malkin & Ross. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in government relations.

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Student Editorial Board, 2015-16
Editor-in-Chief

Brittney M. Walker is a third-year student at Albany Law School.  She holds her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Pace University and a MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
During her time at RPI, Brittney was a member of the Masters’ Scholars Research Program where she worked with faculty members from the Biomedical Engineering department and the Center for Biotechnology to help them find commercial pathways for lab research discoveries and inventions. Currently, Brittney will be competing in the Karen C. McGovern Senior Prize Trials Moot Court Competition at the law school. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading novels, cooking and spending time with her family.

Executive Editor

Lisa Dallessandro is a third-year student at Albany Law School.  She was born and raised in Hudson Valley, N.Y.
Lisa received her B.A. in History from Boston College in May 2012.  After graduating college, she interned at Sanocki, Newman, and Turret, a New York City firm specializing in medical malpractice and personal injury.  In her free time, she enjoys reading historical biographies, listening to classical music, and playing with her dog, Eric.

Executive Editor

Eno-Obong Essien is a third-year student at Albany Law School. She holds her bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature from New York University and a MA from Iona College. After graduating college, she worked for Murphy, Higgins & Schiavetta, in New Rochelle, NY, where she gained practical experience concerning law practice and the motivation to go to law school.
Eno is the Pro Bono project director for the Global Institute for Health and Human Rights and founded the Society for Health and Human Rights in conjunction with the project. Currently, she is preparing to compete in the 2016 Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. She hopes to pursue a career in international Law with a particular focus on human rights. In her free time,
Eno loves to travel, spend time with family, watch and root for her favorite sports teams, and binge on Spotify.

For previous years' staffs, click HERE.

International Law Studies (ILS) Staff, past years

Director   Vincent M. Bonventre
Associate Director  Alexandra R. Harrington

Student Editorial Board, 2014-15
Editor-in-Chief

Hannah Akkerman is a third-year student at Albany Law School with an International Law concentration. She graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County where she studied political science and psychology. Prior to law school, Hannah lived in Israel for six months where she volunteered teaching English to underprivileged high school children. Last summer, she had the opportunity to represent South African residents through her internships as a law clerk at the High Court of South Africa and as a legal intern at the Impact Litigation Unit at Legal Aid. After realizing she also had an interest in Trusts & Estates, she obtained an internship at Girvin & Ferlazzo where she is mainly working on Trusts & Estates issues. Following graduation, Hannah hopes to combine her background in international law with her interest in Trusts & Estates in order to pursue a career in both fields.

Executive Editor

Elise R. Friello is a third-year student at Albany Law School with a special interest in comparative public health. She graduated from Ithaca College in 2011 with degrees in Politics and Legal Studies. In the year between undergraduate and law school, Elise interned at a drug treatment court while studying to earn a Masters in Public Administration (M.P.A.) from Marist College. She successfully earned a M.P.A. after her first year of law school in Summer 2013. While attending Albany Law, Elise interned at the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. She currently interns at the New York State Dispute Resolution Association and serves as Student Project Director for the Law School’s Elder Law Pro Bono Project. She is also a member of Albany Law’s Women’s Rugby Club.

Submissions Editor (fall 2015)

Courtney Heinel is a third year student at Albany Law School. She graduated from Ithaca College with a major in Legal Studies, and completed extensive studies in Politics with a concentration in International Relations. After her first year of law school, Courtney interned at the Albany Law School’s Civil Rights and Disability Law Clinic, and later interned for the Rensselaer County Public Defender’s office. In the Spring of 2015, she competed in the Donna Jo Morse Negotiations. Additionally, Courtney served as a senior editor for International Law Studies before assuming the position of submissions editor. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and cooking.


Submissions Editor (fall 2014)

Mary Elizabeth Moran is a second year student at Albany Law School concurrently earning her Master of Business Arts in Healthcare Management through Union Graduate College. A practicing occupational therapist, Mary Beth earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Sage Graduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art at Skidmore College. Mary Beth is a member of the Society of International Health and Human Rights and is looking forward to upcoming Pro Bono work with the Global Institute of Health and Human Rights. She hopes to pursue a career in health law with a focus on health administration, policy, and the economics of health care. Away from school and work, Mary Beth spends every waking moment outdoors with her two loves: husband, Matt, and puppy dog, Charley.

Senior Editors: Cecilia Hassett, Courtney Heinel, Saeed Ibrahim, Aliza Keen, Pamela Lowe, Patricia Monroe, Anais Vasquez, Yan Rong Yang,

Associate Editors: Eno-Obong Essien, Ashley Fischer, Alexis Osborne, Bryanne Perlanski, Stephanie Kroll

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