Three years, countless stories

Three years, countless stories

From courtrooms and clinics to journals and externships, the Class of 2026 reflects the many paths

As the University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law prepares to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2026, the ceremony also marks a significant milestone in the school's history-the 193rd anniversary of its founding. Family, friends, alumni, faculty, and supporters will gather on Saturday, May 16, at Fifth Third Arena to honor the achievements of the College's MLS, LLM, and JD graduates and recognize the journeys that brought them to this moment. The ceremony will feature remarks from Dean Haider Hamoudi, student leaders from the College of Law, and distinguished civil rights attorney Alphonse A. Gerhardstein, whose career has been defined by advocacy and public service.

Behind every hooding ceremony is a collection of personal stories-of resilience, leadership, community, and determination-and the members of the Class of 2026 embody all of those qualities as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their legal careers.

Katerina Fernandez embraced opportunities to grow as an advocate and scholar

Born and raised in Naples, Florida, Katerina Fernandez's story is deeply shaped by her family's journey immigrating to the United States from Cuba. From an early age, she was drawn to ideas, language, and the systems that shape society-interests that eventually led her to the University of Miami, where she pursued an interdisciplinary education, earning a bachelor of arts in political science, classical studies, philosophy, spanish, and theatre arts.

When it came time to choose a law school, Fernandez was looking for more than academic prestige. She wanted a place where she could grow intellectually while also finding a genuine sense of community and support. Even from Florida, the University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law stood out.

"I was drawn to UC Law for several reasons, but most importantly, for the strong sense of community and support I felt," Katerina said.

A mentor and UC Law alum, Sarah Topy ('12) played a particularly influential role during the application process. Through her guidance, Fernandez saw firsthand the intelligence, compassion, and professionalism that UC Law fostered in its students. Combined with generous scholarship support, hands-on learning opportunities, and supportive faculty, UC Law quickly became the right fit.

Over the last three years, Fernandez has immersed herself in nearly every aspect of law school life, building a resume defined by leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and service. During her first year, she served as the 1L Representative on the Dean's Student Leadership Council, meeting regularly with Dean Hamoudi to discuss student experiences and ways to improve the law school community. Through that involvement, she became a member of the inaugural class of the Golden Gavel Society.

At the same time, she began developing her passion for legal scholarship as a citation checker for the renowned Human Rights Quarterly and as a student bar association representative for the American Constitution Society. Those early experiences laid the foundation for what would become one of the defining aspects of her law school journey.

Following her first year, Fernandez joined Blank Rome's Cincinnati office as a full-time law clerk, gaining practical litigation experience while balancing an increasingly active role within the college community. That same summer, she received invitations to join both the University of Cincinnati Law Review and the Immigration and Human Rights Law Review-an achievement she still considers one of the proudest moments of her legal education.She served as publications editor of the Law Review and managing editor of the IHRLR, mentoring younger students while overseeing demanding publication and editing processes. Her dedication to scholarship also resulted in the publication of multiple blog posts and traditional academic articles-fulfilling a longtime personal dream of becoming a published author.

Beyond journals, Fernandez remained involved in student organizations, holding executive board positions with various groups including DREAM, the American Constitution Society, SBA, and the Board Game Society. She also served as a Lexis associate and social media specialist, balancing each responsibility alongside coursework and professional commitments.

One of her most impactful experiences came during her final year through the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic under Professor Sean Mangan. There, she gained hands-on transactional experience working directly with clients and real legal issues, further expanding her understanding of the law in practice.

Although the pace of law school was demanding, Fernandez describes the experience as overwhelmingly rewarding.

"Every experience challenged me to grow in confidence, professionalism, and resilience," she said. "I am deeply grateful for everything the College of Law has given me."

After graduation, Fernandez plans to sit for the Florida Bar exam with the long-term goal of returning to Florida. In the meantime, she will continue her work with Blank Rome's Cincinnati office while also exploring another passion that flourished during law school: academic research and writing. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in philosophy.

Through innocence work and externships, Joanna Swaiss built a law school journey rooted in advocacy and service

Born and raised in Northern Kentucky, Joanna Swaiss has always felt deeply connected to her home community and the Greater Cincinnati region. After completing undergraduate studies at nearby Northern Kentucky University, she knew she wanted to continue building both her education and career close to home. That goal, combined with a passion for advocacy and public service, ultimately led her to the University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law.

Several factors made UC Law the right choice. The school's strong reputation and extensive networking opportunities throughout Southwest Ohio aligned perfectly with Joanna's long-term goal of practicing in the region. The Ohio Innocence Project also stood out as a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful, hands-on advocacy work, while scholarship support and UC Law's academic reputation further solidified the decision.

Over the past three years, Swaiss has embraced a wide range of experiences that shaped both her professional skills and personal growth. One of the most impactful experiences came early in law school while serving as a litigation fellow with the Ohio Innocence Project during the summer after 1L year and throughout her 2L year.

"This experience not only strengthened my legal research and writing skills, but it also taught me case management and how to interact with distressed clients in an empathetic, professional manner," Swaiss shared.

That commitment to advocacy continued during the summer after 2L year when she worked at the Children's Law Center, gaining additional legal research and writing experience while also working directly with children and observing mediations. During the fall of 3L year, Swaiss expanded her legal knowledge further while working at Musillo Unkenholt, an immigration law firm, where she navigated the complexities of an ever-changing area of law.

In the spring of 3L year, Swaiss externed for the Honorable Judge Michael Barrett of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The externship provided a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on the judicial process and sharpened her ability to evaluate competing arguments objectively.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to see how a judge thinks," she said.

Academically, Joanna continued to challenge herself throughout law school. She was one of three 3Ls selected to serve as an associate member for Law Review during the 2025-2026 academic year, an experience that allowed her to deepen legal writing skills and explore topics she is passionate about. Swaiss' commitment to leadership and mentorship also extended beyond the classroom. After joining the Business Law Society during 2L year, she was elected secretary during 3L year, helping foster connections with attorneys and fellow students interested in business law.

Additionally, Swaiss served as a teaching assistant for Evidence, an experience that strengthened relationships with both faculty and students. As a first-generation law student, mentorship remained especially important to her. During 2L year, she participated in the SBA Mentorship Program, helping guide incoming 1Ls through the challenges and uncertainties of law school.

"As a first-generation law student, I remember how unfamiliar law school initially felt for me," she explained. "I viewed the mentorship program as a meaningful opportunity to help other first-generation law students."

After graduation and the July Bar Exam, Swaiss plans to remain in Southwest Ohio and pursue a career in general practice. Her motivation for becoming an attorney has remained constant since childhood: a desire to advocate for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Looking back on their journey at UC Law, she describes the experience as transformative.

"UC Law has molded me and challenged me in ways that no other place has," she said. "I am thankful for the privilege to have studied what I love."

Taking a leap of faith to attend UC Law, Nathan Newell discovered a passion for juvenile advocacy

Kansas City, Kansas, native Nathan Newell took a leap of faith when he decided to attend the UC Law. After earning his undergraduate degree from The University of Central Missouri, Newell and his wife packed up their lives and moved to Cincinnati-despite never having visited Ohio before.

Looking back, it is a decision he says has shaped his life in ways he never expected.

"When I started at the law school, my wife and I uprooted our life so I could take a chance on UC Law," Newell said. "That decision has paid off every day since."

Newell was drawn to the law school because of its strong commitment to social justice and community impact. While he did not yet know what specific area of law he wanted to pursue, he knew he wanted to attend a school that emphasized service and advocacy for those who might otherwise go unheard.

"I loved the focus UC put on social justice and helping the community," he explained. "I wanted to attend a school that promotes the importance of helping those who otherwise would not have help."

Over the past three years, Newell immersed himself in experiences that strengthened both his leadership abilities and his passion for advocacy. One of the most transformative opportunities came through an externship placement at the Children's Law Center in Washington, D.C. The experience solidified his interest in juvenile law and provided valuable networking opportunities within the Cincinnati legal community that ultimately helped lead him to his post-graduate position.

After graduation, Newell will begin working as a Guardian Ad Litem with the Hamilton County Public Defender's Office, where he will continue advocating for children and families. Long term, he also hopes to pursue a career in legal academia and become a professor of law.

Beyond his externship experience, Nathan played an active role in the UC Law community. He served in SLEC throughout all three years of law school, represented his classmates through SBA during his 3L year, and became heavily involved in Moot Court, eventually earning a position on the organization's executive board.

"These experiences helped me develop as an advocate and taught me the value of good leadership and time management," he said.

For Newell, however, the defining part of his law school experience was not just professional growth-it was the people who supported him along the way. Moving to an unfamiliar city could have been isolating, but instead, he found a welcoming community of professors, classmates, and friends who became an essential part of his journey.

"Law school was a formative experience for me both professionally and personally," Newell shared. "I feel lucky that the community I built at UC Law supported me while I grew and changed into who I am today."

Inspired by her experience with the OIP, Morgan Prince found purpose in advocacy and employment law

Morgan Prince, from Rochester, Illinois, has always been driven by a deep interest in people, justice, and advocacy. Her academic journey reflects that passion. Before attending the University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law, Prince earned a bachelor of science in psychology with dual minors in criminal justice and spanish from Southeast Missouri State University, followed by a master of science in forensic psychology from Arizona State University.

When searching for a law school, Prince was initially drawn to the law school because of its reputation for providing an affordable, high-quality legal education. But it was the school's strong commitment to public interest work that ultimately made her decision clear.

"UC Law's focus on public interest is what really sealed the deal," Prince said. "I loved the mission of the Ohio Innocence Project."

She also appreciated the small student-to-faculty ratio, which created an environment where professors could genuinely invest in their students' growth and success.

Prince immersed herself in experiences that shaped her both personally and professionally while in law school. One of the most impactful opportunities came through her work with the OIP, where she served as a litigation fellow during her 2L year.

"My time with the Ohio Innocence Project truly changed my life," she shared.

Although her previous educational experiences had introduced her to issues such as false eyewitness identifications and coerced confessions, seeing the impact of wrongful convictions firsthand profoundly changed her perspective on the criminal legal system and the human consequences tied to it.

"I think that this experience will make me a more well-rounded attorney," she said. "Even though I am not going into criminal law or postconviction work, I have a completely different perspective on the criminal legal system."

Prince believes that experience strengthened her ability to connect with clients facing stressful and life-changing situations-an ability she will carry into her future career in employment law. Even after graduation, she hopes to remain involved in innocence work through volunteering, pro bono service, and continued involvement with the OIP community.

Alongside her public interest work, Prince became deeply involved in the Labor & Employment Law Club, serving as the organization's 1L representative before later being elected vice president and president. Through those leadership roles, she built meaningful relationships with local employment attorneys and became actively connected within Cincinnati's labor and employment law community.

"These connections are a great example of the benefits of the many relationships made at UC, even after graduation," she said.

Those experiences helped lead Prince to her post-graduate position with The Spitz Law Firm, a plaintiff-side employment law firm focused exclusively on representing employees, primarily in employment discrimination matters. She initially secured the role through an on-campus interview and continued working with the firm throughout her 3L year.

Upon graduation and bar passage, she is excited to return to the firm full-time and continue advocating for workers' rights while growing as an attorney.

Looking back on the last three years, Prince is filled with gratitude for the people, experiences, and resilience that defined her law school journey.

"I am SO proud of myself and my classmates for completing this journey," she said. "The past three years did not come without their hardships, and I know everyone has had their own bumps along the way, but we did it!"

Guided by resilience, mentorship, and the memory of her grandmother, Frances Small turned personal hardship into a calling

Charleston, South Carolina native Frances Small came to the University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law seeking both opportunity and community. After graduating from Clemson University, she was drawn to the college because of its strong connections within Cincinnati's legal market and the ability to receive a high-quality legal education at an affordable cost.

"The professors, students, staff, and alumni make UC Law great," Frances said.

Although she was not originally from the Cincinnati area, Small quickly found a city and community that felt like home. The city's thriving legal market, Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, vibrant food and drink scene, and the relationships she built throughout law school all solidified her decision to remain in Cincinnati after graduation.

Over the last three years, Small embraced opportunities that expanded both her professional skills and personal perspective. During her 2L year, she studied abroad in Bordeaux, France, where she explored the French legal system while broadening her understanding of international law and culture.

"It gave me an opportunity to expand my horizons both professionally and personally," she said.

Back on campus, she became heavily involved with the Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal. She first joined the journal as a writer during her 2L year before later serving on the editorial board as the outside publications editor during 3L year. Those experiences strengthened her legal writing, editing, and leadership abilities while allowing her to contribute meaningfully to academic scholarship.

During her final year at UC Law, Small also participated in the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic under the leadership of Professor Sean Mangan. Through the clinic, she gained valuable hands-on legal experience while working directly with clients and community-focused projects.

"All of these experiences have shaped me into the person I am today and the lawyer that I will become," she shared.

After graduation, Small will begin her legal career as an associate in the Cincinnati office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, where she plans to focus on general corporate work with the long-term goal of specializing in commercial real estate and lending.

But for Small, the journey to becoming an attorney began long before law school.

"If a Judge had made a different decision 15 years ago, I would not be here," she reflected.

Following the unexpected passing of her father, a judge awarded custody of Small to her 76-year-old grandmother-a decision that forever changed the course of her life. Raised under the care, patience, and encouragement of her Nana, Small developed the determination and resilience that would guide her through every stage of her education.

"That living arrangement changed the trajectory of my life," she said. "Since then, I wanted to be just like that judge-an attorney."

While preparing for the LSAT, she faced another profound loss when her Nana passed away at 86 years old. Despite the grief and uncertainty that followed, she persevered, motivated by the lessons and love her grandmother had given her.

"I wanted so badly to give up, but I persevered in honor of her," she shared.

Now, as she prepares to graduate and begin her legal career, Small carries that inspiration with her into this next chapter.

"As I close this chapter and enter the next one, I know she's by my side," she said. "I'm forever grateful for the Judge that changed the trajectory of my life and set me on a path toward becoming an attorney."

Hands-on experience and a collaborative community gave Madeline Miller confidence in her path toward litigation practice

Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Madeline Miller brought with her a unique academic background when she arrived at the University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law. Before beginning law school, she earned a bachelor of science in business administration in Equine Business from the University of Louisville, combining her interests in business and problem-solving in a way that would later serve her well in the legal profession.

Miller was initially drawn to UC Law because of her interest in Cincinnati as a city, but it was the welcoming atmosphere and sense of community that ultimately convinced her she had found the right place.

"Being awarded a scholarship solidified my decision to attend here," Miller shared. "But upon visiting the school for Admitted Students Day, I immediately felt welcomed and at home."

That feeling never faded throughout her three years at UC Law.

"As I'm coming up on the end of my time at the law school, I know I made the right choice, and I have never regretted coming here," she said.

During law school, Miller became actively involved in campus organizations and experiential learning opportunities that helped shape both her confidence and practical legal skills. She participated in the Environmental Law organization while also completing both a Judicial Externship and a Legal Externship. In addition, she was selected as a Taft Scholar, an experience that further strengthened her professional development.

Through these opportunities, Miller not only applied the skills she learned in the classroom to real-world legal settings but also developed a stronger sense of self-confidence as a future attorney.

"Putting my skills into practice every day made me feel capable and strong," she explained, "and like what I learned was going to good use."

That confidence continued to grow throughout her third year of law school. In January, Miller accepted both a law clerk position and a post-graduate associate role with Yocum & Neuroth, a construction and general civil litigation firm in Newport, Kentucky. She began working with the firm in February and quickly found herself excited about the future ahead.

"I love my job," she said. "I can't wait to pass the bar and begin working as a full-time attorney here."

As she reflects on her time at UC Law, however, it is not just the professional experiences that stand out most-it is the relationships and sense of community she found along the way.

"The greatest thing I got out of my time at UC Law was the personal relationships and friendships I built," Miller shared.

She credits much of that experience to the law school's faculty and staff, many of whom became mentors long after she left their classrooms. Their encouragement and investment in student success helped create an environment where she felt supported both academically and personally.

Equally meaningful were the friendships she formed with her classmates. For Madeline, UC Law fostered a culture of collaboration and encouragement rather than competition.

"We're always cheering each other on," she said. "For me, it felt like law school was a community, not a competition."

That sense of camaraderie became one of the defining parts of her law school journey.

"Law school is difficult, and community is everything," Madeline reflected. "It's impossible not to believe in yourself when you feel so much love and support from the friends around you."

Evelyn Brauer discovered community and a place for anyone willing to work hard

Evelyn Brauer has always called the Queen City home. After completing her undergraduate studies at Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, she chose to continue her educational journey close to home at the University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law-a decision rooted in both ambition and a desire to challenge herself.

As the first person in her family to pursue a legal career, Brauer knew she wanted a law school environment that would encourage growth, provide support, and prepare students to make a meaningful impact through real-world legal experiences.

"I was drawn to UC Law by the community, academic achievement, and the potential to become more," Brauer said.

What stood out most to her was the school's commitment to helping students succeed, regardless of their background or prior exposure to the legal field. For Brauer, that support became an essential part of her law school experience.

During her third year, she joined the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic (ECDC), an experience that proved to be one of the most transformative parts of her legal education. Through the clinic, she worked directly with clients and small businesses while gaining hands-on legal experience under the guidance of practicing attorneys.

"This opportunity taught me more than I thought I could possibly learn," she shared.

As a legal intern in the clinic, Brauer strengthened her legal writing and communication skills through detailed feedback and practical experience. She worked directly with clients to better understand their goals and learned how to approach legal challenges with confidence and creativity.

"The experience from this clinic gave me great confidence in my ability to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and produce quality work," she explained.

After graduation, Brauer plans to sit for the Ohio Bar Exam in July before beginning the next chapter of her professional career. She has already secured a position with a law firm in Centerville, Ohio, where she will begin as a law clerk before transitioning into an associate attorney role upon bar passage.

Reflecting on her journey through law school, she hopes future students understand that success in the legal profession is not limited to those who come from legal backgrounds or have extensive connections.

"One thing I learned from my experience at law school is the belief that anyone can achieve the goal of earning their JD or becoming an attorney with enough determination and support," she said.

Coming from what she describes as a "very non-legal background," Brauer initially worried that she lacked the experience or resources others might have entering law school.

"There are many different kinds of people that enter the legal field," Evelyn reflected, "and there is a space for everyone who is willing to work hard."

Isabella Fantozzi found lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and a future in estate planning

Growing up in Huron, Ohio, Isabella Fantozzi learned early on the value of connection and community-qualities that would later shape both her law school journey and future career aspirations. After completing undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University, she knew she wanted a law school experience that felt collaborative rather than competitive. That search led her to the University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law (formerly the University of Cincinnati College of Law).

"What drew me to UC Law was the community," Fantozzi said. "I wanted a law school environment where we celebrated each other's successes just as much as we pushed each other to be better."

At the college, she found exactly that. Instead of the stereotypical cutthroat law school atmosphere, Fantozzi discovered a culture where professors, faculty, staff, and students genuinely wanted one another to succeed. That support system became one of the most meaningful parts of her experience.

During their third year, Fantozzi served as a 3L representative for the Student Bar Association, a role that pushed her to grow in unexpected ways. Balancing responsibilities while helping classmates navigate the many deadlines and demands of 3L year strengthened her time management, communication, and delegation skills.

"I often joked, 'I cannot believe how many things are my problem,'" she said with a laugh. "But I am honored to have been able to hold this position."

The experience not only prepared her professionally, but also reinforced the kind of leader and advocate she hopes to become. After graduation and bar passage, Fantozzi plans to practice estate planning in the Cincinnati area, a field she feels perfectly matches her personality and passion for helping people.

"I am such a people person, so estate planning is the perfect practice area for me," she shared.

Looking back on the last three years, it is the relationships formed that stand out most. From lifelong friendships to mentors who will continue to guide her throughout her career, the people she met along the way have left a lasting impact.

"The people I have met at the University of Cincinnati College of Law have changed me forever," Fantozzi said. "I met my very best friends and mentors that I will have for my whole life. I am so grateful for this experience, and I hope to have made UC Law just a little bit better for everyone after me."

From professional soccer to family law, Christopher Banfi found purpose helping clients navigate life's most personal challenges

Christopher Banfi's journey to becoming an attorney has been anything but traditional. Raised in Toronto in a family with European roots, his life initially revolved around soccer. What started as a passion eventually became an opportunity that brought him to the United States on a sports scholarship to attend Spring Arbor University, where he played collegiate soccer before continuing on to a brief professional career as a goalkeeper in both the U.S. and Europe.

But somewhere along the way, Bnfi realized his long-term future wasn't on the field.

"I walked away from the professional soccer world because I wanted to branch off into the business world of sport," he says. "But I also realized I was more interested in helping people on a personal level than dealing with league governance or team operations."

That realization ultimately led him to University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law. The college checked every box for him-it was highly respected, affordable, and geographically positioned between two cities that shaped his life: Toronto and Atlanta, where he planned to eventually practice law.

While in law school, Banfi found his niche almost immediately. After his first summer working in high net-worth family, divorce, and asset protection law, he knew he had found the career path he wanted to pursue long term.

"I had an amazing experience helping clients in the high net-worth family, divorce and asset protection world-from athletes to entertainers and celebrities-and I didn't want to stop," he explains.

What made the experience even more impactful was the flexibility the law school gave him to continue building real-world experience while finishing school. Over his remaining two years, Banfi balanced classes with ongoing remote and hybrid work at his firm, gaining hands-on experience week after week.

"I suppose you could say I treated it like the law-equivalent of a medical residency," he says. "I was constantly gaining real-world experience in order to become the very best in my specific field."

Today, his career goals are tied to both his athletic background and his passion for helping people through difficult moments. He hopes to practice high net-worth family, divorce, and asset protection law while serving as a trusted advisor to families around the world-particularly athletes and uniquely situated individuals.

"With my background in sport, I've been in the exact same shoes as a lot of the athletes I work with," he says. "That relatability factor allows me to connect with people on a personal and emotional level."

That connection is what drives him most. Banfi recognized that many athletes and high-profile individuals often struggle to open up about personal issues to agents, teams, or even those closest to them. He wanted to fill that gap by becoming someone clients could trust during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Over time, that passion expanded beyond sports. While he continues to enjoy working with athletes and entertainers, Banfi also sees his work as an opportunity to help everyday people navigate highly personal legal matters with empathy, discretion, and understanding.

Lead photo: College of Law Marketing; Additional photos: provided

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