Student Ambassadors
WVU Law’s Student Ambassadors are current 2Ls and 3Ls who are excited to offer their unique insight into our community. If you have questions about the student experience at WVU Law, feel free to email our Student Ambassadors.
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Undergraduate School & Degree: University of Houston-Downtown, B.A.
in English
Graduate School & Degree: University of Houston-Downtown, MBA
in Leadership Management; Sam Houston State University, M. Ed in Instructional
Leadership and Technology; Prairie View A&M University, Ph.D. in Educational
Leadership and Higher Education Administration
Law School Extracurriculars: Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee,
Black Law Students Association (Vice President 25-26), BARBRI Bar Prep Student
Representative, Energy Law Association (Vice President 25-26), Ethics Counsel
(1L Representative 24-25), Women's Leadership Council
Legal Jobs:
Alcoa Corporation (Pittsburgh, PA)- Summer 2025 Law Clerk
Future Plans: I hope to begin my legal career as an associate at a
law firm with a strong higher education or employment law practice, with the
goal of eventually transitioning to in-house counsel at a university or national
organization. My long-term goal is to become general counsel at a university
and, ultimately, to serve as a university president.
Why WVU Law: What drew me to WVU Law is its commitment to building
a strong, supportive community and its focus on educating the whole student.
Being admitted into WVU Law felt like a warm embrace. It was a genuine welcome
into a community that values more than just academic performance. From the
start, the school made it very clear that students are not just future lawyers,
but individuals with diverse backgrounds, ambitions, and needs. WVU Law stands
out for its faculty and staff who are deeply invested in student success, including
their personal development and long-term career achievements. I was also drawn
to WVU Law’s size, confident that its smaller class sizes would foster close
relationships with professors, personalized support, and a true sense of community
among peers. I am happy to say that has absolutely proven to be the case.
Jacob (JT) Tanner, 3L
Hometown: Ravenswood, West Virginia
Undergraduate School & Degree: West Liberty University,
Psychology
Law School Extracurriculars: Innocence Project
Legal Jobs: Adams, Fisher, & Chappell and 4th & 5th Circuit
Public Defender's Offices
Future Plans: Criminal Law/ Family Law
Why WVU Law: I’m drawn to WVU’s mission to serve the state and
its people, and I believe the College of Law offers both the training and the
values I need to become an effective advocate for those who need it most.
Sam Snider, 3L
Hometown: Weston, West Virginia
Undergraduate School & Degree: West Virginia University, B.S.
in Economics
Law School Extracurriculars: VP of the West Virginia Energy Association
Legal Jobs:
Summer Associate at Steptoe and Johnson, PLLC
Future Plans: Civil Litigation Attorney
Why WVU Law?
I chose to come to WVU Law to enhance myself with the ability to serve those
around me and be a part of making a difference in people’s lives.
Olivia Moncada, 2L
Hometown: Scott Depot, West Virginia
Undergraduate School & Degree: BA Political Science Marshall University
Law School Extracurriculars:
2L Class Council Fundraising Chair, Themis Bar Prep Student Representative, Women's
Leadership Council
Legal Jobs: 2025 - Law Clerk for the Office of the WV Attorney
General Civil Rights Division. (Upcoming) 2026 - Summer Associate at Dinsmore
& Shohl LLP
Future Plans:
While I came to WVU Law with a desire to practice environmental law with a focus
on water conservation, my summer clerkship with the Office of the West Virginia
Attorney General has sparked a new interest in practicing civil rights litigation,
especially in the labor and employment sector. I plan to use my 2L year to
study and learn about these areas while preparing for practice.
Why WVU Law?
As a daughter of Appalachia, my decision to attend WVU college of Law was an
easy choice beyond the comfort of staying in my home region. WVU Law provides
a focus on student success in every aspect; both in and out of the classroom.
I immediately felt welcomed and taken care of, as the staff never forget a
face and are enthusiastic about building an engaged legal community beyond
the doors of the school. Support is offered in every aspect, from academics,
social mentors, career services, and on-site mental health care. Going to WVU
Law was one of the best choices of my life and I couldn't imagine being surrounded
by peers that feel like family anywhere else. Whether you are from Appalachia
or are traveling from across the country to be here, WVU Law ensures that you
are bound for success, wherever the country roads may take you.
