Ask an Ambassador

Got Questions? Ask an Ambassador

Once you’ve been admitted to Gonzaga Law, you’ll be contacted by one of our student Ambassadors.

That’s your opportunity to ask about the things you need to know before packing your bags. Your Ambassador can give you an insider's view of GU and the area where we live.

Any time you have a question, they’re as close as an email.

The Ambassadors

Kristen Cha
		Hometown: Seattle, WA Education: B.A., University of Washington Undergraduate Major: Art History Email Address: kcha@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Immigration, Real Estate Transactions, Land Use and Regulations, and Agency & Partnership Law Favorite Class: Property and Criminal Law Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: The professors and students. The law school brings together an interesting mix of personalities and backgrounds. Getting to know professors and colleagues in and outside of the law school is never boring. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? To experience something completely different than going to school in Seattle. Coming from a large university, I was looking for a small law school with a tight-knit community of professors and students. I definitely got what I was looking for: Spokane is not Seattle, and the professors happily make time for the students. Law School Activities: Multicultural Law Caucus, Asian Pacific Islander Law Caucus Favorite Restaurant in Spokane: The Beachhouse - Coeur d'Alene Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: Meet friends for coffee at random coffee shops Favorite Supreme Court Justice: O'Connor Favorite Legal Case: International Shoe Co. v. Washington; Stambovksy v. Ackley

Jason Della Sala

Hometown: Tomball, TX Education: B.A., Penn State University Undergraduate Major: Political Science Email Address: jdellasala@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Federal Tax Law: After my JD, I’m getting my LLM in Tax Law. Favorite Class: Individual Income Taxation and Constitutional Law Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: I like the professors; they are very welcoming, professional, and knowledgeable. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? Coming from a very large school, I wanted to try something different. I wanted to move further West. I didn’t want to live in a large city, but still wanted the amenities of a city; therefore, I chose Spokane! Law School Activities: Vice President of Tax Law Society; Treasurer of SOVA; Legal Intern for the Federal Tax Clinic; Law Ambassador,; and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). Favorite Restaurant in Spokane: RAW and Jack and Dans are up there. Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: Go to Gonzaga Basketball games. Favorite Supreme Court Justice: Clarence Thomas, of course!

Elizabeth Dunfee

Hometown: Tucson, AZ Undergraduate Education: B.A., Arizona State University Undergraduate Major: Political Science Email Address: edunfee@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Environmental Law and Water Law Favorite Class: Civil Procedure and Property Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: Everyone at Gonzaga Law wants you to succeed. The professors know who you are and are always willing to meet with you. There is also a sense of camaraderie among the students. Plus, there is so much natural light in the library and a great view of the Spokane River. I love being able to see outside, when I have to be inside studying. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? I wanted to stay in the West, but do a little exploring at the same time. Once I visited, I knew Gonzaga Law was “the one.” I felt comfortable around the professors and students from the start. Legal Jobs/Internships: Environmental Law Clinic Law School Activities: Member of the Gonzaga Law Review; Member of the Gonzaga Public Interest Law Project; Member of the Environmental Law Caucus; Member of the Women’s Law Caucus; Participant in the Florence Summer Program; BarBri Student Representative. Favorite Restaurant in Spokane: Luna on the South Hill, it’s where I take all my out of town visitors. Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: Walk my dog, Sammy, in Manito Park. He especially enjoys the Rose Garden. Favorite Supreme Court Justice: Sandra Day O’Conner Favorite Legal Case: the playful kick – Vosburg v. Putney

Ayanna Eagan

Video Interview

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV Education: B.A., University of Nevada, Las Vegas Undergraduate Major: Political Science Email Address: aeagan@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Generally, Public Interest law. Working with juveniles in the context of family and criminal law would be ideal. Favorite Class: Civil Procedure with Professor Hess Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: The community. That might sound generic, but it is really true. It is very easy to get connected with other students as well as faculty. The clubs and events on campus really enhance your legal education. Here, you are more than just a student – you are a vital member of the community at large. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? I have always been a fan of the Northwest and when it came to picking law schools I wanted one that had my best interests in mind. Gonzaga is dedicated to public service and has a strong Jesuit Catholic tradition. Every time I mentioned Gonzaga Law to someone in my hometown they had nothing but good things to say about the institution. The school is very well connected to legal communities throughout the West and that was essential to me. Legal jobs/Internships: Summer 2008 Intern: University Legal Assistance (Professional Skills Clinic). Spring 2009 Intern: Northwest Justice Project (family law intern) Law School Activities: Member of Phi Alpha Delta; member of Gonzaga Public Interest Law Project; BarBri representative; member of law school ministry Favorite Restaurant in Spokane: Mizuna, although for a cheap alternative you cannot go wrong with Taste of India Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: It is always fun to hit the bars with friends (Jimmy Z’s and Blue Spark are my two favorite), but I also love getting involved in the community whether it be volunteering or checking out random events that come through town. There is plenty to get into if you are interested in community service, and you meet great people (also potential employers). Also, Spokane has great parks (like Manito) to check out if you have pets and/or kids. Favorite Supreme Court Justice: Thurgood Marshall (Brennan is a close second) Favorite Legal Case: I love all the Con Law cases that have to do with Civil/Individual rights because it is imperative that we understand where we have come from as a nation and how these critical decisions STILL impact our lives today: Dred Scott v. Sandford, Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board, Loving v. VA, Lawrence v. TX, Roe v. Wade, Grutter v. Bollinger. It reminds me that while so much has been accomplished, we have to keep moving forward to attain a better society for all of our citizens.

Aaron Gwilliam
	Hometown: Vanderhoof, British Columbia Canada Undergraduate Education: B.A., University of Utah Undergraduate Major: Business Management Email Address: agwilliam@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Business Law, Bankruptcy, Tax Law Favorite Class: So far … Civil Procedure or Tax Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: I enjoy the camaraderie between students. We all try to help each other succeed and have fun outside of the classroom as well. My professors have been very helpful and offer candid advice on how to do well in law school, in their particular class and are willing to discuss their student’s future career and goals. Legal jobs/Internships: Summer 2009 – current. I am working for Brent Sorenson and Associates a Bankruptcy Law Office in Spokane Valley. Law School Activities: Secretary for the Gonzaga Society for Law and Business; Member of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society; Member of a terrible but proud intramural basketball team. Favorite Restaurant in Spokane: Cafe Choulou in Coeur d’Alene or Tomato Street in Spokane Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: Ride my canoe down the river or swim in Lake Coeur d’Alene with my twin boys.

Samantha Hankins

Hometown: Lake Forest, IL Education: B.A., Creighton University Undergraduate Major: Journalism and Mass Communications - Advertising and Visual Communications Email Address: shankins@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Intellectual Property, Consumer Protection, Environmental Law Favorite Class: Property and Intellectual Property Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: The community. Law school is definitely tough, and took getting use to after having some time off from school. Right from the beginning I found my classmates to be genuinely supportive because we were all pretty much going through this process together, and the faculty really wanted to see their students succeed. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law?: I went to Creighton University for my undergrad and while I was there, I totally fell in love with Jesuit education and the emphasis they placed on social justice. As a result, when I was applying to law schools I primarily applied to Jesuit schools. I chose Gonzaga because when I came to visit, it became clear that Gonzaga was committed to public service. Law School Activities: Secretary of Gonzaga Student Bar Association; Co-President of the Asian Pacific Islander Law Caucus; Auction Co-Chair of the Gonzaga Public Interest Law Project; Filipino Lawyers of Washington - Gonzaga Student Liaison, Street Law. Favorite Restaurant in Spokane:  Kusina Filipina Favorite Legal Case: Vokes v. Arthur Murray, Inc., because just reading it tugged at my heartstrings; and, Stambovsky v. Ackley, because "plaintiff hasn't a ghost of a chance."

Richard Hy

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT Education: B.A. and B.S., University of Utah Undergrad Major: Political Science and Sociology Email: rhy@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Contract Law, Property Law, and Agency and Partnership Law Favorite Class: Contracts and Property Favorite Aspects of Gonzaga Law: The faculty and staff. From the very first visit, the GU law faculty and staff have been immensely helpful in my law school career. They understand the difficulties of a legal education and try to help students in every possible way. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? I would like to practice in the Las Vegas area, and GU has an increasing number of alumni who reside in Nevada. Law School Activities: Student Bar Association ABA/LSD Representative; Community Liaison of Phi Alpha Delta; Vice-President of the Asian Pacific Islander Law Caucus Favorite thing to do in Spokane: Taking a walk down Centennial Trail. Favorite Supreme Court Justice: Chief Justice William Rehnquist Favorite Legal Case: Stambovsky v. Ackley, because “as a matter of law, the house is haunted”

Andrew Dinh Lawhon

Hometown: San Francisco, CA Education: Gonzaga University Undergraduate Major: Political Science Email Address: alawhon@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Criminal law because I am planning on being a Prosecutor, at least for the first 3 years out of law school. Then, who knows ... Favorite Class: Criminal Law, because the cases are by far the most interesting. Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: As an undergrad at GU, I fell in love with the community and the spirit of this place. Gonzaga, as a Catholic and Jesuit school, really strives that every student be a man or woman for others. When the time came to choose a law school, where else could I continue this spirit, and still go to GU Basketball games? Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? I want to practice in Seattle and Gonzaga is a great feeder school for Seattle law firms. Law School Activities: Associate Editor of the Gonzaga Journal of International Law, Member of Phi Alpha Delta, Member of the Sports Entertainment Law Club, Member of the Federalist Society.

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Natalie LaPorte

Video Interview

Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ Undergraduate Education: B.S., Arizona State University Undergraduate Major: Justice and Social Inquiry Email Address: nlaporte@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Criminal law Favorite Class: Evidence Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: The close-knit community formed by the students and the faculty. The students are respectful and supportive of the faculty and of one another, and the faculty genuinely cares about each student’s success and understanding. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? When I visited the campus for the first time the faculty was exceptionally welcoming and I felt a sense of belonging no other law school had provided. Legal Jobs/Internships: Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Spokane County Juvenile Court Law School Activities: Social Chair of Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, Member of GSA Outlaws, Member of the Criminal Law Society, Participant in the Florence Program, and a Gonzaga Law Ambassador. Favorite Restaurant in Spokane: Moxie Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: Visit Manito Park and Green Bluff Favorite Supreme Court Justice: Antonin Scalia Favorite Legal Case: Leonard v. PepsiCo, Inc., because I finally learned what you cannot buy with Pepsi Points.

Melissa Pauley
	Hometown: Vancouver, WA Education: B.A., University of Washington Undergraduate Major: Political Science and Communication Email Address: mpauley@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Indian Law, Elder Law, Animal Law, and Media Law Favorite Class: Property Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: My favorite aspect of Gonzaga Law is all the opportunities that are available to us as students. We have the opportunity to get experience through externships, internships, or University Legal Assistance positions. We also have the opportunity to get involved with clubs, and communicate with highly knowledgeable staff. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? I primarily picked Gonzaga Law because of the Indian Law program. I also wanted to stay in Washington closer to my family. Legal jobs/Internships: Current legal intern in the University Legal Assistance Indian Law Clinic from Summer 2009 until present. I also did a summer internship with Spokane Tribal TANF. Law School Activities: Vice President of the Indian Law Caucus. Favorite Restaurant: Pete’s Pizza (The Calzones are absolutely incredible!) Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: I enjoy finding new places to explore to take photographs of with my fiancé. I also enjoy producing and even acting in short films with friends. Favorite Supreme Court Justice: Thurgood Marshall Favorite Legal Case: Stambovsky v. Ackley (“As a matter of law this house is haunted …”)

Sophia Romero-Medina
	Hometown: Taos, NM Education: B.A., New Mexico State University Undergraduate Major: Criminal Justice; Law & Society Email Address: sromero@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Family Law, Elder Law, Criminal Law, Business Law Favorite Class: Constitutional Law and Community Property Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: The people. Everyone, faculty and students, are all amazing! Professors have an open-door policy and are willing to help any student who asks. There is a wonderful sense of community here at Gonzaga, and no matter what you need there is always someone who is willing to help point you in the right direction. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? After living in New Mexico my entire life I decided that I needed a change of scenery. I looked at Gonzaga not only because it is a Catholic School, but because it has a great reputation among law schools. I chose Gonzaga after interacting with several people who all were extremely helpful. Everyone I dealt with was very nice and made me feel welcome, which is something I didn't find at other law schools. Also, Spokane is beautiful as is the law school building itself. Law School Activities: Vice President of the Hispanic Law Caucus; Member of Phi Alpha Delta; Member of the Women's Law Caucus; Intramural Sports. Favorite Restaurant in Spokane: Raw Sushi, Lindaman's, and of course Wolfy's Burgers Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: Walking on the Centennial Trail with my husband and spending time with friends. Although Spokane is not a large city, there is always plenty to do. Whether you are interested in outdoor activities, drinking coffee with friends, or heading out for a night on the town, Spokane has something to offer. Favorite Supreme Court Justice: I can't pick just one so ... Chief Justice John Marshall, Chief Justice Earl Warren, and Sonia Maria Sotomayor Favorite Legal Case: Marbury v. Madison.

Abigail Staggers

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN Education: Bryan College Undergraduate Major: English Email Address: astaggers@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Business law, health law. Favorite Class: Health law Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: The faculty; professors are very approachable and really want to see their students succeed. Legal jobs/Internships: Intern with University Legal Assistance Law School Activities: Mission Possible; Intramural Sports. Favorite Restaurant in Spokane: Café Marron in Browne’s Addition Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: Cycling – Spokane is a very bicycle friendly city; there are also some great hills and scenic routes outside of the city.

Stephanie Taylor

Hometown: Hillsboro, OR Education: Western Oregon University Undergraduate Major: Psychology Email Address: staylor@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Animal Law, Family Law, Environment Law and International Law Favorite Class: Animal law Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: It would have to be the professors’ willingness to meet with students outside of class. During my first year, one of my professors offered to meet with me on a Sunday, and I cannot think of a time that ever happened during my undergrad. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? I’ve never gone out of state for school and decided that law school would be a great time for it. Gonzaga is close enough for me to drive home if I need to, but also far enough to experience living out of state. Law School Activities: I am the vice president of the Women’s Law Caucus, a member of Phi Alpha Delta and a Gonzaga Law Ambassador. Favorite Restaurant in Spokane: Picabu, its got a Portland feel to it. Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: Play in the snow!!!! Favorite Legal Case: I can’t really think of a favorite, but animal law definitely has the most interesting cases.

Stuart Wilson

Name: Stuart Wilson Hometown: San Marino, CA Undergraduate Education: B.A., UCLA Undergraduate Major: Political Science Email Address: swilson@lawschool.gonzaga.edu Areas of Interest: Agency and Partnership, Sports and Entertainment Law Favorite Classes: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Contracts Favorite Aspect of Gonzaga Law: The students here all contribute to a positive learning environment and there are a multitude of activities and student organizations to get involved with. Gonzaga really has a great community of students that work hard and make the overall law school experience enjoyable. Why did you pick Gonzaga Law? I chose Gonzaga because it has a great legal writing program and very strong professors that prepare law students well for any legal career. As an out-of-state applicant I felt Gonzaga was the right choice because of the welcoming admissions staff and overall impression the law school made. Law School Activities: Sports and Entertainment Law Club; Tax Law Club; Gonzaga Law Ambassador; Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Favorite Restaurant in Spokane: I’m a huge fan of The Pita Pit. It’s simple, yet great. Favorite Thing to do in Spokane: I usually like to go out with my friends to the downtown area bars. Playing intramural basketball against the Gonzaga undergrads is always pretty fun too. Favorite Legal Case: Wood v. Lucy Lady Duff-Gordon, one of Professor Morrissey’s favorites.

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