Student Spotlights
Meet the Future of Law
Sidebar
At the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, our students bring their stories, values, and ambitions to life through their work in and beyond the classroom. The Student Spotlights series features members of our student community who represent the integrity, drive, and resilience that define a Brandeis Law education.
We highlight students whose journeys reflect our values—whether they are first-generation law students, public service advocates, future litigators, student parents, or aspiring legal scholars. Their stories offer insight into the lived experiences, motivations, and goals that shape their time at Brandeis and their impact on the world ahead.
Explore the Spotlights
From hometown pride and personal influences to career goals and favorite quotes, each spotlight offers a glimpse into the authentic experience of becoming a lawyer at Brandeis.
Josh Coleman
Class of 2026
Hometown: Maysville, Kentucky
What you love about Brandeis: My favorite aspects of Brandeis are the wonderful relationships I have developed with fellow students, professors, and faculty members. The community here has always helped me through any difficult times I may experience, and it is evident that we all want to see each other succeed.
Career goal: I would like to work in intellectual property law as a patent attorney.
Biggest influence: My parents have always been my greatest influence. They have shown me what hard work, dedication, and determination look like in every aspect of life, and have helped build my faith so that I can persevere through anything.
Favorite quote: “Somewhere he is out there training while I am not, and when we meet, he will win.” – Tim Tebow
Kennedy Ballard
Class of 2026
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
What you love about Brandeis: The supportive nature of my cohort, combined with the guidance from upperclassmen, has helped create the welcoming and encouraging environment that defines Brandeis. While law school can be competitive, that mindset has never overshadowed Brandeis students’ willingness to support one another. Whether it’s sharing notes, outlines, or other class materials, students across all L-years are generous with their time and resources. On one occasion, when I was unable to attend class, a classmate FaceTimed me into a lecture so I wouldn’t fall behind—just one example of the strong sense of community here.
Career goal: I would like to practice law in-house for a large corporation. As a rising 3L, I have been working closely with Dean Lee from OPD to help ensure I am able to achieve my goals.
Biggest influence: My grandpa, a kind and humble man from Paintsville, Kentucky, was a teacher in Eastern Kentucky. He often spoke of the importance and power of education, while also emphasizing the value of balance and not giving too much of yourself to just one part of life.
Favorite quote: “No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half its citizens.” – Michelle Obama
Mihika Deo
Class of 2027
Hometowns: Pune, India and Louisville, Kentucky
What you love about Brandeis: What I value most about Brandeis Law is the genuine sense of community and support that defines the school. Right before finals, I experienced a medical emergency, and the outpouring of care I received from professors, classmates, and staff was incredible. Everyone moved quickly to make sure I had the resources and flexibility I needed to recover and finish the semester successfully. That experience showed me that Brandeis is more than just a law school—it’s a community that truly looks out for one another. It’s a place where students are encouraged to thrive, not just academically, but personally as well.
Career goal: After graduation, I hope to work at a mid- to large-sized law firm specializing in commercial law, commercial real estate, and finance. I am drawn to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of transactional work, where legal analysis directly supports business growth and development. My goal is to build a career that allows me to advise clients on complex financial and real estate matters while developing long-term relationships grounded in trust, precision, and strategic problem solving.
Biggest influence: The people who have influenced me the most are my parents. They came to this country with little more than determination and the hope of creating a better life for our family. Through hard work and perseverance, they built successful careers, created opportunities they never had growing up, and showed me what resilience truly looks like.
Favorite quote: “Rejections will redirect you to more exciting roads. When you think your life is falling apart, it’s usually falling together in disguise.” – Charlotte Eriksson
Elizabeth Roy
Class of 2027
Hometowns: Cabot, Arkansas and Nashville, Tennessee
What you love about Brandeis: I love that Brandeis Law is authentic. From my first tour, I felt welcomed by professors, encouraged to find the right law school for me, and supported as a first-generation law student. It’s a humble, service-minded place full of scrappy, passionate people from diverse backgrounds. Brandeis Law offers unique opportunities and a culture that values faith, resilience, and the health of both heart and mind. That is exactly what I needed in a legal education.
Career goal: I plan to work in Nashville, Tennessee advocating for plaintiffs in medical malpractice and products liability matters.
Biggest influence: My biggest influence is my sister and best friend, Caydee. She has been a constant source of strength spiritually, emotionally, and personally. From my early days as a paralegal to navigating law school, she has supported every step of my journey. Her unwavering belief in me—especially during moments of self-doubt—has shaped the resilience and faith I carry with me today.
Favorite quote: “There is no excess of goodness. You cannot go too far in the right direction.” – C.S. Lewis, The Pilgrim’s Regress
Sarah Kelley
Class of 2027
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
What you love about Brandeis: I love that Brandeis is so immersed in the Louisville community. I really appreciate the focus on public service and community engagement, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunities we’ve had to engage with local attorneys, judges, and other legal leaders.
Career goal: I worked for an appellate court during my 1L summer and loved it, so I am actively considering further work in appellate advocacy and the judicial process. I also hold a master’s degree in higher education administration and find legal issues in education especially interesting, so I hope to incorporate that as well.
Biggest influence: I once heard the quote, “We are each a museum of everyone we’ve ever met,” and that really resonates with me. I’m fortunate to have several mentors and positive influences in my life—from my parents and grandmother to professors, supervisors, and community leaders—whose collective impact has shaped me both professionally and personally.
Favorite quote: “I think if you treat people right, things will work out.”
Lucas Piper
Class of 2027
Hometown: Denton, Texas
What you love about Brandeis: I love how Brandeis feels like a family. I’ve made so many friends in my short time here, and I’ve had so much fun getting to know everyone. I know these friendships will last a lifetime.
Career goal: I want to be a sports agent or a criminal defense attorney.
Biggest influence: Johnnie Cochran has influenced me to want to become an attorney. His charisma in the courtroom inspired me to have full confidence in oral arguments and trial advocacy.
Favorite quote: “I never dreamed about being president. When I was growing up, I wanted to be Willie Mays.” – George W. Bush
Salute the Unbroken
Honoring Brandeis Law students whose service and sacrifice strengthen our community.
Morgan Howerton
Class of 2027
United States Army
Hometown: Owensboro, Kentucky
Branch of service: Army
Why I chose to serve & what I’m most proud of: I chose to serve because the Army provided opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. What I’m most proud of is being able to witness the growth of young soldiers into confident and capable leaders. Seeing them take on challenges, support one another, and rise into leadership roles was truly inspiring. Having a small, guiding role in their journeys and growing alongside them was incredibly rewarding.
Career goal: I want to pursue a career in civil litigation.
What I love about Brandeis: What I love most about Brandeis is the sense of community. There’s space for all types of people here, from every walk of life, and that diversity truly enriches the experience. I also appreciate how invested the faculty and administrators are in our success.
Favorite quote: “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin
