Student Spotlights
Meet the Future of Law
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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.
Faith Rodriguez
Class of 2027
Hometown: With a father in the military, I don’t have one set hometown. I’ve lived in 10 different states throughout my life. However, I’ve spent a significant portion of my life in Olympia, Washington, and in various cities throughout Georgia.
What you love about Brandeis: “My professors are great, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my classes and everything I’ve learned so far. I’ve also loved meeting lifelong friends through law school and in the community.”
Career goal: “I recently received advice from three women I interviewed with: ‘Be open to possibilities and don’t stop applying.’ Each shared how their careers unfolded differently than expected, but they were grateful for the unexpected opportunities they embraced. Wherever I end up after law school, my main goal is to serve the community using the skills I’ve gained through school and my internships.”
Biggest influence: “My husband has been my biggest influence. He has been a wonderful support and has helped shape me into the confident and healthy woman I’ve become.”
Favorite quote: Lamentations 3:21–26. “These verses remind me that despite any hardship—emotional or otherwise—the Lord is with me and there are beautiful things to focus on every day.”
James Bundren
Class of 2027
Hometown: Eddyville, Kentucky
What you love about Brandeis: “I’ve appreciated the many challenges law school has presented. Overcoming them has promoted personal and mental growth that I’m grateful for. I also value the opportunities Brandeis provides, and I’m confident they are significant steps toward achieving my goals. Being surrounded by bright, driven, and passionate people pushes me to grow—I learn something from everyone I meet here.”
Career goal: “I hope to pursue a career in environmental or public interest law and clerk for a judge at some point—and perhaps one day become one.”
Biggest influence: “My older brother influenced my decision to attend law school. When he joined the Navy and completed the rigorous Naval Nuclear Power School program, I saw how rewarding challenging work could be. Watching him showed me that I was capable of pursuing something equally demanding.”
Favorite quote: “In a forest there are two thousand trees, but if you look at it closer and accurately, every tree is a personality. No two trees are the same—they are all personalities. Nature becomes real or fulfills its patterns in unique, individuated beings." – Marie-Louise von Franz
Kylee Reid Kieper
Class of 2027
Hometown: Kemah, Texas
What you love about Brandeis: “I really appreciate the smaller class sizes and how much the faculty cares about their students. Everyone is incredibly supportive.”
Career goal: “I would love to work in transportation or tax law, particularly in the aviation industry. Federal Income Tax has been one of my favorite classes, and I’d love to pursue that area in the future.”
Biggest influence: “My husband. He matches my spontaneity perfectly and has always been ready to support my law school journey in any way he can.”
Favorite quote: “Never tell me the odds.” – Han Solo, Star Wars
Jessica Roby
Class of 2027
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
What you love about Brandeis: “My favorite part about Brandeis Law is how driven the faculty and staff are in helping us achieve our individual goals. They take the time to know us personally and offer guidance and motivation. Being from Louisville, I take pride in how outstanding our law school is. Law school has given me a foundation to understand people and the world from many different perspectives. In more ways than one, Brandeis Law has given me a seat at the table.”
Career goal: “I plan to work in real estate law. After my 1L year, I worked for Limestone Title & Escrow facilitating real estate closings and quickly realized this is where I see myself long term. I enjoy working directly with clients and using the knowledge I’ve gained at Brandeis to navigate real estate matters.”
Biggest influence: “My dad, Scott Roby, a proud Brandeis Law graduate, has been my greatest influence. While his successful legal career inspires me, what stands out most is his work-life balance. He never missed a volleyball game and has been present for every milestone in my life. He has shown me that it’s possible to build a meaningful legal career while prioritizing family.”
Favorite quote: “Be where your feet are.”
Hannah Flannery
Class of 2027
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois (Chicago area)
What you love about Brandeis: “I truly love the sense of community at Brandeis. The students are compassionate and collaborative, professors are inclusive and approachable, and the faculty are always willing to provide guidance. As a first-generation law student, I wanted a school that fostered genuine connection and support. Brandeis has exceeded that expectation.”
Career goal: “My ultimate goal is to advocate for victims of domestic violence. This area of law is often underserved, and I’m passionate about using my education and voice to make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors seeking justice and safety.”
Biggest influence: “Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has had the greatest influence on me. Her compassion, intellect, and authenticity inspire me daily. Meeting her last year was life-changing.”
Favorite quote: “If we desire respect for the law, we must first make it respectable.” – Justice Louis D. Brandeis
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
