Admissible: A Look Inside Law School Admissions

Artificial intelligence expert and UVA Law professor Mike Livermore joins Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss how AI is affecting legal academia and the future of legal practice. Far from replacing the need for lawyers in the future, Livermore argues that AI — when harnessed properly by humans — could in fact elevate the standing of attorneys and democratize access to legal services.

They’ve seen it all and heard it all, and now they’re spilling the tea. Third-year law student workers join Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to share advice and insights based on hundreds of interactions with applicants and prospective students each cycle.

Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 ventured outside the studio and into a freak snowstorm to report heartwarming stories from behind the scenes of UVA Law’s 2026 Admitted Students Open House. Through on-site interviews with admitted students, their guests, current law students and alumni, this episode highlights the admissions cycle’s main event that brought hundreds of visitors to Charlottesville this (snowy) spring.

Assistant Dean for Community Engagement Mark Jefferson joins Dean Blazer to discuss how UVA Law students are trained to become outstanding lawyers by learning to disagree with one another in a supportive environment.

Amelia Isaacs ’26 and Kyle Trotman ’26 met as undergraduates at Florida State University and quickly bonded over their interests and aspirations for law school. The couple joins Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to share how they navigated the application process, 1L coursework, leadership positions, job searches and more, all while leaning on one another for support and encouragement.

UVA Law’s three directors of admission — Katie Delsandro ’12, Rosanne Ibanez and Jennifer Echemendia — discuss the 2026 application cycle and offer advice to candidates seeking to obtain admission to a top law school in an increasingly competitive process.

Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 wraps up the year with insights about each episode of Season 7.

Assistant Dean for Private Practice Lauren Parker ’08 and Director of Private Practice Kira Walmer ’08 join classmate Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss how UVA Law’s individualized approach to career counseling prepares students to navigate an increasingly fast-paced and unpredictable job market. Parker and Walmer offer practical tips for balancing the job search with first-year coursework; advise how to make the most of each career counseling session; share which skills and traits make someone a “keeper” in the legal industry; and more.

UVA Law Professor and Education Rights Institute Director Kimberly Jenkins Robinson discusses her passion for education rights and why she founded ERI, how law students are critical to the institute’s operation and the work the institute is doing to further the right to a high-quality education in America. Robinson also shares why she loves teaching at the Law School and why she believes UVA Law students are “the happiest group of law students.”

Older, wiser law students (“owls”) Neil Noronha ’26 and Kathleen Samuelson ’26 join Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss how they forged their paths as nontraditional applicants and found community at UVA Law.

Judge Lisa Lorish ’08 joins her classmate, Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08, to discuss her path to the Virginia Court of Appeals following a successful career in private practice and as a federal public defender. Currently a lecturer at UVA Law, Judge Lorish offers advice to law school applicants, students and graduates, and shares what she loves most about serving on the bench.

From college sophomores to first-year law students, Sarah Beddingfield ’28 and Morgan Gaspar ’28 join Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss their experience in UVA Law’s Roadmap Scholars Initiative.

Professor and Double Hoo Xiao Wang, director of UVA Law’s Supreme Court Litigation Clinic, joins Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss how the clinic gets selected to take on high-profile cases; why a people-first approach is critical to successful advocacy; and how his time at UVA helped prepare him for the grand stage of the Supreme Court. Following the clinic’s back-to-back 9-0 victories at the Supreme Court in the 2024-25 term, Wang emphasizes that UVA Law students are at the forefront of the research, briefing and preparation for oral argument of each case presented before the Supreme Court, all while still in their third year of law school.

Virginia men’s basketball Associate Head Coach Griff Aldrich ’99 joins Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss his journey from UVA Law student to college basketball coach to corporate attorney and back again. Now in his first season coaching at UVA, Aldrich shares the “intangibles” he looks for that signal success on the court and in the classroom, his take on the transfer portal and the recent transformation of college sports, how skills learned in law school apply to all areas of life and more.

Assistant Dean for Public Service Ryan Faulconer ’08 joins Dean Blazer to discuss how political instability creates an even bigger demand for great lawyers, and how UVA Law students in particular benefit from the customized counseling and support that his office provides. Reflecting upon his 15-year career as a federal prosecutor, which took off at the height of the Great Recession, Dean Faulconer emphasizes the need for flexibility, grit and creativity to navigate uncertain times.

Back by popular demand, Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 and her microphone venture outside the studio to give listeners a look inside UVA Law’s Admitted Students Open House. Through on-site interviews with admitted students, their guests, current law students, alumni and staff, this episode highlights the admissions cycle’s main event that brought hundreds of visitors to Charlottesville this spring.

First-year law student Colleen Sullivan joins Dean Blazer ’08 to discuss how she navigated one of the most competitive and uncertain application cycles on record. From authentic communication to patience to staying true to her goals, tune in to hear Sullivan’s advice and how her journey brought her to UVA Law.

Kimberly Emery ’91, assistant dean for pro bono and public interest, joins admissions dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss how the Pro Bono Program at UVA Law helps bridge the justice gap by providing free legal services to clients and communities in need and prepares law students for the significant responsibilities they will carry as attorneys. Through a variety of projects that span nearly all legal disciplines and regions of the world from Charlottesville to South Africa, the program enables law students to develop their professional practice skills and have a meaningful, real-world impact while still in school.

Matt Wakeman, assistant dean for financial aid, education and planning at UVA Law, joins Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss the ways in which merit-based scholarships should – and should not – factor into an admitted student’s decision-making process when it comes to selecting a law school.

Mason Davenport ’25 joins Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss how a UVA Law externship immerses you in legal practice and prepares you for a successful career, all while earning credits toward your J.D. Tune in to learn how the Externships Program works, where in the world our externs are working, what it was like for Mason to extern in the Office of the White House Counsel and so much more.

UVA Law’s newest admissions director, Jennifer Echemendia, joins Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 and fellow directors Katie Delsandro ’12 and Rosanne Ibanez to discuss the highs and lows of the 2025 application cycle so far.

In advance of the Thanksgiving holiday – always a popular time of year to submit law school applications – Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 collected applicants’ questions via voice memo, email, social media and an in-person Q&A session to learn what’s on their minds. With the help of Admissions student worker Chelsea McKelvey ’26, Dean Blazer addresses concerns about application timing, LSAT scores, the Why UVA essay, when to submit optional addenda, resume content, letters of recommendation and more.

Psychotherapists Dr. Kate Gibson and Karen Painter join Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss how they support students at the Law School, offering insights on how individual counseling can help students overcome challenges to achieve success in school and in legal practice.

Assistant Dean for Academic Services and Registrar Jason Dugas ’01 joins Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss how UVA Law students can earn a second graduate degree along with their J.D., study abroad while in law school, enroll in elective courses and more.

What differentiates a good application from an admissible one? Tyler Stapleton ’27 joins Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss his journey as a reapplicant to UVA Law, sharing how he approached his essays, resume and letters of recommendation the second time around — all while staying optimistic about the process.

Lance Ledet ’26 and Bridget Mensah ’26 join Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to share how they navigated the law school application process — and their first year of law school — as first-generation students. Ledet and Mensah discuss the Virginia Law First-Generation Professionals student organization (which they help lead), resources they hope applicants will take advantage of in the admissions process, the importance of community and more.

Antitrust attorney Megan Granger ’11 joins Admissions Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss how she built a successful legal practice at a preeminent global law firm. Granger shares what she wishes she had done differently in law school, her advice to young associates hoping to rise through the ranks, and the secret to longevity in a legal career. (University of Virginia School of Law, Sept. 13, 2024)

“Admissible” host Natalie Blazer ’08, admissions dean at UVA Law, is back with all-new guests sharing law school admissions advice for the upcoming cycle.

As deposit deadlines come and go, admissions offices turn their attention to the prospect of waitlist activity. Directors of Admission Katie Delsandro and Rosanne Ibanez are back to discuss how waitlisted candidates can manage expectations and maximize outcomes during this period of uncertainty.

Mike Spivey of The Spivey Consulting Group joins Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss the latest iteration of the U.S. News and World Report law school rankings.

In this special episode, Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 and her microphone venture outside the studio to give listeners a rare look inside UVA Law’s Admitted Students Open House. Through on-site interviews with admitted students, their guests, current law students, faculty and staff, this episode highlights the admissions cycle’s main event, which brings hundreds of people to Charlottesville each spring.

Every year, UVA Law receives thousands of applications for 300 spots in the incoming class. When it comes to the process of getting admitted, how much is a numbers game, and how much is within your control? Directors of Admission Katie Delsandro and Rosanne Ibanez join Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 to discuss what makes an application package inadmissible — and how to give yourself every opportunity to beat the odds.

Public service auction winner Tommy Whiteley ’26 joins Dean Blazer to discuss how applicants can thrive in the admissions process, 1L classes, job search and more by accepting the unknown and moving forward despite not having perfect information.

UVA Law faculty members Crystal Shin ’10 and Jordan McKay ’10 met as first-year law students in 2007. A friendship formed in Property class eventually blossomed into romance, but an ACC basketball rivalry soon threatened to derail their relationship. Tune in to learn how they overcame a first date that felt more like a direct examination, months of long distance, and opposing careers in prosecution and defense.

Third-year law students Casey Crowley and Elizabeth Putfark join Dean Blazer ’08 to discuss the many ways law students take advantage of UVA’s location in scenic Charlottesville, Virginia. Putfark, who will join the Southern Environmental Law Center as an associate attorney this fall, shares how UVA Law’s environmental law clinic, curriculum, faculty, and student organizations nurtured her legal education and set her on the path to success.

UVA President Jim Ryan ’92 and UVA Law Dean Risa Goluboff join Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 for this very special episode. Ryan and Goluboff discuss their favorite moments from their time at UVA Law, the joy they find in teaching, the importance of transparency in higher education, their ideal ways to spend a Saturday in Charlottesville and so much more.

Directors of Admission Katie Delsandro and Rosanne Ibanez join Dean Natalie Blazer to break down the 2023-24 cycle so far. From essay missteps to interview tips, tune in to learn what the admissions committee is looking for in applicants this year.

In honor of Veterans Day, Captain Trey Ratliff ’24 sits down with Dean Natalie Blazer to discuss his unique path to law school and how the UVA Law community has supported him along the way.

Local business owner Mike Keenan ’08 shares how his UVA Law degree prepared him to practice law and launch his organic juice and smoothie company, The Juice Laundry. Having attended both law school and high school with Dean Natalie Blazer ’08, this episode is packed with tips for making the most of your time in law school, advice for charting your own career path and shared memories from their time at UVA Law.

In this spooky, special episode of “Admissible,” Dean Natalie Blazer ’08 shares her key observations of the 2023-24 cycle so far. From personal statements that are a treat to read to letters of recommendation that give her a fright, Dean Blazer provides listeners with tricks for putting their best foot forward in the application process.

Second-year law student and Double Hoo Brian Cameron joins Dean Natalie Blazer to discuss how UVA Law students interact with the Charlottesville community. From civic engagement to pro bono work to nature hikes, breweries, live music and more, Cameron shares how students make the most of their three years in C’ville.

Assistant Dean for Public Service Leah Gould joins Dean Blazer to discuss how the Public Service Center helps set students up for successful careers, and how the public service community at UVA Law supports students throughout law school.

You’ve seen lawyers on TV and in movies, but what does it really mean to practice law? What is law school like and what does it take to succeed as a law student? Professor Joe Fore ’11 joins Dean Blazer to discuss lawyering, law school and what he has learned from teaching 1Ls at UVA Law. Whether you’re just starting to think about law school or already deep into the application process, this episode is for you.

Learn more about what to expect in the coming law school admissions cycle through new episodes of “Admissible.” Host Natalie Blazer ’08, admissions dean at UVA Law School, gives a preview of the coming season.

Senior Assistant Dean for Career Development Kevin Donovan explains how UVA Law’s Office of Private Practice guides students through the law firm recruiting process, helps them discover which firms are a good fit for their goals and coaches them to become invaluable associates wherever they work.

With deposit deadlines just around the corner, prospective law students have just a few weeks left to decide where they will matriculate this fall. UVA Law student ambassadors James Hornsby ’24 and Laura-Louise Rice ’25 join Dean Blazer for a candid discussion about the various factors that go into selecting which law school to attend. From rankings to financial considerations to employment outcomes and more, Hornsby and Rice offer advice for how to navigate this important life decision.

Second-year law student and Black Law Students Association President Keegan Hudson discusses building community, “mowing your own grass” and tuning out misinformation when it comes to applying to law school.

Selecting a law school to attend is ultimately making a decision to join a lifelong community. University of Virginia Law School Foundation Chief Development Officer Jason Trujillo ’01 shares what makes the UVA Law alumni network so special, and how students benefit from it both while in school and long after graduation.

First-year UVA Law student Mackenzie Kubik joins Dean Blazer for a candid discussion about 1L year — which fears are founded (and which are not!), what to look forward to and what steps you can take to set yourself up for success. Kubik also offers advice to applicants currently facing the home stretch of the 2022-23 admissions cycle.

Public service auction winner Jeremy Kass ’23 reflects on his path to UVA Law and his future career as a tax attorney. This episode also explores UVA’s Public Interest Law Association and the many resources the organization provides to law students committed to working in the public interest.