2017-2018 Board

Andrew Wilson, Class of 2019
Co-President

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Hometown: Canton, TX
Undergrad Institution: University of Texas at Austin
Legal Interests: Constitutional Litigation, Appellate Advocacy 
Best Food in Philly: Barbuzzo, Farmicia, Audrey Claire
Favorite Philly Hangout: Schuylkill River Trail
Hobbies: Spinning, brunching, reading, Netflix
1L Summer: Judicial Intern for Honorable Renée Marie Bumb, District of New Jersey
Email: andwil@pennlaw.upenn.edu

​Andrew grew up in rural East Texas before escaping to Austin to attend the University of Texas. He received his BA in the Plan II Honors program at UT concentrating on French and comparative literature. Throughout undergrad, Andrew was involved student government and lobbied on behalf of higher education in Texas. After graduation, he taught English at a high school in the Normandy region of France and volunteered for the 2016 Hillary for America campaign. At Penn, Andrew is involved with Lambda, Williams Moot Court, Post-Acceptance Committee, and First Generation Professionals. He is also an Associate Editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review​. He can often by found catching up on tv or napping in the Segal Reading Room.

Patrick Boynton, Class of 2019
​Co-President

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Hometown: Harrisburg, PA
Undergrad Institution: Penn State University
Legal Interests: Litigation
Hobbies: Running, Sweetgreen, Other People's Dogs
Favorite Philly Hangout: La Colombe - Fishtown
Best Philly Food: Helm
1L Summer: Judicial Intern, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Email: pboynton@pennlaw.upenn.edu

From start to finish, Patrick is a product of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He studied at Penn State before working for two years in Washington, D.C. He is forever training for a marathon and has recently expanded his athletic repertoire to a pursuit requiring actual coordination: the Penn Law Bowling League. On most fall weekends, you can find him at Field House, watching his Nittany Lions. He would be happy to explain what a Nittany Lion is.

Evan Shaver, Class of 2019
​Vice President

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Hometown: Mission Viejo, CA
Undergrad Institution: Columbia University
Legal Interests: International Law, Regulatory Law, Transactional Law, Child Advocacy
Hobbies: Traveling, learning languages, distance running, trying new foods and drinks
Favorite Philly Hangout: Rittenhouse Square, Rival Bros. on Spruce
Best Philly Food: Audrey Claire
1L Summer: Wiener Soto Caparrós Law Firm in Buenos Aires, Argentina
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​Though originally from sunny Southern California, Evan has spent significant time in New York, Spain, Romania, and Argentina.  Evan first experienced real winter as an undergraduate at Columbia, where he studied Comparative Politics and Linguistics.  He then returned west and worked for three years in Los Angeles at a law firm that serves children and youth in foster care.  At Penn, Evan has been involved with the Council of Student Representatives and the Penn Law Bowling League in addition to Lambda.  When not planning his next international trip or training for the Philadelphia Marathon, you can find Evan drinking copious amounts of coffee or hanging out with his cat, Percy.

Ian Wahrenbrock, Class of 2019
Political Director

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Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Undergrad Institution: Tufts University
Legal Interests: Civil rights litigation, Employment law
Best Food in Philly: apricot stone
Favorite Philly Hangout: Rittenhouse Square
Hobbies: Soccer, Spinning, Carolina basketball, Reality television binge-watching
1L Summer: Texas Civil Rights Project                                      Email: ianwah@pennlaw.upenn.edu

​Ian grew up in Chapel Hill, NC and attended Tufts University where he studied International Relations and French. After graduating he moved to New York to work as a paralegal at a boutique litigation firm specializing in civil rights litigation. At Penn, Ian has been involved with a variety of pro bono projects including the Custody and Support Assistance Clinic, the Pardon Project, and Pennsylvania Innocence Project. He is spending his 1L summer interning at the Texas Civil Rights Project working on impact litigation cases including voter laws, prisoner rights, and disability discrimination. When not doing law school activities, Ian can be found playing soccer, cheering on Carolina basketball, and watching any show produced by Andy Cohen.

Steven Mills, Class of 2019
​Political Director

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Hometown: San Leandro, CA
Undergrad Institution: UC Berkeley 
Legal Interests: Civil Rights Litigation 
Best Food in Philly: Federal Donuts
Favorite Philly Hangout: Federal Donuts
Hobbies: Listening to music, exploring, and trying new foods
1L Summer: ACLU of Northern California
Email: ​millss@pennlaw.upenn.edu






​​Steven was born and raised in the California Bay Area. He went to UC Berkeley where he studied political science, and was amongst the first generation of college graduates in his family. He spent two years after college working as a paralegal at Morrison & Foerster and volunteering for a naturalization clinic. At Penn Law he has been a member of Penn Law First Generation Professionals, Lambda, the James Wilson Project, and the Williams Institute Moot Court. As one of Lambda's Political Directors, he hopes to promote inclusion and help facilitate critical dialogue on LGBTQ issues.  
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Ben Somogyi, Class of 2019
Director of Admissions & Recruiting

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Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Undergrad Institution: Carleton College
Legal Interests: Real Estate, Land Use, Constitutional Law
Best Food in Philly: Chicken Maroush Sandwich at Saad's 
Favorite Philly Hangout: South Bowl
Hobbies: Flags, eating food from the Halal carts, self-deprecation
1L Summer: Stinson Leonard Street LLP / Honeywell International, Inc.
Email: somogyi@pennlaw.upenn.edu

Ben grew up in Buffalo, New York and went to Carleton College where he studied European history. In college, he served as the Business Manager for KRLX fm, represented the Class of 2012 in the Carleton Student Association, and studied abroad in the former Yugoslavia. After graduating, he spent four years working in government – first for Congressman Keith Ellison and then as a Senior Policy Aide for the Minneapolis City Council, where he specialized in land use and non-motorized transportation planning. Ben also served as the Treasurer of the Sierra Club North Star Chapter before attending Penn. This past summer, Ben returned to Minneapolis and split his time between Stinson Leonard Street and Honeywell International. He is the Vice President of the Penn Law Real Estate Club, a Communications Editor for The Regulatory Review, and participated in the Williams Institute Moot Court.  Ben lives in Spruce Hill, likes flags, and enjoys watching Top Chef. 

Sabrina Ruchelli, Class of 2019
Director of Admissions & Recruiting

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Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Undergrad Institution: University of Delaware
Legal Interests: Health Law, Public Interest Work 
Best Food in Philly: Turkey Reuben from Hershel’s Deli 
Favorite Philly Hangout: Fairmount Park 
Hobbies: Sleeping, cats, watching college softball 
​1L Summer: United States Attorneys’ Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania 
Email: sruche@pennlaw.upenn.edu 


​Sabrina grew up just outside of Philadelphia, went to school in the city, and then went to exotic Newark, Delaware where she studied History at the University of Delaware. Following graduation, she spent the year living in other people’s homes and looking after their dogs. Here at Penn, in addition to her involvement with Lambda, Sabrina also serves as the Secretary for the Latin American Law Student Association. She is also an Associate Editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review. She spent her 1L summer with the United States Attorneys’ Office E.D.Pa., continuing her quest to never have to actually move away from the Philadelphia area. ​

Austin Gassen, Class of 2019
​Director of Mentorship

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Hometown: Lexington, MO
Undergrad Institution: University of Missouri, Columbia
Legal Interests: Civil Litigation, International Human Rights, Immigration 
Best Food in Philly: El Vez, Audrey Claire
Favorite Philly Hangout: Biddle? Just kidding. Spruce Street Harbor Park/Old City
Hobbies: Netflix, Pretending to know how to cook, galavanting through Latin America, Wine
1L Summer: Centro de los Derechos Del Migrante, Mexico City
Email:​ agassen@pennlaw.upenn.edu

Austin grew up in the middle of a corn field in rural Missouri (no, really). Fortunately, he left rural life for the only marginally less rural Columbia to attend the University of Missouri, where he studied Psychology and Spanish. During his time at Mizzou, he was the President of the Mock Trial team, and ran a summer program teaching trial advocacy to high school students in D.C. At Penn, Austin is a board member of the International Human Rights Project and the Immigrants Rights Project.  Austin spent his 1L summer in Mexico City with el Centro de los Derechos del Migrante eating great food while suing the U.S. Government and advocating for migrant workers. When not being a hermit and watching Netflix, Austin loves to explore, try new food, and be extra with his Instagram.

Barrett Greenwell, Class of 2019
Director of Pro Bono Outreach

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Hometown: Bardstown, KY
Undergrad Institution: Western Kentucky University
Legal Interests: Civil Rights
Best Food in Philly: Amada
Favorite Philly Hangout: Green Line Café
Hobbies: Cycling, reading, and searching cities for the best local coffee shop
1L Summer: Lambda Legal
Email: bgre@pennlaw.upenn.edu

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​Barrett is a graduate of Western Kentucky University where he studied Political Science and International Affairs. He spent his 1L summer working with Lambda Legal in New York. In his free time, he enjoys stressing out over politics and taking 12-minute naps in the library. He also works closely with International Human Rights Advocates and the Equal Justice Foundation. He is an Associate Editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review​.

Ruth Vassilas, Class of 2018
​Academic Director

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Hometown: Rockville, MD
Undergrad Institution: University of Maryland, College Park
Legal Interests: International Law, Transactional Law
Favorite Philly Hangouts: Boathouse Row
Hobbies: Travel, learning languages, cooking
1L Summer: Wiener.Soto.Caparrós Law Firm in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Email: rvass@law.upenn.edu
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​Ruth grew up in Rockville, Maryland and went to the University of Maryland, College Park for her undergraduate degree. She double majored in Political Science and Spanish with a minor in Modern Greek, and she was captain of the Maryland Mock Trial team. The daughter of two European immigrants, Ruth constantly seeks ways to develop professionally abroad. She spent her 1L summer working at a law firm in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and she will spend her 2L summer working at a firm in London. In addition to being on the Lambda Board, Ruth is an American Constitution Society board member and an associate editor for the Journal of Business Law. She also plays in the Penn Law Intramural Flag Football League and she is a member of the Penn Law Boxing Club. When she's not getting inadvertently tackled or punched, Ruth enjoys cooking and staying in touch with family and friends.
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Kevin Cheng, Class of 2019
​Academic Director

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Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Undergrad Institution: Northwestern University
Legal Interests: Transactional Law
Best Food in Philly: Jane G's Dim Sum House  
Favorite Philly Hangout: Independence Beer Garden 
Hobbies: Tennis, bowling, trying out new restaurants/coffee shops, Netflix/HBO
1L Summer: Skadden Arps (NYC)
Email: kcheng19@pennlaw.upenn.edu 


Kevin is originally from Ann Arbor, MI but attended middle and high school in Shanghai, China at an international school due to his dad's job. He received his B.A. from Northwestern University, where he studied Political Science, Business, and Chinese. During undergrad, Kevin served as President of the College Democrats of Illinois and Captain of Northwestern Mock Trial. He also worked at a cold-pressed juice store, making acai bowls and protein smoothies. This summer he is working at Skadden in New York City. At Penn, Kevin is also Co-President of the Penn Business Law Association. He is an Associate Editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review. He also plays on the Penn Law Bowling League and Tennis Club. In his free time, he enjoys trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and re-watching Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Gossip Girl. 

Brian Yeh, Class of 2019
​Communications Director

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Hometown: Stow, OH
Undergrad Institution: Ohio State
Legal Interests: Constitutional Law, International Human Rights, Reproductive Rights
Best Food in Philly: Nan Zhou La Mien
Favorite Philly Hangout:  Room 521, Biddle Law Library
Hobbies: Travel, learning languages, white wine, authoritarian regimes
1L Summer: Judicial Strategy Unit, Center for Reproductive Rights
Email: brianyeh@pennlaw.upenn.edu ​

Brian grew up in suburban northeast Ohio and graduated from the Ohio State University with a degree in economics. After graduation, he worked as a legal assistant at Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) where he was involved with the same-sex marriage litigation at the Supreme Court. Brian also assisted with the amicus brief strategy in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt as a program associate at the Center for Reproductive Rights. At Penn, he's on the board of Penn Law Palestine Solidarity and is a member of the Jessup International Moot Court team and APALSA. Brian likes corn and cute doges, particularly corgis and beagles. 

Claudia Gallagher, Class of 2019
Director of Networking & Outreach

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Hometown: Sicklerville, NJ
Undergrad Institution: Saint Joseph’s University
Legal Interests: Copyright Law, Health Law
Best Food in Philly: Reading Terminal
Favorite Philly Hangout: Old City
Hobbies: Singing, playing piano, writing fiction, iMovie
1L Summer: State of New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, Gloucester Region
Email: clagal@pennlaw.upenn.edu

Claudia grew up in South Jersey.  She attended Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, majoring in Music and English.   She kept busy her senior year by putting on a senior recital and writing a 220 page novel.  At Penn, she is a member of Lambda and is choreographer and costume manager for the Light Opera Company.  She spent her 1L summer working for the Office of the Public Defender in Woodbury, NJ.  In her free time, Claudia enjoys planning elaborate themed costume parties.

Erik Lampmann, Class of 2020
​1L Representative

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Hometown: Limerick, PA
​Undergrad Institution: University of Richmond
Legal Interests: Constitutional Litigation, Appellate Advocacy
Best Food in Philly: Audrey Claire, Vedge, Reading Terminal
Favorite Philly Hangout: toss up between Clark Park and the Rodin Museum 
Hobbies: watching Broad City, drinking whiskey cocktails, and defending his belief that pineapple is a stellar pizza topping--ideally at the same time
Email: lampmann@pennlaw.upenn.edu

​Originally from the Philly area, Erik’s spent half of his life below the Mason Dixon Line in Richmond, Virginia. While he majored in political theory and French, he spent most of his time in college agitating on behalf of LGBTQ rights. After graduating, Erik lived and worked in DC for three years. In that time, he trained young activists to run community organizing campaigns across the country, worked as a fundraiser for a national civil rights organization, wrote a lot about LGBTQ politics, and help kickstart a hyper-local media project. At Penn, Erik’s involved with Lambda, serves on the board of the American Constitution Society (ACS), and works with the Penn Housing Rights Project. Erik’s a fan of Murakami novels, shrimp tacos, and the “West Wing.”. He’s an enemy of sports, Breitbart, and people who double space after periods (sorry, not sorry).

Edward Hale, Class of 2020
​1L Representative

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​Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Undergrad Institution: University of Arizona
Legal Interests: Intellectual Property, Appellate Advocacy
Hobbies: gardening, hiking, napping, and reading
Email: ehale@pennlaw.upenn.edu




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Edward has spent most of his life in the arid mountain lands of Tucson, AZ. He studied Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona, and since his recent start at Penn Law has become involved in Lambda, the Penn Intellectual Property Group, and Penn Law First Generation Professionals. 

Monica Murphy, Class of 2020
1L Representative

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Hometown: West Des Moines, IA
Undergrad Institution: Colgate University
Legal Interests: Constitutional Law
Hobbies: rock climbing, baking, The Great British Bakeoff
Favorite Philly Hangout:
Favorite Philly Food: 
Email: murphymo@pennlaw.upenn.edu

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Monica grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa and “escaped” to rural New York to attend Colgate University where she majored in Religion and Women’s Studies. After graduation, Monica worked for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office where she focused her time in Trial Bureau 60 and the Cold Case Unit. At Penn, in addition to her involvement in Lambda, Monica is a 1L Representative for the National Lawyers Guild and involved with Penn’s chapter of If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice. You can usually find Monica in a booth outside Fitz Auditorium eating take-out.

Jarron McAllister, Class of 2020
​1L Representative

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Hometown: Flint, MI
Undergraduate Institution: Princeton University
Legal Interests: Employment Law, Reproductive Rights
Best Philly Food: Federal Donuts
Favorite Philly Hangout: Rittenhouse Square (on a warm, sunny day)
Hobbies: Discussing Late Antiquity history, listening to music, and watching anime
Email: mcjarron@pennlaw.upenn.edu


​Jarron was raised in Flint, MI but somehow ended up in New Jersey for college. He studied History, Near Eastern Studies, and Gender and Sexuality Studies at Princeton University, where he was greatly involved with service learning and civic engagement. After graduation, he returned to Michigan to work as a legal assistant for class action lawsuits related to the Flint Water Crisis. Since returning to the East Coast, Jarron has also been involved with Penn Law BLSA. He can usually be found around the law school speaking with his classmates, despite having said that he would leave the building thirty minutes prior.
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