Wake Forest Law School recently celebrated its graduates at the Hooding & Commencement ceremony, where Timothy Davis, Bess and Walter Williams Professor of Law, was honored with the Jurist Excellence in Teaching Award. Reflecting on his time at Wake Forest since joining the faculty in 1998, Davis emphasized the strong sense of community that continues to define the institution.
Davis highlighted the stories of law students who supported each other and contributed to pro bono causes within Winston-Salem. He expressed gratitude for alumni support, stating, “You are key to that network of support—and for that, we are very grateful.”
The school also recognized various student achievements. Marley Peterson (JD ’24), a government relations attorney, is actively involved as an Alumni Bar Coach. Moot Court team members Mary-Kathryn Appanaitis (JD ’25), Daria Brown (JD ’25), and Peyton Mitchell (JD ’25) competed in national competitions under Professor John Korzen’s guidance.
Mariah Webb (JD ’26) and Mary Catherine Baker (JD ’25) were acknowledged for their success in Hofstra Law’s Family Law Writing Competition. Additionally, Lanie Angelo (JD ’27) and Cassidy Gibson (JD ’27) excelled at the Colonial Cup Transactional Law Competition.
Wake Forest Law is committed to supporting veterans through initiatives like the Veterans Legal Clinic and VALOR. The Black Law Students Association hosted its annual banquet featuring Kamay Lafalaise (JD ’14) as keynote speaker.
Faculty members received new honors and appointments. Dean Andrew Klein holds the Suzanne Reynolds Distinguished Chair in Law, while Professor Jonathan Cardi was named Judge Donald L. Smith Professor of Law.
The school welcomed new faculty members Nia Johnson, Wayne Logan, and Abel Rodríguez. Events for alumni networking were scheduled across various locations including Asheville, Washington DC, Raleigh, Kiawah Island, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte.
In fundraising efforts during Deacs Day of Giving, Wake Forest Law raised $212,051 from 213 gifts to support its programs.
###
