Ready to lead, ready to serve: the Class of 2025 begins their legal journeys

From public defense to corporate law, these six UC Law graduates are stepping into the legal profession with a strong sense of purpose and a drive to make an impact. Discover how their time at UC Law shaped their career paths—and what they hope to accomplish as the next generation of legal professionals.

Micaela Beatham-Garcia: From UC Law to Public Defender, Committed to Justice and Client-Centered Advocacy

University of Cincinnati College of Law new students headshots at the new College of Law building Monday August 15, 2022. Photos by Joseph Fuqua II

Micaela Beatham-Garcia, originally from Plattsburgh, NY, spent her undergraduate years in Ohio—first at Ohio University (OU) and later at UC Law. "During my time at OU, I had the chance to visit several law schools through the pre-law chapter of Phi Alpha Delta. When I visited UC Law as a sophomore, I was immediately struck by how genuine and grounded the students were. They spoke highly of their experiences, and it was clear they felt supported and engaged in their law school journey," Beatham-Garcia shared.

As she began the application process, Beatham-Garcia knew she wanted to be in an urban setting with access to a variety of practice areas and strong experiential learning opportunities. "UC Law stood out to me because of its exceptional clinics, externships, and extracurricular programs, as well as its strong connections to the legal community. Given my interest in public interest law, UC’s longstanding reputation and commitment to this area was especially compelling. Beyond the law school, I also came to appreciate Cincinnati as a vibrant and welcoming city that offered everything I was looking for—and more."

During her time at UC Law, Beatham-Garcia embraced many of the unique opportunities the school has to offer, from working with the Trial Team to participating in the Indigent Defense Clinic. "As a 1L, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to an amicus curiae brief through the Jones Center, collaborating with professors, fellow students, and volunteer attorneys. Although it was initially intimidating, the experience helped me build confidence in my legal writing and solidified my interest in litigation and public interest work."

She continued, "I found incredible mentorship through Professor Paskan, who not only guided me through that experience but continued to support me throughout law school. After my first year on UC Law’s Trial Team, Professor Paskan and I co-coached the new team, which further developed my skills in trial advocacy and evidence. The Trial Team was instrumental in reinforcing my passion for litigation and my goal of becoming a trial attorney. I am also deeply grateful to Dean Margolis and Professor Bergeron for their dedication to the trial advocacy program, as well as to my co-counsels, Robbie Webb and Connor Hurley—I'm both lucky and grateful to have competed alongside you both.”

Later in her law school career, Beatham-Garcia participated in the Indigent Defense Clinic, which she calls one of the most impactful experiences of her time at UC Law. "I had the privilege of representing clients from arraignment through expungement, appearing in court regularly. Working under the guidance of the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office was both humbling and empowering. Their unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of immense challenges, solidified my desire to continue their important work."

Looking ahead, Beatham-Garcia plans to join the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office after graduation. "I’m excited to begin my career as a public defender and to continue serving the community through dedicated, client-centered representation."

I’m excited to begin my career as a public defender and to continue serving the community through dedicated, client-centered representation.

Micaela Beatham-Garcia '25

What’s the one thing you want to share about your UC Law experience?

“Lawyering, to me, is fundamentally a service profession. One of the most meaningful aspects of my time at UC Law was the ability to engage in service work even as a student. Through student organizations, clinics, and pro bono opportunities, UC offers a multitude of avenues to make tangible impact and learn from practitioners deeply committed to justice. I would encourage every law student to seek out these experiences—not only to serve others but to grow as advocates and future attorneys.”

From the Windy City to the Queen City: Christo Fosse's Path Through UC Law

Christo Fossee, Class of 2025 graduate

Christo Fosse, a proud Chicagoan turned Cincinnati transplant, reflects fondly on his journey to UC Law. “During my time at Xavier University here in Cincinnati, I fell in love with the city—its people, neighborhoods, and close-knit communities. I knew that four years wouldn't be enough, so attending UC Law felt like the natural next step (though I do disclaim any affiliation with UC when the Crosstown Shootout comes around). After three years at UC Law, I’m happy to say that Cincinnati’s legal community mirrors the city itself—tight-knit, energetic, and highly engaged.”

Throughout his time at UC Law, Fosse had the opportunity to gain valuable experiences. He was a member of both the University of Cincinnati Law Review and Moot Court for two years, serving as articles editor and executive director, respectively, during his 3L year. Outside the classroom, he was also involved in the Sixth Circuit Clinic, where he could apply the skills he developed in Law Review and Moot Court to real-world situations.

“Beyond refining my advocacy and writing skills, each of these experiences allowed me to be part of true communities within law school. Practicing law, I’ve learned, is fundamentally a collaborative endeavor. It’s about knowing how to leverage each person’s strengths to achieve the best possible outcome for your client. But it also requires humility—understanding that there’s always room to grow and improve. These experiences have emphasized this lesson, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from such dynamic attorneys and professors.”

This fall, Fosse will begin his career as a Litigation Associate at Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL (KMK Law), where he previously worked as a Summer Associate after his 1L and 2L years. The following year, he will clerk for Judge David Bunning of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. After that, Fosse plans to return to civil litigation, with hopes of eventually focusing on appellate work.

Practicing law, I’ve learned, is fundamentally a collaborative endeavor. It’s about knowing how to leverage each person’s strengths to achieve the best possible outcome for your client

Christo Fosse '25

What’s the one thing you want to share about your UC Law experience?

“Like everything in life, what you put in is what you get out. UC Law is an incredible community, filled with driven students and professors. To the extent possible, I’d recommend that everyone take advantage of what this community has to offer—clinics, journals, classes, extracurricular activities, and more. I’m glad I did.” 

 

Lauren Schwab Reflects on Her Journey at UC Law: Elevating Justice Through Education, Advocacy, and Community

Lauren Schwab, Class of 2025 graduate

Lauren Schwab, a native of Hagerstown, Maryland, was first drawn to Cincinnati Law after reading the phrase "Elevating Justice" on a brochure. "The main reason I wanted to pursue a legal education was my strong desire to help those who have been wronged," Schwab explained. "Through classes focused on social and legal justice, an externship with the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, and now working at the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati in their family and housing departments, UC Law has given me countless opportunities to explore what 'elevating justice' means to me and how I can use my legal education to make a difference in the world."

Upon graduation, Schwab plans to stay in the Cincinnati area and continue her work with the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati. "I hope to be placed in the Family Law unit because I’ve discovered a real passion for advocating for families and children in divorce and custody cases."

Throughout her three years at Cincinnati Law, Schwab made time to engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, which she says played an essential role in her law school experience. "UC Law offers so many ways to get involved. Alongside my externship and job opportunities, I’ve been actively involved in the Student Bar Association, International Law Society, and the Human Rights Quarterly since my first semester. I was also an associate member of the Immigration and Human Rights Law Review during my second year."

She encourages other students to recognize the importance of extracurricular involvement. "Many students may underestimate the value of these activities, but I can say with full confidence that if I hadn’t been involved with these organizations, I wouldn’t be graduating from UC Law. Law school is tough, but finding your community through these groups and taking on leadership roles makes it much more manageable. When I speak with attorneys who are long out of law school, they rarely mention their classes or grades. Instead, they fondly recall their extracurricular experiences. And if they’re a UC Law alum and were part of the Urban Morgan fellowship, they always ask if Professor Lockwood is still running UMI and HRQ."

UC Law has given me countless opportunities to explore what 'elevating justice' means to me and how I can use my legal education to make a difference in the world.

Lauren Schwab '25

What’s the one thing you want to share about your reasons for becoming an attorney?

I think the main thing I want to share is to never forget your resilience. The world we are entering is uncertain, and we are in a unique position by nature of our degrees to be able to make real change. Don’t ever let anything stop you from going out there and giving your all to everything you do, both in and outside of law school. If you can make it through three years of case briefs and cold calls, I know you can make it in the “real world.”

Tobias Dose’s Journey: Leveraging Global Expertise for a Future in Transactional Law and Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions

Tobias Dose, Class of 2025 graduate

Tobias Dose, originally from Hamburg, Germany, now calls three cities home. After nearly two decades in New York City, he relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2021 when his wife accepted a new position. “As you can probably tell, I’m a bit older,” he jokes.

Having lived in several major business hubs around the world, Dose has developed a global business perspective, which he has applied in his career and plans to continue leveraging in the future. He explains how he came to UC Law and his journey as a law student—once again. “In 2021, when my wife’s job brought us to Cincinnati, I saw it as an opportunity to build on the legal foundation I had already established in Europe. I enrolled in UC Law’s LL.M. program in 2022, and after completing it in 2023, I transferred into the J.D. program to further immerse myself in the U.S. legal system.”

During his time at UC Law, Dose sought to expand on the legal education he received in Germany and combine it with his experiences working for a management consulting firm specialized in transatlantic business development in New York.  “After a valuable summer associate experience, I spent my 3L year completing a year-long externship with the same firm. That extended opportunity was crucial—it allowed me to develop my skills further, gain exposure to complex transactional matters, and contribute more meaningfully over time. I also pursued the International Legal Studies specialization under the guidance of Professor Jacob Cogan, which was both engaging and highly relevant to my interests. I was particularly interested in the increase in transactional course offerings and the revitalization of the Corporate Law Center—both of which reflect UC Law’s growing commitment to preparing students for business-oriented legal practices.”

Now a graduate of UC Law, Dose is preparing for a career as a transactional attorney, with a focus on cross-border mergers and acquisitions.

I’m especially grateful to my fellow classmates, who created an environment that was welcoming, open-minded, and supportive.

Tobias Dose '25

What’s the one thing you want to share about your UC Law experience?

“UC Law gave me the opportunity to extend and apply my legal background in a new jurisdiction, while adapting to the demands of a different legal culture. I’m especially grateful to my fellow classmates, who created an environment that was welcoming, open-minded, and supportive—embracing students from all backgrounds and all parts of the world. Their openness and strong sense of connection made this chapter not only possible, but truly meaningful. I will miss them.”

Connor Hurley: UC Law Graduate Set to Advocate for Justice as a Public Defender

Connor Hurley, Class of 2025 graduate

Connor Hurley, a Nashville, TN native, chose UC Law for its unique social justice opportunities. "I was drawn to programs like the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP) and the Criminal Defense Clinic (CDC), which offered the direct, hands-on experience with clients that I was looking for."

One of the highlights of Hurley’s UC Law experience was the opportunity to develop professional skills and build relationships through clinical work. "My time at both OIP and the CDC gave me the chance to form meaningful relationships with clients and represent them both in and out of court. Combined with my involvement on UC's Mock Trial team, these experiences have equipped me with the skills I need to advocate effectively and passionately for clients as soon as I graduate."

Looking ahead, Hurley plans to pursue a career as a public defender. This summer, he will begin his career at the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office after taking the California Bar exam.

We have to remember that the people we work with are more than a legal issue or case number - they have full lives and need to be treated with compassion in our pursuit of justice.

Connor Hurley '25

What’s the one thing you want to share about your UC Law experience?

“My time at UC Law has made it clear that, as attorneys in positions of influence and power, we have the responsibility to fight to make the world a better place. We have to remember that the people we work with are more than a legal issue or case number - they have full lives and need to be treated with compassion in our pursuit of justice.”

UC Law Graduate Courtney Spencer on Finding Strength, Community, and Purpose

Courtney Spencer

Courtney Spencer reflects on her journey through UC Law with a mix of humility and gratitude. “My first year of law school was really tough. I lacked the confidence I needed to succeed in my classes, which led to me falling behind my peers. I ended the year with grades I had never experienced before and a strong feeling of failure. At the time, I thought it was the end of the world, that I wasn’t good enough for UC and would never become an attorney. But today, I see that experience as one of the biggest blessings,” Spencer shared.

She explained, “The truth is, I had no idea what I was doing my first year. I didn’t know how to read case law, write exam essays, or tackle multiple-choice questions. Thanks to UC Law’s staff—especially Dean Dyann Margolis and Professor Kate Selander—I learned not only how to succeed in law school but also how to believe in myself. What might seem like a failure to some turned into a valuable lesson for me, teaching me that I can overcome challenges and ultimately excel because of them.”

Spencer’s path to law school was shaped by a varied background. Born in New Jersey, she’s lived in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, California, and Ohio, but she’s called Cincinnati home for the past decade. “I’m proud to consider Ohio my home now,” she said.

When choosing a law school, Spencer was drawn to UC Law for several reasons. “After undergrad at Miami University, I was looking for a law school that was affordable but still highly regarded in the legal community. UC Law checked both boxes. The school offers numerous scholarships and provides strong financial aid support.”

She continued, “UC Law also has strong ties to the community. Cincinnatians are incredibly loyal to the law school, and many local employers hire UC graduates. The city itself is great—big enough to offer that urban feel but not overwhelming like New York or Chicago. And Cincinnati is close to home, so I knew I wanted to plant my roots here someday. I really love this city and the people in it!”

Spencer’s law school journey wasn’t just about overcoming personal challenges. She also had numerous experiences that helped her grow both personally and professionally. “I made lifelong friendships in my first year through the cohort system. Without these individuals, I wouldn’t have made it through law school. We leaned on each other through tough times and celebrated our successes together. We’ve pushed each other to become better students, professionals, and, most importantly, better people. I’m forever grateful for the amazing group of people I met at UC Law.”

Thanks to the support of her peers, Spencer also found ways to give back. “During my second and third years, I had the chance to help other students who were struggling their first year by speaking on panels and mentoring them. It’s been incredibly rewarding to help others realize that sometimes our failures are the moments where we grow the most. It’s also a reminder of why I came to law school—to help my community and those around me.”

Spencer shares that in addition to her first-year challenges, she had many experiences that helped her grow personally and professionally.  “I was able to become friends with some amazing individuals my first year through the cohort system. Without these individuals I would not have made it through law school. We leaned on each other during the hard times and celebrated with each other during our best times. We have pushed each other to be better students, professionals, but most importantly individuals and I am forever grateful for the amazing group of people I met at this school.

“Because of these key people in my law school journey, I was able to help students who also struggled their first year during my second and third years of school by speaking on various panels and mentoring them. Helping students realize that sometimes our failures are where we grow the most has been not only rewarding but has reminded me why I came to law school which is ultimately to help my community and the people surrounding me. 

It’s been incredibly rewarding to help others realize that sometimes our failures are the moments where we grow the most. It’s also a reminder of why I came to law school—to help my community and those around me.

Courtney Spencer '25

What’s the one thing you want to share about your UC Law experience?

Coming to law school, I expected people to be very competitive and for everyone to do their own thing. However, I have met some of the most amazing people during my time at UC Law. The environment that UC cultivates is warm and welcoming. I know that the people I have met during my time here will be in my life forever and I have UC Law to be thankful for that.

Lead photo: istockphoto.com; individual photos:provided

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