Where Did Villanova Law Students Complete Their 2026 Summer Externships?

Amanda Pennet '28
Friedman Schuman Layser, PC

"I had the opportunity to work with the medical malpractice group at Friedman Schuman Layser, PC [in Pennsylvania]. Throughout the externship, I gained exposure to every stage of the litigation process while learning from passionate plaintiffs attorneys. The experience was especially rewarding because I learned something new every day, not only about the law but also about medicine.

I conducted legal research, drafted a variety of legal documents and contributed to case strategy by analyzing extensive medical records. Most of all, I appreciated the time I spent working directly with clients, whether during depositions or over the phone.

I am grateful for the knowledge and guidance I received from the attorneys at FSL and believe the externship will continue to influence how I interact with future clients, draft legal documents and approach litigation strategy throughout my career as an attorney."

Wafa Qureshi '28 
New Jersey Office of the Attorney General

"I worked in the construction and condemnation department of the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. In this role, I learned about the administrative process for obtaining building permits, as well as the land valuation process and the use of eminent domain to acquire property.

I had the opportunity to attend court proceedings, meet with expert witnesses and review property records, including appraisals and chains of title. During my externship, I gained valuable experience in administrative law and connected with attorneys who provided meaningful advice and guidance. Overall, the experience gave me greater insight into the day-to-day work of an attorney."

Nate Wartell '28
Sila Services

"I externed in the legal department of Sila Services, a [Pennsylvania-based] home services platform with approximately 50 operating companies, where I directly supported the general counsel. My work involved mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and contract redlining. Most notably, I assisted with due diligence and closings for roll-up acquisitions of HVAC, electrical and plumbing companies across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. I also drafted board resolutions and helped manage the holding company's capitalization table and equity matters.

Working alongside the general counsel, I learned that an in-house lawyer's primary goal is to minimize risk. For example, when reviewing contracts, I focused on ensuring provisions such as representations and warranties. I also learned that an effective in-house lawyer balances ideal outcomes with business objectives to help ensure transactions and agreements are completed efficiently.  

The transactional drafting and corporate governance experience I gained at Sila will be invaluable as I begin my legal career. Villanova's externship program provides an excellent opportunity to learn how corporate legal departments operate and to understand their goals from an in-house perspective. This experience will help me better serve clients like Sila as a future law firm attorney."

Karina Kohli '28
Supporting The Honorable Michael B. Kaplan, United States Bankruptcy Courts for the District of New Jersey

"Learning from Judge Kaplan and his clerks was an incredible experience, as I had the opportunity to observe proceedings involving a range of Chapters 7, 11 and 13 bankruptcy matters and how the Bankruptcy Code is applied in resolving  disputes.  

Additionally, I drafted memoranda for a new edition of Judge Kaplan's ‘Consumer Bankruptcy Manual.’  I also assisted in drafting a mock memorandum related to Judge Kaplan's widely publicized Multi-Color Corporation opinion, which addressed a venue issue under the Bankruptcy Code.

I valued this experience tremendously because it allowed me to explore bankruptcy law, a field I am interested in pursuing, while learning from experienced professionals. Throughout the summer, I strengthened my legal writing and research skills through this specialized lens and further developed my advocacy skills by observing effective lawyering in court. Overall, I am grateful for the exposure, mentorship and professional growth I gained from working with Judge Kaplan and his clerks."

Garrett Spillerman '28 
Supporting the Honorable Gail A. Weilheimer, US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

"During my externship, I gained meaningful exposure to civil and criminal matters at several stages of the litigation process. Judge Weilheimer included me in meetings with judicial colleagues, Rule 16 and settlement conferences, sentencing proceedings and other pretrial matters. My assignments primarily involved drafting bench memoranda, orders and a full memorandum opinion. During my final week, I assisted with a civil employment trial from start to finish, observing voir dire, opening and closing arguments, direct and cross-examinations, jury instructions and the jury's verdict. The summer's most meaningful opportunity was helping Judge Weilheimer draft a memorandum opinion dismissing a complaint under Rule 12(b)(6) in a Fair Credit Reporting Act case. Working under the mentorship of Judge Weilheimer's outstanding clerks strengthened my legal writing by improving my clarity, precision and organization. Participating in chambers deliberations also enhanced my analytical skills in conducting legal research and evaluating legal arguments. 

There truly is no substitute for learning by doing. While my first year of law school provided a solid foundation in advocacy, the lifecycle of a case and federal procedure, watching it all unfold from behind the bench gave me a perspective I could never have gained in the classroom. It showed me not only how federal litigation operates in practice but also what effective advocacy looks like from the court's perspective. Thanks to Judge Weilheimer and her clerks, I can say with confidence that this was the most meaningful experience of my academic and professional career." 

Seychelle Takahashi '28
Supporting The Honorable Christi J. Acker, Supreme Court of Dutchess County, New York

"I had the opportunity to conduct legal research on a variety of topics and draft opinions for the court. I also spent significant time observing proceedings in both civil and criminal matters, including trials, sentencings, mental hygiene hearings and other court proceedings. No two days at the courthouse were the same, and watching Judge Acker and her chambers navigate the unpredictability of the work taught me the importance of flexibility in the legal profession.

One of the most valuable aspects of this externship was gaining exposure to the breadth of careers in the legal field that I had not previously encountered. Every client faces unique challenges that require different forms of representation. Working in the civil part provided insight into the types of cases that arise in my community. Not every case resembles those discussed in a torts textbook; more often, they involve everyday issues such as evictions, credit card defaults and divorces. I am excited to carry these experiences and skills into my remaining years of law school and a future career in public interest law."