������Ƶ

The ������Ƶ is proud to announce this year’s 2L and 3L students selected as Academic Success Fellows.

In collaboration with the Director of Academic Success, Academic Success Fellows provide valuable support to student learning. Each Fellow hosts weekly doctrinal workshops and office hours for 1L students, providing a space to review, reinforce, and apply classroom concepts with a peer.

Fellows are committed to guiding and mentoring 1Ls on their path to success, fostering a supportive environment during the first year of law school.

Eli Cooper-West, 2L

Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, University of Washington

Eli Cooper-West is a 2L at the ������Ƶ and a Washington native. Prior to law school, Cooper-West worked as a legal assistant at a local law firm, where he gained valuable insight into successful litigation practice. In law school, he has enjoyed honing his skills through various Moot Court Honor Board competitions, where his team recently won first place in the 2L/3L Mock Trial competition.

“The first year of law school can be tough, but even more rewarding if properly balanced. As an Academic Success Fellow, I hope to provide a welcoming environment to discuss strategies for both academic success and overall enjoyment of the first year in law school. I look forward to sharing my 1L experience and contributing to a culture that supports new students.”

Carter Gale, 3L

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, University of Pennsylvania

Carter Gale is a 3L at the ������Ƶ. In addition to the Academic Success Program, Gale serves as Secretary of the Student Bar Association, Vice President of the Alliance for Disability Law and Justice and Chief Managing Editor of the Washington Journal of Social & Environmental Justice. Prior to law school, Gale worked in a car dealership in Montana and served as a research fellow at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships, where he built a passion for education, law and policy.

“One of the things I love most about ������Ƶ is the people. We have an amazing culture, where our professors and peers care deeply about supporting each other and helping everyone succeed. The Academic Success Program is part of this, helping the 1Ls understand the material through less intimidating faces. Ultimately, the impact I am hoping to make is contributing to this culture and promoting an environment where everyone is comfortable seeking help and is willing to help each other.”

Debbie Lee, 3L

Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics and Spanish, Emory University

Debbie Lee is a first-generation law student. During the summer following her first year in law school, she served as a legal intern at Lowthorp Law, a family law firm. The next summer, she worked as a law clerk at Brothers & Henderson, an elder law firm. Both internships solidified her desire to dedicate her legal practice to families from all walks of life and circumstances.

“I am so grateful to the Academic Success Program for the unique opportunity to connect with the law school community. I wish to continue learning from others and ‘giving forward’ all the kindness and insight I receive.”

Bryce McKay

Bachelor’s Degree in History, Whitman College

Bryce McKay grew up on a farm in Eastern Washington, then cofounded a small business prior to coming to law school. At ������Ƶ, he has focused his studies on intellectual property and transactional courses. After graduation, McKay will join Wilson Sonsini in their technology transactions practice.

“I plan to do my best to encourage and assist 1Ls with adapting to law school academics. I hope that I'll be able to help them navigate 1L courses, and to inspire extra confidence in 1Ls.”

Kioko Soneda, 2L

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management and Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, University of Washington

Kioko Soneda is a 2L at the ������Ƶ. Prior to law school, Soneda worked as an independent contractor in forest management where she focused on sustainable timber harvesting. She also had the opportunity to work for a personal injury firm as a New Client Liaison. The experience of working at a plaintiff-side firm helped Soneda realize that she wanted to work in an area of the law where she could help people. She quickly developed an interest in criminal prosecution as a means to accomplish that goal. Soneda spent her 1L summer as an extern with the Violent Crimes Unit at the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. She learned from a team of talented and dedicated deputy prosecuting attorneys who embodied the office's mission to "do justice." She enjoyed the experience so much that she will be returning to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office as a Rule 9 Intern this summer.

“As an Academic Success Fellow, I will create impact by making law school more accessible to students. Law school can be an intimidating, competitive and sometimes alienating environment. As a result, students are often afraid to speak up in class when they don't understand a concept. I aim to create a welcoming environment in my workshops where students can ask questions without judgement.”

Elizabeth Stanton, 2L

Bachelor's Degree in History, University of Washington

Elizabeth Stanton is a 2L student and is thrilled to be serving as an Academic Success Fellow. Prior to law school, she studied history, political science and Swedish at the University of Washington, where she graduated cum laude.

“Every student is capable of academic success– I get to help them find it! I love discussing study strategies with other students and working on understanding difficult concepts. I hope to create an impact by helping 1Ls feel confident in their knowledge, skills and understanding.”