The University of Illinois College of Law is pleased to present the Class of 2025 Leadership Scholars. The students below have completed the Leadership Project and earned the Leadership Project certification in the 2024-2025 academic year.
2025 Leadership Scholars

Matthew Carlins
I am from Hoffman Estates, Illinois. This fall I will be joining Polsinelli as an Associate in their Chicago office. During law school, I served as President of the Jewish Law Students Association and held multiple executive board positions with the Student Bar Association. I was also a member of the Family Advocacy Clinic.
“The Project gave me the opportunity to analyze the traits of strong leaders. Engaging critically in our book discussions, connecting with successful leaders during panel events, and completing leadership classes allowed me to develop skills that I will continue to grow throughout my career.”

Alexandria Wilson
I am originally from Crete, Illinois. During my time at the University of Illinois College of Law, I’ve served as the Vice President of BLSA, Editor-in-Chief of the Elder Law Journal, and a Teaching Assistant for Trial Advocacy and Contracts.
“The Leadership Project gave me the space to reflect, grow, and connect. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about titles, instead it is about impact, intention, and integrity. I look forward to using these skills in my future career.”

Sarah Shamsi
I come from many places! So far, I have lived in Pakistan, the UK, and the USA. I plan to pursue a clerkship or a litigation role after graduation. During law school, I held various leadership positions. In student-run organizations, I served as the Events Coordinator for the Student Bar Association and as the Programming Chair for the American Constitution Society. I was also a member of the Moot Court Board and served as a BARBRI, Westlaw, and Admissions Ambassador.
“The Leadership Project has been an invaluable experience! It has given me the opportunity to learn from the wisdom of seasoned professionals, understand what leadership means regardless of role designation and tasks involved, and equip myself with tools to set myself up for success early in my career.”

Joshua Yeh
Before law school, I worked for an engineering firm in my hometown of Houston, TX. For the last two years, I’ve worked with the Office of Technology Management, where I evaluated University licensing efforts’ compliance with federal regulations. After graduation, I will join the legal staff of the U.S. Coast Guard.
“Leadership is a necessary skill that requires development beyond doctrinal law courses. The Leadership Project provides meaningful engagement with exceptional lawyer leaders and equips students with the confidence to lead in their next role in any organization.”

Maria Palazzolo
Originally from Springfield, Illinois, I worked in Illinois state politics and government for three years before law school. While in law school, I served as an Articles Editor for Illinois Law Review, Co-President of the Criminal Law Society, and Vice President of the Federalist Society. After law school, I will be working at Taft Stettinius & Hollister in Chicago.
“The Leadership Project provides numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded people who also care about the professional and personal impacts that they leave on others. The Leadership Project’s Book Discussions were some of my favorite events in law school because they exposed me to books on the leadership styles of iconic national leaders, such as Teddy Roosevelt. The Leadership Project Seminar was also invaluable as it offered the chance to reflect on how to emphasize service and community involvement in my legal career.”

Nicole Marcinkus
I am from Itasca, Illinois. After graduation, I will be joining Sheppard Mullin at the firm’s Chicago office. In law school I served as Vice President of the Jurisprudence Society and Privacy and Security Law Society Outreach Chair. I was a member of the Moot Court Board, and worked as an undergraduate legal studies Teaching Assistant.
“I am thrilled to have been involved in the Leadership Project. The program allowed me to connect with innovative and intelligent people. It brought students and speakers together to discuss best paths forward as leaders in a modern and challenging legal landscape. The program also inspired me to develop more individual leadership skills in my community outside legal practice, and these skills will serve me well in my life and career going forward.”

Bethany Ekwonwa
I am from Hoffman Estates, Illinois. While in law school, I was a member of the Anderson Center’s Trial Team, served as the secretary of the Black Law Students’ Association, and worked as a Teaching Assistant. After graduation, I will be joining Reed Smith in their Chicago office as a litigation associate.
“Through my involvement with the Leadership Project, I cultivated a more refined approach to leadership by participating in meaningful discussions on the intersection of leadership and law. I developed a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with integrity and purpose in complex professional environments, and I look forward to applying what I have learned in practice.”

Erica Prosser
I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While in law school, I served as the Career Development Chair for the Myra Bradwell Women’s Law Society and was a member of the Moot Court Board. After school, I will be joining Klaus LeFebvre & Wince in Champaign, IL.
“The Leadership Project has been an important complement to the technical training of law school and helped me cultivate the often-overlooked interpersonal leadership skills that are essential to long-term success in the legal profession. The Project’s emphasis on self-awareness, collaboration, and ethical decision-making prepares future lawyers to lead effectively in any setting. These intangibles can be the difference between a good lawyer and a great one.”

David Catalan
I am from the Northside of Chicago. I went to undergrad at U of I. I will be participating in a fellowship in Washington D.C. with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institution as their Post-graduate Law Fellow. During my time in law school I served as the president for the Latinx Law Student Association.
“The Leadership Project provides a great opportunity for students to be engaged with material not found in doctrinal classes. I was able to learn more about civil rights activists and their leadership, how lawyers can become leaders, and was even able to participate in classes I would not have taken otherwise.”

Shil Mehta
I am originally from Bombay, India but have lived in the Chicago Suburbs most of my life. During law school, I served on the Student Bar Association for all three years, the Managing Editor for the Journal of Law, Technology & Policy, the Vice President of the South Asian Law Student Association, a member of Medical Legal Partnership Clinic, and as the Vice President of the Health and Elder Law Society. After graduation, I will be working at Benesch Law in their Chicago office.
“The Leadership Project was an incredible opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about leadership, empathy, and accountability. I found it especially valuable to learn how accomplished attorneys, politicians, and my peers each brought unique perspectives to what leadership means to them. I’m truly grateful for the chance to grow and reflect in such a thoughtful and supportive environment.”

Darineice Davis
Darineice is from Chicago, Illinois, and will be returning to her hometown to begin her legal career in General Liability and Insurance Defense. During her time at the University of Illinois College of Law, she served as President of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), where she focused on mentorship, community engagement, and professional development.
“The Leadership Project emphasized what I’ve always believed. Leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s about taking initiative, inspiring others, and leading with purpose and integrity. This program helped me refine those values and carry them confidently into my legal career.”

Alexandra Battaglia
I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduation, I will be joining the litigation group at Leech Tishman in Chicago. During my time in law school, I served as President of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society and Vice President of the Real Estate Law Society.
“The Leadership Project has been such a valuable experience, giving me the opportunity to learn from leaders across many different fields and to reflect on what kind of leader I want to be. It challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and develop skills that I know will serve me well as I begin my legal career. I feel more prepared to tackle challenges head-on and to inspire others around me, both inside and outside the courtroom.”