Diverse Mentoring Initiative

Thank you, Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, for inviting us back for the Lawyers in the Lobby Program! I’m always excited whenever I get to talk to law students about the Diverse Mentoring Initiative and plug our incredible, ever-growing, member firms and share a little bit about the inspirational work they do!

Today, more than ever, we need people like my friend Jon Cochran. Thanks, Jon, for putting your [immense] skills to work to make sure everyone’s voice is heard on Election Day. Proud to know you!

I was honored to speak at the 2024 PDLG Boot Camp, where I had the privilege of sharing insights on an area of law that students may not often encounter—victim advocacy within the civil justice system—and the vital role plaintiff lawyers play in pursuing accountability and driving positive societal change. Working at a firm like VSCP LAW where our commitment to justice and dedication to our clients guides everything we do, reinforces the importance of this work every day.

Thank you to Alexandria MacMaster & Diverse Mentoring Initiative for this amazing opportunity! My summer at Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan LLP has been such an incredible experience! #HappyNationalInternDay ??

Yesterday, our mentees had the incredible opportunity to attend “To Boldly Go: The Next Generation of Philadelphia Trial Lawyers.” This inspiring event was moderated by Kevin Harden, Jr., sponsored by Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky, and organized by Stacy Hughes. Our distinguished panel of elite plaintiffs lawyers from top Philadelphia firms shared invaluable advice, discussing the unique highs and lows of personal injury work and reflecting on their experiences as diverse lawyers in a predominantly non-diverse field. We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors and participants for inspiring and energizing the next generation of leaders.

Meet the Mentees! Ruslan Aminov is a first-generation law student at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, Class of 2026. Born to Belarussian and Uzbek parents, he has spent his entire life in Northeast Philadelphia. He graduated summa cum laude with degrees in Political Science and Russian Area Studies. Ruslan is passionate about advocating for his community and making real, impactful changes in people's lives. This summer, he aims to gain hands-on legal experience across various practice areas and improve his research and writing skills. In his free time, he enjoys reading short stories, playing board and card games, and discovering new musicians. Ruslan aspires to pursue a career in litigation and advocacy on the Plaintiffs-Side in Philadelphia, the city he proudly calls home. He’s spending his summer at Martin Law alongside mentor Amit Shah and PTLA immediate past-president Al Carlson.

Meet the Mentees! Marion Gunpat is spending her summer at Abramson & Denenberg P.C. She is a 1L student at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, Class of 2026. Originally from Queens, New York, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Baruch College with a bachelor’s in Political Science. Marion hopes to learn more about the Plaintiff’s Bar and gain exposure to a wide variety of issues. She enjoys playing and watching soccer and baseball, as well as photography and video editing. Her future aspirations include working in the intersection between sports and entertainment law.

Meet the Mentees! Alexander Goldfinger is a first-year law student at Widener University Delaware Law School. A Rutgers University School of Business Camden graduate, he brings a rich background in business, finance, and entrepreneurship. He founded a successful commercial cleaning company and adapted during COVID-19 by creating a media production company. His experience includes wealth management and executive support. As a member of the LGBTQ community, he hopes to demonstrate that diversity enhances his pursuit of legal dreams, and is looking forward to spending his summer with Banks Law under the mentorship of Sonny Banks.

Meet the Mentees! Samuel Beatty is a first-year law student at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, originally from Cincinnati, OH, and Detroit, MI. A Baylor University alum with a bachelor’s in political science, he is passionate about law, advocacy, and connecting with people and ideas. Samuel is spending his summer at Bosworth Law, and is thrilled to be part of Villanova Law’s supportive community in Philly.

Meet the Mentees! Drew Taylor-Hughes is a first-year law student at Rutgers Law School, Class of 2026. Before law school, Drew worked on Criminal Justice Initiatives, including juvenile justice projects, and worked in criminal court focusing on bail reform and mental health initiatives in NYC. After law school, Drew hopes to explore plaintiff’s work and focus on medical malpractice and personal injury. At Kolsby, Gordon, Robin & Shore this summer, Drew is looking forward to delving deeper into plaintiff’s work and gaining hands-on experience in areas such as personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil rights. Drew is excited to learn from seasoned professionals and mentors who share a dedication to seeking justice for those who have been wronged. Drew’s mentor is DMI committee member, the exceptional Sarah Schindler.