Welcome to the Office of Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) welcomes you to another safe space at the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. We believe in transparency, authentic individuality, academic excellence and overall well-being. We embrace the changes that allow us to think of innovative ways to engage our students. The OSA supports the mission, vision and principles set forth by the University of Louisville.

This office is dedicated to helping students develop a strong platform for student success and wellness. We offer support, organizational leadership opportunities and guidance while facilitating meaningful relationships among students, faculty, and staff.

Image: Signature, Crystal Coel
Crystal Rae Coel, Esq., M.A.

Assistant Dean for Student Affairs


Student Spotlights

Peyton Gray headshot

Martin Watts

Class of 2025

Hometown: London, Kentucky

What do you like about Brandeis/Law School?
I like that the professors and faculty here at Brandeis have always been happy to meet with me whenever I’ve had a question or concern about course content.

Career goal – what do you want to do after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to be hired as a prosecutor here in Louisville, where I can develop my litigation skills and work toward becoming a great trial attorney.

Who has influenced you the most?
My sister, Mahala Watts, has influenced me the most. Seeing her consistent success throughout college and in her professional career as a teacher has made me more determined in my own life.

Favorite quote:
“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” – President John F. Kennedy

Michael Fields headshot

Jennifer Troth Sliger

Class of 2026

Hometown: Frankfort, Kentucky

What do you like about Brandeis/Law School?
What drew me to Brandeis was the positive learning atmosphere. You hear horror stories about law school being intense and intimidating—and it certainly can be, due to the nature and volume of material. But the environment at many schools unnecessarily adds to that pressure. In contrast, Brandeis offers a welcoming learning environment that fosters student engagement. The approachability of the professors plays a pivotal role in creating that experience.

Career goal – what do you want to do after graduation?
I’m interested in pursuing a career in employment or health law. More specifically, I hope to contribute to policy reform in those areas.

Who has influenced you the most?
My mom and dad have been the greatest influences in my life. Two personal qualities I’m most proud of—my independence and resourcefulness—came from watching my mom tackle DIY home repairs. My diligence and perseverance come from observing my dad’s thoroughness in his work.

Favorite quote:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou

Sam Hall

Class of 2025

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

What do you like about Brandeis/Law School?
My favorite thing about Brandeis is the collaborative culture. While most law schools are hyper-competitive and cutthroat, the students at Brandeis support one another. Students share notes, ideas, and even job opportunities, creating a community where people lift each other up instead of just looking out for themselves. It’s a place where we all want to see each other succeed.

Career goal – what do you want to do after graduation?
My goal throughout law school has been to practice law in-house for a major corporation, and thanks to the opportunities and network provided by Brandeis, I’ll be achieving this goal after graduation as a lawyer at Fidelity National Financial. In this role, I’ll help individuals who rely on Fidelity for title insurance, protecting their most significant investment—their homes.

Who has influenced you the most?
My parents have influenced me the most. They instilled in me the importance of hard work, perseverance in the face of challenges, and the ability to appreciate life’s journey and the people we share it with, regardless of the circumstances.

Favorite quote:
“The Gospel of Jesus is too good, the needs of our world are too great, and the momentum of God is too real for us to dream too small.” – Jonathan Moynihan

Mallory L. Harrington headshot

Alexandra Stavens

Class of 2025

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

What do you like about Brandeis/Law School?
Starting law school was an intimidating process, but it’s been the most fulfilling experience of my life. The friendships I’ve formed with classmates at UofL helped me get through the intense workloads and have been a constant source of support. UofL has given me more than just a law degree—it’s given me lifelong friendships I will always cherish. To anyone nervous about starting law school: branch out of your comfort zone, be kind to everyone, and know that the best way to succeed is by helping those around you. These three years fly by—so as hard as it may seem, cherish them.

Career goal – what do you want to do after graduation?
After graduation, I will begin my legal career working in business litigation and general civil litigation. I hope to always push myself to grow, learn, and think critically while helping others along the way.

Who has influenced you the most?
My dad. As an immigrant, I’ve seen how hard he’s worked to provide for our family. His work ethic and the sacrifices he made to build a better future motivate me every day. He’s taught me that no matter where you come from, you can accomplish anything in life.

Favorite quote:
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” – Robin Williams

Ainsley Gordon

Class of 2025

Hometown: Mt. Washington, Kentucky

What do you like about Brandeis/Law School?
The thing I love most about law school at Brandeis is the community. Over the last three years, I’ve met some of my best friends and most impactful mentors—people who have shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve grown so much since beginning law school, and I truly have the people around me to thank. From library chats about anything but school, to traveling the world to learn alongside legal students from other countries, to finding a career path filled with supportive advisors, the community I’ve found has made me incredibly grateful.

Career goal – what do you want to do after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to go into trust and estate administration. Before law school, I didn’t realize how many different paths a legal degree could lead to. Once I began my internship, I knew this was an area of the law I wanted to explore—and I feel lucky to have that opportunity.

Who has influenced you the most?
My mother has always been my biggest influence, supporter, and mentor. Without her, I wouldn’t have started law school—let alone finished it. Her diligence and ambition inspired me from a young age to follow my passion for writing. She has always pushed me to be my best and to strive for more. I wouldn’t be here without her, and I’m thankful for her every day.

Favorite quote:
“Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.” – Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

Aynsley Stier

Class of 2025

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

What do you like about Brandeis/Law School?
I appreciate not only the professors at Brandeis, but the entire faculty. They are incredibly supportive and truly invested in student success. Whether it’s academic advice, career planning, or simply encouragement, they go above and beyond to help. Their dedication creates an environment where students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Knowing they genuinely want us to succeed makes the challenges of law school feel more manageable.

Career goal – what do you want to do after graduation?
I plan to become a patent attorney. I’m particularly interested in intellectual property law, with a focus on patent prosecution and litigation. My goal is to help innovators protect their ideas while navigating the complexities of patent law.

Who has influenced you the most?
My dad has influenced me the most. He has always been my biggest supporter, encouraging me to work hard and stay determined. His resilience, work ethic, and unwavering belief in me have shaped how I approach challenges and define success. He’s taught me the importance of perseverance, striving for excellence, and simply never quitting. His guidance continues to inspire me as I pursue my goals in law and beyond.

Favorite quote:
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” – William Shakespeare

Jean Annelise Mack

Class of 2025

Hometown: New Castle, Kentucky

What do you like about Brandeis/Law School?
My favorite thing about Brandeis has been the professors. Several of them showed exceptional kindness, care, and genuine interest in the lives and career aspirations of their students. Professor Powell, in particular, always brightened my day with his genuineness and the enthusiasm he brought to seeing us and teaching us.

Career goal – what do you want to do after graduation?
Be a rockstar personal injury attorney at Alex R. White, PLLC.
#SueDistractedDriver.com

Who has influenced you the most?
My community. Working as a waitress at a local restaurant throughout high school and college connected me with so many great people. Their regular check-ins, support, and encouragement made me proud of myself and motivated me to keep setting goals, working hard, and striving to be the best version of myself.

Favorite quote:
“As long as you're willing to work hard, that's all that's necessary—you'll do quite alright.” – My great-granddad

Leslie Amanda Whaley Allgeier

Class of 2025

Hometown: New Castle, Kentucky

What do you like about Brandeis/Law School?
One of the things I love most about Brandeis Law School is the genuine dedication of the professors to their students' success. The faculty is not only composed of brilliant legal minds, but also individuals who are deeply invested in mentorship and student growth. They create an environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and challenged to reach their full potential.

Career goal – what do you want to do after graduation?
I am in the process of obtaining my Certified Public Accountant license, and I hope to use my law degree in conjunction with this certification to become a tax attorney.

Who has influenced you the most?
My parents have most definitely influenced me the most. They have always led by example, showing me the value of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. Their unwavering support and belief in me have given me the confidence to pursue my goals. Their guidance has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am incredibly grateful for their influence on my life.

Favorite quote:
“Believe you can and you're halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Salute the Unbroken

Recognizing our active military and veteran students.

Student Profiles: Salute the Unbroken — Louis D. Brandeis School of Law