Meet Our 2024 Newly Designated Fellows
The Fellowship is delighted to introduce our newly designated Tony Patiño Fellows Day, class of 2024.
Selection season has wrapped up for the year and along with a new cohort of Fellows-Elect (class of 2027), we have eight newly designated Fellows to welcome: Iris Wagner and Sam Ruby from UC Law SF; Luke Cronin, Rohan Naik, and Kevin Barbosa from Columbia; and Maya Lorey, Talla Khelghati, and Christian Pierre-Canel from Chicago. Below are excerpts from their Fellowship acceptance speeches.
Christian Pierre-Canel:
Law Clerk at the U.S. Department of Justice
“Dèyè mòn gen mon is a Haitian proverb that in English translates to “behind mountains there are mountains.” Since childhood I have been inspired by these words because it gives us a choice. Beyond our current struggle may lay a future struggle. But after overcoming our current challenge, we have the privilege and opportunity to climb a new mountain and overcome a new challenge.”
Talla Khelghati:
Law Clerk at Sullivan and Cromwell LLP
“I’m honored to join an esteemed community of professionals who are not only incredible lawyers, but incredible mentors and people. I look forward to paying back all of the time, energy, and belief that was invested in me over the last three years to a new generation of Fellows-Elect.”
Maya Lorey:
Judicial Law Clerk for U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
“Receiving the Patino fellowship during the first week of 1L was immensely affirming as I instantly entered a community of individuals committed to public service who would continue to inspire and ground me throughout my time in law school.”
2024 Patiño Fellows from Chicago. From left to right, Maya Lorey, Christian Pierre-Canel, Talla Khelghati.
Sam Ruby:
Trial Counsel for the Coast Guard Office of the Chief Prosecutor
“A lot of people have networks, but the Fellowship is a special network. What this Fellowship has done is put friendship in a context where its power can be compounded and multiplied to become a positive force in this world.”
Iris Wagner:
Associate Attorney at Tobener Ravenscroft LLP
“This is a community united by a commitment to public service and legal advocacy. It’s also comprised of people who are diverse in backgrounds, beliefs, and goals. These differing perspectives find lifelong friendship through this Fellowship.”
2024 Patiño Fellows from UC Law SF, Sam Ruby and Iris Wagner.
Kevin Barbosa
Associate at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
“I ask myself what it means to be an attorney when international law fails to stop a genocide, when Congress fails to rein in rampant gun violence or curb the climate crisis, and when corruption infects the very highest offices of our government. Translating the Fellowship’s instruction to “lead mankind in all that is just, honorable and compassionate” into a career path isn’t an easy task. And yet, we have guiding lights in the darkness. When incomprehensible loss threatened to break her, Francesca built this community. When she couldn’t see a bright future ahead, my mom decided to turn over a new leaf in this country. As I enter this profession, filled with questions, apprehension, and excitement, I promise to do the same.”
Rohan Naik:
“For me, law school was a time of transformation and growth. I entered thinking that I wanted to pursue a career in criminal law, but after internships and conversations with practicing lawyers, some of whom were Tony Patiño Fellows themselves, I realized that my passion and skills may lie elsewhere.”
Luke Cronin:
“I hope that each day I serve my community, lead others in making justice more accessible, and have the character to treat all with dignity, respect, and care. To Francesca and Tony, I hope I’ll do right by you. To Steve, Betty, Bob, and Janice: thank you for taking a chance on me three years ago – I hope I’ll do right by you. To everyone present, thank you so much for all you have given me – I hope I’ll do right by you.”
2024 Patiño Fellows from Columbia. From left to right, Rohan Naik, Luke Cronin, Kevin Barbosa.