The University of Baltimore School of Law welcomed five accomplished alumni back to the John and Frances Angelos Law Center this summer to share their experiences with participants in the High School Summer Pre-Law Academy, a free program designed to introduce Baltimore City high school students to legal education, the legal profession, and pathways to college.
The academy reflects UBalt Law's commitment to expanding access to legal education
and investing in future generations of leaders. Throughout the five-day program, students
explored the legal profession through a mock trial, college and career planning, admissions
sessions, campus tours, and conversations with practicing attorneys and law students.
By connecting high school students with accomplished alumni, UBalt Law broadens students'
understanding of the legal profession, introduces career pathways they may never have
imagined, and demonstrates that becoming a lawyer is an achievable goal.
The alumni panel featured Joshua Gehret, J.D. '23, James Besilty, J.D. '19, Ashley
Hass, J.D. '23, Anna Asgari, J.D. '16, and Jose Zelada, J.D. '20. Together, they shared
candid reflections on their journeys through law school, balancing competing priorities,
building professional networks, using technology responsibly, and finding purpose
in their legal careers.
Students were particularly interested in how artificial intelligence is changing the
legal profession. Joshua Gehret encouraged participants to develop strong foundational
skills before relying on technology. "Cases and work are all unique to the situation,"
he said. "You can rely on it too much, and it can hurt you."
Ashley Hass echoed that message, reminding students that technology should complement—not
replace—legal judgment. "New lawyers should not solely use AI," she said. "You still
need to know how to do the job to be able to check for accuracy."
The conversation also focused on professional fulfillment and maintaining perspective
throughout a legal career. James Besilty encouraged students to define success beyond
their careers. "Work is not the most important thing," he said. "You should work to
live, not live to work."
For many participants, hearing directly from UBalt Law graduates who once stood where
they are today made the possibility of a legal career feel tangible and attainable.
The panel highlighted the strength of the UBalt Law alumni community and its commitment
to mentoring future generations of legal professionals.
The Summer Pre-Law Academy exemplifies the School's Strategic Plan by expanding access
to legal education, strengthening community partnerships, and preparing future leaders
through mentorship, experiential learning, and meaningful engagement. As Baltimore's
public law school, UBalt Law believes leadership begins long before law school—and
that investing in the next generation strengthens both the legal profession and the
communities it serves.