School of Law
School of Law
Luann Edwards, J.D., '00, Assistant Dean for Career Development
fter a rewarding career as a practicing attorney, Dean Edwards joined the UBalt Law
Career Development Office (LCDO) to further her commitment to preparing emerging legal
professionals to pursue career choices that align with their goals, values, and character.
She began her legal career as an associate attorney in a large firm where she worked
on high-stakes litigation and arbitration. From there, she pivoted to public interest
law, where her work included litigation, policy and legislative work, professional
development of new attorneys, and management of grant compliance and reporting.
For more than a decade, she was a public interest managing attorney, which allowed
her to combine legal practice, organizational leadership, strategic planning, and
program design. Before law school, she worked as a policy advocate for a large public
interest organization, progressing from a Midwest regional office to the national
office in Washington D.C.
Dean Edwards is a proud UBalt Law alum who, like many in the UBalt Law community,
was both a second-career and first-generation law student.
Cordell Grant, J.D., ’18, Associate Director, Judicial Clerkships and Diversity Initiatives
A proud UBalt Law alumnus, Cordell began his legal career with the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office, where he focused on addressing systemic inequities within the criminal justice system. Prior to law school, he worked with the Say Yes to Education Program, helping students and families from under-resourced communities prepare for and afford college. In his current role, Cordell counsels students pursuing post-graduate judicial clerkships, manages UBalt Law's 1L summer placement program, EXPLOR, and serves as faculty advisor to the Black Law Students Association. In December 2024, Cordell received the University's Staff Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award in recognition of his contributions to the campus and Baltimore community. Beyond the Law School, Cordell served in 2025 as the 4th Council District representative on Baltimore County's Redistricting Commission, advocating for fair representation. Cordell received his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2018 and holds a B.A. from SUNY Cortland.
Brandy Gray, J.D. ’03, Associate Director for Law Career Development
Director Gray, a proud UBalt Law alumna, brings more than 20 years of experience spanning private practice, public interest law, and government service. Before returning to the Law School, she was Counsel at Semmes Bowen & Semmes. Director Gray worked in private practice earlier in her career, as well, before serving for 16 years in the Maryland Office of the Attorney General. She began her legal career as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Emory A. Plitt Jr. in the Circuit Court for Harford County. In addition to her extensive experience as a practicing attorney, Director Gray brings a deep understanding of the legal hiring market, significant experience in professional networking, and firsthand knowledge of the use of artificial intelligence in the legal workplace.
Liz Solar, Associate Director, Public Interest & Externships
Prior to arriving at UBalt Law, Liz served as the Director of Externships at Harvard Law School where she managed Harvard Law School’s Externship Clinical programs, where she advised, counseled and coached law students on externships and developed strategies for academic and career goals. Liz also served as a clinical instructor in HLS’s Housing and Community Economic Development clinics and worked in municipal and federal government positions. In her current role, Liz provides career coaching to students, with a special emphasis on public interest careers. Liz also helps administer the externship program. Liz received her J.D. degree from Northeastern University School of Law, her bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University, and her M. F. A in creative writing from Emerson College.
Alyson Todd, Associate Director, Alumni Counseling and Programs
Alyson is a former commercial litigation associate with a large firm and a boutique trial firm and practiced in the areas of product liability, antitrust, employment and insurance coverage law. Alyson then worked as a legal search consultant for law firms and corporations in the Washington, D.C., metro region. In her current role, Alyson counsels students and alumni in career planning, job search strategies, resume preparation, interview skills, and networking. Alyson also conducts outreach to recent graduates to obtain update employment information, implements and maintains the LCDO’s compliance with graduate employment data collection and reporting protocols required by the ABA. Alyson holds a JD from the University of Chicago School of Law and a BA from Wellesley College.
Lydia Whitney, Program Administrative Specialist
Before joining the UBalt LCDO, Lydia served as the Academic Services Coordinator for the anesthesiology residency program at the University of Maryland Medical Center. She has successfully navigated diverse roles, bringing comprehensive experience in academic coordination, human resources, and quality assurance. Lydia’s career is underscored by a commitment to student success and enhancing organizational effectiveness across various domains. In her current role, Lydia leverages her expertise in organizational efficiency and program coordination to support the most important initiatives of the office. Lydia holds a degree in Psychology from Frostburg State University.