Rutgers Law School proudly celebrates the Class of 2025—an inspiring group of graduates whose stories reflect perseverance, service, leadership, and resilience—both in and out of the classroom. These future lawyers represent a rich variety of backgrounds and dreams. Their stories are just a few examples of how Rutgers Law helps shape dynamic legal careers.
Name: Bianca I. Hernandez (2024 and 2025 Phillip J. Levin Law Scholarship recipient)
Hometown: Stanhope, NJ
Undergraduate degree: Montclair State University
Family firsts: First-generation college, professional school, and law school graduate
Fun fact: "This will be my grandmother's first time watching anyone from her family graduate from a university."
Plans after graduating: "After graduation, I will be a law clerk for the Honorable Judge Karina D. Fuentes, Essex Vicinage, Superior Court, Criminal Division."
Career Goal: "I aspire to represent immigrant children and unaccompanied minors in immigration court. Above all else, I want to spend my career advancing the lives of people from communities like mine and never losing sight of my moral obligation to help others."
“Dreams do come true. When I think about graduating law school, I envision a little girl who at 8 years old knew she wanted to become a lawyer... My mother instantly believed in me and told all her coworkers “My daughter is going to be a lawyer.” She bought me a Legally Blonde attorney briefcase and a pink suit. She knew I was capable of this accomplishment at 8 years old. As I cross the threshold of accomplishing my dream, I recognize that this achievement is so much bigger than a personal goal. It’s for my family, the people who supported and guided me along the way and, the Latino community whose needs have inspired my persistence throughout this journey.”
🔉 Click here to listen to the Rutgers Law Power of Attorney podcast featuring Bianca and her mentor Judge Victoria Pratt '98.
Name: Harsh Dinesh Mahajan
Hometown: Mumbai, India; Doha, Qatar; Mississauga, Ontario
Undergraduate degree: McMaster University
Family firsts: "I am the first in my entire extended family ever to pursue a legal career; my entire family (me included) is full of STEM majors."
Fun Fact: "I am leading the graduation parade in Newark with my bagpipes!"
Plans after graduating: "I will be working at KPMG, at their Short Hills, NJ office, in their International Tax Department as a JD/LLM associate."
Career Goal: "My ultimate goal above anything else is to have a family and be able to support my family with my professional life. I want to ensure that my professional life is one that enables me to support the personal and career goals of my family."
"छोडे जो ज़िंदगी का कारवाँ,
चले कोई पगडंडी रब भरोसे,
हुए वो ही मुखातिब, ऐसे मुक़द्दर से।"
Translation: "Only those who leave the caravan, and walk with faith, are ones who acquaint this fate."
📖 Click here to read Harsh's article on "Using ChatGPT in Law School" for the American Bar Association's "The SciTech Lawyer" publication.
Name: Jasmyn A. Montgomery
Hometown: Trenton, NJ
Undergraduate degree: Delaware State University
Class Day Honors: Mary Philbrook Student Public Interest Award, Social Justice Scholar, Dean's Pro Bono Publico Award for Exceptional Service, with Distinction (200+ hours of pro bono service)
Plans after graduating: Clerk for the Assignment Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage, The Honorable Terrence R. Cook
Career Goal: To be a top criminal defense attorney in New Jersey
"One generation removed from the Jim Crow era, my parents attended segregated schools, facing barriers that made education a hard-won victory. Despite these challenges, my parents received their degrees and pushed the importance of education on me and my brother. This law degree is more than just a personal achievement. It is a victory for my family and my community. It’s a symbol of breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and paving the way for those who come after me. To every young Black girl who’s ever doubted whether her dreams are within reach—know this: they are always possible. With God, determination, and believing in yourself, there is nothing you cannot achieve."
Name: Brad Prestiano
Hometown: Yorktown Heights, New York
Family firsts: First generation lawyer
Fun Fact: Student Commencement Speaker, selected by peers.
Plans after graduating: Law Clerk for Honorable Michael Duffy, NJ Tax Court and pursue a Tax LLM Part-time at New York University
Career Goal: Become an expert in taxation.
"Beginning law school, I did not know what to expect or how I would handle the demands. Over the last three years, I have adapted, persevered, and thrived. It is surreal to be graduating and begin my next professional and personal chapter. Throughout the journey, I met so many talented and interesting people. I will miss working with and befriending many people from diverse backgrounds and experiences and grappling with the intellectual demands of law school."
Name: Emma Roth
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Undergraduate degree: Towson University
Family firsts: First generation JD recipient
Fun Fact: Student Commencement Speaker and Camden Student Bar Association President
Plans after graduating: Work as Deputy Attorney General at the Delaware Department of Justice
Career Goal: "My ultimate goal is to be a Prosecutor for the Federal Government or serve on the bench."
"Graduating from Rutgers Law School is an accomplishment that I have deep pride in. My experience has embodied the phrase “you get what you put in.” I came into law school with an open mind about different practice areas and perspectives and am leaving with the beginnings of a career that balances my strengths and my passions. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had, as SBA President, to work with our faculty and administrators to represent the needs of the students and help provide meaningful solutions. Ultimately, choosing Rutgers to pursue my legal education was an amazing decision."
🔉 Click here to listen to the Rutgers Law Power of Attorney podcast featuring Emma and Daniel Altomare '25, Newark's Student Bar Association President
Name: Brett Weise (Helen & Mark Hankin Scholarship recipient)
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergraduate degree: San Diego State University
Class Day Honor: Social Justice Scholar
Fun Fact: "Last year, my twin sister beat me to the punch in being the first in our extended family to graduate from professional school. I was at her graduation, and now she will be at mine. Although my mother passed away last year, I know she will be smiling from above seeing my sister and I together at graduation, both of us finally completing our education."
Plans after graduating: "I will be clerking at the New Jersey Supreme Court with Justice Fabiana Pierre-Louis (RC’02, CLAW’06).
Career Goal: "More than anything, I aspire to be a phenomenal litigator. I hope to work tirelessly in supporting the constitutional, statutory, public, and private rights of others."
"I’ve always believed that a rising tide lifts all ships. I am grateful that my peers at Rutgers Law School share that sentiment. I can only hope that each of us will use our immense privilege as attorneys to uplift our communities and to serve the public."