Ryan Shannon

Ryan Shannon, ‘08 (B.A. Political Science) is currently a 3L at the University of Richmond School of Law and will graduate in May 2011. He is a member of the senior staff of the University of Richmond Law Review and is a teaching assistant for Professors Marla Decker and Stephen Mc Cullough. He is also currently enrolled in the clinical placement program, working with Genworth Financial on matters dealing with insurance law.

In May 2010 Ryan received the New York State Bar Association’s President’s Pro Bono Service Award. This award is presented annually to one law student from the State of New York who does the most to promote equal access to justice in the community. Ryan received the award based on his participation in the Law Students in Action Project, his successful representation of clients in front of the Unemployment Insurance Benefits Appeals Board and his research that is now being used by legal aide organizations throughout New York State in connection with the use of identification in applications for public benefits and for prisoners who are attempting to re-enter society.

According to Ryan, “Bonaventure was a great help preparing me for law school. The professors make a great effort to get to know each individual student and care about each one. You don’t see that at other schools. In addition, the ability to analyze legal concepts and think critically was greatly bolstered through classes I took in the pre-law program. In particular, Constitutional Law and Mock Trial put me a step ahead of other law students when it came to being familiar with legal concepts and how to present a case. Bonaventure was the right choice to prepare me for what one needs to deal with when out in the professional world.”
 

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