Senate
The Legislative Branch, composed of the Senate, is led by the Executive Vice President. Each class is represented by elected Senators whose terms last one year. Evening students and transfer students are also represented on the Senate. In addition, there are several at-large Senate seats for students wishing to represent the interests of the greater student body at WCL.
The Senate proposes, considers, and votes on legislation. This includes approving the Student Bar Association Budget, chartering student organizations, amending the Constitution, and establishing the bylaws which govern SBA actions. The Senate also confirms Executive Board and Judicial Branch presidential appointees.The Senate typically meets every other week during the school year on Tuesday nights at 10:10pm in WCL Room 101. Please email sbacommdirector@gmail.com for the date of our next SBA meeting.
3L Senators
Gabriel Fonseca 
I’m Gabriel Fonseca, a 3L Senator. I grew up in upstate NY and attended Middlebury College for undergrad where I majored in Political Science and played varsity ice hockey. After graduating I spent a number of years in New York exploring different jobs. I worked as a sign maker/artist, a writer, a musician, a carpenter and designer, and a legal assistant. But I always planned to end up in law school and pursue law and government. I’m glad to be returning in my 3rd year as a Senator and I welcome anyone to share concerns or ask questions. (gf0172a@student.american.edu)
Greg Santiago
Hi I’m Greg, one of the 3L SBA Senators for the 2012-13 school year. I was born and raised in Northern California and went to undergrad at the University of California, Berkeley where I majored in political science. After undergrad I worked for the State of California for four years on legislative issues. In my spare time (which is pretty much non-existent in law school) I enjoy reading, watching TV, and gaming (both the board and computer varieties). During my 1L year I was in Section 4. In addition to being an SBA Senator I am also the Technical Editor of the Business Law Review. (gs8699a@student.american.edu)
Jamie Larson
I am a Phoenix native and I graduated from Arizona State University, where I majored in English Literature and Psychology. After graduation, I worked as a journalist and in the hospitality industry before coming to law school. At WCL, I am the Symposium Editor of the American University Business Law Review, the Vice-President of the Energy Law Society, and a staff member for the Sustainable Development Law & Policy Brief. As a returning Senator, I look forward to once again representing the student body, ensuring that all students have their voices heard and needs addressed, and working with the Barrister’s Ball Committee to plan another amazing, but fiscally responsible, event. (jl4397a@student.american.edu)
Kevin Kistler
Hi, I'm Kevin, one of the 3L senators. I am in the full time program and this is my 2nd term on SBA. I am from Maryland and choose to go to law school close to home. I went to Tufts for undergrad. In law school I have interned at a lobbying firm, the Maryland State's Attorney's office and went on the Hague summer program last summer. I look forward to working with everyone this school year. (kk7336a@student.american.edu)
2L Senators
Abbie Kamin
I'm from Houston, TX and went to undergrad at Tulane University in New Orleans. I am looking forward to representing your interests as a 2L Senator. (abbiekamin@gmail.com)
Brian Nistler
Born and raised in Texas. Anthropology undergrad from Oklahoma Baptist University; also involved in P.A.D., the Policy and Legislation brief, and the Law and Government Society at WCL. (bn8183a@american.edu)
Jacob Bedingfield
Hi, I'm Jacob, a 2L Senator for 2012-2013. I did a lot of traveling growing up, but spent most of my time in Texas and Michigan. Just prior to law school I moved from Denver, Colorado, where I was working on a Masters of Public Affairs. I did my undergrad at Michigan State University and majored in Political Science. I also spent about 3 years living and traveling overseas, mainly in South Korea. I'm excited for this next year and hope that we can help make your time at WCL the most fun and productive. If you see me around please let me know if you have any concerns or issues you'd like us to look into or any goals you'd like to see accomplished. (jacob.bedingfield@gmail.com)
Alexis Patterson
Hi, my name is Alexis Patterson and I am a 2L Senator. I received my B.A. in Government & Politics from St. John's University (NY). I was born and raised in Miami, FL. This past summer, I was a Dean's Fellow for the Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property (PIJIP), and a judicial intern at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. I am the 2012-2013 Vice President of the Intellectual Property Law Society. I am also a junior blogger for WCL's Intellectual Property Brief, Team Director for the Moot Court Honor Society Executive Board, Community Service Chair for BLSA, and a Marshall-Brennan Fellow. I am currently a judicial intern at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. I look forward to representing my fellow 2L’s in SBA this year. (alexis.patterson001@gmail.com)
1L Senators
Jason Bailey
Section 1 Representative
Born and raised in West Virginia, I recently graduated from West Virginia University. I received my degrees in International Studies and Political Science with a minor in Economics, and I spent my last year serving as student body president and a voting member of the institutional Board of Governors. I am proud to be representing Section 1 of the 1L class this year! (jason.bailey@student.american.edu)
Tiph Harner
Section 2 Representative
Hello, I am Christopher Harner but people normally call me Tiph. I am a 1L senator for SBA and a native of Pittsburgh,PA. I completed my undergrad in 2011 at the University of Pittsburgh. I majored in History and Communications while also playing varsity baseball. A few summers ago I studied in London and because of that have gained interest for international law, just not sure what kind. (tiph_harner@yahoo.com)
Mia Field
Section 3 Representative
Hi, I'm Mia and I'm a 1L, living in DC for the first time. I was born and raised in Aurora, Colorado. I attended the University of Colorado- Boulder where I majored in Economics with an international emphasis. I'm a huge college football fan and I love to run and do anything outdoors. (mf5003@student.american.edu)
Melissa Merlo
Section 4 Representative
Hi, I'm Melissa, a 1L Senator for the 2012-2013 school year. I was born in New York, but grew up in New England and New Jersey. I graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Sociology. Prior to law school, I worked as a paralegal in New York City for five years, both at a law firm and in-house. I look forward to serving your interests in order to improve and enrich our experience here at WCL. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns, questions, or suggestions. (mm3239a@student.american.edu)
Jeanna Lee
Section 5 Representative
I graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Psychology and a Spanish minor. I am here to represent you to the best of my abilities and welcome you to approach me with any concerns or suggestions. (jl7099a@student.american.edu)
Ruben Garcia
Section 6 Representative
Hello, my name is Ruben and I am proud to be your 1L Section 6 Senator for 2012-2013. I grew up in Granbury, Texas, and I studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. After graduating in 2010, I moved to DC. I have worked for the past two years at the Solidarity Center, an international labor rights NGO, where I serve as a program officer for the Latin America region. In my (now rare) spare time, I enjoy playing golf and going to all types of music festivals. I look forward to serving as a voice for our unique part-time student needs. Feel free to e-mail me if you have concerns that you would like me to raise or just to talk about school, life, or work. (rg3425a@student.american.edu)
Transfer Student Senator
Prianka Sharma-Iacobucci
I am a 2L transfer student originally from Chicago, but worked in political consulting in DC for 2 years prior to attending law school. I previously attended Fordham Law where I served as my 1L section SBA rep. I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan Universiy where I double majored in Spanish and International Studies. While at IWU I traveled and studied in 6 different countries! After college (and before moving to DC) I worked on the Obama campaign starting with the Iowa caucus all the way through the general election. I am currently a Marshall Brennan fellow at WCL. In my spare time I enjoy playing with my cats and training to run my first marathon this November! (p.s.iacobucci@gmail.com)
Evening Senators
Bethanie Haynes
Bethanie Haynes is a second-year law student at WCL from Cleveland, Tennessee. She graduated cum laude from the University of Tennessee in 2008 with a degree in French Language and World Business. She currently works for EDF Inc. in Chevy Chase, MD. (bethaniehaynes@gmail.com)
Daniel Clark
Hello! I am Daniel. I am an evening Senator for 2012-2013. I am in my second year of the evening program, and I expect to graduate in 2015. I grew up in Falls Church, VA, and received my Bachelor of Arts with a double major in International Studies concentrating in Latin American Studies and Hispanic Studies from the College of William & Mary in 2005. I am a litigation Law Clerk at The Employment Law Group® law firm, an employment civil rights boutique in Washington, DC. In my previous career I worked as a political operative for five years in domestic and international campaigning, including for a U.S. Presidential campaign, campaigns for Governor, U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and for foreign heads of state and political parties. More recently I served as Legislative Aide to a Maryland State Delegate. Please email me at Daniel.Clark@student.wcl.edu with any questions, concerns, or suggestions for how I can help make WCL a better place! (Daniel.Clark@student.wcl.edu)
Linda Sabatello - Academic Affairs Committee Chairperson
My name is Linda Sabatello. I am a 3L evening student. I grew up in New Jersey and attended Boston College where I majored in Political Science and Communication. I spend my days working full-time as a paralegal at an immigration law firm. I have also worked as a Dean’s Fellow with the Immigrant Justice Clinic. This is my second year serving as an Evening Senator, and I look forward to continuing to represent the needs of evening students. (linda.sabatello@gmail.com)
Forrest McConnell
Hi, I’m Forrest McConnell, a 2L serving as an evening senator for 2012-2013. I’m a native of Montgomery, AL and completed my undergrad at AU’s School of International Service. I’ve worked in government since I started undergrad and will continue to do so during my time at WCL. (fmcconnell4@gmail.com)
At Large Senators
Amaury Sibon
I am originally from the south of France but I quickly moved to Morocco,and ended up staying there for 18 years (it’s an awesome place, youshould definitely go visit). I then went back to France, and went to lawschool at the University of Paris 10. I graduated in 2011, with aspecialization in business law and commercial contracts/transactions. Iam now a dual-degree at WCL, graduating in 2013, and hoping to make theschool a better environment for the future generations! (Funsies) (amaury.sibon@gmail.com)
Colten Hall - Student Services Committee Chairperson
My name is Colten Hall and I am a Senator At-Large. I was raised in Blythe, California, a small desert town replete with over five fully-functioning stoplights. After high school I escaped the heat of the desert and spent my college years on the beach at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I graduated in 2010 with High Honors. I tore myself away from the sand, sunshine, and surf to come to WCL where now I pass the days as a 3L JD/MA candidate. This is my third year serving in the Student Bar Association, serving first as my 1L section representative followed by a stint as the President Pro Tempore. As a former member of the Evening Program, I try to serve as an advocate for the part-time student, while also encouraging the SBA to support programs that increase WCL’s image as a strong force in international and human rights law. (ch6166a@student.american.edu)
Mike Gebauer - Finance Committee Chairperson
Mike is a 3L serving as Finance Chair and At-Large Senator for the 2012-13 academic year. He is involved in Moot Court, Business Law Review, the National Security Law Brief, and is also pursuing an M.A. in International Affairs through SIS. At the University at Buffalo, he majored in Business Administration, Political Science, and Economics before graduating in 2010. He has studied abroad in Valencia, Spain, and Istanbul, Turkey, and is currently working as a law clerk at the U.S. Department of State. (mgebauer88@gmail.com)
Rachel Kaplan - Groups & Organizations Committee Chairperson
I received my bachelor’s degree from Hunter College in New York City. While attending college, I worked full time at a community-based non-profit, advocating for children with serious medical conditions. I spent my 1L summer working at the Office of the New York State Attorney General’s in the Claims Bureau, helping defend against tort and medical malpractice claims. During my 2L year, I was a law clerk at the Office of Special Counsel in the Disclosure Unit, evaluating federal whistleblower disclosures. I also had the privilege of also teaching a yearlong Constitutional Law class at a DC public school, in conjunction with WCL’s Marshall-Brennan Project. For my rising 3L summer I was a Peggy Browning Labor Law fellow at the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. I am interested in combining my interest in health law, labor and employment law, and legislation and policy. (rackap@gmail.com)
Stephanie Aguirre
I am originally from Miami, Florida. I graduated from Florida International University where I majored in International Business and French Language. I went on to work for a private public relations and marketing firm that specialized for two years before coming to WCL. I am a 3L full-time student interested in national security law and transactional law. (stephanieaguirre124@gmail.com)
