Success in law school includes developing the skills and grit necessary to transfer to your legal career. But you don’t have to do it alone. One-on-one peer support is available through Academic Success Mentors.
The Academic Success Mentor (ASM) Program began in 2022 to provide students with individualized peer support grounded in helping the student develop effective study skills that work for them. Currently enrolled UBalt law students may meet with an ASM for one-on-one assistance to discuss note-taking, outlining, study aids , time management, prioritization, case briefing, and more.
Click on the Appointment Tool lightbulb icon in the UBalt portal under the “Legal Academic Success Mentors” schedule to book an appointment. Appointments are available all days of the week morning, afternoon, and evening.
Academic Success Mentor Biographies
The following students from the School of Law have been appointed as Academic Success Mentors for the Spring 2024 semester. Look for their names on the “Legal Academic Success Mentors” schedule on the Appointment Tool lightbulb in the UBalt portal.
Ouranitsa Abbas
Ouranitsa Abbas is a 4L dual-degree student completing her J.D./M.S. in Negotiations and Conflict Management and a Trauma-Informed Graduate Certificate. Apart from law school, she works at a local nonprofit with special accreditation from the U.S. Department of Justice to represent immigrants seeking benefits such as U.S. citizenship and protection against deportation. However, one of the most difficult and stressful things Ouranitsa has ever experienced was her 1L year. She joined the Academic Success Program to give back to her fellow students and help them find balance, confidence, and study skills that work for them. In addition to serving as a Head Academic Success Mentor, Ouranitsa is a student attorney for the Innocence Project Clinic and an Academic Coach and Tutor with UBalt's RLB Library. Ouranitsa looks forward to graduation in May 2024.
Samira Ehsan
Samira Ehsan is a 4L evening student at the University of Baltimore School of Law. She has enjoyed working with the Academic Success Program for the past several semesters and is eager to offer guidance and support to her fellow students during what was likely one of the most challenging and tumultuous learning adjustments she has had to experience herself. Outside of school, she works full-time as a paralegal at small family law practice in Rockville, Maryland, and she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and furbabies. Samira looks forward to graduating in May 2024.
Haley Wittstadt
Haley Wittstadt is a third-year student at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Haley completed her B.A. from the University of Baltimore in 2021 in Philosophy Law and Ethics with a minor in Business Management. Haley remains active in the UBLaw community by serving as an Honor Board member, a Student Conduct Board member, a Student Support Person with the Office of Student Support, and an Academic Support Mentor. She has served as a law scholar for Civil Procedure (Prof. Knowles | Fall 2022) and Property Law (Prof. Lynch | Spring 2023 & 2024). Haley was also a teaching assistant for ITA and Business Organizations (Prof. Oppenheimer | Fall 2023). Haley has an interest in estate planning, business law, and property law. Outside of school, Haley works at a tiki bar in Harford County and is a housing justice intern with the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland. Haley joined the ASM team in hopes of helping give back to the community that has supported her throughout her many years at UB. Haley looks forward to graduating in May 2024!
Amanda Fruman
Amanda Fruman is a second-year student at the University of Baltimore School of Law. At school, she enjoys being a Law Review Staff Editor, a member of the Law School’s Honor Board, a University-Wide Conduct Board Member, a law scholar to Professor Dionne Koller, and a teaching assistant to Professor Amy Sloan. Amanda is excited to begin working as an Academic Success Program Mentor because she has a passion for working with her peers to find study and organization habits that help them in and out of the classroom and gain confidence as they navigate law school.
Alter Schnur
Alter Schnur is a dedicated second-year student at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Alter is committed to making a positive impact in the legal field, particularly in the realm of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He has a passion for advocating for equal rights and accessibility. Alter is looking forward to working for Professor Baffy as an Academic Success Program Mentor and helping students succeed to the best of their ability in law school.