Staff


Student Leadership | Correspondents | Associate Editors | Assistant Editors | Professional Staff | Publisher Emeritus

JURIST is a public service project powered by more than 100 law students at 60+ law schools across six continents working under the guidance of professional staff and academic leadership based in Pittsburgh and Boston.

JURIST’s North American staff are law students at:

JURIST’s South American staff are law students at:

JURIST’s UK staff are law students at:

JURIST’s European staff are law students at:

JURIST’s Student Leadership Team is composed of experienced student staffers who take leading roles in managing and writing JURIST.

Managing Editors

Madeline YinglingMadeline Yingling (she/her) is JURIST’s News Managing Editor. Madeline is a third-year law student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (US) and joined JURIST in September 2023 as a News writer. She is primarily interested in international law and human rights.

Salma Ben SouissiSalma Ben Souissi is JURIST’s Deputy News Managing Editor. Salma is a law graduate from the Université Libre de Tunis. She has a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the European University of Tunis and an LLM in international human rights law from the University of Law in London. She joined JURIST in December 2023 as a News writer before becoming an editor. She is particularly interested in human rights and immigration law.

Senior Editors

Derren ChanDerren Chan is a Senior News Editor. He is a recent graduate of the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia (CA) and the University of Hong Kong. Derren previously served as JURIST’s News Managing Editor and as Hong Kong Bureau Chief and has a particular interest in constitutional law and international law.

Nova KruijningNova Kruijning is a Senior News Editor. Nova is a graduate of Maastricht University in The Netherlands, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in European & International law. After completing her undergraduate degree, she pursued the post-graduate Diploma of Law in the UK. She has a keen interest in international law and global affairs, and after completing her Masters’ degree in 2025, would like to work in the field of international law alongside continuing to pursue her interest in legal journalism.

Matteo PiccioliMatteo Piccioli is a Senior News Editor. Matteo is a second-year student at Maastricht University in The Netherlands. Originally from Italy, he spent eight years living in Ecuador’s capital. He has a strong interest in public law, particularly from a European perspective. In his free time, he enjoys long walks and spending time with friends. Matteo has been an active member of JURIST for over a year, gaining valuable experience along the way. He is now part of the editorial team and takes great pleasure in contributing to and engaging with the JURIST community.

Pitasanna ShanmugathasPitasanna Shanmugathas is a Senior Editor for Long Form Content. Pitasanna is a 3L at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. He holds a Master of Global Affairs degree from the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs. Pitasanna is also a documentary filmmaker and has co-produced a critically insightful documentary series on Canadian foreign policy as well as on Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict. Since 2014, Pitasanna has volunteered with the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, an organization that supports refugees arriving in Canada upon fleeing torture and persecution. As a law student, Pitasanna has worked as a student clinician in the US at the Vermont Immigrant Assistance Clinic and as a summer student at an immigration firm in Canada, assisting asylum seekers. Pitasanna has also been involved in peace activism and refugee advocacy through Save the Children Canada, STAND Canada, and the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace.

Chiefs of Staff

Shashank PandeyShashank Pandey (he/him) is JURIST’s Global Chief of Staff. Shashank is a fourth-year student at the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences in Kolkata, India, pursuing a law and humanities degree. He is interested in researching and writing about socio-legal issues, with a particular emphasis on using his writing to advocate for reforms.

Tyler LiTyler Li is JURIST’s Global Chief of Staff and a third-year law student at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. He completed his undergraduate degree at Western University where he majored in political science. Tyler is a world-class debater and public speaker with many accolades on the international stage, being a Grand Finalist at the North American Universities Debating Championships and ranked 24th in the world at the World Universities Debating Championships in Belgrade. Tyler has a keen interest in corporate transactional law, with a particular interest in banking & specialty finance, securities, and digital assets. He has previously worked at international law firms in Hong Kong and China, and will be joining Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP in Toronto this summer.

Lana OseiLana Osei is JURIST’s Africa Chief of Staff. Lana holds an LLB from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and also serves as Executive Secretary at the Centre for African Diplomacy and Global Engagement (Afroglobals) in Accra, Ghana. Her work bridges policy, advocacy, and people. For Lana, writing is not merely a skill, but a “manifesto to her future self”—a powerful tool to envision a better world and advocate for the actions needed to achieve it. She leads with humility, passion, and purpose, empowering her team, fostering collaboration, and amplifying African voices for global impact.

Daniel KimDaniel Kim is JURIST’s Canada Chief of Staff. Daniel is a 3L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. He has a strong interest in legal writing and research and has written on AI privacy and regulatory issues. Daniel will be summering at Kirkland & Ellis in New York City where he aims to start career in litigation. Outside of law, Daniel loves exercise and outdoor activities like hiking and surfing.

George MacauleyGeorge Macauley is JURIST’s Canada Deputy Chief of Staff. George is a 3L at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Prior to joining the leadership team, he worked with JURIST for more than a year—providing coverage of legal news relevant to the rule of law in Canada and abroad. His areas of interest include housing and labour rights, constitutional law, and corporate law. He also has previously completed a master’s degree in philosophy and holds extensive experience in competitive debate.

Helena TianHailun (Helena) Tian is JURIST’s East Asia Chief of Staff. Helena is a graduate from Nankai University School of Law in China, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in law. She completed a Master’s degree in International Commercial Law from University College London (UCL) with Distinction in 2024. She also studied public and private international law at the Hague Academy of International Law, during which the UK government partly sponsored her. Helena finds her interests in international trade law and arbitration law, and actively takes internships at regional courts and arbitration institutions. Helena joined JURIST’s Mainland China Team in 2023 and previously served as Associate Editor. She is keen to meet new JURIST members and work with people from all over the world.

Rahel HelmhartRahel Helmhart is JURIST’s Europe Chief of Staff. Rahel is a graduate of the University of Groningen and is currently pursuing her LL.M. in Public International Law at Leiden University. Her work centers around international human rights and criminal law.

Maria Paz Rodriguez GalianoMaría Paz Rodríguez Galiano is JURIST’s South America Chief of Staff. She is a fifth-year student at the Facultad de Derecho PUCP (PE).

Arnav LaroiaArnav Laroia is JURIST’s South Asia Chief of Staff. Arnav is a fourth-year law student at The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata. He has strong academic interests in public international law, international humanitarian law, criminal law, constitutional law and public law. His involvement in student-led initiatives and research centres has deepened his engagement with complex legal issues and sparked his interest in legal journalism. Outside law, he enjoys historical docuseries, soccer, and chess.

Sandar LinnSandar Linn is JURIST’s UK Chief of Staff. Sandar is a third-year student at Newcastle Law School (GB). Witnessing the rule of law crisis in her home country, Myanmar, motivates her to continue her legal education despite obstacles. From writing dispatches about Myanmar to now leading the team in the UK, she has been an active member of JURIST for several years. After completing her exchange semester in the US as a Global UGRAD scholar, she brings all her unique experiences of “law and life” with her to resume her legal education in the UK. She served her community as a Street Law Ambassador at Newcastle University, just like when she used to volunteer at Mandalay Justice Centre back in Myanmar. Having lived and studied law in two very different worlds—one where the rule of law is in crisis and another where it is actively upheld, though imperfectly—she is determined to understand and reconcile both realities through the lens of legal knowledge. She is committed to constantly exploring “what more she can do with her legal knowledge” and “what more the law can do for the community.” Outside of law, she is very enthusiastic about practicing Karate.

Paige MillerPaige Miller is JURIST’s US Chief of Staff. Paige is a third year student at University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. She joined JURIST in May 2024 as a news writer and is interested in family law, disability rights, and compliance.

Aynsley GengaAynsley Genga is JURIST’s Chief of Staff for Correspondents. She is a graduate of the University of Nairobi School of Law and is currently at the Kenya School of Law undertaking the advocate training program. She is passionate about justice, equality, and democracy. As a committed advocate for the voiceless, she believes in using the law and storytelling to amplify marginalized perspectives and drive social change.

Alumni Engagement Coordinator

Harjaap AhluwaliaHarjaap Ahluwalia is JURIST’s Alumni Engagement Coordinator. He is a Research LLM Candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School in Canada, where his research focuses on the impacts of the Global Minimum Tax. Harjaap earned his undergraduate law degree from National Law University, Delhi, and is passionate about legal education and global justice. As Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Harjaap aims to strengthen ties between JURIST alumni and current staff, celebrate the diverse paths of alumni, and create opportunities for them to remain involved in the organization’s mission.

 

Correspondents

JURIST Staff Correspondents file exclusive first-hand reports from locations around the world.

Afghanistan

JURIST has a number of law student correspondents filing regularly from Afghanistan. Due to security concerns under the Taliban government we cannot reveal their names or their law school affiliations.

Ghana

Lana Osei is a recent graduate of the GIMPA (Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration) Faculty of Law.

India

Kenya

Senior Correspondent Aynsley Genga is a 2023 graduate of the University of Nairobi School of Law.

Kosovo

Ernesa Shala is a JURIST staff correspondent in Kosovo and a recent graduate of the University of Pristina Faculty of Law.

Myanmar

JURIST has a number of law student correspondents filing regularly from Myanmar. Due to security concerns during the military coup, we cannot reveal their names or their law school affiliations.

Pakistan

Chief Correspondent Rabia Shuja holds an LLM in International Human Rights Law from Griffith College, Dublin.

Abu Bakar Khan is a final year law student at University Law College, University of the Punjab.

Peru

 

Associate Editors

JURIST’s Associate Editors are experienced anchors, editors, researchers and technical specialists.

Samara Baboolal is a recent graduate of the University of Nottingham School of Law (GB).

Mariam BahaaEldein Thabet is a third-year student at Mansoura University Faculty of Law (EG).

Salma Ben Mariem is a graduate of the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences of Sousse, Tunisia (TN).

Juri Berger is a student at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (CH).

Bekim Bruka is a recent graduate of Columbia University (US).

Ishrat Chahal is a second-year student at National Law University, Delhi (IN).

Ishani Chakraborty is a third-year student at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (IN).

Maanya Chaturvedi is a second-year student at National Law University, Delhi (IN).

Susmita Chaulagain is a second-year student at Kathmandu School Of Law (NP).

Emily Corio is a 3L at the University of Dayton School of Law (US).

Kennedy Danagher is a first-year student at the University of Limerick School of Law (IE).

Conor Doran is a second-year student at University College Cork School of Law (IE).

Nicole D’Souza is a fifth-year student at the University of Auckland Law School (NZ).

Rachel Ettlinger is a 2L at New York Law School (US).

Hannah Fang is a third-year student at the University of Hong Kong (HK).

Aabshar Ghassi is a 2L at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (US).

Arshiya Gupta is a second-year student at National Law University, Delhi (IN).

Chi Wai Hu is currently a final-year student at the University of Hong Kong (CN/HK)

Jisue Chloe Kim is a penultimate year student at Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka (NZ).

Yevheniia Khoroshun is a first-year student at V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University School of Law (UA).

Drew Meetze is a 2L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Jabes Ojwang is a second-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (KE).

Gabrielle Pasternak is a 2L at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (US).

Daniela Pulido is a third-year student at the Facultad de Derecho PUCP (PE).

Max Robinette is a 2L at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (US).

Fatma Taghouti is a graduate of the University of Carthage Faculty of Legal, Political and Social Sciences of Tunis (TN).

Lilian Trickey is a second-year student at the University of Oxford Faculty of Law (GB).

Fiona Tsamny is a 3L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Joshua Villanueva is a 3L at UC Law San Francisco (US).

Jeffrey Wang is a 2L at Calgary Law School (CA).

Amber Weurding is a third-year student at the University of Groningen Faculty of Law (NL).

Emanuel Xhindi is a third-year student at the University of Tirana Faculty of Law (AL).

 

Assistant Editors

JURIST’s Assistant Editors are new anchors, editors, researchers and technical specialists.

Halima Abena Kyerewah Adam is a third-year student at the University of Cape Coast Faculty of Law (GH).

Nana Akua Aduamah is a fourth-year student at the University of Cape Coast Faculty of Law (GH).

Maneza Ali is a 2L at Vermont Law & Graduate School (US).

Sandy Almarradweh is a student currently on leave from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Nandana Arun is a second-year student at Hidayatullah National Law University (IN).

Kareem Assaf is a postgraduate student at the University of Nottingham School of Law (GB).

Divyabharthi Baradhan is a recent graduate of Brickfields Asia College (MY).

Alexandra Bennett is a 1L at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (US).

Darina Boykova is a 1L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

James Brierley is a 2L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Edward David Brunner is a third-year student at the University of Greenwich, London (GB).

Mahmoud Chahrour is a 1L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Ellie Cho is a 2L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Timothy Chow is a second-year student at the University of Hong Kong (HK).

Durdana Chowdhury is a third-year student at the University of Dhaka (BD).

Katherine Girguis is a 3L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Ben Golin is a 1L at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (US).

Sarisha Harikrishna is a student at Queen’s University Belfast School of Law (GB).

Sabine Haddad is a 3L at New York Law School (US).

Brendan Hickey is a 2L at Vermont Law & Graduate School (US).

Ryan Huang is a 2L at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law (CA).

Shaniece Jackson is a 2L at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (US).

Sofia Jenkins is a 1L at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (US).

Siddhi Joshi is a second-year student at the National University of Study and Research in Law (IN).

Tahara Kamara is a post-graduate student at the City Law School (GB).

Frank Kelly is a recent graduate of The City Law School, University of London (GB).

Shizza Khokar is a 1L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Ananya Kohli is a second-year student at National Law University, Delhi (IN).

Alex Kwok is a second-year student at the University of Hong Kong (HK).

Paul Leech is a 1L at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (US).

Dennis Li is a 2L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Valerie Manyega is a second-year student at the University of Nairobi School of Law (KE).

Diamond McAllister is a 1L at Vermont Law & Graduate School (US).

Aerica Mittal is a third-year student at National Law University, Delhi (IN).

John Kyeremanteng Nuamah is a third-year student at the University of Cape Coast Faculty of Law (GH).

Mariana Nuñez del Prado Córdova is a second-year student at the University of Lima (PE).

Sean O’Brien is a 2L at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law (US).

David Odero is a second-year student at Kisii University School of Law (KE).

Morgan Polen is a 1L at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (US).

Christine Savino is a 2L at Cornell Law School (US).

Anirudh Sharma is a first-year student at The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata (IN).

Ishika Tanwar is a second-year student at The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata (IN).

Lowri Thomas is a 1L at New York University School of Law (US).

Zara Thomas is a fourth-year student at the University of Auckland Law School (NZ).

Mitsue Valencia is a fourth-year student at the Facultad de Derecho PUCP (PE).

Tony Xun is a 1L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Christine Yang is a 2L at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law (CA).

Tramayne Young is a 1L at Vermont Law & Graduate School (US).

 

Professional Staff

Jaclyn Belczyk is JURIST’s Executive Director and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US. Jaclyn is a 2008 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, from which she holds a JD and a Certificate in Latin American Studies. She also holds a BA in Anthropology and Philosophy and a Master of Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh.
Ingrid Burke Friedman is JURIST’s Editorial Director, based in Boston, Massachusetts, US. A 2011 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, she served as Managing Editor during her 3L year. After graduation, she moved into full-time journalism for several years, and then served with the US Department of State as a Consular Officer. She recently completed a research fellowship at Harvard University’s Davis Center for Russian & Eurasian Studies.
William Hibbitts is JURIST’s Deputy Editorial Director, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, in 2021 with a degree in politics and sociology. William began volunteering for JURIST in 2014 and joined the professional staff in 2023. He is currently pursuing his MPA (Master in Public Administration) at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
Alanah Vargas is JURIST’s Associate Editorial Director, based in Boston, Massachusetts, US. She graduated from Vermont Law School in 2022.

 

Publisher Emeritus

Bernard Hibbitts is JURIST’s Publisher Emeritus and a Professor of Law Emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US. A Canadian Rhodes Scholar born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he studied law at Oxford University, Dalhousie Law School, the University of Toronto, and finally Harvard Law School (LLM 1988). He is a former law clerk to Justice Gerald Le Dain of the Supreme Court of Canada. He created the site that became JURIST in 1996. He retired in 2024.