Meet Arianna Wright ’25L: President of BLSA Arianna Wright discusses influential professors and her focus as leader of the Black Law Students Association.

By Law Communications
May 15, 2025

Arianna Wright ’25L was born in Minot, North Dakota, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Kennesaw State University for her undergraduate degree. She was influenced to attend law school both by her uncle, who was an Assistant U.S. Attorney and is now in private practice, and by her time interning on Capitol Hill.

Before law school, she worked as a Case Assistant at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in their Atlanta office. During her 1L summer, she interned with the Honorable Reggie B. Walton in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Last summer, she worked as a summer associate at Littler Mendelson P.C. in their Washington, D.C., and Tysons Corner, VA offices. After graduation, she will work as an associate in their Washington, D.C. office.  Arianna was active on campus, as the President and Academic Chair for the Black Law Students Association, Secretary for the Art Law Society, Staff writer and Leads Article Editor for the Washington and Lee Law Review, Research Assistant for Professor Russell Miller, a Lexis Nexis Law Student Representative, and student caseworker in the Advanced Administrative Litigation Clinic (commonly known as the Black Lung Clinic). Outside of law school, she enjoys playing pickleball, hiking, and taking her dog to the dog park.

Why did you choose W&L Law?

I choose W&L Law for numerous reasons. What stood out to me the most after attending an admitted student’s day was the tight-knit community, the connections between the professors and students, and the employment outcomes. I was also impressed with the options available to third-year students along with the practicums, as I heard from alumni that they felt like the practical experiences at W&L Law really prepared them for practice after law school (and this is what initially encouraged me to participate in one of the school’s clinics). Additionally, I appreciated how walkable downtown Lexington was to the school, and the fact that being in Lexington limits the number of distractions (versus being in a big city for law school).

Share an experience, class, professor/staff member that has had an impact on your time as a law student.

Professor Belmont has been a tremendous supporter for me as a student. She has always been available for guidance throughout my law school journey, whether it was for academic support, personal advice, or life after law school. I am grateful for all that she does for the law school community. I also really enjoyed Professor Parella’s Contracts course my 1L year. Being a paralegal before law school where I primarily worked on cases in litigation, I did not think I would be interested in transactional work. However, Professor Parella also engaged in oral argument practice during our class, and the way she cold called during her class helped prepare me for not only her exam, but future exams that I took in law school.

Why did you choose to be the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) President—what are some responsibilities you have in this role?

I choose to be President of the Black Law Students Association because I am passionate for the success of the black law students at W&L Law. In my role, I aim to advance the status of black students both academically and professionally. As the President, I am the official spokesperson for the organization, and with the assistance of the executive board, I am responsible for spearheading our goals by putting together events towards academic success, creating networking opportunities for students and alumni, and promoting social events that are meant to foster community between our members and allies.

What are some goals in your current leadership position?

As President, I hope to foster a sense of community and belonging among black law students through regular social events, mentorship programs, and wellness initiatives. In addition, I hope that students can build community with faculty and alumni to create lasting relationships and a strong network that lasts beyond law school. I also hope to expand professional development opportunities and build stronger relationships between students and alumni.

Anything you are looking forward to in your 3L year spring and post-graduation?

I really enjoyed the work that I did my 3L spring in the Black Lung Clinic. I have enjoyed assisting my clients and also having the opportunity to attend hearings (which will prepare me for work as an associate). After graduation, I am looking forward to working at a firm where I will have the opportunity to preside over depositions and potentially work on trials.