Meet the OCS Staff
Freda Coleman-Jackson, Assistant Dean of Career Strategy. fcoleman-jackson@wlu.edu (540) 458-8536
Freda Coleman-Jackson graduated from Mercer University School of Law in 2009 and was the recipient of the Walter F. George Foundation Public Service Scholarship. During law school, she was an active member of the Legal Aid Volunteer Association and served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Also, she was an intern with Northwest Florida Legal Services and the Office of the Attorney General of Georgia. Following graduation, Ms. Coleman-Jackson began working in law school administration, specializing in admissions, career services, and student affairs. In 2014, she simultaneously launched a career consulting business and began doctoral studies in higher education and student affairs. Ms. Coleman-Jackson will provide general career advice and focused advice for students seeking careers in public interest and government law. Additionally, she will provide interview preparation assistance and document review.
Andrea Hilton, Associate Director for Professional Development. hiltona@wlu.edu (540) 458-8022
Andrea Hilton is a 1985 cum laude graduate of the law school. After serving two years as a federal law clerk in Alexandria, Virginia, she practiced corporate transactional law in the Washington DC offices of several large national and international firms. She returned to Lexington to join the law school administration in 2000, and served as the Director of Admissions from 2004 - 2010. In the newly-created post of Associate Director for Professional Development, she focuses on assisting students with the transition from law school to the profession, and provides advice on strategy and applications to students seeking positions as post-graduate law clerks. She also provides general career strategy advice, document review and assistance with interview skills.
J. Caleb Simon, Assistant Director. jsimon@wlu.edu (540) 458-8534
Caleb Simon brings experience in career services, counseling, and workforce development to the Office of Career Strategy, having worked in higher education, K-12, and community settings. Caleb earned his Master of Education in Counselor Education from the University of Lynchburg and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), currently advancing towards licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia. Caleb provides tailored career advice to law students, with a focus on helping them navigate job search strategies, document development, professional development, preparing for interviews and skill-building for successful legal careers.
Suzanne Wade, Assistant Director for Employer and Alumni Outreach. swade@wlu.edu (540) 458-8996
Suzanne attended Mary Baldwin College and has been a part of the Office of Career Strategy since May 2008. Prior to moving to the law school, she had ten years' experience working in the undergraduate career office. In her role, she manages all aspects of recruitment and employer outreach. Organizations interested in arranging on-campus interviews or participating in our Regional Interview Programs are encouraged to contact Suzanne. Additionally, Suzanne is responsible for coordinating events on and off campus for the Law Advancement Office.
Kelli Woodard, Senior Recruitment Coordinator. kwoodard@wlu.edu (540 458-8535)
Kelli Woodard holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Louisville where she specialized in nonprofit and city management. She is an experienced business manager and career services professional, and has held leadership roles in both higher education and private healthcare settings. She is also an active member of the Lexington/Rockbridge community. As Senior Recruitment Coordinator, Kelli will actively engage with employers and students in the coordination of virtual and in-person recruitment events while fostering relationships with the legal community.
2024-2025 Rachford Fellows
Rachford Fellows serve as the liaisons between the OCS staff and the student body. As peer counselors, Rachford Fellows connect more easily with law students, removing some of the barriers that kept students from benefiting from OCS guidance. Rachford Fellows increase student engagement, provide a social media presence, improve communication and feedback from students, generate creative programming ideas, foster professional development, and perform critical document review.
Natalie Beers grew up in Wayne, Pennsylvania and attended the College of William & Mary, where she graduated in 2019 with a BA in English Language & Literature. Prior to law school, she worked as a Legal Recruiter for a large DC law firm for three years. She spent her 1L summer working in Roanoke at the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia as a judicial intern for the Honorable Thomas T. Cullen. For her 2L summer, she will work as a Summer Associate at Arnold & Porter in Washington, DC. In her free time, Natalie enjoys running, hiking, exploring new coffee shops, and attending live music performances.
Kile Granai grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the Football team. During his 1L summer, he interned with the Public Defender's Office in Lynchburg, Virginia. For his 2L summer, he will work as a summer associate at Hunton Andrews Kurth in New York City, focusing on corporate practices such as Structured Finance, Securitization, and Capital Markets. In his free time, Kile enjoys watching movies, playing Catan with friends, cooking, and taking walks around Lexington.
Arianna Kiaei is a third-year law student from Scarsdale, New York. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in International Business and a Masters in Public Service. Prior to law school, she spent time working at a foundation in New York supporting inclusive economies and communities for immigrants and refugees. During her 1L summer, Arianna was a judicial intern at the U.S. Court of International Trade. She will spend her 2L summer as a summer associate at Weil, Gotshal, & Manges in the New York office. In her free time, she can be found at spin class, shopping at antique stores, or going on law walks around campus with friends.
Sydney Layne grew up on Long Island, New York and attended the University of Virginia, where she graduated in 2018 with a BA in Foreign Affairs and Economics. Prior to law school, Sydney worked in communications, with a short stint as a freelance writer. She spent her 1L summer with Locke Lord in Houston, TX, where she worked primarily with the energy and general corporate teams. She is returning to Locke Lord for her 2L summer. Outside of the Law School, Sydney enjoys walking the Chessie and other nearby trails, practicing yoga, watching real estate reality TV, wine tasting, and perusing the local farmers' market.
Office Information
Washington and Lee University School of Law
Office of Career Strategy
Sydney Lewis Hall
Lexington, VA 24450
Phone (540) 458-8535
Fax (540) 458-8168