Meet the 2025–2026 leaders of the Christian Legal Society (CLS) at Western State! CLS brings together students who are interested in exploring the intersection of faith and the legal profession. Through discussions, guest speakers, service opportunities, and community events, the organization fosters both personal and professional growth. Open to all Western State students, CLS provides a welcoming space to build connections, reflect on purpose in the practice of law, and support one another throughout the law school journey.
Meet the Executive Board
Lydia Shahid, 2L
President
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Criminal and Family law.
Role Models:
My role models include Coptic Orthodox saints like Father Yostos El Antony and St. Katherine of Alexandria, who exemplified both deep devotion and rigorous education. Equally inspiring are my parents, who sacrificed their established lives in Egypt to immigrate to the US. They made this difficult transition later in life to ensure my sisters and I could grow up free from religious persecution and build a better future as Christian women.
Future Goals:
My future goals are deeply rooted in a desire to seamlessly integrate my Coptic Orthodox Christian faith, Egyptian cultural heritage, and legal career. As I look beyond law school, I feel called to establish my own firm dedicated to serving the Coptic Orthodox community, particularly in family and criminal law. I want to provide legal counsel that not only zealously advocates for my clients but also does so from a foundation of shared understanding and mutual respect. Ultimately, my vision for the future is one of holistic service; alongside my practice, I hope to open my home to foster children and animals. It is my hope to build a life where both my professional advocacy and personal pursuits reflect my commitment to my faith and to service.
Hobbies:
I love to play water polo, lift weights, and take care of animals!
Fun Fact:
A fun fact about me is that I can read Coptic. It’s a beautiful, ancient language that actually serves as the direct linguistic descendant of the language of the pharaohs.
Advice for new students:
Growth pains are uncomfortable, but don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone!
Kaitlyn Reymond, 2L
Vice President
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Criminal law.
Role Models:
My grandfather is my role model!
Future Goals:
My future goal, is to be an advocate for those who need someone to advocate on their behalf.
Hobbies:
When I actually have free time, I like to travel, go to the beach, concerts and read for fun.
Fun Fact:
I work as a high school teacher during the day!
Advice for new students:
Not to get discouraged ! You’re new to law school, you’re going to have to learn how to adapt and find what works for you and what doesn’t. Use the resources the school gives you, and utilize office hours with your professors!
At the high school I work at, we have a program called Heritage for black students, where we try to get the students A-G ready, so they can go to a university after high school! It helps the students want and be able to go to college.
Vanessa Van Deusen, 1L
Secretary
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Business and Criminal law.
Role Models:
My mom.
Future Goals:
To be an attorney in Orange County.
Hobbies:
Piano, drawing, watching movies.
Fun Fact:
I have been going to Switzerland my whole life.
Advice for new students:
That it is ok to try new things in your first semester and find out what works best for you.
Joseph Mora, 2L
Treasurer
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Employment Law.
Role Models:
Mauricio Mora (father) and Richard Wilner (mentor).
Future Goals:
Navy JAG.
Hobbies:
I’m an all-round outdoors hobbyist; surfing, rock climbing, backpacking, snowboarding… you name it and I’ve most likely done it and loved it.
Fun Fact:
I am a competing NAIA wrestler for Westcliff University while attending Western State.
Advice for new students:
Don’t get caught up in the stress; you are so much more valuable than any grade or failed cold call could ever dictate. The bad times and good times end faster than you know it, so make sure to soak them all up and take them for what they are.
Ariana Valenzuela, 2L
Marketing Chair
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Medical malpractice and personal injury.
Role Models:
My role models are my mom and a professor I had in undergrad, Dr. Rim. My mom’s resilience and strength in life inspire me to grow into a better human everyday. My undergrad professor, Dr. Rim, is the reason I have such a strong passion for social justice and whose advocacy for it inspired me to pursue a legal career.
Future Goals:
My short term goals are to pass the CA bar and work as a trial attorney for a private practice. In the long term, my goal is to build a career as an attorney who actively lobbies and advocates for policy reforms that advance changes in underrepresented and marginalized communities.
Hobbies:
I love being active and spending time outside, whether it’s surfing, hiking, or taking out my dogs on adventures.
Fun Fact:
I love working as a nanny! Being a nanny has taught me more about life than any academic and professional experience I’ve ever had.
Advice for new students:
Comparison is the biggest thief of joy. Try not to compare your law school grades, activities, or experiences to other people. Find your passions and what works for you without comparing it to others.
Elias Serrato, 1L
Fundraising Chair
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Torts; Personal Injury (Plaintiff’s side)
Role Models:
Jesus Christ.
Future Goals:
My future goals are to grow in my faith and to succeed in my legal career.
Hobbies:
I enjoy reading, rock climbing, and spending time with my friends and family.
Fun Fact:
A fun fact about me is that I have been to Japan twice!
Advice for new students:
Advice I would offer to new students is to make sure to work on your outlines right away. It is important you have a structure throughout law school so that when exams come around, you know what you will have to do to excel.