Audrey Ganley, a member of the Catholic Law Class of 2026, spoke about her experiences and motivations as she prepares to graduate in May. She said that her decision to attend law school was driven by a desire to serve others and build skills for advocacy. “I have always been called to public service and during my undergraduate career, I found myself wanting to be more capable of successfully advocating for and serving those in need,” Ganley said.
Ganley credited advice from an undergraduate mentor at Mount Saint Mary’s University for guiding her toward Catholic Law. She said she was looking for a school with both strong academics and a sense of community, which she found at Catholic Law. “I applied to Catholic Law at the advice of my undergraduate mentor,” she said. “I was drawn to a school with a small yet very strong sense of community.”
During her time at Catholic Law, Ganley participated in several practical learning opportunities. Her work in the Prosecution Clinic at the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office allowed her hands-on experience as a Rule 19 Attorney in the Juvenile Division. “I worked in their Juvenile Division — appearing in court, drafting petitions, reviewing evidence, and working with law enforcement,” Ganley said. She added that this clinic experience confirmed her interest in criminal prosecution.
Ganley’s involvement extended beyond clinics; she served as Chancellor of the Moot Court Association after competing nationally and also took part in the Law and Public Policy Certificate Program. These activities helped strengthen her oral advocacy skills and understanding of legal policy-making processes.
She highlighted practical experiences like clerking for Judge Richard Sandy at Frederick County Circuit Court as especially valuable: “It was an invaluable experience — I was in court nearly every day and able to take the skills I had learned through my coursework at Catholic Law and implement them in the real world.” After graduation, Ganley plans to clerk for Judge Julia Martz-Fisher before pursuing a career in criminal prosecution.
Reflecting on what made Catholic Law meaningful for her, Ganley pointed to its supportive environment: “Crucial to your academic and professional success is the support and guidance of those around you,” she said. As she prepares for graduation, Ganley’s story centers on service, growth through hands-on opportunities, and commitment to making an impact.
