At various times, he has been an outstanding college boxer, a standout law student, a beachmaster at D-Day, commissioner of the IRS and the founder of a law firm. Above all, though, he has been a steadfast supporter of UVA.

Zachary Ray thought he might want to go to law school, then changed his focus – until his undergraduate university tried to disband his track team. His fight to save the squad reignited his passion for advocacy.

Emily Riff detoured to Capitol Hill between her undergraduate education and law school, and she says that made a big difference in her approach.

University of Virginia School of Law students are learning the art of the deal through Negotiations, a class designed to teach students the persuasive skills needed across a wide variety of situations a lawyer might encounter.