Our Team
Get to know the dedicated individuals who are the driving force behind our pre-law community. Our leadership team is here to guide and support you on your journey to a legal career.
Reese Wiley - Co-President & Founder
Currently a Senior at Indiana University, Reese is pursuing a degree in Law & Public Policy.
Reese is not just a student; she's a trailblazer. She is the driving force behind the establishment of the Pre-Law Association at IU, showcasing her leadership skills and determination to empower her fellow students. She is also the President of Women in Law at IU, where she continues to create a supportive and inclusive environment for aspiring female legal professionals, fostering connections and providing valuable resources for their growth.
Reese's vision extends beyond her academic pursuits. She is on a mission to make a difference in the world of employment law. Reese's dedication to seeking justice for those who have experienced workplace harassment is unwavering. She believes in the importance of prevention and advocating for the rights of individuals facing such challenges. With her strong sense of justice and a heart dedicated to change, Reese aspires to make the workplace a safer and more equitable environment for all.
Reese Wiley's remarkable journey exemplifies her commitment to her studies, her fellow students, and her passion for employment law. We are honored to have her as our organization's President, leading the way toward a more just and equitable future.
Jacquelyn Butler - Co-President
Currently a Senior at Indiana University, Jacquelyn is studying Law & Public Policy, Business, and Spanish.
A self-proclaimed Disney fanatic, Jacquelyn's dream job is to become a corporate attorney at The Walt Disney Company, where she can combine her legal acumen with her love for all things Disney. Her enthusiasm for the magic of Disney and her dedication to the world of law make her a standout member of our organization.
Jacquelyn has played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the Pre-Law Association. Her innovative ideas and commitment have been instrumental in shaping our organization's success. In particular, she has been a driving force behind the establishment of the pre-law scholarship program, which supports and empowers aspiring legal professionals at IU. Her vision and dedication ensure that students have the resources they need to achieve their academic and career goals.
Jacquelyn Butler's unique combination of legal ambition and Disney magic embodies the spirit of our organization. Her dreams, dedication, and leadership are an inspiration to us all. We are privileged to have her as our Vice President, steering us toward a brighter future where dreams come true.
Emma Grim- Vice President
Meet Emma Grim, our dynamic and indispensable Vice President. Emma is a junior at Indiana University, where she is pursuing a double major in Political Science and History, as well as a French minor and PACE certificate. Her dedication and leadership are instrumental to our organization's thriving success.
Emma's involvement on campus goes beyond her role in PLA, as you can find her anywhere— from the Musical Arts Center as a Singing Hoosier to the Admissions Center as a Student Ambassador! She also serves as the Co-President of Women in Government, empowering and supporting fellow women interested in political careers and being an active civic member. Emma loves IU and wants the best for her peers; her active participation in Indiana University's Student Government as Chair of the Committee on Equity & Justice showcases her commitment to improving the campus community.
As Vice President, Emma assists our Presidents connect with as many students as possible. Her dedication, leadership, passion for law, and connection within the community are assets that drive our mission forward. Emma's academic excellence combined with her commitment to empowering others and making a difference on campus, makes her an invaluable member of our team. We are honored to have her as our Vice President, and her efforts are central to our mission of promoting the legal field and creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
Erick Murillo - Secretary
Introducing Erick Murillo, our new and excited Secretary! Erick is a Junior at Indiana University, majoring in Political Science/Philosophy with a minor in Criminal Justice emphasizing his aspirations to pursue a career in the legal profession and spread truth and justice.
Erick's journey to and at IU have been marked by academic excellence, getting him on the College of Arts and Sciences dean's list. Erick plans on going to law school after getting his undergraduate degree, currently looking to specialize in Family law and eventually attaining a judgeship.
Driven by his strong work ethic and personable personality he has been an active member of the legal studies club as well as our very own Pre-law Association, culminating in his position as Secretary for our organization. He brings his dedication and passion for the legal field to this position, and we are pleased to have him on our team as we work towards a future defined by equality, truth, and justice.
Aarya Dev- Treasurer
Aarya Dev is our diligent and multi-talented Treasurer, who plays a key role in managing the financial aspects of our organization. Aarya is currently a Junior at Indiana University, pursuing a dual degree in Finance and Digital Technology Management, reflecting her diverse interests and capabilities.
Aarya's commitment extends beyond her role as Treasurer of the Pre-Law Association. She also serves as the Professional Development Chair of Women in Law, where she helps shape the future of female legal professionals. Additionally, she takes on the role of Social Chair for "Girl Up" at Indiana University, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Her dedication to these leadership roles is a testament to her passion for making a difference.
Beyond her academic and leadership endeavors, Aarya has a keen eye for fashion, and she channels this interest through her involvement with SEASONS Magazine. Her unique blend of skills and interests adds a dynamic dimension to her contributions within our organization.
Aarya Dev's role as our Treasurer, coupled with her diverse involvement in various student groups, showcases her exceptional dedication, financial acumen, and commitment to empowering others. We are proud to have her as a valuable member of our team, contributing to our growth and success.
Austen Nelson - Director of Academics
Introducing Austen Nelson, our passionate and dedicated Professional Development Chair, currently a third-year student at Indiana University studying Law & Public Policy and set to graduate in the spring of 2025. Austen's journey is marked by his exceptional academic achievements and his deep commitment to his studies, as demonstrated by his inclusion on the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Dean's List.
Austen's unwavering belief in the power of the law to drive positive change and his dedication to serving others are at the core of his mission. His passion for justice and commitment to making a difference in society drive him to excel in his role as Professional Development Chair.
Austen Nelson's academic excellence, coupled with his strong dedication to justice and service, positions him as a valuable leader in our organization. As Professional Development Chair, he plays a vital role in preparing our members for successful careers in the legal field. We are honored to have him as a part of our team, and together, we work towards a brighter future shaped by justice and service.
Gigi Rivera- Director of Professional Development
Gigi is our Director of Professional Development, helping members to navigate the tumultuous path of law school applications and internship searches. She is a second-year O'Neill student majoring in Law and Public Policy with a minor in Gender Studies graduating in Spring of 2025 with a commitment to her academics as marked by a consistent place on the Dean's list.
She is committed to equal representation among citizens with the goal of opening her own practice in a small town that classifies as a legal desert for people who are unable to get access to adequate legal counsel. She also has a passion for politics and engaging citizens with their governmental processes. With this she is also the Co- President of Women in Government at Indiana University to help women hoping to enter this realm be prepared with contacts and confidence. All around, Gigi is committed to ensuring that all members of this country whether they be a member of an underrepresented area or group be an equal member of the systems that are built to serve them.
Gigi Rivera's goals align with our organizations in that we strive to help all our members achieve their goals without barriers. Her personal experience in taking the LSAT, applying to law school and gaining relevant internships will benefit all members in her role as Director of Professional Development and we are enthused to have her.
Briana Begeman- Director of Merchandise
Briana Begeman is an enthusiastic and outgoing individual passionate about her journey in law and excited about what the future holds. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs with a major in Law and Public Policy and a minor in Kinesiology at Indiana University's O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Briana has demonstrated academic excellence and determination to her studies. She has received several scholarships, was a 2024 Indianapolis 500 princess, and has been recognized on the deans and presidential list
In her role as President of Women in Law IU, she has led the team to organizational growth and success through innovative ideas and effective management. Briana is certainly always trying to bring her community together and give back to those around her. Briana chose to study law because of her belief in justice and impacting her community in positive ways.
Macklin Lapp- Director of Social Media
Introducing Macklin Lapp, our enthusiastic and creative Social Media Chair. Macklin is a Sophomore at Indiana University majoring in Sociology with minors in Jewish Studies and Healthcare Management, exhibiting his dedication to a variety of academic topics.
On campus he serves as the Hillel Congressional representative for Indiana University Student Government for the Jewish culture center. He’s also largely involved with Indiana University Dance Marathon and his committee, Marathon Relations, in which he volunteers his time to raise money for Riley Children’s Hospital.
Off campus he will be serving as this years Israel on Campus Coalition’s fellow. Macklin is a dedicated student and community member looking forward to serving The Pre-Law Association in this role.
Macey Montgomery- Director of Recruitment
Meet Macey Montgomery (she/her), our bubbly and beloved Recruitment Chair! Macey is a Junior at Indiana University, studying International Law and Institutions with a minor in Law and Public Policy. With passions for law, leadership, and personal connections, Macey is proudly dedicated to growing our organization in unprecedented ways through personal outreach efforts, strategic initiatives, and cultivating a supportive community atmosphere for our members.
Macey dreams of utilizing her passions and the law to create positive change at an international and individual level. She is excited to continue learning about the law school application process and career options within the legal sphere in hopes of attending law school after undergrad. One of her biggest interests is immigration law - in hopes of helping refugees and immigrants navigate the major difficulties found in the legal immigration processes.
With a tenacious and dedicated work ethic, Macey can be found anywhere and everywhere in Bloomington! She thrives as a Research Assistant for the Observing Civic Engagement Project, the Events Chair of Students Demand Action (gun-violence advocacy org), and as an intern at United Way of South Central Indiana. You can also find her working at Plato’s Closet Bloomington on the weekends — stop in, say hi, and shop till you drop! Macey looks forward to connecting with anyone interested in or considering joining our organization. She guarantees that you’ll love every minute, create friendships to last a lifetime, and grow both personally and professionally.
Paul Helmke- IU Faculty Advisor
We are delighted to introduce our distinguished faculty advisor, Paul Helmke, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Pre-Law Association. With a remarkable background as a three-term Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Paul Helmke is a seasoned legal professional and a dedicated advocate for justice. His commitment to public service, community development, and effective governance is an inspiration to all of us.
In addition to his extensive practical experience, Mr. Helmke's academic contributions and teaching roles have shaped the next generation of legal professionals. As our faculty advisor, he plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting our aspiring pre-law students. His mentorship provides invaluable insights, helping our members make informed decisions about their legal careers.
Paul Helmke's passion for the law, governance, and community service makes him an exceptional advisor for the Pre-Law Association. He has demonstrated his commitment to undergraduate students through the amount of work he has done for the Civic Leaders Center and through our organization. These contributions gave him the nomination for our “Most Impactful on the Pre-Law Community Award” in 2023.
We are privileged to have him on our team and look forward to benefiting from his wisdom and expertise as we pursue our pre-law aspirations. His unique blend of theory and practice is a source of inspiration and guidance for all of us.
Michael Leppert - IU Faculty Advisor
We are honored to introduce our unwavering faculty advisor, Michael Leppert, a multi-faceted professional with an extraordinary background in law, communication, and advocacy. While not a practicing attorney, Professor Leppert's expertise and insights provide invaluable guidance, particularly for individuals intrigued by legal careers but who may not follow the traditional path to law school.
As an esteemed professor and accomplished author of "Flipping the Circle," Michael Leppert has left an indelible mark on the field of law and communication. His academic and literary contributions offer unique perspectives and deep understanding to our Pre-Law Association members.
With a distinguished career as a former lobbyist, Professor Leppert possesses extensive knowledge of advocacy and its intricate ties to law and policy. He imparts real-world insights, helping our members grasp the complexities of legal advocacy and its profound impact on shaping policies.
One of Mr. Leppert's standout attributes is his expertise in communication. He is a staunch advocate for effective communication strategies, a skill vital for aspiring legal professionals. As our advisor, he offers unwavering support and mentorship to our leadership team, ensuring our members develop strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
Michael Leppert's diverse background and non-traditional path to the legal realm make him an exceptional advisor for the Pre-Law Association. He is truly our organization's biggest advocate, providing guidance and support to those interested in pursuing a legal career, regardless of their academic journeys.