First Generation Law Students Symposium Speaker Bios

Mark Wladis

Founder, Wladis Law Firm

Mr. Wladis provides daily corporate counsel and performs myriad critical tasks for his business clients, including the formation of new business entities, securing, negotiating and closing both simple and complex financing arrangements, the preparation of buy-sell and shareholder agreements, the purchase and sale of businesses and commercial real estate transactions.

A substantial part of Mr. Wladis’ practice is focused on government relations, in which he assists clients in negotiating the maze of local and state regulations applicable to their businesses. He has developed a broad understanding of a span of government programs that could be of value to the Firm’s clients. Mr. Wladis has represented clients in connection with obtaining a wide range of state and local tax incentives and benefits.

Kimberly Wolenberg

Managing Director of Bar Review Engagement, Helix Bar Review

Prior to joining AccessLex in 2020, Kimberly held positions with two national bar review companies, serving as the Midwest Director for Themis Bar Review and a Director of Legal Education with BARBRI. Kimberly also has an extensive background teaching legal research from her time with Thomson Reuters where she held various roles, including law school Academic Account Manager and Research Specialist with large law firms. She has nearly 20 years of experience working with law students from across the country in the areas of legal research and writing, law school success, and MPRE and bar exam preparation.

Kimberly earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Findlay and her Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law. She is a first-generation college and law school graduate and is licensed to practice law in Ohio.

Morgan Cutright

Regional Director, AccessLex

Morgan has over half a decade of experience working with law students. Prior to AccessLex, Morgan worked in law school admissions, most recently as Assistant Dean of Admissions at Campbell Law School. Morgan received her J.D. from Savannah Law School, and her B.A. from North Carolina State University in Psychology. She is also a licensed North Carolina attorney. Morgan’s passion lies with creating access to the legal profession through education and empowerment.

Yan Bennet L’08

Assistant Director for the Paul and Marcia Wythes Center on Contemporary China, Princeton University

Yan Bennett is the Assistant Director for the Paul and Marcia Wythes Center on Contemporary China, where she teaches diplomacy and international affairs. Before her time as a professor, Bennett was a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State and served overseas in China and Bosnia-Herzegovina. In China, she served as vice consul and had the opportunity to report on U.S. corporate labor practices, intellectual property issues, and the results of a municipal election in Guangdong Province. In Bosnia, Bennett served as special assistant to the ambassador and supported senior staff in achieving foreign policy and national security objectives. She has received awards for superior performance from the State Department, including a personal commendation from Secretary Powell.