The Career Center wants to introduce you to a few new additions to our team!
Meet Merce’de Savala
Merce’de is a Wash U alum, graduating from the School of Arts and Sciences in 2007 and WashULaw in 2010. Upon graduation from law school, she began a nearly 12 year career with the Missouri State Public Defender’s office, advocating for the rights of the criminally accused.
Merce’de briefly went into private practice in family law, working in adoption of minors by family members, before returning to her Alma Mater as a JD Career Strategist and Director of the Government Lawyering Externship Program with the Center for Career Development. Fun Fact: Merce’de loves tacos almost as much as she loves her two rescue pit bulls.
Meet Laura Bannish
Laura Bannish, Senior Career Counselor and Director of Semester in Practice Externship, holds a BA in Communications and English and a JD from Saint Louis University. Prior to joining the Career Center, Laura spent over ten years as a family law attorney at Growe Eisen Karlen Eilerts in St. Louis and was recognized as a “Super Lawyer-Rising Star” from 2015-2021.
Although there was never a dull moment in family law, Laura is looking forward to a change of pace getting to know all of you on a personal level and helping you achieve your career goals. Fun Fact: Laura is a movie buff and chocolate fanatic so pay her a visit at the Career Center for movie recommendations and an endless supply of Hershey kisses.
Meet Tamia Wilson
Tamia is our Career Center Coordinator and comes to us with many years of administrative, organization and customer service expertise. She will assist us in keeping the Career Center running smoothly.
Prior to joining WashULaw, she worked as an analyst for The Hartford Financial Services Group and as an EMS Dispatcher for the City of St. Louis. Fun Fact: Tamia loves podcasts and has gone skydiving and bungee jumping.
We hope you will stop by to say hi soon!