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Staff Directory

Ralph Prioleau

Assistant Dean of Academic Administration and Assessment

Ralph Prioleau

Assistant Dean of Academic Administration and Assessment
Ralph Prioleau, Jr. (’17) joined the Charleston School of Law in 2022 as the Assistant Dean of Academic Administration and Assessment. Prioleau earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Charleston School of Law. After graduation, Prioleau went to work as a law clerk in Horry County in Conway, South Carolina where he prepared legal drafts and conducted legal research. Prioleau recently served as a paralegal for Think, LLP in Los Angeles, California. During his tenure at Think LLP, he worked with the Employee Retention Credit Government Orders/Partial Suspension Team to identify relevant government orders mandates, and restrictions for small to medium-sized private sector and nonprofit employers. <h2><span style="color: #284e36;">Education</span></h2> <strong>Juris Doctorate</strong>, December 2017 Charleston School of Law Charleston, South Carolina <strong>Bachelor of Arts in Political Science</strong> University of South Carolina-Aiken ('13) Aiken, South Carolina

Michele H. Berger

Assistant Dean for Academic and Bar Success

Michele H. Berger

Assistant Dean for Academic and Bar Success
Michele H. Berger joined the Charleston School of Law in Fall 2022 as the Assistant Dean for Academic Bar and Success. <h3><strong>Professional Experience</strong></h3> Berger joined the Charleston School of Law from Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law where she worked as an Assistant Professor of Law and full-time faculty member, developing robust academic success and bar programs to ensure student success. She began her law school teaching career as an adjunct professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California, her alma mater. Berger went on to receive a full-time appointment as an Associate Director of Academic Success & Bar Preparation where she assisted in leading the ASP and Bar Prep departments. Berger also served as the Assistant Director of Academic Success & Bar Programming and Adjunct Professor at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, WA, and within one year, she became the Interim Director of Academic Success & Bar Programming. She led the school’s C.E.A.L. division (coaching, educating, and advising life-long learners) in developing a robust academic and bar support program. She began her legal career at Cleinman Performance Partners in Oneonta, New York, where she served as their corporate counsel, establishing and managing the legal department and working closely with some of the largest optometry practices in the country. Berger then worked as a managing attorney for Lincoln Credit Center & USA Credit Solutions based in San Diego, CA where she recruited, trained, and collaborated with over two dozen attorneys across the country to assist clients with debt resolution services, as well as establishing an extremely efficient legal department for the company, advising them on all legal matters relevant to her position as in-house counsel. <h3><strong>Education</strong></h3> Berger received her J. D. with Honors from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California, where she served as an editor for the Thomas Jefferson Law Review, Vice Justice of Phi Alpha Delta, and a regular volunteer at the VITA Tax Clinic. Berger received her B. A. in English from Salem State University with a double minor in Secondary Education and Spanish.

Sean Ashoff

Assistant Director of Academic Success and Adjunct Professor of Law

Sean Ashoff

Assistant Director of Academic Success and Adjunct Professor of Law
<p>Professor Ashoff began his career at Motley Rice, LLC working on litigation projects around the United States addressing the opioid epidemic.</p><p>He is a member of the D.C. Bar and practiced Immigration Law in Charleston. </p><p>Professor Ashoff joined the Charleston School of Law as the Assistant Director for Academic Success in the Summer of 2022. He currently supports each unique CSOL entering class in succeeding in their educational journey through academic counseling and skill acquisition.</p><p>He works closely with the Office of Academic Affairs, Office of Student Affairs, and the law school’s Registrar to help make each student’s experience valuable and positive.</p><p>Professor Ashoff earned both his B.A. in History and his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Pittsburgh.</p>

Kate Marra-Grant

Assistant Director of Academic Success and Adjunct Professor of Law

Kate Marra-Grant

Assistant Director of Academic Success and Adjunct Professor of Law
<strong>Assistant Director of Academic Success</strong> <ul> <li><strong>The Charleston School of Law</strong> Legal Research and Writing (2021-2022)</li> </ul> <strong>Senior Attorney</strong> <ul> <li><strong>Ohio Department of Job and Family Services</strong> (2019- 2022)</li> <li><strong>Division of Tax Appeals –</strong> review, research and render decisions relative to corporate appeals.</li> </ul> <strong>Volunteer:</strong> <ul> <li><strong>Legal Aid Society of Columbus (2019)</strong> Volunteering in the Family Law division, where I assist low-income individuals with access to justice and legal advisement</li> </ul> <strong>Partner:</strong> <ul> <li><strong>Carney and Carney,</strong> Buffalo, New York (2014-2018)</li> <li><strong>Private Practitioner,</strong> Matrimonial, Family and Mental Health Law Qualified in all aspects of litigation, Attorney for Children, Appellate Litigation, and representation of mentally and physically disabled individuals</li> </ul> <strong>Magistrate:</strong> <ul> <li><strong>NYS Office of Court Administration, Buffalo, New York (2006-2014)</strong> Presided at quasi-judicial adversarial proceedings, conducted hearings, evaluated testimony and evidence, resolved issues of law and fact, responded to pleadings and rendered decisions, managed staff; court room, litigants and witnesses</li> </ul> <strong>Attorney:</strong> <ul> <li><strong>Law Offices of Catherine E. Marra, Buffalo, New York</strong> (1994-2006) Private practice concentrating on Matrimonial and Family law, specializing in high conflict cases and the representation of children, the mentally incapacitated and the elderly. A high-volume practice requiring research, writing, motion practice and litigation</li> </ul> <strong>Accomplishments:</strong> <ul> <li>Extensive trial experience</li> <li>Judicial Trainer relative to issues of domestic violence and mental health</li> <li>Awarded “Attorney of The Year” State of NY, Eight Judicial District, For zealous advocacy on behalf of children</li> <li>Volunteer SUNY at Buffalo Family Court Clinic</li> <li>Mentor Lawyers for Learning</li> <li>Frequent Presenter re: Issues of Mental Health, Child Advocacy and Family Violence.</li> </ul> <strong>Education:</strong> <ul> <li>J.D. Law, <a href="https://www.law.buffalo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University at Buffalo School of Law</a></li> <li>Master of Science, Education/Counseling, <a href="https://www.niagara.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Niagara University</a></li> <li>Bachelor of Science, Psychology/Criminology, <a href="https://www.niagara.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Niagara University</a></li> </ul>

Kristen Ashe

Assistant Director of Career Services

Kristen Ashe

Assistant Director of Career Services
<p>Ashe earned her Juris Doctor degree from Charleston School of Law in May 2020.</p><p>Since earning her degree, Ashe has served as a legal recruiter connecting firms and legal professionals around the United States.</p><p>In addition, prior to law school, Ashe also worked with in family law and for the South Carolina Department of Social Services as a law student and graduate.</p>

Cristy Lorente

Assistant Director of Student Wellness and Success

Cristy Lorente

Assistant Director of Student Wellness and Success

Jamie Hiers

Director of Information Technology

Jamie Hiers

Director of Information Technology

Shera Silvis

Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator

Shera Silvis

Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator

Bobby Greer

Director of Financial Aid

Bobby Greer

Director of Financial Aid
<ul> <li>M.Ed. (HESA), Louisiana State University</li> <li>B.A. Limestone University</li> </ul>

Vic Silvis

Director of Facility Services

Vic Silvis

Director of Facility Services

Emma Baker

Registrar

Emma Baker

Registrar

Michael Banks

Director of Admissions

Michael Banks

Director of Admissions
<p>Michael Banks serves as the Director of Admissions at the Charleston School of Law. </p>

Jacqueline Bell

Dean of Admissions

Jacqueline Bell

Dean of Admissions
Dean Bell has served as Dean of Admissions at Charleston School of Law since 2011.

Grady Mason

Director of Security

Grady Mason

Director of Security
Grady Mason is the Director of Security at Charleston School of Law. <h2><strong>Education</strong></h2>

Debra Gammons

Director of the Office of Diversity Initiatives and Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law

Debra Gammons

Director of the Office of Diversity Initiatives and Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law
Debra J. Gammons joined the Charleston School of Law Faculty in January 2009 as the acting director of diversity initiatives (now the Director of the Office of Diversity Initiatives) and a Distinguished Visiting Professor. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of Charleston with a major in English, and her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Professor Gammons was President of Student Government and President of the Peer Mentor Association at the College of Charleston.  She was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity.  Upon graduation, Professor Gammons won the highest award given by The College (Bishop Robert Smith Award), the McConnell-Mood-Mohrmann Student Government Award, Lucille S. Whipper Award, and several other awards. She was President of the Student Bar in Law School and won several awards.  In Law School, she also served as Associate Justice of the Moot Court Bar and President of the Public Interest Law Society, among serving in other organizations. Professor Gammons began practicing law in the Solicitor’s Office in Charleston. Before joining the Charleston School of Law, she served as Assistant City Attorney for Greenville, South Carolina for eleven years, where she prosecuted criminal cases and represented the City of Greenville in civil actions. While in Greenville, Professor Gammons served as President of the Greenville County Bar Association.  In addition to serving as Assistant Solicitor and Assistant City Attorney, Professor Gammons has practiced and still practices in the private arena, litigating cases of medical malpractice, personal injury, child custody, divorces, and criminal defense; she has represented Plaintiffs and Defendants in civil cases. At Charleston School of Law, Professor Gammons teaches Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Sex and Gender Issues and the Law, and Trial Advocacy.  She also serves as the Director of the Office of Diversity Initiatives. She is a Certified Circuit Court Mediator.  She is a Delegate in the South Carolina Bar House of Delegates.  She has served as Trustee with the College of Charleston Board of Trustees and as Commissioner of the South Carolina Supreme Court Commission on Lawyer Conduct.  She currently serves as President-Elect of the Charleston County Bar Association, Chairperson of Trinity Montessori School Board of Directors, Chairperson of the College of Charleston Friends of the Library Board, and a member of the College of Charleston Graduate School Advisory Board. <h2><strong>Course Interests/Research/Teaching Areas</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Constitutional Law</li> <li>Criminal Law</li> <li>Trial Advocacy</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Education</strong></h2> <ul> <li>J.D. University of South Carolina School of Law, 1997</li> <li>B.A. College of Charleston, 1992</li> </ul>

Nick Sanders

Associate Dean of Students and Career Services

Nick Sanders

Associate Dean of Students and Career Services
<p>Nick Sanders serves as the Associate Dean of Students and Career Services.</p>