“The impact (the Weigand Trust) has already had on myself and my family is immeasurable.”
Nicholas Monaghan
University of Notre Dame
Weigand Scholar: 2007, 2008, 2009
Hometown:
Wichita, KS
Education:
B.A., Political Science, University of Arizona, 2004
- Graduated magna cum laude
J.D., University of Notre Dame Law School, 2009
- Graduated magna cum laude
- Editor, Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy
Nick Monaghan accomplished a life-long goal when he was accepted at Notre Dame Law School. Unfortunately, the acceptance was bitter-sweet. “My excitement was tempered by the high cost of tuition,” Monaghan said, “I was concerned I would have to attend a school that offered a larger financial package.”
When the Weigand Trust awarded him a full-tuition scholarship to attend Notre Dame, Monaghan’s decision became an easy one. “The Weigand Trust granted me an opportunity to study law at the school I’ve always dreamed of attending,” he said.
Monaghan has capitalized on this opportunity, and graduated magna cum laude in May, 2009. During his second year of law school, Monaghan worked for Professor Lisa Casey, researching corporate and securities law issues. Additionally, Monaghan served as an editor on the Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics & Public Policy.
Monaghan achieved similar success prior to law school. At the University of Arizona, he consistently made Dean’s List. The English faculty selected him to join the campus Writing Center, where he advised teachers and students on writing issues. At the same time, Monaghan served as a legal assistant in a criminal defense firm.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arizona in 2004 with a degree in political science. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Monaghan accepted a position with Bank of America, where he advised clients on both lending and investments. He attained a Series 7 license, allowing him to sell securities to bank clients. Monaghan later took a position with Hibernia National Bank.
In the summer of 2007, Monaghan clerked at the United States Attorney’s Office. There, Monaghan drafted two appellate briefs, which were filed at the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, Illinois. He further represented the United States by writing motions used in litigation and responding to habeus petitions. Monaghan gained valuable litigation experience by appearing before a federal judge on initial appearances, detention hearings, and arraignments.
In the summer of 2008, Monaghan returned to Wichita to work as a summer associate at Foulston Siefkin LLP. Monaghan shares J.L. Weigand’s passion for Notre Dame. He is an avid Irish football fan.