Current Exchange Students

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  Jan-Philipp Lenhardt

  Germany
  Fall 2026

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  Jan-Philipp Lenhardt

  Germany
  Fall 2026

  Jan-Philipp Lenhardt (Germany) is an exchange student from Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, Germany. He is particularly interested in public law, competition law, and international dispute resolution.

  Alongside his studies, Jan-Philipp has gained practical experience in leading German law firms and political institutions, including antitrust, litigation, arbitration, and parliamentary work in the German Bundestag. Before law school, he held leadership roles in liberal youth and student organizations and worked in political strategy and communication. He is also a scholarship holder of the German National Academic Foundation and has received recognition for his academic work on antitrust law.

  At Notre Dame, Jan-Philipp looks forward to deepening his understanding of the American legal system, engaging with constitutional and comparative perspectives, and becoming part of the Law School’s academic and campus community. As a former competitive fencer, he is especially excited to study at a university with one of the world’s most renowned fencing programs.

   

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  James O'Dowd

  Ireland
  Fall 2026

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  James O'Dowd

  Ireland
  Fall 2026

  James O’Dowd (Ireland) is an American citizen born abroad in Ireland, studying for his law degree at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland's premier university and one of the top-ranked universities in the world. Before law school, James volunteered with disadvantaged Romani children in Romania's poorest region for six months, providing non-formal education and daily meals. James gained litigation experience at Harrison O'Dowd Solicitors LLP, a Limerick firm specializing in defence litigation and insurance disputes, and interned at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, an immigration legal aid nonprofit in Queens, New York City, where his legal writing was published under his own byline. He previously served as Welfare and Equality Officer at Trinity Hall and as National Outreach Coordinator for the Trinity Law Society. His interests lie in intellectual property, civil rights, and litigation. This fall, James looks forward to connecting with students and professionals from the U.S. and abroad at Notre Dame.

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  Ana Luisa Teixeira

  Brazil
  Fall 2026

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  Ana Luisa Teixeira

  Brazil
  Fall 2026

  Ana Luisa Teixeira (Brazil) is the first exchange student at Notre Dame Law School from FGV Rio Law, Brazil. She is a third-year law student with a strong interest in civil, corporate, and banking law.

  Ana took part in a year-long research project on legal education, during which she demonstrated a keen aptitude for academic inquiry through her project on the impacts of using computers and other digital devices in the classroom, particularly in courses that adopt active learning methodologies.

  In summer 2025, Ana completed an internship in capital and financial markets law. She is also the founder and organizer of the first Brazilian undergraduate law competition focused on corporate law and capital markets.

  Beyond her academic pursuits, Ana has an enduring passion for literature and is a devout Catholic. During her stay at Notre Dame, she expects to make meaningful connections, immerse herself in the American legal system, and strengthen her faith.

   

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  Francis Viljoen

  Ireland
  Fall 2026

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  Francis Viljoen

  Ireland
  Fall 2026

  Francis Viljoen (Ireland) is a law student at Trinity College Dublin. She is originally from South Africa and grew up in Dubai. Francis’ academic interests mainly revolve around commercial law, as she is an aspiring solicitor. Francis is excited to spend her exchange semester at the beautiful campus of Notre Dame and meet new people from different backgrounds.

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  Tom Willems

  Germany
  Fall 2026

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  Tom Willems

  Germany
  Fall 2026

  Tom Oskar Willems (Germany) is a law student at Humboldt University of Berlin in Germany, where he recently completed his third year of studies. His academic focus is on law and digital transformation, particularly in the context of competition law. He wrote his bachelor’s thesis on merger control. Previously, he worked as a student research assistant for the Chair of Criminal Law under Prof. Luís Greco. In addition, he has a strong passion for sports, especially fencing. He is looking forward to becoming part of the University of Notre Dame community, actively engaged with his fellow students, and cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.