About Us
The St. Thomas Law Review is established for the purpose of enhancing the analytical, research, and writing skills of its membership, and advancing debate within the legal community by publishing a professional journal and online companion known as the St. Thomas Law Review.
Meet the Editors
Melissa Betancourt serves as Editor-in-Chief for the St. Thomas Law Review. She graduated from the University of Florida with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminology and Anthropology. Before law school, Melissa assisted homeowners in need by settling numerous insurance claims at a public adjuster’s office. While in law school, she received the Scribe Award for writing a publishable Comment, as seen in the St. Thomas Law Review Journal Volume 35, Issue II. Melissa is interested in practicing estate planning, guardianship, probate administration, and elder law. In addition, she enjoys traveling with her loved ones, playing with her five pets, and watching TikTok videos during her free time.
Manoela Schneider serves as Managing Editor for the St. Thomas Law Review. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. In 2020, she graduated from Florida International University magna cum laude with an MBA and a specialization in negotiations. Manoela transitioned into real estate in 2017 and has worked within that field since starting law school in 2021. In the summer of 2022, she worked as a law clerk at Beighley, Myrick, Udell and Lynne. From Spring 2023 to present, she has been working as a law clerk for Barakat + Bossa in Coral Gables, who specializes in business and commercial litigation. In her free time, Manoela goes to Pilates, watches old movies with her fiancé and cat, and loves hosting dinners for friends – She is a true homebody.
Frank Vilaboy serves as Executive Editor for the St. Thomas Law Review. He graduated from with a Bachelor degree in Political Sciences from Swarthmore College. He worked as a Paralegal for Basulto Robbins & Associates, LLP for a number of years, and recently interned for the Honorable Adalberto J. Jordan, at the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. While in law school Frank is pursuing both the Business Law and Intellectual Property Certificates and is also a member of the Law School’s Moot Court Board. During his free time Frank enjoys basic geek activities such as video games, movies, and in depth Star Wars trade routes political discussions.
Ari Bell serves as a Note and Comments Editor for the St. Thomas Law Review. Ari was born and raised in South Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. Ari is currently a Law Clerk at Cole, Scott & Kissane. He is interested in practicing Business law and corporate law. In his free time, Ari likes to train Jiu Jitsu and catch up on sleep.
Victoire Jonqua serves as a Notes and Comments Editor for the St. Thomas Law Review. Victoire was born and grew up the first few years of her life in France. She graduated from Florida International University in 2019, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Prior to starting law school, she worked for two years as a judicial assistant to a judge in the circuit criminal and circuit civil divisions. Victoire has a passion for criminal law and trial advocacy. She has spent both of her law school summers interning at state-level and federal-level public defender offices. Victoire is also on the St. Thomas Trial Team, where she is perfecting her trial skills for real life practice. After law school, she plans on becoming a criminal defense attorney. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and four rescue pets.
Mark Salnick serves as a Senior Article Editor for the St. Thomas Law Review. He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2021. Prior to attending law school, he gained experience working in the Homicide division for the West Palm Beach State Attorney’s office over multiple summers. Currently Mark’s future interests include a career as a criminal defense lawyer or working within the legal side of the entertainment industry. In his free time, he works on his music production business and is an avid gym-goer.
Samantha Gonzalez-Gomez serves as a Senior Articles Editor for St. Thomas Law Review. She graduated from the Honors College at Florida International University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a certificate in National Security Studies. Samantha is interested in practicing in the area of real estate and is currently pursuing a certificate in Real Estate Law. She is also a legal extern in the Real Estate and Transactions division at the Office of the City Attorney in Miami. During her free time, Samantha enjoys reading, going to the gym, and spending time with her loved ones.
Jessica Silva serves as a Senior Articles Editor for the St. Thomas Law Review. She graduated cum laude from Florida International University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a certificate in Pre-Law studies. Jessica has worked as a legal assistant in both plaintiff insurance law and defense medical malpractice. She spent two years working at a plaintiff insurance law firm, where she enhanced her skills in legal research, case management, and client communication. She later transitioned to a defense medical malpractice firm, where she spent eight months applying her knowledge to assist in the defense of medical professionals. Since starting law school, Jessica has developed a keen interest in the connection between new technologies and intellectual property laws. Outside of her professional pursuits, Jessica enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures.
Daniel Borges serves as the Article Solicitation Editor for the St. Thomas Law Review. After receiving a Business Administration degree from the University of Miami in 2019, he worked in advertising and data analytics before pivoting to law. In his second year of law school, Daniel interned for the Honorable Darrin P. Gayles at the Southern District of Florida and the Honorable Christine Bandin at the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. He is currently a Summer Associate at Tobin & Reyes, working with the firm’s corporate law and commercial litigation practice groups. Outside of law school, Daniel is a business owner and investor who co-founded a successful online retail business. When he isn’t working, he enjoys cooking, dancing, exercising, and playing video games.
Paula Charles serves as the Executive Online Editor for the St. Thomas Law Review. Paula graduated cum laude from Florida International University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Paula worked as a legal assistant for Laurent Law Office, P.L., before deciding to go to law school. She also interned for the Honorable Judge Towbin Singer in the Seventeen Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Currently, Paula serves as a Law Clerk at Friedland & Associates, P.A. During her free time, Paula enjoys watching sports and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Lorena Gonzalez serves as the Alumni Relations and Events Editor for the St. Thomas Law Review. She is also the Vice-President of the Cuban American Student Bar Association chapter at St. Thomas. She obtained her Bachelors in Philosophy and Political Science from Florida International University in 2021. She is currently working as a law clerk at Your Insurance Attorney in Coconut Grove, FL in the personal injury field. During the previous summer, she worked at Silverberg|Brito in Doral, FL and interned for Judge Arzola in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. In her free time, Lorena loves spending time with her family, friends, and boyfriend. She also enjoys mentoring other first-generation future lawyers aspiring to start law school.
Max Stein
Roxana Clemente
Anthony Quintana
Jasmine St Clor
Alexa Borges
Peter Dourvetakis
Meet the Editors
