Meet our Admissions Team
We're here to help you navigate the law school application process. Contact us at 419.530.4131 or law.admissions@utoledo.edu.
Briana Palmer
Assistant Director of Admissions
briana.palmer2@utoledo.edu
Briana is a two-time graduate of The University of Toledo. She earned her B.S. in Legal Specialties with honors from the College of Health and Human Services in 2020 and her J.D. from the College of Law in 2023. Upon law school graduation, Briana was inducted into the Order of the Barristers, a national honors society for lawyers and law students who excel in litigation and trial practice. During her legal education, Briana worked for the Toledo Municipal Court, The City of Toledo Prosecutor’s Office, and a local law firm. Briana served as student worker for College of Law’s Office of Admission and Office of Communication. Motivated by the opportunities within higher education, Briana continued her journey as a UToledo undergraduate Legal Research and Writing professor. Briana now brings her institutional knowledge and passion for legal education back to the College of Law in her role as assistant director of law admissions. Briana is eager to help shape the future of the legal profession and looks forward to sharing with current and prospective students her love for the University of Toledo and the Toledo community at large!
Laura Schmidt
Admissions Analyst
laura.schmidt2@utoledo.edu
Laura has over 20 years of experience with various positions in customer service, hospitalities, sales, event planning, office management, and sales & marketing. Top-notch client service has been the cornerstone of each position. She received her B.A. in communication studies with a marketing minor from Wright State University in 2004. "Working at the Toledo Law Admissions office has been my favorite job by far because of the truly fantastic, welcoming, and upbeat community at Toledo Law - and I'm honored to be a part of it. We all strive to provide prospective students with helpful information about the law school admissions process and to offer a great, supportive, and affordable legal education."
Lauren Smieszek
Program Coordinator
lauren.smieszek@utoledo.edu
Lauren brings over a decade of experience in marketing and communications. While earning her B.S. in Tourism, Leisure & Event Planning from Bowling Green State University, she interned as an event coordinator for the Inverness Club and was a travel counselor for AAA of Northwest Ohio. Following graduation, she was promoted to marketing specialist for automotive & public affairs at AAA. In 2016, she became the marketing administrator for a marketing agency. She joined the College of Law in 2018 as marketing and events coordinator, expanding her experience in higher education. Over time, she discovered a growing passion for student engagement. In January 2025, she transitioned to the Office of Admissions as program coordinator where she supports prospective law students and helps them navigate the law school admissions process.
Laken Walker
Program Manager, Financial Aid
laken.walker@utoledo.edu
Laken is a two-time graduate of The University of Toledo, receiving her B.A. in General Studies and M.Ed. in Higher Education. She has been involved on the Student Conduct and Title IX boards since 2012 and continues to be involved on campus as much as possible. In 2016 she became a staff member at Rocket Solution Central where she realized her love of financial aid and working with students. In February 2024 she transitioned to financial analyst for the Payroll Office, and then in December 2024, she joined the College of law as program manager for financial aid. Coming to the College of Law has been an amazing adventure. Though her goal remains the same, to help law students understand their financial aid and ensure they are set up for success not only at Toledo Law but after graduation.