Degree program: J.D./M.M.A.
Year accepted: 2024
Advisor: Mendenhall
Research: Coastal and maritime policy
Background: Bachelors in International Relations, minors in Slavic Studies and Economics from Connecticut College

Zachary Trainor is a native Rhode Islander from North Scituate, RI. He graduated from Connecticut College in 2020 with a degree in International Relations and minors in both Slavic Studies and Economics. Before graduating, he had the opportunity to study abroad in Russia, where he researched the country’s oil and gas infrastructure and its potential to be used as a geopolitical weapon. Prior to starting law school, Zachary dedicated his time to studying for the LSAT and working in landscaping and construction. During his time at Connecticut College, Zachary took multiple maritime policy classes, which sparked his interest in becoming a maritime lawyer. He chose to pursue law at Roger Williams University School of Law because of its convenient location in his home state and its specialization in maritime law. During his time at Roger Williams, Zachary participated in the law school’s Coastal Resilience Law and Policy Clinic and served as a Sea Grant Law Fellow. In each program, he focused on strategies municipalities could use to increase their resilience against climate change and sea level rise. Zachary has particularly enjoyed courses in contracts, property, civil procedure, and criminal procedure during his law school tenure. In 2024, Zachary began the joint Juris Doctor/Master of Marine Affairs program with the University of Rhode Island. Roger Williams’ partnership with URI appealed to Zachary as he wanted to gain more experience in the environmental field to complement his knowledge of ocean law and geopolitics. In his spare time, Zachary enjoys playing chess, quahogging, and freshwater fishing. Zachary is still weighing his options for the future, but hopes to work with coastal and maritime policy, either in government or for a maritime logistics company.