Emily LaGreca  ’24

Finding Confidence in a Practice That Moves in Real Time

By the time Emily LaGreca walked into her first workers’ compensation case, she already understood a truth that defines modern legal practice: the law rarely waits, and neither do the people relying on it.

Now an associate in the Philadelphia office of Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LaGreca works in workers’ compensation defense, a field known for its pace, complexity and constant motion. It’s a practice that demands quick thinking, strategic judgment, and comfort with uncertainty, qualities she began developing long before earning her juris doctor.

“Workers’ compensation moves fast, and you’re involved right away,” LaGreca said. “You’re analyzing medical records, thinking through strategy, and learning how cases actually function in real time. That hands-on aspect is what drew me in.”

LaGreca graduated in 2024 from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where she built a reputation not only as a strong student but as a steady presence across campus. Over three years, she served two terms on the Student Bar Association, including as secretary, held a leadership position in the Business Law Society, worked as an academic success fellow for torts and contracts, and balanced those roles with on-campus employment.

The throughline in those experiences, she said, was learning how to manage responsibility under pressure.

“Being involved taught me how to prioritize, communicate clearly and stay accountable,” she said. “Those skills translate directly to practice. You’re constantly balancing deadlines, client needs and unexpected developments.”

That sense of engagement was intentional. Coming from a smaller undergraduate institution, LaGreca was looking for a law school environment that felt personal without limiting opportunity.

“I wanted a place where relationships mattered,” she said. “Widener Law Commonwealth offered that. It was a close-knit academic community where faculty were accessible, and students were genuinely invested in one another.”

One of those relationships proved especially formative. Professor Mary Kate Kearney became a constant presence throughout LaGreca’s law school journey, from her first semester through bar exam preparation and beyond.

“She was always available and always invested,” LaGreca said. “Whether it was academic advising, exam prep, or just checking in when things felt overwhelming, that support made a difference. It’s a reflection of how deeply the faculty care about student success.”

LaGreca’s understanding of the profession was further shaped by internships that exposed her to distinct legal environments. She interned with the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps, and worked with Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Royce L. Morris.

For LaGreca, a first-generation law student, those experiences were critical.

“Internships show you what the law actually looks like day to day,” she said. “They help you figure out what aligns with your strengths and what doesn’t. That kind of clarity only comes from being in the room.”

Before law school, LaGreca graduated cum laude from Susquehanna University with a double major in political science and public policy and a minor in legal studies. While she once viewed that path as a straightforward route to law school, her perspective shifted once she entered the legal classroom.

“Law school showed me there’s no single path into the profession,” she said. “My classmates came from all kinds of backgrounds, and that diversity of experience strengthens how we think about the law.”

Now in practice, LaGreca is navigating the transition from student to attorney with the same intentionality that defined her time at Widener. She credits the collaborative culture and mentorship at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer with helping her build confidence as she sharpens her litigation skills.

“What’s been most meaningful is the team environment,” she said. “Having experienced attorneys who are willing to guide you, answer questions, and invest in your growth makes a huge difference, especially early on.”
She’s candid about the learning curve that comes with practice.

“Law school teaches you how to think like a lawyer,” LaGreca said. “Practice teaches you how to apply that thinking when priorities shift and deadlines change. You learn quickly how important communication, adaptability and ownership really are.”

Outside of work, LaGreca looks for balance wherever she can find it. She enjoys running, spending time outdoors, catching up on television shows, and staying connected with family and friends. A Philadelphia sports fan, she also finds time to follow her hometown teams.

Looking ahead, her goals are practical and grounded. She wants to deepen her knowledge of workers’ compensation law, gain confidence as a litigator, and become more involved in local bar associations.

“I’m focused on continuing to learn and building strong professional relationships,” she said. “That foundation matters, no matter where your career takes you.”

Interview conducted in Winter 2026.