Madison Levengood ’26

Driven by Compassion, United by Action: Madison Levengood and ALDF at Widener Law Commonwealth 

When Madison Levengood started thinking about her future, she pictured herself running a bakery. That idea lasted until she realized she would have to wake up at 5 a.m. every day. She laughs about it now, knowing how far she’s traveled from that early dream.

Levengood, a third-year student at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, grew up in Reading and graduated from Lebanon Valley College in just three years. She once expected to return to her family’s business, CJ’s Tires and Automotive Services, as in-house legal counsel. But after an externship and an internship, she found herself pulled toward personal injury litigation and medical malpractice work.

“I realized pretty quickly that this is the kind of work that fits who I am,” she said. “I love the mix of advocacy, problem solving, and helping people through tough moments.”

Levengood chose Widener Commonwealth for its community, something she felt instantly during her first campus visits. She remembers how every student and professor seemed genuinely invested in her success. That early welcome became the foundation of her own leadership style.

Today she holds more roles than she can easily list. She’s president of the Animal Legal Defense Fund campus chapter, president of Student Ambassadors, vice president of the Trial Advocacy Honor Society, a Torts Academic Success Fellow, secretary of Spirit of Service, a marketing chair for both the Federal Bar Association and the Women’s Law Caucus, a LexisNexis ambassador, and a Barbri representative. Barbri is a national bar exam preparation company that partners with law students as they get ready for the licensing process. She’s also a member of Phi Alpha Delta and previously served in the Appellate Advocacy Honor Society.

“Honestly, I’m not sure how I’ve juggled it all,” she said, smiling. “I stay organized, check my email constantly, and take things one task at a time. The biggest lesson is knowing when to step away. Breaks help you stay focused and keep burnout from creeping in.”

Her time leading Widener Law Commonwealth’s chapter of the Animal Legal Defense Fund has been especially meaningful. Levengood loves animals, but she also discovered a deeper purpose in the organization’s mission to prevent cruelty through the legal system. She keeps the group relaxed and welcoming, focusing on fundraising and service projects that support the national ALDF and local shelters.

Under her leadership, ALDF has expanded its visibility on campus. The group’s Bark-Tober event brought students together for a much-needed fall breather, and last year’s Pet Food and Supply Drive Competition became one of the organization’s biggest successes yet. Turning it into a class competition sparked a wave of donations that helped four local shelters.

“Our students really showed up,” she said. “Even professors and security guards joined in. It felt like the whole community came together for something good.”

This spring, she plans to run the competition again and hopes the donations beat last year’s total.

Her service work and leadership roles have shaped how she wants to practice law. After passing the bar, Levengood will join Thomas, Thomas & Hafer in Camp Hill, where she already works. The firm handles civil defense litigation, including general liability, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and medical malpractice. She’s especially excited to continue learning alongside her mentor, attorney John Lucy.

“My torts courses made such an impact on me,” she said. “I’m eager to start practicing, especially in areas that mix medicine and law.”

While she doesn’t expect to work directly in animal law, the lessons from ALDF and Spirit of Service will follow her into practice. She believes deeply in giving back and hopes to weave pro bono work and community service into her career.

“Lawyers are in a fortunate position to help others,” she said. “We should be doing that both inside and outside the courtroom.”

Looking back, she’s grateful she said yes to so many opportunities. Her advice for future students is to do the same.

“Sign up for everything,” she said. “It might feel daunting, but it’s how you find your people and your path. Law school is difficult, but it’s also rewarding when you’re surrounded by a community that lifts each other up.”

As graduation gets closer, Levengood is already thinking about the future and about the classmates who have walked this path with her.

“We’ve been through the rough times together and celebrated the highs,” she said. “I can’t wait to see where everyone ends up.”

Interview was conducted in Winter 2025.