Current Board of Editors

Denver Journal of International Law and Policy 2023-2024 Board of Editors

Editor in Chief - Amanda Spitzenberger

Amanda Spitzenberger (she/her) is a third-year law student at the University of Denver Sturm College of law. She grew up in Indiana and attended St. Olaf College where she obtained a B.A. in economics, statistics, and Nordic studies. Prior to law school and moving to Denver, Amanda worked in commercial banking in Minneapolis, MN. Now, Amanda’s goal is to pursue a career at the intersection of corporate, international, and human rights law. Amanda has always been passionate about expanding her international community, and during law school has done so by joining DJILP, studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy, and working at a law firm in Naples, Italy her 1L summer. She is also part of DU’s Jessup International Law Moot Court team. Outside of law school, Amanda enjoys reading non-legal texts, cooking, long walks, wine & cheese, and saying ‘yes’ to any travel opportunity that comes her way!

Executive Editor - Danielle DeSantis

Danielle DeSantis (she/her) is a third-year law student at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She grew up in Mesa, Arizona and attended the University of Arizona for her undergrad where she studied International Relations with a focus on Latin America. She also holds a master's degree from Brown University in Urban Education Policy. She's interested in pursuing a career in blends her interest in land use and civil rights law. When she's not working on the journal, Danielle enjoys cooking, hiking, tending her chickens, and fancy cocktails. And collecting stamps in her passport, of course!

Senior Managing Editor - Jana Reznickova

Managing Editor - David Arras

David is a third-year law student at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. A native of El Paso, Texas, he has a lifelong interest in cross-border commerce and policy. He joined DJILP to examine great power politics and its effect on multinational communities such as his hometown. David studied Business Administration at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and plans on practicing corporate law with an emphasis on commercial transactions. His international experience includes studying abroad in Austria and visiting countries currently engaged in interstate conflict. Outside of law school, he is an avid skier, runner, and cat person.

Online Managing Editor - Claire Smith

Claire Smith is a third-year law student at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She grew up in San Diego, California and attended Washington State University for her undergraduate degree. Prior to law school, she worked in college sports. Her passion for international law is thanks to her parents and the ability she has had to travel from a young age. This past summer, Claire studied international entertainment law in London, England, which is the area of practice she would most like to pursue post-graduation. During this time, she also gained an interest in art law, specifically the return of stolen art and artifacts to their rightful owners and countries. Outside of law school, Claire enjoys riding horses, cooking, and traveling!

Business Editor - Jack Sheffield

Jack (he/him) is a second-year law student at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. As the Business Editor for DJILP, Jack handles the financial aspects of DJILP, which includes managing vendor and subscriber relationships and managing DJILP's annual budget. Jack is originally from the Milwaukee, WI area and moved to Denver to attend law school. Previously, Jack attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where he earned a B.A. and majored in International Studies and Political Science. During his time as an undergraduate, Jack studied abroad in London, UK. The corresponding photo is of Jack in the locker room of Arsenal F.C., a soccer club based in London. Jack's interests in international law are centered around international trade and business, specifically with an emphasis on the laws and agreements governing the European Union's trade deals and relationships. Jack aims to be a transactional lawyer practicing in the areas of corporate, real estate, and securities law. Outside of law school, Jack enjoys live music, sports, traveling, and trivia.

Articles Editor - Sophia Vander Kooy

Hello! My name is Sophia Vander Kooy, and I am a 3L at the University of Denver and the Articles Editor for the Denver Journal of International Law and Policy. I am passionate about international human rights law and closing the gap between international private and public interest law. I have a broad range of research interests, but I recently wrote a paper called Local Law Enforcement and the Human Right to Housing, which stemmed from my observations of the Denver housing crisis. In my free time, I like to be outside as much as possible, eat good food, and travel.

Candidacy & Events Editor - Rachel Crass

Rachel Crass is in the part-time law program at the University of Denver. Originally from Belleville, IL, in 2003 Rachel moved to Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, where she represented Team USA in the sport of Weightlifting. She graduated from UCCS in 2008 with a B.S. in Biology and Minors in Professional & Technical Writing and the German language. Rachel has served as an Elite Athlete Representative for USA Weightlifting since retiring in 2010 and is now the Colorado State Chairperson for USA Powerlifting. Rachel lives in Arvada with her husband, three children, a cat bigger than the dog, a bearded dragon, and a leopard gecko. After law school, Rachel hopes to advocate for vulnerable athlete populations around the world.

Candidacy & Events Editor - Cristofer Kelman

Cris is a 2L at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He grew up in Dallas, TX and went to college at Texas A&M University where he earned a B.S. in Economics and a Minor in Business before moving to Denver to attend law school. Throughout law school, Cris has had internships in the corporate and securities law fields as well as in-house at a financial services company. Most recently, he interned at the Attorney General’s office, Business & Licensing Section. In addition to being the Candidacy & Events Editor for the Denver Journal of International Law & Policy. Cris is the Treasurer of the Latinx Law Student Association and a member on Denver Law Review. This summer, Cris plans to apply his international background as he joins a business law firm, where he'll be working with South American clients. Outside of law school, Cris loves to travel to different parts of the world and has been able to visit 34 countries.

The Denver Journal of International Law & Policy is one of the oldest international law journals in the United States and is ranked internationally. It is managed and edited by students at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.