Hot Bench: Tim Patawaran ’26

Interviewed by — Ryan Keane ’26

Welcome Steve to this week’s Hot Bench! How are you?

It’s Tim actually.

Oh, sorry about that Tim. You must get that all the time. Is the first time someone is interviewing you for something? 

I think it is actually.

I see. Probably because you’re just not that interesting. Let’s start off with who you are and we’re you’re from.

I’m Tim and I’m from Colorado,

Is it true that you would ski to and from school every day?

No, I would bike actually.

Do you still bike in Charlottesville?

I do not. The front wheel of Ben Leonard’s bike is off and I haven’t put it back on yet.

Sorry, Ben Leonard’s bike?

Yeah, his girlfriend, Abigail, gave me his bike and said it needed “minor repairs.” Apparently “minor repairs” means the front wheel isn’t attached.

Our 1L year you were quite the popular guy. If I recall correctly, people used to refer to you as Tim “Never miss a Bar Review” Patawaran. What changed? 

I probably started missing bar review.

Fair point. What could be more important than bar review?

Lots of things could be more important than bar review, but to be honest the school has become too easy. 2L and 3L are so much easier than 1L. The trials and tribulations of 1L leads you to the welcoming arms of a Virg Trash Can at 2 a.m. I don’t feel that pull anymore.

It’s been two years, so I think it’s okay to talk about this now. Would you like to comment on the 2023 Bar Czar “Stale Churro” Incident?

You know I didn’t actually write that joke. Sources who knew I was the Bar Czar at the time can confirm that when people first mentioned it, my response was “What churro joke?”

Word on the street is that you have a secret internet presence under the secret pseudonym “Tim on Violin.” Is this an Only Fans?

No, this would be a page dedicated to me playing an instrument. I don’t want to say which one, it’s kind of a secret.

But you do see the opportunity there to parlay that into an Only Fans, yes?

I’d have to see if my fiancée is okay with that first, but I see the appeal.

I see the appeal as well. Speaking of, I heard that you were recently engaged to current 3L Claudia Macri. My condolences to Claudia. How much did you have to pay her to say yes?

That’s a good question, I didn’t really keep receipts so you’ll have to ask her.

I will ask her, Okay, let’s set the scene here. You have a date scheduled with Claudia, but two hours before you get a last minute clerkship interview invite. What do you do? 

Come on Ryan, I’m not getting a clerkship interview.

Good point. No use in dwelling on an unrealistic hypo. Where will you be after graduation?

I’ll be in DC doing IP litigation.

I heard that your firm got really lucky because functionally, they are getting a Claudia but they only have to pay a Tim’s billable rate. Is this accurate?

If that’s why they hired me they are in for a terrible surprise come next September.

You bamboozled them. Time for the Thunder Round.  Are you a runner, a hider, or a fighter?

I’d like to say runner but I’m pretty slow.

Favorite professor at the law school?

Michael Collins.

Least favorite person at the law school?

Ryan Keane.

Should’ve known. Favorite date night spot in Charlottesville?

Virg.

Favorite place to study?

I don’t study.

I can tell. Biggest thing you’ll miss about the Law School?

Getting free food from Student Affairs every single day and convincing myself it’s worth the mountain of debt I’ve taken on to come here.

Alright, well let’s hope this interview leads to a Law Weekly NIL deal for you. Thanks for the time Tim.