Good afternoon.
Good afternoon, Andrew. Good to see you.
Thank you for being willing to be hot benched. Do you want to introduce yourself and where you're from for the great people of the school?
Absolutely. My name is Matt Aldridge. I am a second-year student originally from Brunswick, Georgia. I went to the University of Georgia and worked in DC for a law firm for three years before law school.
Do you feel like Brunswick and New Brunswick have a lot in common?
To be fair, I don't know a ton about New Brunswick, but I do think that Brunswick, the Brunswick I'm from is the O.G. Brunswick. The famous Brunswick Stew, in fact, comes from Brunswick, Georgia. I don't know if New Brunswick, New Jersey has quite such a great acclaim as Brunswick, Georgia.
What is in the Brunswick Stew?
Brunswick Stew is like a good bit of seafood. I haven't had a lot of it, to be fair, but it's a hearty stew that originated in Brunswick, Georgia, which is near the coast of Southeast Georgia.
So you're talking thing something up that you haven't actually had much of? Feels a little dangerous.
I'll support Brunswick Stew, even if I'm not the biggest personal fan of it. I don't dislike Brunswick stew, it’s just not something I eat often.
Oh, have you been stewing on this for a while?
I think I have thought a good bit about Brunswick Stew over the last few years since I've left my hometown, because we're not known for much, but we do have that claim to fame. I will die on the hill that we deserve the Brunswick Stew recognition.
Do you feel like Brunswick Stew is superior to Charlottesville and DC soups?
To some. I've had some good soups and stews here in Charlottesville. Charlottesville in general, I think, is a great food town. It's kind of hard to beat in many ways.
Where do you go for soup in Charlottesville?
When I'm in Charlottesville, I've gotten soup from a few places. I think most recently I had a soup from Afghan Kebab that I thought was quite good.
Interesting. I've also heard that you're a bit of a superstar on the softball field. Many people have said that. Does the soup help you on the softball field? What is your pregame technique?
No, I think that's very kind for anyone who's complimented my softball abilities. I would say that I play a good bit of softball. I don't know if I've quite reached all-star level yet, but I'm working to get there. My pre-softball game meal is pretty simple. Usually it consists of a Gatorade, maybe a protein shake, an Uncrustable, and some trail mix.
Which color of Gatorade?
This is a very important question. Everyone in the Law Weekly audience needs to know that cucumber lime Gatorade is the superior Gatorade, above all other Gatorade flavors, specifically the Gator Light version of the cucumber lime flavor.
How widely sold is cucumber lime?
It's not very widely sold at all, so whenever I see it in a store, I make sure to grab a few bottles of it.
Have you found it in Charlottesville?
I have found it a few times in Charlottesville.
I won't ask; I don't want to deprive you of your supply.
Well, I'm happy to let the audience know that sometimes Target has some, and then sometimes some of the Market stores have some. I've only recently found out more about the Market, but apparently they're owned by UVA alums, and they have kind of a cult reputation in this town. They make a mean sandwich.
That brings up another question. Where are the best sandwiches in Charlottesville?
The best sandwich in Charlottesville is at a place called The Wich Lab on the downtown mall. There's one guy who works there and freshly bakes all of the bread that is used for the sandwiches every day. His sandwiches are fantastic. Maybe some of the best sandwiches I've had in my life.
I really appreciate all the food recommendations.
Absolutely.
We like to end every hot bench with the lightning round if that's all right.
Perfect.
One-word answer, you're on the right track.
Okay.
Worst study spot?
Worst study spot. Let me think hard.
This isn't very lightning round.
Yeah, I'm not being very lightning-round right now. I think the worst study spot is maybe the second floor of the library out in the open on the big tables over there. It can get somewhat stressful. There are some stressful vibes up in that area, and then it can also get a bit chatty at times.
1Ls should take note of that.
Yes.
Stupid 1Ls. What class are you most looking forward to next semester?
I don't have my lottery results yet, or maybe I just have . . . The dream probably is Legislation with Professor Nelson. I've heard great things about that class and would love to take it with him next semester.
How many softball teams are you on?
Let me count. Formally I think seven.
Very impressive. Last question: second favorite study spot?
Second favorite. Wait, sorry, were you asking for my least favorite study spot before?
I did.
Now you're asking for my second favorite spot, not my favorite—not my favorite spot.
Right.
Okay, good question.
This is defeating the point of the lightning ground.
Well, my favorite study spot is my house. My second favorite study spot is the fishbowl area next to ScoCo. I quite like it in there. I think it's quiet. I like the chairs in that room a lot better than the library chairs. I like the natural light. It's a great place to lock in.
Very fair. Well, we appreciate you making time for the Law Weekly on this–
Absolutely.
–gorgeous afternoon.
Thank you so much, Andrew, it was a pleasure.
Have a great day.
You too.
Author: Andrew Moore, ’28