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Editor in Chief
Mathew Habib
Mathew Habib is the Editor-in-Chief of Bench Banter, a published author, and the National Fellowship Director at Beyond Partisan. Formerly the Civil Rights Department Head at PIVOT, he loves the law and has a passion for expanding others’ understanding of it. As a student, aspiring lawyer, and human rights advocate, he breaks down complex legal rulings in clear, engaging language to show how the law shapes everyday life and society.
Intern Editors
Xylee Alvarez
Varun Mekala
Hi, I'm Xylee Alvarez, a high school senior who is driven by curiosity to make complex systems more understandable and just. I'm strongly motivated by civic engagement, my passion for the world of law, and ultimately hope to share this with others in the near future.
Hi, I'm Varun Mekala. I am a natural bridge-builder, filled with a deeply personal curiosity about the way the world works, and how to make it work better. From sitting in the Board of Education meeting, drafting policy, to being on a tennis court, rallying my team, it is always a sense of responsibility and an genuine love for clear communication that guides me. I am one of those kinds who enjoys the "why" behind the history books, and especially love translating complex ideas into stories that can inspire.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson attending the 2025 Presidential Inagguration
