Why did you choose to go to law school?
In 2018, my 23-year-old cousin passed away after losing his battle with cancer. We were the same age, and the loss rattled me. My cousin was an incredible person, who spent his whole life dedicated to the service of his community. And when he passed, I had a choice to make – I could let my grief consume me, or I could let it fuel me. I chose to let it fuel me, to drive me forward. I looked at my life, my career, my goals for the future. And I made a choice to change my entire career so that I could lead a life that would honor Adam’s legacy of caring for people. I chose law school because I could fight for people in a way that felt right for me, while still remembering my cousin every step of the way. It took a couple of years to make it happen, but this moment is what pushed me to law school.
Why Catholic Law? (prior to attending)
When I started applying, I was living in Denver and positive that I was going to work part-time and attend University of Denver Strum College of Law part-time. But when Catholic Law reached out to me, asking me to apply, I thought – “why not give it a shot?” I was positive there was no way I was going to uproot my entire life and move to Washington D.C. out of the blue, but I thought it couldn’t hurt.
Once I was accepted, I was amazed by the ways that the people at Catholic Law tried to connect with me. I couldn’t visit in person, but the admissions office sent me flyers, brochures, and photos. They quickly answered every question I had and were always so polite. The difference between Catholic Law and other law schools was so clear to me that I began to wonder – “what if? What if I did go to Catholic Law?” And I started to feel the pull – the feeling in my gut that I get when I know it’s time to take a leap into faith and go toward the unknown. It’s hard to explain, but after just a few weeks of distant interaction, I knew that Catholic Law would be the right school for me. And I’m so thankful every day that I trusted that feeling and took the leap.
What Externships or other practical experiences did you do at Catholic Law?
My first summer, I worked at the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Prior to coming to Catholic Law, I thought there was no way I would ever be brave enough for criminal law. But Professor Graw completely changed my outlook on the practice, and it was an incredible experience. One of my projects was a brief that I co-signed with my supervising attorney and sent to the Chief Judge of the Bronx (huge shout-out to my mentor ADA Devin Horzempa).
My second year, I was in the Tech and Telecom Practicum, which is a class taught by two outstanding telecommunications professionals. During this experiential class, I was given a “client” that I represented for both a written brief and a practice oral argument in front of several members of various telecommunications groups in D.C. Additionally, I had an externship with the Department of Justice in the National Security Division, Foreign Investment Review Section.
For my second summer, I was a Summer Associate at Akin and worked with many different practice groups. My primary projects were working as a lead on two pro bono cases and writing three articles on the impact of overturning the Chevron doctrine for various regulatory groups. Finally, during my third year, I competed twice as a member of the National Mock Trial Team at Catholic Law.
What experiences at Catholic Law were highlights for you?
As a general highlight of the Catholic Law experience, the people here are so special. I have felt so supported throughout my time here by so many different people. As a more specific highlight, I can clearly remember the moments during orientation and on the first day of class when I met the two guys who are now two of my closest friends. I cannot be more grateful that Catholic Law brought us all together, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. My other highlights include the moment that the Gender and Sexuality Law Forum was approved as an official club, and getting to compete alongside my Mock Trial teammates this last year. OH! And of course, writing, performing, and winning the award for the best Columbus Awards Night skit. Nothing feels better than a hat trick and being the three-time reigning champion!
What are your plans after graduation?
Upon passage of the bar, I will be returning to Akin as an Associate. I will most likely be in a regulatory group, with opportunities to utilize my mock trial courtroom skills through pro bono work.
Why Catholic Law now?
I think several of my previous answers give away what I’m going to say here, but it’s a unique community. Having talked to law students from other schools, they don’t spend time with their classmates outside of the classroom. They barely know their professors, much less people in the administration.
But here at Catholic Law, you don’t slip through the cracks. The administration checks in with you, and they work with you to put you in touch with people who can help you succeed. Your professors know you, and you make real connections with them (not just letter of recommendation connections). Your classmates are people you enjoy spending time with and the bonds you make are strong. I like to tell people when they come to visit – we are a competitive school. We are getting the jobs that people from other schools want. And we are competitive people, because you must have a bit of edge to survive law school. But we aren’t competing. We lift each other up and help each other out. It’s a special place, and I wouldn’t trade my time here for anything.
