STUDENT AND ALUMNI PROFILES

What I Am Hoping to Do with My Law Degree:

Right now, I’m hoping to get into litigation and or trial law.  I’m considering several options in that direction – a trial court clerkship, and both big firms and public service.

Professor Who Influenced Me Most:

Professor Amy Wax, first year Civil Procedure. She forces you to work very hard, but also to try and see the forest for the trees. I learned quite a bit about how to be successful in law school classes from her, as well as how to draw out the discrete important material from large cases.

My Favorite Course:

Criminal Law with Professor Paul Robinson. For most of the semester, I was confused, and felt like I hadn't learned anything, but Professor Robinson is a master at giving you all the tools you need to understand his concept of Criminal Law, but forcing you to do the work. I really felt that while I prepped for finals, the light went on, and I started to understand the over-arching concepts of his class.

An Example of How the Law School's Cross-disciplinary Approach Influences My Legal Education:

Professor Stephen Perry, my first year Torts professor, is also a philosophy professor at Penn. I have no background in philosophy, so I was forced to do some extra work and learning on my own time to grasp some of the bigger "philosophy of torts" issues that he raised. He was very helpful during office hours to point me in the direction of law review articles and books to help me fill the gaps.

Penn Law is known for its collegial environment. Why is collegiality important to a legal education? How has it affected your legal education?

Penn is an extremely collegial environment, and it makes law school a much more enjoyable experience. This plays out most significantly around finals time - there's a strong feeling of "all for one and one for all." People really do share outlines openly, and help each other to be successful. The rest of the year, it simply makes Penn Law a much less pressured place than other schools - yes, you still work hard, but there's a strong perception and knowledge that every student will find a great career, regardless of grades.

My Favorite Philadelphia Moment:

I can't really pinpoint one particular event, but I love taking the subway downtown for one event or another, and then walking back to West Philly up Sansom, Walnut, Spruce, or Pine. Those streets all have so much character, and on a nice day, it's great to take your time and enjoy all the city has to offer.

What I'm Most Proud Of:

I'm proud to represent a hugely underrepresented undergraduate institution at Penn Law. Auburn doesn't send many students to law school, especially not top law schools like Penn. I've loved showing off my spirit, as well as my ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with students from more "prestigious" universities. If you're wondering if you'll fit in up here being the only person from your school, take the opportunity to represent your institution with pride.

My Extracurricular Activities at Penn Law:

I’ve been involved with Penn Law Boxing, the Federalist Society, the Unemployment Compensation Project, and the Mock Trial Team.

What I Did For Public Interest:

Last year I did 35 hours of pro bono work with The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (The FIRE). They're a legal advisory group that assists higher education students and faculty in defense of their First Amendment free speech rights.

My Favorite Place or Activity on the University Campus:

My favorite spot on the University Campus is the Fine Arts library. It's a great place to study, as it's incredibly beautiful. My favorite place at the Law School is a hidden away seminar room my friends and I have dubbed the "War Room." One of us can be found in there on most nights, studying until all hours.

Why should I come to Penn over some other, better ranked, school?

The answer is simple. You'll have the same opportunities to get great jobs and be a success, but you'll be in a much more laid back, welcoming, and friendly environment. "Gunners" are not welcome here. People work together, and genuinely care about each other. Law school is hard at any school - the least you can do is make it easier by picking a school that's a genuinely happy place.

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