What to look for in a Law School

As I reflect on my three years of law school, I am proud of all that I have accomplished. During my first year of law school, I participated in a number of pro-bono projects and mentorship programs while juggling my classes. I participated in projects such as Lawyer on the Line where I assisted in providing advice concerning landlord-tenant issues. I also participated with Expungement Clinics in assisting clients with record clearing. I also provided mentorship to aspiring law students and conducted preliminary investigation for Duke Law's Innocence Project. My community and law school involvement grew heading into my second year of law school. I became a Case Manager of Duke Law Innocence Project, the Chief Financial Director (Treasurer) of the Black Law Student Association (BLSA), became a staff editor of the Duke Journal of Comparative and International Law (DJCIL), became the Academic Chair of the new student body organization, First Class, and became a Research Assistant for a Professor that is now a mentor. In my final year of law school, I am now a legal extern working to help low income clients receive pro-bono criminal defense representation within the state where I will practice upon graduation. Upon reflection, I also reflect on facts that helped shape my journey. I am a first generation student, being the first in my family to graduate college and now being the first in my family to become a lawyer. I worked for three years prior to law school, gaining professional experience and creating enough time to prepare for law school. I deferred a year from law school to prioritize my family during the COVID pandemic. Among many other facts, I worked hard enough and told my story and I continue to tell my story as I enter my career field. I hope that I can help someone tell theirs.