Welcome to Nate's Blog! The Life of a 2L....
I'm fulfilling a lifelong dream at a school that is the perfect fit for me. I enjoy being a part of the law school community and the amazing community that is Tucson, and UofA Law allows me to be an active part of both!
Hometown: Hampton, Virginia
Undergraduate: Mary Washington College, Political Science
Before Law School: College Administration
Law School Activities: Pride Law; American Constitution Society; Student Bar Association; Arizona Journal of International & Comparative Law
1L Summer: Pima County Public Defender's Office
Entry Two
Halfway through law school! I can’t believe how fast it has flown and how much I have learned and grown! I’ve made friends that are like family to me, I’ve learned more than I thought I could, I’ve written motions and appeals and research memos...it’s been an amazing ride so far!
I’m starting this semester with another amazing experience. I’m two weeks into a legislative legal internship, working at the State Capitol for the House Judiciary Committee and the House Democratic Caucus as their legal intern. For a politically passionate person like myself, it’s a dream job! I get to work directly with legislators and house counsel in researching and shaping legislation. I also get to attend committee meetings and research any legal questions that come up during bill review so that I can report back to committee members. I’ve gotten to draft an amendment to a bill that will likely go to the House floor for a vote. And with this being both a redistricting and election year, done a ton of research on both issues and how they intertwine. Legislators are more than a bit concerned about what district they are running in!
My supervisor, who is House Counsel for the Democratic Caucus has treated me like a partner, and given me interesting projects that have also served as learning experiences. She makes sure that not only am I doing important work, but that I am doing work that will prepare me for a legal career. I operate in the halls of the state house as a colleague with legislators, attorneys, lobbyists and policy researchers and advisors. Last week, I was at a meeting in the Secretary of State’s office and just looked around the room asking, “How did I get here?!”
The only downside of the internship is that I am not taking classes at University of Arizona this semester. Being at another school, even for a semester, has made me appreciate everything that we have at UA Law. There is truly something special about the way that our school functions, and I can now say that it is unique to University of Arizona. The camaraderie and trust that exists between myself and my classmates, and between myself and my professors is something truly special. And it’s a lot of fun too. I miss my UA family like crazy, and I can’t wait to get back to them. In the meantime, the experience that I’m having in my internship is a once in a lifetime opportunity that is going to have a lasting impact on my future!
Entry One
Hi...my name is Nate, and I'm a 2L at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. I'm also what they call a "2nd Career Student," meaning I gave up a steady paycheck to come to law school! Going to law school is scary whether you're coming straight from undergrad or if you've taken a few years off and are returning to school. The key is to focus, work hard, and take time to make and build friendships. You will need friends in law school!
My advice to new students is to take advantage of those nerves you have, which will give you the drive to study when you ordinarily don't want to. But also realize that everyone around you has the same fears and questions you do. It doesn't matter if you're 22, 32, or 42...you're all in teh same boat and you all have the same hopes, dreams, fears and questions.
Work hard, but also get involved. Find a club or two that you really want to be a part of and dive in. It's a great wayt o meet people with similar interests, and the skills and connections you will make along the way will be huge! I am the President of Pride Law and the Secretary of the American Constitution Society, and both have given me the opportunity to connect with professors, alumni, and work with my friends on some amazing projects.
The best part of law school has been finding my niche...there are so many areas of law, it can be overwhelming. I was lucky to be hired by the Pima County Public Defender's office this summer, and the position matched all my strengths and interests as a student. I love criminal law and policy, and the summer job turned into a paid position during the school year. In addition to this, I will be working next semester as a legislative legal intern at the State Capitol. I can't wait to share my adventures with you!!
Posted by: Nate 04/16/2012 1:22 PM