Duke Law Life

I chose Duke Law because it offered the perfect blend of intellectual rigor, professional opportunity, and community. I wanted a law school where I could sharpen my advocacy skills, engage with world-class faculty, and build relationships with peers who are as driven as I am.

I visited the law school on a normal school day and the collaborative culture stood out, which meant I could challenge myself without competing against my peers for jobs. Its strong ties to both public service and corporate law aligned with my goal of becoming a litigator who moves between the courtroom and the policy arena. Ultimately, Duke gave me the best platform to lead, learn, and leave an impact.

My interest in a legal career grew out of a lifetime of navigating high-pressure situations and advocating for others, often in environments where the stakes were personal. From serving in the Marine Corps to supporting my family through serious health and financial challenges, I’ve seen how systems can either empower or fail people. Those experiences, especially helping my blind brother fight to maintain a basic quality of life, showed me how critical it is to have someone in your corner who understands both the law and the human cost of injustice. Becoming that advocate is what drives me.

Law school has sharpened my leadership skills and my ability to thrive in any environment. Leading First Generation Professionals, serving in student government, and representing clients in the Civil Justice Clinic and with Legal Aid have taught me how to adapt my voice and approach to fit the setting — whether that means negotiating with opposing counsel, engaging in policy discussions with graduate students from other programs, or collaborating with fellow law students. I’ve learned to build trust quickly, unite people around common goals, and remain my authentic self no matter the audience. 

At Duke Law, I’ve gained the ability to think strategically under pressure, lead across diverse environments, and advocate with both precision and persuasion. Through clinic work, I learned how to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable strategies for clients. Serving in student government and leading First Generation Professionals sharpened my ability to build consensus, navigate institutional systems, and rally people around a shared vision. I’ve also developed the adaptability to move seamlessly between courtrooms, boardrooms, and community spaces, skills that will be critical to excelling as a litigator and creating impact beyond the law.

Put yourself out there early and often. Attend events, join organizations, and volunteer for opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone because you never know which one will shape your path. Say yes more than you say no. Law school is a rare, concentrated window of opportunity. The more you lean in, the more skills, experiences, and connections you’ll carry into your career. Prioritize relationships as much as results. Grades matter, but so does the network you build. Invest in genuine connections with professors, peers, and professionals because they may open doors you can’t predict.