Duke Law Life: Meet Joelle-Jarjoura
Joelle Jarjoura
CLASS OF 2026
Prior Education: University of Tennessee
Hometown: Kingsport, Tennessee
Professional Interest: Litigation
Previous Work Experience: PepsiCo; Al Tamimi & Co.; Tyan & Zgheib; UK Parliament
My Duke Law Life
- Co-president of the Middle East and North African Law Students Association
- Notes editor, Duke Law Journal
- Asylum Project volunteer for the Duke Immigrant and Refugee Project
- Moot Court Board, Mock Trial Board
- U.S. Department of State, Office of the Legal Advisor extern through Duke in D.C.
- Admissions Ambassador
Duke has a tight-knit community filled with supportive classmates and professors. I loved the collegial environment. I knew Duke Law would open doors to any legal career I was interested in. Because most students are moving to Durham for the first time, I was excited to meet new people who would become close friends. I was excited to be surrounded by nature and a close drive to the beach and the mountains!
Most rewarding law school experience
Supporting a family of three asylum seekers through the Duke Immigrant and Refugee Project. The asylum system is notoriously challenging to navigate without a legal background. My partner and I interviewed our clients, brainstormed the best legal arguments with Professor Evans, and completed their asylum application.
A must-take class at Duke Law
Negotiations with Professor Thomson! Every week, you get to negotiate a different legal exercise. It was fun and intense, and I never enjoyed failing and learning so much. A must take class for every person who wants to walk into professional or personal negotiations feeling calm and confident.
Spend time connecting with your classmates — they’re incredible people with fascinating backgrounds! Take the classes and get involved in the extracurriculars that excite you. When you feel lost or confused, reach out to upperclassmen mentors. They’re always down to chat and provide amazing advice!
Duke Law has sharpened my written and oral advocacy skills. Legal writing is vastly different from normal writing. Duke is filled with classes and professors dedicated to improving our writing skills. Moot Court and Mock Trial were fantastic opportunities to gain experience thinking on my feet and advocating in front of others.
3 great things about living in Durham
- Surrounded by greenery and nature.
- Easy and convenient to get around and see friends.
- Right next to Raleigh and Chapel Hill.
How to survive and thrive in law school
- Go on walks with friends during study breaks.
- Create a written checklist and scratch off completed tasks.
- Take time to grocery shop and make nourishing meals.
- Create study groups with classmates early on.
- Focus on your “why” for coming to law school.
My advice if you are thinking about law school
Don’t feel rushed! Take time to consider if law school is right for you. Try out legal internships or working for a few years if you are uncertain.
Spend time reflecting about why you’re interested in law school. Is there an area of the law that excites you? Are there broader issues of access and justice you’re interested in? Are you passionate about oral or written advocacy? Focus on your interests while being open to new experiences when you arrive to law school.
Meet more of our JD students who make this a great community. They offer great advice if you're thinking about law school.
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