Duke Law Life: Meet Maya El-Sharif
Maya El-Sharif
CLASS OF 2027
Prior Education: University of Pennsylvania
Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
Professional Interest: Litigation
My Duke Law Life
- Federalist Society, executive vice president
- Moot Court Board; Interscholastic Chair; Jessup Cup Champion; Hardt Cup Champion
- Mock Trial Board, Vice President; Twiggs Beskind finalist; Best Attorney & Best Witness Award
- Duke Journal of Constitutional Law & Public Policy
- Duke Law Lifting Club, president
- Muslim Law Students Association
- Pro Bono: Coalition Against Gendered Violence, president
- Research assistant to Professor Lemos
- Veterans Assistance Pro Bono
- Asylum Seeking Project
- LEAD Fellow
Duke Law offered the ideal balance of academic rigor, public and private sector opportunities, and genuine community. I was particularly drawn to Duke’s strong alumni presence in Texas and Florida — two markets that are especially important to me — and its track record of placing graduates in top firms, clerkships, and public interest roles in those regions. Even without visiting, I was impressed by how consistently students and alumni spoke about the school’s collaborative and welcoming culture. Combined with Durham’s livability and Duke’s national reach, the choice felt like the perfect blend of ambition and support.
A must-take class at Duke Law
As a rising 2L, I’m sure I’ll discover more must-take classes, but Civil Procedure stands out so far. It laid the foundation for so much of my summer work, and you quickly realize just how central personal jurisdiction and procedural strategy are in practice. Don’t underestimate it — it’s more relevant than you think. Not to mention, I love a good rule!
Most rewarding law school experience
My most rewarding experience has been pro bono work. I’ve helped veterans with wills and benefits claims, interviewed asylum seekers to support their citizenship filings, and assisted survivors in filing protective orders. Each experience reminded me how privileged I am to be pursuing a legal education and how powerful it is to use that training in service of others.
- Never let someone tell you there’s only one path to achieve your goals — there are multiple routes to where you want to go. Trust your instincts and carve your own.
- Build relationships — with peers, professors, alumni, and mentors. Your community will shape your experience more than any one class.
- Protect your time and energy. The most successful students are the ones who take care of themselves along the way.
My advice if you are thinking about law school
Think beyond rankings and ask: Where will I thrive? Choose a school that not only opens doors in the markets you care about but also fosters the kind of community you want to be part of. Talk to alumni working in the roles or cities you’re aiming for and ask how their law school supported their path. Law school is a major investment of time and energy, so pick a place where the support is real, the network is strong, and the culture aligns with your values.
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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