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Shirley Garrett ’24

What are you most proud of accomplishing at Duke Law? 

I am most proud of the clinical and externship work I completed. One of the big reasons I was interested in Duke was the Children’s Law Clinic and I am proud to say that I was able to complete two semesters in that clinic, as well as an externship at Disability Rights North Carolina. In addition, I completed two semesters in the Immigrant Rights Clinic. Because of these opportunities, I was able to work on a humanitarian parole application to bring a deported veteran back to the United States to live with his family and I helped to ensure that multiple students with disabilities received the education to which they are legally entitled.

Who were your most influential mentors at Duke Law? 

Jennifer Levy, my alumni mentor, Trina Jones, my Civil Procedure, Law and Literature, and Employment Discrimination professor, and Crystal Grant and Peggy Nicholson, my Children’s Law Clinic supervisors. I've learned so much from these women during my time in law school and hope that one day I can have half the impact that they have had on the legal field.

Of your classmates, who do you admire most, and why? 

I really admire so many of my classmates, but I must say that my dear friend Jia Talley has made my law school experience truly remarkable. I admire her dedication, kindness, and outgoing personality, and I’m thankful that we will be working in the same city in the future!  

Have your career interests changed since you started Law School?

I wouldn’t say that my interest has changed much. I am lucky to be joining a firm that is extremely dedicated to pro bono work and making an impact in our community and I intend to continue practicing special education law through that program!

How do you think your time at Duke prepared you for the next stage of your career?

I think the courses that I have taken during my time at Duke have allowed me to think critically about legal systems and not just take current law for face value. I have learned that as a legal practitioner I have a lot of power to make change and I hope to not only work within the current laws to ensure that all people are guaranteed the equal protections, but also to work to make the law more responsive to the challenges marginalized communities face in the future.

What will you miss most about your time at Duke Law?

I will miss engaging in discussions with such creative legal minds on a variety of subjects. I know I will still have opportunities to engage in such discussions in the future, but I think that the students at Duke are unique in their diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, as well as in their support of one another.

What lesson do you feel will help you the most after you graduate?

I want to remember that it is incredibly important to take initiative and be a go-getter in your legal career to achieve the goals that you’ve set for yourself.

What are your plans after you graduate? 

After I graduate, I will be joining Dechert, LLP in their Charlotte office. I hope to practice in their finance and real estate group, and as I previously mentioned, dedicate my pro bono work to special education work, specifically with an organization in the area: Council for Children’s Rights.

George Khoury ’24

What are you most proud of accomplishing at Duke Law? 

I am most proud of my externship with the Federal Public Defender's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina during the Spring 2023 semester. That opportunity gave me incredible hands-on experience and the chance to serve the Research Triangle area. I learned so much from my mentors in the office who were willing to get me the research, writing, and litigation experiences that I was most interested in. The externship also gave me the chance to take my substantive knowledge that I gained from the classroom and apply it in practice and in the service of others. None of this would have been possible without the law school's coordination and help.

Who were your most influential mentors at Duke Law? 

Professor Young and Dean Abrams have been some of the most encouraging and inspiring mentors in my career. Professor Young has invested so much time in helping me navigate what I want my career to look like and guiding me through the steps to get there; I truly cannot thank him enough for his support. Similarly, as someone who has a long-term goal to pursue a public interest career, Dean Abrams has been instrumental in developing a culture that supports students like me. From expanding PILF funding, to lowering barriers to access the funding, to encouraging us at the annual Public Interest Retreat, Dean Abrams has shown me how important this work is and I am extremely grateful to her for that.

Of your classmates, who do you admire the most, and why? 

My best friends, Sam Lawrence and Sarah Claypoole. Not just because they have helped me get through law school, but also because of the incredible people that that they are. Sam spent his previous career and has dedicated his future career towards serving the underserved. As an advocate for children's rights, I know Sam is going to change the world. Sarah, in the midst of all her schoolwork, journal responsibilities, and other extracurricular obligations, never fails to be a friend to everyone she meets. The combination of her incredible intellect and kindness will make her the best lawyer anyone can have. I admire Sam and Sarah's selflessness and generosity, so I strive every day to be more like them!

Have your career interests changed since you started Law School? 

I came to law school with the goal of becoming a Federal Public Defender and still hope to pursue that in the future! Duke has been very helpful in building my career in that direction through my courses, externship experiences, and networking opportunities.

How do you think your time at Duke prepared you for the next stage of your career? 

Given all the practical experiences that Duke offers, I feel very confident in starting my career. Classes like pre-trial litigation, federal litigation writing, and legal interviewing and counseling (and so many more), have given me the technical skills to be a great advocate for my clients.

What will you miss most about your time at Duke Law? 

The community! Coming from Los Angles, and after attending a Hispanic-serving Institution for college, I was a little worried that I might not fit in at Duke or in the South. That could not have been further from the truth. The Latin American and Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Associations (LALSA and MENALSA) have made me feel at home since my first day on campus. The rest of the law school community is so welcoming, too. I am not sure I have seen a more tight-knit and collegial environment than here at Duke. Everyone is so friendly, engaging, and excited to help one another. My three years here have given me some of my best friends and a lifelong family. 

What lesson do you feel will help you the most after you graduate? 

At the end of my first semester in law school, with anxiety and stress levels high, in our last contracts class, Professor Ward took the time to share and explain to us that there is more to life than the law or our careers. Sure, we might be driven by our passion to do good work, serve our communities, and help our clients, but at the same time we need to remember that we can do all these things in other ways. It's important to be a good friend, family member, mentor, and colleague to others and to ourselves. He helped me realize that being a good lawyer is more than just knowing the law or winning cases. It is about the kind of person you are. That lesson has carried me through law school and how I hope to develop my career after graduation. 

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating, I'll move back home to Los Angeles and sit for the California Bar. Then, in the fall, I will start at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher as a first-year associate. 

Sam Lawrence ’24

What are you most proud of accomplishing at Duke Law? 

I am most proud of my pro-bono and clinic work. It was an honor to represent clients petitioning for clemency and habeas corpus relief. My clients were resilient, wise, and hopeful. I learned a lot about the law and how to be a zealous advocate from my time with them.

Who were your most influential mentors at Duke Law? 

There have been so many mentors who have shaped me. To name a few: Lauren Fine and Ben Finholt who helped me envision my post-graduate fellowship; Peggy Nicholson who advised me during my Clemency Project work; Professors Lau and Coleman, as well as Evan Glasner, who taught me the intricacies of habeas; Amelia Thorn who organized the Trauma-Informed Courts research team that I was involved with; and Professor Garrett who advised me on my SRWP that was published as a note in the Duke Law Journal. Thank you to all of these wonderful mentors and others who have shaped me as a legal thinker and advocate.  

Of your classmates, who do you admire most, and why? 

I admire George Khoury and Sarah Claypoole. They both do a million things around the law school, but also always make time to support their friends. They have kept me grounded through the stresses of law school and the extra challenge of becoming a father during my 3L year.

Have your career interests changed since you started Law School?

My core interest of being an advocate for young people in the juvenile and criminal legal systems has remained consistent. However, I have been exposed to different angles for advocacy within this interest area. In addition to typical public defense, I have explored post-conviction and habeas work, prisoner rights litigation, appellate practice and clemency. I could see myself incorporating all of these areas of advocacy into my career at some point. 

How do you think your time at Duke prepared you for the next stage of your career?

Duke prepared me to have a big picture view of the law — to understand how it has evolved and where it could be headed with our help. Duke taught me to be more than a lawyer that reacts to the law. Duke taught me to envision how I can shape the law. 

What will you miss most about your time at Duke Law?

I will miss the proximity to so many brilliant people. I have felt so lucky to listen to the insights of my professors and classmates. It has been an intellectual feast.  

What lesson do you feel will help you the most after you graduate?

My clinic and clemency project clients have remained optimistic under extremely difficult circumstances. When progress in my work seems slow, I will remember their optimism and keep going. 

What are your plans after you graduate?

I am not able to disclose the full details at this time, but I will be staying in Durham to pursue a public interest fellowship that I was awarded.

Mariam Moseshvili LLM ’24

What are you most proud of accomplishing at Duke Law?

I am happy to be able to say that I achieved my main goals for which I came to Duke Law. I had two very clear objectives: to specialize in issues related to the intersection of artificial intelligence and human rights, and to advance my human rights lawyering and advocacy skills and competencies. By balancing my class schedule between courses like Cyber Law and Policy, Risk Regulation, AI and Criminal Justice, on the one hand, and Human Rights Advocacy, History of Civil Rights Movement and International Human Rights Clinic, on the other, I realized both of those ends. I can now confidently engage in meaningful discussions and efforts around regulating AI, and more effectively seek ways to strive for social changes and better protection of human rights in my home country.

Who were your most influential mentors at Duke Law?

I had the privilege of learning from the most incredible professors throughout the year. I still cannot believe, for example, that I had the honor of having weekly discussions with Professor Laurence Helfer, who serves as a member of the Human Rights Committee – the UN treaty monitoring body, the guidance of which every human rights lawyer, including me, cites in legal documents and papers. My clinical professors, Professor Aya Fujimura-Fanselow and Professor Monica Iyer, created an excellent, family-like, but at the same time very professional, environment for exploring every dimension of human rights advocacy. And I cannot forget classes taught by Professor Timothy Lovelace who is exceptionally inspiring. The topics we discussed, the pictures and videos that he shared with us were so emotional, I even cried during one of his classes.

However, as a mentor and as the most influential one, I have to name Professor Jayne Huckerby. Apart from being my Professor, she was my academic advisor, too. The advice she gave me was incredibly helpful, but the most significant was she, herself, as an example of an accomplished human rights expert, actively involved in providing legal representation for people in most difficult positions, authoritative assistance to the UN and other bodies, developing scholarship on the most important human rights issues, and preparing generations of human rights advocates. She is my professional role model at this point.

Of your classmates, who do you admire most, and why?

I think I got extremely lucky, because I have an amazing class with fascinating people from around the world. Many of them made it possible for me to balance my academic and social life and encouraged me during difficult times. Some of them even helped me become more self-aware. And others are just incredible professionals I respect a lot.

However, there is one that stands out because of her professional and personal attributes — Griselda Shehu from Albania. The most important factor I would say is the cultural similarities that we share. When you pursue your academic journey in a foreign country with people you don’t know, it is crucial to find the sense of belonging. Many of my classmates come from the same country or at least from the region with similar social and cultural environments. I come from a very small country of Georgia and I am the only one representing my country at Duke Law this year. Griselda and I find more and more similarities between our Eastern European countries. Having a person like that in my class who understands my cultural specificities and social norms has been particularly helpful.

She is an amazing person, always positive, always supportive, and always ready to help and share your emotions. Whenever she walks in the room, she lights it up with her positive energy. We all need people like this in general, and particularly when pursuing a Master’s degree, which is quite stressful and overwhelming most of the times.

How do you think your time at Duke prepared you for the next stage of your career?

I envision the next stage of my career as serving the same purpose - contributing to the improvement of the human rights situation in my country and beyond, though new strategies. Duke Law equipped me with confidence, skills and knowledge that will enable me take new challenging steps to this end. It also connected me to incredible group of professionals, allies who I will always be able to rely on in the future. And this doesn’t include only human rights lawyers. 

What will you miss most about your time at Duke Law?

Spending time with my classmates and exploring new things. I have so many good memories I will never forget, but I will point out the one which I think illustrates my experience here at Duke very accurately. I was planning to say “yes” as much as possible, and I think, for the most part, I did. I even tried wall climbing, even though I have an intense fear of heights. 

First, you go to the wall and you think you can’t do it. Then, you somehow find the courage, make the first step and you realize you are really doing it. Every step feels like a victory, like overcoming a huge obstacle and getting closer to the goal. You might need to rest a little on the way, or you may not be able to reach the top on the first try, but you already know what it feels like and you do not give up until you reach the top. Then you glide back to the ground, look up the wall and cannot believe that you did it. That’s what getting a Master’s degree felt like. It was not easy, there were lots of obstacles on the way, it was scary, but we made it. The thing is, you cannot climb the wall alone, you need someone controlling the rope, making sure that you don’t fall. And I was lucky to have my friends there, shouting at me that I could do it, that I was doing fine. The same goes to pursuing an advanced degree.You need a support system and I had it here.

I will miss all of these turbulent, yet fulfilling experiences and feelings.

What lesson do you feel will help you the most after you graduate?

At Duke Law, I learned how to zoom out and analyze the situation from historical, social, policy-making, or simply human standpoint. Using multiple different lenses is particularly important in the field of human rights, since human rights are more than law; they directly concern people’s lives and intersect with everything that impacts their well-being.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After graduation, I am going back to my home country. Every time I learned something new here at Duke, I immediately imagined how I would use that at my job and I cannot wait to do that. I will continue my work in the most important national human rights institution in the country. However, I have long-term plans as well. I don’t know exactly how they will form in the end, but after 10-15 years, I want to have the experience of engaging in independent human rights work, policy-making, teaching and working on an international level.

Parsin Walsi LLM ’24

What are you most proud of accomplishing at Duke Law?

Driving down to Miami and back for Spring Break (30+ hours) with a group of passenger princesses (Flavia Caron LLM '24 was a great co-pilot). No speeding tickets so far.

Who were your most influential mentors at Duke Law?

Professor Revkin. She is my academic advisor and has been nothing but sweet, supportive, and inviting from the very beginning. She is doing outstanding work in Iraq and South Sudan and even when she is very busy, she will make time for you to chat. She is a true role model, and I am glad I got to connect with her!

Of your classmates, who do you admire most, and why?

The LLM class is full of amazing people, I could say something about anyone. Two people I would like to highlight are Shukrina Salam and Mariam Moseshvili.

Shukrina is from Singapore and there she is fighting for racial and social justice with a focus on women’s rights (which can be very dangerous – I have got so much respect for her). And on a side note – Shukrina has a wonderful singing voice!

Mariam is a human rights lawyer and activist from Georgia. She successfully fought for the national women’s soccer team to get health insurance. How remarkable is that? Besides her career achievements, she is a very sweet and down to earth person who has become a great friend of mine!

Have your career interests changed since you started Law School?

Yes, I have become much more open towards the legal fields I would like to try out after school. Professor de Fontenay’s private equity class was so fascinating that I can definitely imagine working in a funds practice group.

How do you think your time at Duke prepared you for the next stage of your career?

What I appreciate about the LLM program the most is its cultural diversity. As corporate lawyers in international law firms we get to work with people from all over the world. Getting to know at least a little bit about different cultures can be enriching in one’s own communication skills and world views. This fosters connections throughout the globe.

What will you miss most about your time at Duke Law?

Little rituals like my morning walks to school and meeting Flavia for pickleball or racquetball on the weekend. I will miss most the random road trips with Flavia, Raul, and Andres, who have become very close friends and who I will definitely visit in their home countries (whether they agree or not).

What lesson do you feel will help you the most after you graduate?

Just to go for your goals even if they do not work out in the end. All we can do is try our best and see where it leads and learn from our experiences.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I will be sitting for the New York Bar and traveling!

Yuxiang Zhou LLM ’24

What are you most proud of accomplishing at Duke Law? 

I acquired knowledge in international law and American law, had wonderful memories with friends from different countries; followed Duke's basketball team through a complete season and deeply engaged in Duke's spirit as a member of Duke Chorale and soccer club. Beyond the campus, I explored over 20 states in the U.S. and ultimately found my Ms. Right during these journeys. Looking back on this amazing adventure, I couldn't be prouder of myself, and none of it would have been possible without Duke Law.

Who were your most influential mentors at Duke Law? 

Professor Xiqing Gao for sure at first. He led me this far and is the reason why I came to Duke. Professor Laurence R. Helfer is one of the highest caliber teachers I've encountered; he is also a true internationalist, treating students from different countries with a generous heart and equal respect. As for Professor Casandra L. Thomson, she provided motherly care, making me feel fully supported and loved, no matter how I advanced my career and life.

Of your classmates, who do you admire most, and why? 

I want to list all of them, but I will mention Thenard Antunes Figueiredo from Brazil this time. As a company lawyer, he was kind and very attentive to everyone's well-being; I think more than half of our classmates have received his selfless help, and his profound relationship with Leticia has always been a benchmark for our understanding of love.

Have your career interests changed since you started Law School?

No. All I focused on was making more people live better, whatever it takes. At Duke Law, I received unconditional support from all professors and classmates for my chosen career path, and I gained stronger capabilities and better opportunities to practice this ideal.

How do you think your time at Duke prepared you for the next stage of your career?

On the one hand, I deeply studied international and American law here, growing into a more comprehensive international legal professional on a knowledge level; on the other hand, I fully explored and experimented with various international organizations, preparing me for the next steps after leaving the legal profession.

What will you miss most about your time at Duke Law?

Everything. I knew from the first day that I would have an irreplaceable year here, but what happened was still far beyond my expectations. I never took these for granted and will cherish and remember them for my whole life.

What lesson do you feel will help you the most after you graduate?

International Human Rights. I was there in the office hours every week. Professor Helfer not only taught me the knowledge, but we also discussed methods to enhance the capacity of social organizations and strengthen the protection of individual basic rights. I will fight for my dream with what I learned in this class for a lifetime.

What are your plans after you graduate? 

First, I will take my parents and girlfriend on a graduation trip, continue exploring this country, and after the trip, sit for the bar exam in Texas. After that, I will enter the public interest field or a specific industry as a legal professional, and try to make more contributions to the world.

Mathieu Grimmeissen LLM ’24

What are you most proud of accomplishing at Duke Law? 

Looking back at the LLM application process, all the administrative work, and what it took to be able to be there, I am proud to have gone through it all. Now the LLM is almost over, and we will soon graduate. To me, graduation is not only the end of an academic program, but it also the celebration of all the efforts students have made, even before the program started. Therefore, graduating will my most proud accomplishment at Duke Law, because it combines all of my work in one moment.

Who were your most influential mentors at Duke Law? 

Every professor I had influenced my perception of covered subjects. I would still elect Professor Boyle from the IP class I took in the first semester, and Professor Brewster from the International Trade Law class, in the second semester. Both are exceptionally knowledgeable in their fields and are always willing to exchange with students. Finally, I would also elect Dean, Kobelev, and the International Studies team. From my first interview at Duke Law, Dean Kobelev and the International Studies team have been there for me and helped me navigate the LLM I am extremely grateful for their patience and assistance.

Of your classmates, who do you admire most, and why? 

I secretly admire Victoria Rea from New Zealand. She is involved in so many things, it is hard to keep track. She served in the Human Rights Pro Bono Program, she is a Law School Representative on the Graduate and Professional School Government board, and she is currently interning at the North Carolina Supreme Court. She really makes the most out of her time at Duke Law. I admire her for that. Also, she is a nice and brilliant person.

Have your career interests changed since you started Law School?

I took advantage of this LLM to learn about the U.S. legal system but also to build expertise in areas such as Tech and IP. Since I started law school, I knew I wanted to be able to work in an international environment. This has not changed, but diving into subjects such in Business Law, IP, Tech, Constitutional Law, I progressively realised that everything is connected. Learning about a wide range of topics helps in understanding the reasons why laws are created in the first place. Studying at Duke Law and being able to learn about new topics, I want my career to allow me to continue being curious and stay informed of new developments in the legal field, and in the industries in which I am interested in.

How do you think your time at Duke prepared you for the next stage of your career?

Duke Law is known for being one of the best law schools in the U.S. As a result, professors expect a great level of rigour and legal writing skills. During my time at Duke, I had the opportunity to work on them. Having honed these skills has prepared me to kickstart my career in the legal industry.

What will you miss most about your time at Duke Law?

The campus life, and everything that comes with it: Going for a morning sport session and encountering friends, going to events together because there is always something happening on campus, and the feeling of community. 

What lesson do you feel will help you the most after you graduate?

The LLM is filled with people having impressive backgrounds. They all came from abroad and successfully pursued this program. The most important lesson I have learnt from getting to know my classmates, is how international students are determined and can perform in a U.S. work environment.

What are your plans after you graduate? 

I will take the New York bar exam in July 2024. Then I will go back to Europe and start my career as a lawyer.