Student Voices

"William & Mary is where my dream to become a human rights lawyer is becoming more of a reality each day through the support, encouragement, and opportunities given to me by professors. Professor Combs and Warren are not only two of my greatest role models as women in international law but also my greatest supporters. My 1L summer internship with USAID in Amman, Jordan, was a direct result of support from both of them – countless hours spent in Professor Combs’s office planning my future and Professor Warren’s connection through her Center for Comparative Legal Studies and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding. A human rights lawyer finds her foundation in the law by being a global citizen lawyer first. William & Mary instills in me the core values necessary for becoming the human rights lawyer I want to be: compassion, awareness, and empathy."

Layla graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the College of William & Mary with a B.A. in international studies and a concentration in human rights in the Middle East and Africa. At William & Mary, she is a member of the Journal for Race, Gender, and Social Justice, vice president of the Comparative Legal Society, symposium coordinator for the Human Security Law Center, and secretary of the Muslim Law Students Association. Layla spent summer 2018 as a Decentralization Unit intern for the USAID Jordan CITIES Project in Amman, Jordan.

"I love that William & Mary Law School is a community of people that cares about and invests in each individual. I really appreciate all the one-on-one attention the school provides to each student. Whether it is Career Services or the Legal Practice Program, we can always sit down with the professors and deans to go over our memos, cover letters, and resumes. William & Mary ensures that we establish the fundamental and essential skills for becoming successful lawyers."

Natsumi graduated with a B.A. in liberal studies from Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. She also holds an M.A. in international law from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. At William & Mary, she the online editor of the William & Mary Law Review and a graduate fellow for the Center for Legal and Court Technology. Natsumi spent summer 2017 as an intern for the Honorable Richard W. Goldberg of the US Court of International Trade. In summer 2018, she was a summer associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York, New York.

"William & Mary’s commitment to producing citizen lawyers is as true today as it was in 1779. Starting on the first day of orientation, the school has consistently emphasized the important role that the legal profession plays in helping individuals, communities, and our nation. The school has very strong connections to public service opportunities at the local, state, and national level, and encourages students to serve the local area by participating in internships, externships, and clinics. William & Mary does not just train us to become excellent lawyers; they also want us to be role models and leaders."

Vinayak graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in economics. At William & Mary, he is a member of the William & Mary Law Review, a board member of the Public Service Fund, and a writer for the Law School Communications Office. Vinayak spent summer 2017 working for the American Bar Association’s Death Penalty Due Process Review Project.

"The staff and faculty at William & Mary Law truly care about student success and well-being, and the student environment is supportive as well. My professors were always available to me outside of class and took the time to thoroughly respond to my e-mails and answer any questions. In addition, many faculty members who were not teaching my classes were happy to meet with me and provide guidance throughout my first year in law school. I became really close with my Legal Practice section mates, and we provided a support system for one another. Second- and third-year students provided me with study tips, dos and don’ts, and comradery. The close community at William & Mary Law School was instrumental in my success in completing my first year of law school."

Vanessa graduated cum laude with a B.A. in film production from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College. Prior to law school, she worked in film and television and as an independent filmmaker. At William & Mary, she is a member of the William & Mary Business Law Review and parliamentarian for the Black Law Students Association. Vanessa spent summer 2018 as a summer associate at Blank Rome LLP in New York, New York.

"Most professors have an open-door policy, encouraging students to attend office hours if they have any questions about a course or want to discuss career options. One of my professors even had lunch with me to discuss my summer internship and next steps for the following summer. The deans of the school also make it their priority to listen to the concerns and suggestions of students to ensure William & Mary is a positive and welcoming environment. I truly appreciate the compassion and guidance the administration and faculty provide."

Manda graduated cum laude with a B.A. in anthropology and political science from the University of Rochester. At William & Mary, she was vice president of the Immigration Law and Service Society, outreach chair for the Black Law Students Association, and on the editorial staff of the Comparative Jurist Blog. Manda spent summer 2017 as an intern for the US Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review. In summer 2018, she was a law clerk for the Erickson Immigration Group in Arlington, Virginia.

"When choosing a law school, I wanted to find a community-driven environment that would also challenge me academically. William and Mary provided me with both. Professors encourage questions and healthy debate, helping the students engage with the material on a daily basis. My fellow students are bright, driven, and passionate about the reasons they chose to attend law school. Above all, the students are supportive of each other and quickly become close friends."

Emma graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Wake Forest University with a B.A. in politics and international affairs. At William & Mary, she is an articles editor for the William & Mary Law Review and president of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team. Emma spent summer 2017 at the Hearing Unit for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the New York District Office. In summer 2018 she was a summer associate with Jones Day in their New York office.

"William & Mary surpassed my expectations of what law school could be. It attracts intelligent, well-rounded students from across the country sharing a thirst for the law. The atmosphere is collegial, supportive, and the professors are approachable and friendly. Choosing a law school is challenging, but the choice was clear for me. William & Mary is better than I could ever have imagined."

Damian graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in political science from Hofstra University. At Hofstra, he was president of the Student Government Association and president of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. At William & Mary, he is a member of the William & Mary Business Law Review, the Moot Court Team, the Student Bar Association, the Business Law Society, and the Public Service Fund. Damian spent summer 2018 as an Enforcement Division intern for the US Securities and Exchange Commission in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

"My first-year professors added a practical element to what we read and discussed from our textbooks. For example, in my Constitutional Law class, we participated in a mock confirmation hearing. My classmates and I got into character and enjoyed ourselves while applying what we learned in a practical way. In Civil Procedure, we drafted documents outside of class and received feedback that will help us when we practice. I love the welcoming environment at William and Mary. The professors truly care about my education, and I've made amazing friends who have supported me each step of the way."

Krystal graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a B.S. in Political Science. At William & Mary, she is a member of the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal, the Black Law Students Association, and is on the executive board of the Military and Veterans Law Society. Krystal is currently a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and will join the Judge Advocate General’s Corps upon graduation. She spent summer 2017 working at the Langley Air Force Base Law Center. This past summer, Krystal worked at the Hanscom Air Force Base Legal Office in Massachusetts.

"What makes William & Mary special to me is the sense of community that is continuously felt as you walk through the halls. The faculty, the administration, and the students are always lending a helping hand. For instance, the summer job search for 1Ls can be overwhelming; however, the support I received from my OCS Dean and other faculty members guided me through the entire experience. They all made themselves available to discuss my options and help me make the best decision for my career. I never made an appointment; I simply dropped into their offices and was able to get advice that has now landed me a fantastic opportunity for the summer."

Eydsa graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in sociology and crime, law & justice from the Pennsylvania State University, where she was a member of the Mock Trial Team and on the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council. Prior to law school, she taught for three years as a member of Teach for America in Houston, Texas. At William & Mary, Eydsa is a member of the Journal of Women and the Law, the Student Bar Association, the Immigration Law and Service Society, the Women’s Law Society, and serves on the Dean’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She spent summer 2017 as an intern for the Honorable Vera M. Scanlon, United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. During summer 2018, she was a summer associate at Vinson & Elkins LLP in Houston, Texas.

"William & Mary Law School has the academic rigor to enhance your critical thinking while exposing you to well-meaning and encouraging people. Having classmates from all corners of the country, with different life experiences, has only enhanced my law school experience. During your 1L year, you are put into sections made up 13-15 people who have all your classes. The school is special to me because they perfectly crafted the people in my section, who have been a support system and become in a short period of time lifelong friends."

Jose graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a B.A. in economics and political science. At William & Mary, he is a senior notes editor for the Environmental Law & Policy Review, Community Service Co-Chair for the Student Bar Association, a member of the Latino Law Student Association, and a Student Admission Ambassador. Jose spent summer 2017 as an extern for the Honorable Barry S. Seltzer at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. During summer 2018, he was a law clerk for Zarco Einhorn Salkowski & Brito, P.A., in Miami, Florida, and a legal intern for DeCastro & Robles in Panama City, Panama.

"One of my favorite things about William & Mary is the eagerness of my professors to engage and get to know students. I find myself going to my professors' office hours with a question about the material, but staying to talk about their research or previous practice experience. I particularly value the time a small group of us grabbed lunch with our property professor. The conversation started with his research on the early history of the common law, and ended with an in-depth examination of the inheritance rights of the characters in Game of Thrones. It was very nerdy, but a lot of fun."

Evan graduated with a B.S. in biology from Trinity University, where he was the Student Government Association president. At William & Mary, he is a member of the William & Mary Law Review, the Moot Court Team, the Student Intellectual Property Society, and Student Legal Services. Evan spent summer 2017 as an intern for the Texas 14th Court of Appeals.

"The culture at William & Mary Law School has been so much more welcoming and friendly than I could have ever imagined. Law school has a reputation for being fiercely competitive, to the point of viewing your peers as enemies or obstacles. That animosity simply isn’t found at William & Mary. Here, your peers are your friends, your support system, and the force that drives you to be the best student you can be."

Sam graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in economics from Colby College, where he was captain of the varsity Golf Team. At William & Mary, he a member of the Criminal Law Society. Sam spent summer 2017 working with the legal and compliance teams at Bolton Global Capital.

"I was fortunate to have a pretty good idea coming into law school what I wanted to do – work in public service. Every meeting with my Career Services advisor has been focused on the career path I see myself taking and how I can hit the next milestone based on my interests. And at every unexpected bump in the road (of which there were many), my advisor was a resource to help nudge me in the direction that I wanted to go. Having now met every career goal set for myself in that first meeting, I look back and realize how instrumental the Office of Career Service’s guidance and advice has been, and how lucky I am to have had it."

Kyle graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in political science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. At UMBC, he was vice president and co-founder of the Moot Court Team and captain of the Mock Trial Team. At William & Mary, he is a notes editor for the William & Mary Law Review, executive board member of the Moot Court Team, and a Legal Practice Fellow. Kyle spent summer 2017 as an intern for the US Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland, in Baltimore, Maryland. In summer 2018, he was a SLIP intern for the Department of Justice, Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, in Washington, DC. After graduation, he will serve as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Stephanie A. Gallagher, Magistrate Judge, US District Court for the District of Maryland.

"William and Mary has a reputation for producing citizen lawyers, known for giving back to their communities across the nation. As a member of the W&M community, I know there is always someone I can turn to for advice and help. The alumni, professors, and students take pride in helping each other grow into successful law students and attorneys. It is a privilege to be part of a community of faculty and students pushing each other to their highest potential."

Kristen graduated with a B.A. in sociology from the University of Wisconsin, where she ran varsity track and field and cross country and was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. At William & Mary, she is a senior articles editor for the William and Mary Bill of Rights Journal, a board member of the Public Service Fund and a member of the Women’s Law Society and Student Legal Services. Kristen spent summer 2017 at the City of Chicago Department of Law in the Federal Civil Rights Litigation Division. During summer 2018, she was an intern with the US Department of Transportation's Office of the General Counsel in the Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings Division.