A Tribe That Walks With You: Howard Kwon’s '91 William & Mary Law Story

{{youtube:large|MCTj51OVP8c, Howard Kwon}}When Howard Kwon '91 reflects on his time at William & Mary Law School, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t a courtroom victory or a line on his résumé—it’s the people.

“The community here really supported me,” he says with quiet conviction. “My professors knew me. My classmates became some of my closest friends. I didn’t just go to law school—I belonged.”

Howard chose William & Mary for reasons that went beyond rankings and reputation. He was drawn to something deeper: a sense of connection.

“There’s a culture of mentoring here. Faculty take time to know you—not just as a student, but as a person. That’s rare.”

In the classroom, he was challenged to think critically and speak confidently. But it was outside the lecture halls—in clinics, student organizations, and mentorship moments—where he found his stride. He recalls the thrill of applying legal theory in real-world scenarios, supported by professors who believed in him and peers who stood beside him.

“Every step of the way, I felt like I had a team behind me,” Howard shares. “When I doubted myself, there was someone—an advisor, a classmate, a dean—ready to say, ‘You’ve got this.’”

That foundation made all the difference when it came time to launch his career. Through William & Mary’s robust alumni network and the deep relationships he’d built, Howard found doors opening in places that once felt far away. He credits those moments not just to hard work—but to the community that made the work possible.

To future students, his message is clear: “Lean in. Build relationships. The time you spend here will shape not just your résumé, but your entire sense of who you are as a lawyer.”

Now, as he moves forward in his legal journey, Howard carries more than a degree—he carries the spirit of a law school that taught him the value of service, connection, and walking the path with others.

“This place didn’t just prepare me to practice law. It prepared me to lead, with purpose.”