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Jasmine Owens
Class of 2008
LSU Law Student
Background: Jasmine has four sisters and is the first and only lawyer in her family, received a bachelor's degree in sociology with a concentration in criminology from Winthrop University, worked as a community-based services worker and residential counselor at a girls' group home, was involved with several trial advocacy teams at LSU, received a CALI award in Legal Research and Writing and Legal Professionalism, was a Court Appointed Child Advocate during the last two years of law school.
Why Law School: I was always interested in advocacy. I participated on my high school debate team and enjoyed it. When I graduated high school, I wanted to become a lawyer but my desire changed throughout college. I knew I still wanted to be involved in the legal field because I was initially going to be a probation officer. Toward the end of my college career, however, I realized that I still wanted to become a lawyer.
Why LSU Law: I knew that I wanted to remain in the South or go to the East Coast. After sending applications to numerous schools, I believed LSU was the best fit for me academically and economically.
The Faculty: I always felt as though I could talk to any of my professors when I had a question. I interacted most with Todd Bruno who, I think, had the greatest impact on my law school career. He and the Trial Advocacy program were a big part of the reason I enjoyed law school. When I came to law school, I knew I wanted to be a trial lawyer. Todd Bruno assisted me with achieving that goal and provided me with the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in advocacy. He is a great asset to LSU Law. The staff at LSU Law is also excellent. I always received support and encouragement from the staff. If I had personal issues or was experiencing problems, I felt comfortable talking with Daphne James, Telisha Stewart, Gwen Ferrell, Melinda Braud, or Cyndi Virgillio. Additionally, all students who traveled for LSU Law or had to plan events and needed funding know that we couldn't have done it without Albin Murtagh.
The Curriculum: I feel that the LSU Law curriculum is extensive and prepares students to practice law anywhere in the world. I was able to get a good balance of both civil law and common law. I know after graduating from LSU that I was prepared to practice law in Paris, France or Atlanta, Georgia.
Future Goals: I will be an assistant district attorney with the Bronx County District Attorney's Office. LSU helped to prepare me for this job by having the Trial Advocacy program, advanced trial classes, and the Juvenile Representation Clinic.
