What are your immediate career plans?
I will begin working with The Gertz Kelley Law firm, a private criminal defense firm in Beaumont, Texas, on Aug. 1.
What are your long-term career aspirations?
I hope to become a prominent criminal defense attorney in Texas, with the hopes of spreading my practice to Houston and Austin. As a longer-term career plan, I would like to be a Judge.
Please tell us about the organizations and activities you participated in at LSU Law, including any awards or honors you received.
I was on the executive boards for the Women Law Students Association (WLSA) and OUTlaw, the organization for LGBTQ+ students and their allies. I was also on the executive board of the Board of Advocates as the Director of Undergraduate Relations.
I was inducted into the Wex Malone Inn of Court as a result of my performance in a summer Trial Advocacy course. I participated in internal and external trial competitions that helped me sharpen my trial skills. I was able to transfer my knowledge to real world situations through my clinic experiences at LSU. I participated in the Prosecution Clinic and the Juvenile Defense Clinic.
Please tell us about any LSU Law faculty, classes, or other experiences that were particularly impactful on your legal education.
The availability of advocacy programs at LSU, whether in the form of competitions or clinical experience, was invaluable. LSU really is a well-rounded school in the sense that everyone can excel at something. Academic achievements are not the only way for people to be successful in law school and LSU Law really capitalizes on that. They are able to provide a well-rounded educational experience that is easily tailored to the type of student you are and the type of lawyer you want to be.
What are your fondest memories from your time at LSU Law?
My fondest memories from LSU Law stem from being involved. The interactions with faculty, staff, and my colleagues in a non-classroom setting made my entire experience complete. I am glad I took the time to balance my school load and my social life. LSU Law provided memories I will hold onto forever.
What advice would you give to students entering law school who aspire to become an Order of the Barristers member when they graduate?
Order of the Barristers is all about holistic advocacy. The majority of my application’s experience stemmed from clinical experience, as opposed to a lot of my colleagues being heavily involved in internal/external competitions. My best advice is to make your experience fit you. Try one of everything LSU Law advocacy has to offer and figure out what best fits you.
I liked the real-world application of what I was learning to clinical situations. I also liked having a direct impact in the community and being able to see the difference that came from my work. I enjoyed my time with the internal/external competitions, but clinical work was where I fit the best.
