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2024: Order of the Barristers: Caidyn Anastasia Thompson

A female student with curly brown hair smiling wearing a purple gown and tam in front of a gray background.Hometown

Arcadia, California.

What are your immediate career plans?

This fall I will be serving as a judicial clerk in the state of Louisiana.

What are your long-term career aspirations?

My long-term career aspiration is to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling legal practice that allows me to utilize my skills and experience to make a meaningful impact.

Please tell us about the organizations and activities you participated in at LSU Law, including any awards or honors you received.

I was the Director of External Trial Advocacy on the Board of Advocates, a member of the Running Club, a member of the Women’s Law Students Association, and a student Ambassador for both LexisNexis and Kaplan. I won the Fall 2023 Ira S. Flory Mock Trial Competition, and I received CALI awards for both Comparative Climate Change Law and Slavery & Human Trafficking. I competed twice in the prestigious Costello National Criminal Law Trial Advocacy Competition, reaching the semifinal round my first year at the competition and being selected as Best Oral Advocate on multiple occasions by judges in our rooms during my second year. I also competed in several internal competitions, including the Spring 2024 Criminal Law Interviewing & Counseling Competition and advancing to the Quarterfinals of the 2022 Robert Lee Tullis Moot Court Competition.

Please tell us about any LSU Law faculty, classes, or other experiences that were particularly impactful on your legal education.

LSU Law offers a diverse range of faculty, classes, and experiences that have had a profound impact on my legal education. The faculty members at LSU Law are not only knowledgeable and accomplished in their fields, but they also provide exceptional support to their students. Among the faculty members who left a lasting impression on me, Professor Diamond stands out. His classes were transformative and played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of the law. Professor Goring’s thoughtfulness and encouragement made her a pillar of support throughout my time at LSU Law, and I deeply admire her dedication to fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment. One particularly enlightening experience was participating in the Juvenile Defense Clinic under the guidance of Professor Harrison. Through this clinic, I gained invaluable insights into the complexities of Juvenile Criminal Law. Additionally, Professor Hall’s friendly presence at the Running Club provided a sense of community and camaraderie outside of the classroom. His involvement demonstrated just one way the faculty commits to engaging with students beyond their academic pursuits. Beyond the coursework, I had the privilege of receiving mentorship and guidance from Professor Jeff Brooks and my external team coaches. Their extraordinary mentorship and teaching made a lasting impact on my legal education.

What are your fondest memories from your time at LSU Law?

There are numerous memories that I deeply cherish, from my time studying in the Lyon Summer Study Abroad program and exploring Europe alongside my friends, to the everyday interactions I had with faculty, staff, and fellow classmates. The time I spent at LSU Law will forever be appreciated and treasured.

What advice would you give to students entering law school who aspire to become Order of the Barristers members when they graduate?

Get out of your comfort zone and get involved in as many advocacy activities as you can during law school. Internal competitions will prepare you for external competitions, and even just watching rounds as a bailiff or participating in clinics will immerse you in various advocacy skills. Not only will your involvement increase your likelihood of becoming an Order of the Barristers member, but it will provide you with invaluable practical knowledge.

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