Mason Owen Olinde
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Juris Doctor, Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law, Graduate Certificate in Estate Planning and Taxation
- magna cum laude graduate
- Paul M. Hebert Scholar
- Dean’s Scholar
- Journal of Civil Law Studies Junior Graduate Editor
- Undergraduate: LSU, Bachelor of Science, Finance
What are your immediate career plans?
After passing the bar exam, I will be joining Tomeny Best Injury Lawyers at their Baton Rouge office.
What are your long-term career aspirations?
My long-term career aspirations revolve around becoming a seasoned trial advocate, specializing in personal injury.
Please tell us about the organizations and activities you participated in at LSU Law, including any awards or honors you received.
I served as a Graduate Editor for the Journal of Civil Law Studies, and as a 1L Obligations tutor for Professor (Olivier) Moréteau. I graduated magna cum laude after receiving multiple CALI Awards, multiple Paul M. Hebert Scholar Awards and other various scholarships.
Please tell us about any LSU Law faculty, classes, or other experiences that were particularly impactful on your legal education.
One of the most impactful moments for me was when Professor Grace Barry told to stop asking so many questions and to trust myself and my writing. After taking her advice, I felt confident in my writing ability and received very favorable grades on all of my writing assignments in law school, which also translated to my office assignments during my clerkship at Tomeny Best.
Another particularly impactful experience was when Professor Darlene Goring allowed me to briefly introduce my controversial Elder Law Seminar topic to the class, and then let me open the floor to attack my position. Professor Goring was the first to attack my position for what felt like a lifetime. Having read my paper before I presented, Professor Goring knew how to attack my position outside the scope of my writing. The impact on my legal education came after my presentation, when Professor Goring assured me that I adequately addressed her concerns, without pause, and applauded my ability to “think on my feet.”
What are your fondest memories from your time at LSU Law?
My fondest memories at LSU Law are the times I spent with my friends. Making new friends was not a top priority for me when I first entered law school, but that all changed on the very first day. The friends I made at law school are people I know well and can trust. I would consider my law school friends to be the most important asset I gained at LSU Law.
What advice would you give to students entering law school who aspire to become Order of the Coif members when they graduate?
Pay attention in class, the professors will tell you how they want your answers to look. Make friends with people who care about their grades. Take care of yourself above all else.
