Morgan L. Pilcher
Oak Ridge, North Carolina
- Juris Doctor, Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law
- Louisiana Law Review Vol. 85 Articles Editor
- Paul M. Hebert Scholar
- Dean’s Scholar
- Undergraduate: Appalachian State University; Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Tell us about the student organizations you were involved in at LSU Law, as well as any special events at LSU Law that you may have worked on.
I served as on the Board of Editors for Vol. 85 of Louisiana Law Review as one of two Articles Editors. My co-Articles Editor (and friend), Kaleb Delatte, and I planned Louisiana Law Review‘s annual symposium. We received tremendous support from our Editor-in-Chief Tara Roussel and LSU Law’s journal coordinator, Mary Myers.
Additionally, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as a tutor for Professor Tracy Norton’s Legal Research and Writing courses as a 2L and 3L and for Professor Margaret Thomas’ Basic Civil Procedure I & II courses as a 3L.
I also had the opportunity to participate in the Summer in Lyon program during my 1L summer.
Tell us about the awards and/or academic honors you’ve received during your time at LSU Law that you’re most proud of.
I was either a Paul M. Hebert Scholar or Dean’s Scholar every semester of law school. I also received CALI Awards for Basic Civil Procedure I, and Legal Research and Writing I & II. Lastly, in the spring of my 2L year, I received the Ryan LoProto Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
What are your fondest memories of your LSU Law experience?
I will always remember the friends I made at LSU Law. Law school is a difficult experience, but because I was surrounded by wonderful people, it made the experience much better! From exploring Europe together to camping out in the student lounge between classes, my friends truly made all the difference.
I also feel very grateful to have formed great relationships with several of my professors. First, Professor Tracy Norton, who was my Legal Research and Writing professor and for whom I tutored for the last two years. She was a constant source of encouragement and always available to chat. I am confident that any legal writing skills I have today are attributed to her courses and her guidance. Law school is difficult, but Professor Norton always tries to lighten the mood. I will remember all the little things, like starting class with a law-related meme, that made me smile throughout the semesters.
Also, Professor Margaret Thomas, who was my Civil Procedure professor and faculty advisor while writing my law review article. Professor Thomas had high expectations of her students, and trying to meet those standards helped me push myself further than I ever thought I could. It is because of Professor Thomas that I am pursuing a career in complex litigation, and it is because of her teaching that I feel confident I can be successful in my chosen area of the law.
What are your immediate career plans after taking the bar exam?
After taking the bar, I will join Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver, LLC in New Orleans, Louisiana.
What are your long-term career ambitions?
My goal is to become a successful and experienced litigator. I would also like to focus my practice on complex cases or cases with an international element. I enjoyed working on cases like those during my summer clerkships.
What advice do you have for current law students who aspire to graduate as a member of the Order of the Coif?
Run your own race. Students should focus on their own goals, their own studying, and their own schedules. Do not get bogged down and stressed out by trying to compare what you are doing with what others do. It’s easier said than done, but it is important to remember that each person comes to law school with their own backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses, so do what works for you!
That being said, don’t get so caught up in trying to do well that you forget to be human. Do spend time getting to know your classmates. You will be with them for three years and many more after that in practice. Forming friendships and professional relationships is key! I made some of my best friends in this world during law school. We encouraged each other, studied together, and helped each other through what is truly an unforgettable, but difficult, experience!
