Educating the Whole Lawyer | Quinnipiac Law Viewbook 2020-2021
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
EDUCATING THE WHOLE LAWYER 5829_Spreads.indd 1 9/11/20 2:00 PM Think of this book as your introduction to how we approach law school. It has all the facts and fi gures you need, but it POINT OF DISTINCTION Our campus is a state-of-the-art center also shows there will be many dimensions to your time at for study and collaboration — equipped to support your growth as a professional, Quinnipiac University School of Law — and to your future designed to inspire you on that journey. It is also an emerging destination for life as a lawyer. You will fi nd stories of recent graduates who the wider legal community to gather for professional meetings, conferences, are forging their paths, as well as the professors who taught speakers, even visiting sessions of the State Supreme Court. The law school and mentored them during their time here. You will learn is located on Quinnipiac University's beautiful North Haven Campus along with about life both inside and outside of the classroom, and the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine point-counterpoint and graduate programs from a variety opportunities in the fi eld. It’s a look of disciplines — a vibrant and connected at life at Quinnipiac Law and what distinguishes us from academic community offering inter- professional opportunities. other law schools. On the cover E. Alex Silva ‘20 in the Lynne L. Pantalena Law Library at Quinnipiac University School of Law. 1 5829_Spreads.indd 2-1 9/11/20 2:29 PM IT’S IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT ALL ABOUT YOU. YOU. Your time. Your eff ort. Your willingness to dive deep It’s about the law — the Constitution and its infi nite interpretations. into the law, ask questions, hit dead ends, fi nd a glimmer of light, It’s about the clients — understanding who they are and why they need you. emerge a better thinker — and a prepared lawyer. By thinking fully about your clients, you will be the best lawyer you can be. 5829_Spreads.indd 2-3 9/11/20 2:30 PM WWe ee edduuccaatte te thhee whole lawyer.. “Think like a lawyer, but feel like a human being.” That’s a quote from Dean Jennifer Gerarda Brown on what she sees as the goal for graduates of Quinnipiac Law. It is a philosophy centered around educating the “whole lawyer,” which means law students should retain their personal values and sense of self while becoming skilled practitioners of the law. Jennifer Gerarda Brown, Dean Quinnipiac University School of Law 4 5829_Spreads.indd 4-5 9/11/20 2:30 PM POINTN OF DISTINCTIONO Assoco iate Dean Kevin Barry (faar leeft) leads students in a liveely debriefaf annd anan lysis followwining a simulated cclient counselinng sessession. Suchch exerrcciseses honece cruucciaial sks ills of lawyereringng — active llistening, effective questioning, and identiffyying legal issues—s — anand prepare students to work with real clients in our legal clinic. The whole lawyer works to understand the whole client. Whole lawyers think holistically about their clients by considering the complexity of their needs and situations — using their deep understanding of the law to have a greater impact, time and time again. 7 5829_Spreads.indd 6-7 9/11/20 2:30 PM The whole lawyer embodies personal and professional values. Bring every part of yourself to Quinnipiac Law. All that you’ve learned, experienced, and been taught has shaped you. We will help fi nd ways to deeply connect who you are with the professional you want to become, and the impact you can have on your clients and the world. Within this book, you will fi nd stories of our students who have taken this approach to heart and found themselves in rewarding careers after graduation. We are excited to see where POINT OF DISTINCTION your journey as a lawyer will take you. Quinnipiac Law students have a stunning array of opportunities that challenge them to think like lawyers, testing themselves and building the capacity to meld knowledge, composure, and skill on behalf of clients. Here, Caitlin Murphy ’20 makes her case during a Mock Trial competition in the law school’s Ceremonial Courtroom. In spring 2020, Caitlin placed 7 out of 170 law students from 67 law schools across the country in the first National Online Trial Advocacy Competition, showing skill and professionalism as competitions pivoted to a virtual format. 8 5829_Spreads.indd 8-9 9/11/20 2:30 PM BE BE YOURSELF. A LAWYER. You have a background, viewpoints, and passions that are The law is complex, nuanced, and ever-changing. To earn the respected here. Bring your unique story with you. distinction of “lawyer,” you must know, respect, and honor the law. 5829_Spreads.indd 10-11 9/11/20 2:30 PM Be the type of lawyer this world needs. Julie Altimier ’17 Lawyer — it is a title that carries weight. Yet it also Asylum Off icer U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, carries deep responsibilities. Who you are and what Arlington, VA Julie Altimier learned fi rsthand about international you stand for will defi ne the lawyer you will be. human rights law during a Quinnipiac Law At Quinnipiac University School of Law, we are externship in South Africa with that country’s Human Rights Commission. That experience focused on fi nding your interests and seeing how to helped her land a job with the Department of Justice, just outside Washington, D.C., which in turn translate them into your career. With true passion, led to her current post as an asylum offi cer with the you can represent clients, impact legislation, fi ght U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Julie interviews asylum seekers from around for those without a voice, help corporations succeed the world, hearing their diffi cult stories and adjudicating their cases. The role has enormous and communities fl ourish. So fi nd your inspiration challenges and profound rewards, she says, and calls for respect across the board—for the system and for and you will fi nd your path to becoming a lawyer. the individual. “It is a privilege being able to listen to what people have gone through,” says Julie, speaking of her admiration for individuals determined to protect themselves and their families despite terrible circumstances. “Just seeing the resiliency of the human spirit is the fl ip side of any challenge.” At Quinnipiac Law, she found the support and preparation she needed. “I left Quinnipiac confi dent that I had the skills necessary to successfully perform the job,” she says simply. “QU taught me how to be a good lawyer.” 13 5829_Spreads.indd 12-13 9/11/20 2:30 PM Passion becomes discipline. Be inspired: Public Service Families Entrepreneurship Creative Expression Civil Rights Health & Wellness Education Immigrant Rights Business POINT OF DISTINCTION At Quinnipiac Law, you can Innovation personalize your studies through coursework, engagement with Sports & Entertainment faculty, and meaningful practical experiences that reflect your individual passion, while building Communities foundational knowledge and true expertise. Our JD program offers International Travel rich opportunities to focus on individual interests, and our eight Technology concentrations (listed on page 62) allow you to delve deeply into particular areas of the law. Commerce Environment Kayla Stephen ’20 and Professor John Thomas 15 5829_Spreads.indd 14-15 9/11/20 2:30 PM Be yourself: outgoing empathetic respectful leader George Morgan Jr. ‘21 stepped into his role of Student Bar Association (SBA) president in spring 2020 as students grappled with the realities of the pandemic and continued issues of racial injustice in our country. He made listening to his fellow students a priority, working to get answers to their questions and pulling together meaningful community conversations. “My goal with SBA is that every student feels like they have a forum where they can be heard,” he says. George, who also serves as chair of the Northeast Region of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), is focusing on the International Law and Policy concentration at the law school, a refl ection of his desire to push the envelope in understanding others. “When you’re on the outside, you just can’t get it,” he says of his determination to experience other cultures. “That’s what makes me step outside my comfort zone.” He credits the law school for providing support and opportunities: “Quinnipiac Law has defi nitely been a home for me. It’s genuinely hard to picture myself at another school.” 17 5829_Spreads.indd 16-17 9/11/20 2:31 PM dedicated enthusiastic genuine orator loyal passionate honest skier Morgan Crabtree ’20 has set her sights on a career that builds on her interest in tax law. She served as notes editor for the Quinnipiac Law Review, interned Kevin Black ‘21 is concentrating on criminal in the legal department of Publicis Groupe in law and procedure, with a focus on Fourth and New York, one of the world’s largest communications Fifth Amendment issues. He is going for the total companies, and stands out academically as a member immersion approach, with leadership roles with the of Phi Delta Phi, the international legal honor society. law school’s Mock Trial Society as vice president Where does this high achiever feel most at home? for external aff airs, and Moot Court Society as vice In the mountains and with family, she says. president for external competitions and fi nancial director. He is also diving into work with the law school’s Prosecution Appellate Clinic. His main interests? Litigating and the role of the prosecutor. He is clearly comfortable in the courtroom, and that just might run in the family—his dad is a Quinnipiac Law Class of ’92 grad.