Q. How did Wisconsin’s law-in-action philosophy
influence your legal education?
At Wisconsin, law in action is more than a philosophy―it is a way
of approaching the practice of law that shapes the substantive
curriculum and permeates students’ clinical experiences. By
emphasizing the way law works in the world (instead of merely the
way it is written in codes and case books), law in action
encourages students to analyze in a “big picture” way. When
faced with a set of facts, Wisconsin students are expected not only
to determine what legal issues are present or what the legal
response might be, but to identify non-legal solutions and to
grapple with the multi-faceted social, political, and legal
conditions that may have contributed to the problem in the first
instance. Taking a holistic, practical approach to the law enables
lawyers to understand clients’ problems more thoroughly and to
shape more creative, effective responses to those problems.
You participated in three clinicals. What did you find
valuable about those experiences?
Each clinical offered by the UW Law School provides students with
different opportunities to develop as lawyers. The Legal Assistance
to Institutionalized Persons Program allowed me to meet with
clients incarcerated in the state prisons, research their legal
questions, and when appropriate, file motions in state court to
obtain relief. In the Criminal Appeals Project, I represented
criminal defendants in their direct appeals, meeting with them to
discuss the appellate process and drafting briefs for the appellate
court. In the Prosecution Project, I was able to work as a summer
intern in the Dane County District Attorney’s Office, appearing
in court daily, drafting complaints, handling my own misdemeanor
case load, and even second chairing a felony jury trial. Nothing
gives you a better taste of what it’s like to be a lawyer than
doing the work of a lawyer. The clinics allow you to do just that
under the direction of talented, supportive clinical faculty.
You started law school with young children. What was it
like balancing family responsibilities and law school?
Busy, of course, but quite manageable. Three of our daughters were
born while I was a student (one in my last year of college and two
during law school). Although being a good student and a good parent
required creativity, I found it less challenging than balancing
parenting with a full time job! I was fortunate to have a husband
who shared the work with me, and supportive friends and extended
family members who were willing to take the girls to the park
during exam weeks. We ate a lot of cereal, and my house was messy
more often than I liked. But it was a great experience, and a time
my family and I remember fondly.
There are so many student groups and activities. What
advice do you have for an entering student in terms of choosing
activities?
Activities are wonderful because they can supplement your legal
education, help you meet professionals and classmates who share
your interests, and give you the opportunity to serve the local
community. The UW Law School is a very diverse place, so the
choices are abundant, no matter what constraints you have on your
out-of-class time.
Was there a law school experience that was particularly
important or meaningful for you?
During my second year of law school, I began working as a research
assistant to Professors Michael Smith and Walter Dickey. At the time, they
were drafting amicus curiae briefs to the Wisconsin Supreme Court
in a series of cases that interpreted the state’s newly-adopted
sentencing laws. In their briefs, the professors provided the
courts with an outside perspective on what the law was and what it
might be, pointing out possibilities that the parties had not
addressed, or had merely sketched. In the end, the court adopted
some of the concepts and language suggested by the amici. It was
law in action at its best.
Why did you decide to apply for a judicial
clerkship?
During law school, I discovered that I loved reading, writing and
thinking about law. I also enjoyed my experience as a research
assistant, interacting with professors and wrestling with legal
theories. Kristin Davis, the law school’s clerkship advisor,
encouraged me to explore the possibility of clerking. After talking
to alumni and professors, I decided that working with a judge would
be a good way to explore the law in greater depth, pick up some
good habits, and ideally, be of assistance along the way.
What advice do you have for students who are interested
in judicial clerkships after law school?
Study hard, of course. Beyond that, get to know several professors
well and seek out opportunities to research and write. It helps to
serve as a research or teaching assistant, or to work on a law
review or journal. There are many Wisconsin professors and alumni
who are willing to discuss clerkships with students who want to
know more about what law clerks do and why people choose to clerk
after graduation.
What did you like most about living in Madison?
Madison has many of the amenities of a larger city with the safety
and friendliness of a small town. You can study at a local café,
buy organic groceries, and catch a surprising number of high
quality performances. At the same time, your neighbors will
probably know your name and you can drive anywhere in the city in
half an hour or less. My family appreciated all the free activities
in the city for children: the zoo, art museums, farmer’s market,
Concerts on the Square. It’s a great place to live at any
age.
Do you have any advice for an incoming 1L?
Maintain perspective. Law school is important; life is more
important. Work hard and establish goals, but don’t put your
friends, family, and other interests on hold during your law school
years. Maintain personal relationships and find people inside and
outside the law school who will help you pursue excellence without
losing touch with the commitments and people that matter to
you.