JSU Major and Minor - Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice
Year of law school graduation - Spring 2019
Law School attended - Cumberland School of Law | Samford University
Current Employer - Jefferson County District Attorney's Office - Birmingham Division - 10th Judicial Circuit
What courses helped prepare you for law school? I benefited the most from Constitutional Law I and II. When I started law school, I was already familiar with briefing cases, being called on to discuss cases, and I was already familiar with many of the cases in the lesson plan.
Advice for those preparing for law school: 1. Take the practice LSAT as many times as you can! Doing so made me feel much more comfortable with the experience and let me know what I needed to work on in order to be accepted into the schools of my choice. 2. Take an LSAT prep course! I did not do this, and it showed. Investing the time and money now could save thousands in scholarship money later.
Other comments related to law school or a career in the legal field: Take advantage of internship opportunities while at JSU. They are a great way to get a head start on figuring out what you want to do in law school and beyond. I liked criminal law so I interned with the Madison County DA's Office. I loved it, so I geared my courses and clerkships that direction during law school. You will know what to avoid if you try something you do not like.
Any additional comments about JSU or the pre-law program? Join the Debate Team and participate in Model UN or Model Arab League! I did both while at JSU and learned a ton about researching, writing, and advocating. Those three tools got me through law school, and I use them every day in my career. Joining put me way out of my comfort zone, but only increased my confidence when I joined Moot Court or Negotiation competitions in law school
Year of JSU graduation - Spring 2016