Senior Spotlight
The Pre-Law Community would like to recognize and congratulate those Notre Dame students in the Class of 2022 who are heading off to law schools across the country next fall!
Will Roberts
Major: Chemical Engineering; Minor: Science, Technology, and Values
Dorm: Zahm, Siegfried
Law School: Minnesota
Advice: " Applying to law school is a long and stressful process no matter when you do it. Make sure before you begin you have a vision of what your legal career might look like, and you understand what your motivations for going to law school are. This will help not only in crafting application materials, but it will be a good reminder to stay positive throughout the process and get through the finish line."
Benedict Husting
Majors: Economics and Political Science
Dorm: Morrissey Manor
Law School: University of Chicago
Advice: " Start studying for the LSAT as early as you can, start working on your personal statement as early as you can, and apply as early as you can. Try to craft your whole application so that it tells a clear narrative about why you are going to law school and why you'd be a great law student."
Grace Akin
Majors: FTT, Sustainability, and Peace Studies
Dorm: Walsh
Law School: University of Notre Dame
Advice: " If law school is something that you are interested in I would encourage you to talk to as many people in the field as possible to learn about all the potential paths available to you. On game weekends I was able to talk to several ND alums which helped me discern both law school in general and where I wanted to attend. I was able to study for the LSAT over quarantine in 2020, but I think it’s important to set aside time to really focus on preparation since the LSAT is a significant factor in the application and scholarship consideration. The work you put in will definitely pay off!"
Michael Lee
Majors: Biochemistry and English; Minor: Philosophy
Dorm: O'Neill Family Hall
Law School: Southern Illinois University School of Law (MD/JD Program)
Advice: " Take some time to reflect on why you want to study and practice law in the future. Having that 'why' in your heart will motivate you to prepare for law school in advance. It will be your companion when you complete those LSAT practice exams and retake the LSAT if necessary. It will be the heart of your personal statement. It will help you to be patient with the application process. Most importantly, it will comfort you during difficult times so that you won't give up. You are reading this because you know that law school is right for you. Your willingness to step out of your comfort zone to apply to law school proves that you are stronger than what you think you are capable of! And once you receive that acceptance letter, remember to thank all those who supported you along the way!"
Paul Gierl
Major: Computer Science (Engineering); Minor: Italian
Dorm: Alumni Hall
Law School: University of Notre Dame
Advice: " Take time and find a law school that you would like to go to; one that fits your needs and has excellent opportunities in areas you are interested in. Use your summers wisely to prepare your application as best you can before the semester starts. I recommend focusing on your semester/GPA while in school and over breaks doing LSAT prep and application work. Most importantly, talk to people; talk to current law students, lawyers, advisors, and others pursuing law school. Get a sense of what it is like. Good luck!"
Charles Hallinan
Major: History and ACMS; Minor: Real Estate
Dorm: O'Neill Family Hall
Law School: Vanderbilt University
Advice: " I found that talking to current students, admissions counselors, and practicing lawyers was the best way to learn what kind of school would be my best fit. Approach the process realistically, give your recommenders enough time to write a letter, and make a financial plan for the applications and law school."
Lily Strailey
Major: American Studies and Gender Studies
Dorm: Cavanaugh Hall
Law School: University of Pennsylvania
Advice: " As clichéd as it sounds, everything will work out in the end!"
Emily Krejci
Major: Political Science; Minor: Constitutional Studies
Dorm: Badin Hall
Law School: University of Michigan
Advice: " The best LSAT prep books are the Bible series by Powerscore. You do not need to write a specific essay for EVERY school- only write an additional one if you really feel like that school values writing by providing a number of prompts and essay opportunities. If I could go back, I would not major in Political Science. Law schools love to say they have X number of majors represented in their entering class. So the more unique your major is, the better. Choose something that you just really love to study and have an interest in and then in your essays, explain why that background would make you a different kind of lawyer. The process takes VERY long. It was nearly 6 months between when I applied and when I heard back from some schools; stay patient and know you'll end up where you need to be."
Jocelyn Long
Major: Marketing and Theology (supplementary major)
Dorm: Welsh Family Hall
Law School: University of Mississippi
Advice: Trust God! He'll give you strength, discernment, and confirmation throughout the entire process; the peace He gave me when I chose Ole Miss was the best I've ever experienced :). Also, remember how incredible you are - pursuing law is such an accomplishment!"
Lyric Medeiros
Major: English and FTT; Minor: Journalism
Dorm: Badin Hall
Law School: TBD
Advice: " When selecting law schools to apply to, reach out to alumni who have attended law school through one of the many resources that connects current Notre Dame students to graduates. In doing so, you will get a better idea of what the transition from Notre Dame to that particular law school will be like. Additionally, it is important to carefully consider the environment you would like to learn in, and eventually practice law in. Every law school you apply to should be one that you could truly see yourself attending. The University of Notre Dame prepares its students extremely well to succeed in the application process. From reading and writing, to soft skills, you have all the tools in your toolbox. Your application to law school is your opportunity to display those tools, and to emphasize why law is the path for you. Have faith, and be confident in the education Notre Dame has provided you with, as it is like no other, and you will succeed in the law school application process! Looking back at my journey, I can truly tell you that the outcome will be rewarding."
Patrick Aimone
Major: Political Science; Minors: PPE, Hesburgh Program, and Constitutional Studies
Dorm: Sorin Hall
Law School: Harvard (matriculating in 2024; I did the JDP)
Advice: " The most important thing you can do early in your college career is establish close relationships with professors who will advise and recommend you! Both of my HLS academic recommenders were close advisors from my freshman year onward and it's so important to have people who know you well, can read your personal statement, and stay on message regarding your desire to pursue law."
Max Siegel II
Major: Global Affairs and Psychology
Dorm: Zahm
Law School: Georgetown
Advice: " Study for the LSAT early. LSAT prep and application preparation can be discouraging at times but stick with it. It all pays off in the end. GPA and LSAT scores are important but what sets you apart from other applicants is the story you are able to tell. Once you get accepted to law school, go where you feel wanted and at home."
Erica Robison
Major: History; Minors: Constitutional Studies and ESS
Dorm: Flaherty Hall
Law School: Stanford
Advice: " Do your research on different law schools to find ones that align with your interests, values, and goals, and try to stay open-minded throughout the process. Whether or not you're genuinely interested in a school will probably come through in your application and interviews, so pursue schools that you're excited about!"
Caroline Kelly
Majors: Political Science and American Studies; Minor: Constitutional Studies
Dorm: Pasquerilla West Hall
Law School: Georgetown
Advice: " This process can feel long and frustrating so keep reminding yourself why you want to go to law school!"
Nicole Marcinkus
Majors: English and Political Science; Minor: Medieval History
Dorm: Farley Hall
Law School:
University of Illinois (UIUC)
Advice: " In terms of LSAT prep, don't burn yourself out right before the test! Consider slowing down with the studying hours in the days leading up to the test, and do your practice tests in the same room in which you'll take the real LSAT. When it comes to choosing a law school, prestige might seem like the most important thing, but don't forget to consider employment outcomes, campus culture, and financial opportunities. Finally, your application materials will serve you the best when you're excited about them! Your personal statement and supplemental essays should be written on parts of your life that you truly want to share, and which connect to your passion for the law. Essays are so much more fun to read when your interests are the focus, even and especially if those interests are atypical."
Christopher Zahn
Major: Aerospace Engineering; Minor: Constitutional Studies
Dorm: O'Neill Family Hall
Law School: Northwestern University
Advice: " Take advantage of the many ND alumni connections at law schools all over the country to not only learn about the schools themselves but the cities and neighborhoods to live in. When traveling to all the schools you are interested in is not feasible, these connections are so valuable for the difficult decision of choosing a law school!"
Check out former graduating classes below!