TWENTY QUESTIONS FOR
20 STUDENTS
1. If you could choose any profession besides the law, what would it be and why? “Wildlife biologist. After spending the last three years inside a building, an office in the middle of the woods seems like a pretty good idea.” – Rob Clapper, 3L
2. Why did you go to law school? “I was attracted to the field of law because I have a strong passion for helping people, my peers and others less fortunate. I am strongly involved in my community, my church and the city itself, because I am committed to making Memphis a better place for current and future generations. I chose to specifically attend law school in Memphis because of my strong ties to the city and to build a strong foundation that can be used to successfully take the city to heights it could not have previously imagined reaching.” – Corbin Carpenter, 2L
ML asked 20 students to answer a set of questions about their law school experience, as well as their thoughts on Memphis itself. The answers ML received are as intelligent, unique, humorous, and diverse as our students themselves. Read on to get a better idea of what it means to have the true Memphis Law experience.
“I always wanted to use my words to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Law is a poetic dance that requires you to paint some vivid factual pictures to get your point across.” – Brandon Boykin, 2L
3. What was your most interesting job prior to law school? “For sheer variety of challenges: assistant dean of students at the University of Virginia, where I dealt with judiciary and honors adjudication in a student-self-governance context; helped craft responses on such issues as oncampus solicitation, use and abuse of technology, and freedom of expression; performed on-call emergency duties; and did Hispanic/Latino student programming and support.” – Pablo J. Davis, 1L
4. What’s the most embarrassing moment (yours or a classmates) that you’ve witnessed in class?
Seven different students replied with the same answer to this question, so it is clear to ML that it struck a chord. The consensus is that getting asked to leave of Professor Alena Allen’s Torts class is the height of terror and embarrassment. Seeing that two of the students surveyed actually experienced this law school phenomenon, ML feels that it’s safe to say that Professor Allen’s message of preparedness and professionalism has soundly resonated with the students.
5. If you could be any local attorney or legal professional, who would it be and why? “Maureen Holland. She’s the local attorney handling the Sixth Circuit case going before the Supreme Court of the United States right now in order to fight for marriage equality. I hope one day to create that level of change in our society.” – Sarah Smith, 2L
6. What was your favorite class? “My externship with the city of Memphis Anti-Blight Litigation Unit. I never thought I would be interested in working with a municipality, (Property and I never really got along during my 1L year) but the externship was extremely interesting. Each week was different and I truly appreciate the experience.” – Brittany Williams, 2L
7. Who is your best-dressed classmate? Male – Corbin Carpenter Female – Martha Crowder Also Mentioned: “Greg Wagner. His beige slip-on, faded shoes and hooded sweatshirts are outfits no one can compete with.” – Kelly Gray, 2L “Logan Klaus. The guy wears flip-flops with suits. He is either very brave or has just stopped caring.” – Rob Clapper, 3L
8. What/Where is your favorite spot to study in the building?
AURELIA PATTERSON
ROB CLAPPER
COURTNEY SHARP
GRANT KEHLER
JUSTIN STEELE
“I think they should rename the study area in the student lounge to the Eason, Dossett, Quinn, Battle, Woods, and Vaught Room, because we spent so much time in there during our 1L year. If you wanted to use that room, too bad. I’ll probably donate to make that name change happen.” – Preston Battle, 2L
9. Most amount of time you’ve spent studying for an exam and which exam was it for? ML was overwhelmed with one particular response to this question. It’s BRANDON BOYKIN
11
MK SMITH
ERICA TAMARIZ
JARRETT SPENCE
KELLY GRAY