Welcome from Student Bar Association President Ryan K. Quillian

On behalf of the Student Bar Association, the law school’s student government, I would like to welcome you to what I and many others consider the greatest law school in the country. There are many reasons why we strongly believe that UVA is the best place in America to study law, but there are two in particular that stand out.

First and foremost are the students. Not only are our students remarkably intelligent, diverse, friendly, and successful, but they also bring a collaborative spirit to the study of the law that I don’t think you will find at any other law school. It is rare in such a traditionally competitive environment to find members of the law review sharing their class notes with classmates who are sick or out of town. It is even rarer to find such people doing so without being asked. These are the kind of people who come to Virginia Law – people who want to succeed personally, but who also want to see their friends and classmates succeed. In addition to being collaborative, UVA Law students are also extremely involved. Each student here contributes integrally to the community, whether through journals, moot court, pro bono work, public service, student government, or a wide variety of other activities that bring people together to talk about religion, politics, or individual interests. Our students go on to become partners at top law firms, notable business leaders, top government officials, members of federal appeals courts, and influential public service attorneys. The school trains us to be much more than lawyers – it trains us to become citizen lawyers.

The second reason that stands out can be summarized in one word: balance. Balance is a word that I have found to be almost synonymous with UVA Law. While it is true that students here spend a tremendous amount of time and effort on their academic pursuits, they are also able to find creative, athletic, and social outlets in the many opportunities that the law school and the city of Charlottesville provide outside the classroom. During lunch, after classes, or over the weekend, students enjoy playing softball in the warm Virginia weather, socializing with professors outside the classroom, exploring some of the local wineries and vineyards, or hiking some nearby trails and mountains. The balanced life that students enjoy here creates an excitement that is contagious and enduring. There is a reason that Virginia consistently ranks at the very top among law schools for quality of life, student satisfaction, and alumni giving: Students are happy here.

There are many more reasons why I think UVA is the best place to study law in the country, but I will only list a couple more. Our professors are not only well-accomplished and brilliant, they are also friendly and approachable. Students interact with professors on a daily basis, both inside and outside the classroom. Indeed, every student is invited to at least one social gathering with one of their professors over the course of their first year. Additionally, our facilities are brand new with state-of-the-art classrooms and computer labs, a multi-service bookstore, a top-tier law library, and a spacious cafeteria and student center.

Whatever I can say on paper is nothing compared to the Virginia Law experience, so I invite you to visit the law school grounds and find out for yourself how great this place is. Talk to as many students and faculty as you can. I am confident that by the end of the day, you will agree that UVA is the best place in the country to go to law school.

Sincerely,
Ryan K. Quillian
President, Student Bar Association