Hometown: Sharon, Massachusetts

Education: B.A. in political science, minor in cognitive sciences, Tufts University

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Virginia Law Women, Law and Public Service,  Minority Rights Coalition, Peer Advisor, Virginia Journal of International Law, Trial Advocacy Team

What does diversity mean to you? Diversity is a step in a long journey toward equity. It is not about having a few shining examples of “diversity.” It demands creating a society and removing the filters so that all walks of life become valued parts in the mosaic of our community. Diversity is not tolerance, but acceptance, inclusion, respect, and understanding of the unique qualities and lived experiences. It is disrupting conformity and becoming aware of the nuances of our intersectional characters. It is where people do not have to speak for others but where voices are represented as their own, and heard.

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… I met with the counselors at the Public Service Center to discuss my career path. The counselors are committed to ensuring that students find a career that marries up nicely to your scheme of values, interests and personality. Every time, I am astounded by the time and effort they take — beyond the job description — to consider my hopes, background and fears in supporting and advising me. With PSC, I feel confident that as I take the next step in my legal career, I will be in a place where I can grow and do right by my profession. 

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVALaw: Make your own litmus test of success. You know what drives you to the legal profession: Wear it and live it. Your boundaries will be pushed, but do not let the challenge curve your dreams. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten here at UVA is not to compare your inside with other people’s outside. Imagine that feeling when you’re wearing a sock and it’s slipping off your foot as you’re walking. Outwards, you seem perfect with those boots, but inside it’s chaos. Comparing your journey to that of others is not fair to you or to them. Sharing your journey, on the other hand, with the UVA community is probably the best decision you’ll make. When you’re on the other end, pass along the goodwill, kindness and generosity shown to you.

The community spirit: Undoubtedly, my favorite part of UVA Law is the community. Every time I interact with my Peer Advisors, section-mates, other students, professors, staff and any person associated with this law school, I feel humbled and at the same time irrevocably welcomed in their presence. The aptitudes presented by this community in valuing people — their voices, experiences and beliefs — are unmatched. I feel honored to grow as a lawyer in this community. The UVA Law community is caring, helpful and full of role models.

Hometown: Plano, Texas

Education: B.A in Plan II Honors, minors in microbiology and government, University of Texas at Austin

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: South Asian Law Association, Outdoors and VA Law, Virginia Law Women, Virginia Journal of Law & Technology

What does diversity mean to you? Everyone is different. Diversity should be a path to recognizing that not everyone was raised under the same socioeconomic conditions, in the same types of neighborhoods, and with the same combination of parents, schooling and culture. It allows individuals to grow in an increasingly interconnected world and to learn from those with different, and not necessarily incorrect, views. Understanding diversity makes us stronger as individuals, as lawyers and as a society. 

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… I became president of the South Asian Law Student Association. Through this role, I worked a great deal with not only my co-board members, but also with the Student Affairs Office. All of my goals were welcomed by everyone involved. Organizing events, both professional and social, allowed me to interact with most of the affinity groups on Grounds, creating programming that we designed together. The school was very encouraging of all the ideas any of us had, and it is always a comfort to know that the community you are in supports you no matter what. 

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: I took a risk when I first moved to Charlottesville. I didn’t know a single soul, I had never lived in Virginia, and I was the first in my entire ancestry to go into the legal field. I was afraid I had boxed myself into a small town with nothing to do, with people I had never met, and in a profession with which I had zero experience. But UVA Law proved to be one of the best decisions I ever made. The support and kindness that I got here just in the first week of law school set me at ease with my choice. When I went on to find that the city of Charlottesville is anything but a stereotypical small town, I knew I belonged.

The community spirit: When I became an ambassador for the school and began giving tours to prospective students, I came to realize how much I have interacted with many different levels of individuals throughout my time at UVA Law. I have been able to provide advice and input to those looking into beginning their legal careers at school. My peers have become some of my closest, lifelong friends. My professors have always been there as a part of my life, whether it be through academic office hours, or spending time playing racquetball with me at our gym. Staff members have become people with whom I have personal conversations. The community here is not one of a typical school; it is one comprised of friends at every one of those levels.

Hometown: Burlington, Washington

Education: B.A. in philosophy, B.A. in Spanish, Washington State University

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Virginia Law Weekly, Migrant Farmworker Project, Federalist Society, Law Christian Fellowship, West Coast Wahoos

What does diversity mean to you? To me, diversity means having a group of students that represents not only those groups and individuals whose voices are traditionally heard, but also those who are marginalized or come from communities that are too often ignored or forgotten. That means having a mix of students that better represents society at large, and especially those communities that are underrepresented in the nation’s law schools and legal communities.

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… I was given the chance to be a UVA Law Ambassador, showing prospective and admitted students and their families around the Law School. I’ve had the chance to tell the story of UVA Law to future denizens of the Law School and their families and — as a rural, first-generation professional student — tell them how UVA Law can become home to people from disparate backgrounds.

Advice for those considering applying to/attending UVA Law: The process of deciding where to go to law school is daunting. The law school search process can make all of them seem the same. My advice for those considering UVA Law: visit. I had my search narrowed down to three when I visited Charlottesville and the Law Grounds. That afternoon, I decided on UVA. The beauty of the Grounds and the school and the visible happiness of the student body made UVA a no-brainer.

Hometown: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Education: B.A. in classical civilization, Yale University

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Virginia Journal of International Law, Lambda Law Alliance, Virginia Law Democrats, Virginia Environmental Law Forum, Extramural Moot Court, Black Law Students Association, Volunteer Income Tax Association

What does diversity mean to you? For me, diversity means the chance to learn from the different ideas and experiences of others while also being able to put forth your own ideas and experiences in a respectful manner for others to consider, and celebrating that opportunity. I think this is a good in and of itself, but it was especially helpful in practice for my Appellate Litigation Clinic partner and me while we mooted in preparation for our Title VII retaliation case oral argument. Being able to ask friends who have widely varied outlooks on both the facts and the law of our case due to their philosophical outlooks and life experiences helped us prepare for any questioning that could have come our way. When we actually argued before the Fourth Circuit, we were able to represent our client and convey how the law applied to her experience in a more accessible way because of that preparation, and we won that appeal. 

My voice at UVA Law was heard when…I was able to participate in school-wide events where students told their personal stories to help give content and nuance to terms like “privilege” or “class” that affect everyone but seem to often be thought about in one particular way. 

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: If you are at all able, visit the Law School, and beyond any tours or classroom visits you do, just stop random students in the hall to get their sense of the school. I think the extremely strong community vibe is well-illustrated in how receptive anyone you stop will be to helping you and answering your questions. 

The community spirit: I came to UVA law specifically for the community and even I was surprised by how open and welcoming it actually is once you are here. Students, professors and staff all develop meaningful connections beyond just their expected roles, which adds so much to the law school experience, both in terms of future professional prospects and more importantly to the general sense of well-being one has while at the school.

Hometown: New York City

Education: B.A. in mathematics, City College of New York

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Co-president of Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, co-president of Virginia Law First-Generation Professionals, events co-chair of Virginia Law Women, Student Bar Association Diversity Advisory Committee, Women of Color

What does diversity mean to you? Diversity is just a fact of life for me. I was born in Seoul, South Korea; spent a few years in Los Angeles; and then grew up in New York City, so my life has always been filled with it. Diversity also means bringing all sorts of different perspectives into the mix. Everyone has different experiences, and everyone can benefit from being exposed to, appreciating and learning from these different backgrounds.

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… We founded Virginia Law First-Generation Professionals. It’s only recently that first-generation students are being recognized for their own unique backgrounds, and UVA Law now finally has our own first-generation group. There are issues that are unique to the first generation, and we’re starting to spark conversation about it not just among students, but also among the faculty. We also have representation in the SBA Diversity Advisory Committee. The group is just beginning, and I'm looking forward to seeing it grow.

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: UVA Law is a unique place that’s different from anywhere else. There is no scarcity of resources, whether they come from fellow students, upperclassmen or the faculty — all you have to do is ask. My advice is don't be scared to ask! Everyone here is not only willing, but happy to make sure that your time in law school is some of the best years of your life.

The community spirit: Everyone genuinely cares about your well-being. If I ever missed class, I never had to ask for notes — my section mates offered it to me before I even had a chance to because they noticed I wasn’t there. Throughout the summer and during OGIs, I had upperclassmen and classmates check in on how I was doing, just for the sake of it. My mentors who graduated even still keep tabs on me, and they're sincerely interested in how I’m doing. UVA Law is a place where collegiality isn’t just a slogan that people throw around, but rather a place where it truly is part of the community.

Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Education: B.S. in business administration, economics, University of North Carolina

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Virginia Law Review, Virginia Law Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Association, Muslim Law Students Association, Virginia Law Ambassadors, Admissions Student Life panelist

What does diversity mean to you? It means amplifying voices and empathizing with those who are different from us. Diversity is a way to engage with others, to learn and better ourselves and our communities. Ultimately, diversity can help us break down barriers across different subgroups in a productive way. 

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… I was encouraged to develop a Middle Eastern and North African community. There are about 30 students throughout the Law School with a MENA background who didn’t fit into any affinity group. A professor whom I had never met actually reached out to me to ask how the faculty could better support those students. With his support, along with my fellow classmate Rachael Joseph ’20 and the backing of the Admissions Office, we were able to successfully create a new community within the Law School. The Virginia Law MENA is now a strong affinity group within the school.

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: Talk to current students. There’s no better way to get a feel for what life looks like at UVA Law. All sorts of people roam the Grounds, and by getting a taste of student life through one-on-one interaction, prospective students can really see what makes UVA Law special — the people. Students are always happy to chat with people considering UVA. 

The community spirit: UVA Law has a special something about it. Professors, students, the administration — everyone is invested in making the Law School, and greater Charlottesville community, a place we can call home. From softball and Student Bar Association socials to study groups and finals prep, people here truly care for one another. Even after you leave UVA Law, alumni are always willing to help — whether it be career advice, clerkship connections or casual networking.

Hometown: Leander, Texas

Education: A.B. in public and international affairs, Princeton University 

Student organizations/extracurricular activities: Virginia Law Review, Black Law Students Association, Lambda Law Alliance, Community Fellows, Law Library student staff

What does diversity mean to you? To quote my favorite album, it means a seat at the table. But sheer inclusion only begins the work of diversity. We also have to empower marginalized voices and push them forward to truly be heard and received. It is important that our communities and institutions build a culture where everyone contributes and those contributions are valued. Only then can we build equity in our society.

My voice at UVA Law was heard when… As a 1L representative for Lambda Law Alliance, I co-sponsored and helped facilitate a discussion panel with Toccara Nelson ’19, Professor Dayna Matthew ’87, and Professor Kevin Gaines from Main Grounds on black queerness and related legal perspectives with BLSA. I firmly believe in the importance of intersectionality on legal analysis, and I was pleased to bring an event focusing on these issues to the Law School. We spoke about disparities, resilience in the community and the impact black queer thinkers have on legal scholarship. UVA Law offers copious opportunities for students to hold events on the issues that matter to them, and I did not waste time taking advantage of that.

Advice for those considering applying to, or attending, UVA Law: Consider the career opportunities your law school affords you. UVA Law students are highly sought after at all of the top law firms and litigation boutiques in the country. Additionally, our Career Development Office is the best in the game. When speaking to friends at peer schools, I am always proud to gloat about the fantastic support we have. The numbers do tell the story of an experienced office that is committed to getting you to your dream employment.

The community spirit: The various affinity groups in the Law School are tight communities- with each other and among themselves. We regularly collaborate with each other on social and educational events and show solidarities when justice is not served in the broader nation and world. I feel most affirmed and most proud of being a “Law Hoo” when any affinity group shines, and this unified strength was a significant factor in my decision to attend UVA Law.