Casey Schmidt

Who I was then: A proud Double Hoo, I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2018. I then worked for three years as an analyst at a law firm in Washington, D.C. The exposure to a wide range of matters — everything from multidistrict litigation to white-collar defense — and the opportunity to learn from talented attorneys convinced me to go to law school. And it was an easy decision to return to UVA and Charlottesville!

Amazing law school class: The highlight of my experience at UVA Law was the Appellate Litigation Clinic, where a classmate and I had the opportunity to brief and argue an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. For more traditional classes, I would highlight Election Law with Professor Michael Gilbert, Native American Law with Professor Michael Doran and Federal Courts with Professor Michael Collins.

Outside class: I served as the lead executive editor of the Virginia Law Review, a teaching assistant for Professor Jason Johnston’s 1L Contracts class, a co-chair of the Admitted Students Open House and an ambassador. I was also involved with the Innocence Project through both the Law School clinic and pro bono work.

Favorite outing/activity to unwind: Visting the local vineyards and wineries has been one of my favorite ways to explore the greater Charlottesville area. Whether you’re a wine snob or just want to get outside, it’s the perfect afternoon away from your textbooks. I’ve made it to more than 20 different wineries during my time in Charlottesville, and each has their own unique charm. Don’t forget your camera; they’re also great for Instagram content!

Noteworthy summer job: My first summer I interned for Judge Zia M. Faruqui on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Judge Faruqui was an incredible mentor during my internship — and is to this day. After a year of reading judicial opinions in law school, I think it is particularly enlightening to be in a courtroom for 1L summer. Working in chambers also motivated me to clerk after graduation.

What’s next (job/location): I’ll spend the next year clerking for Judge Michael Y. Scudder Jr. on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago. After that, I will head to Honolulu to clerk for Judge Mark J. Bennett on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Who I am now: I certainly know more random facts about Supreme Court justices and citations to various provisions of the U.S. code than I did three years ago. But law school doesn’t just teach you how to read or write or issue spot. It also introduces you to brilliant and kind people who will challenge you, expose you to new ideas and make you a better lawyer. I have learned as much from the time spent in the classroom as from interactions with classmates and professors outside of it. I leave UVA with some incredible friends and mentors who I’m confident will be influential throughout my career.

What you should know about Virginia Law: People don’t come to UVA to simply check the box on getting their law degree—here, it’s about the journey. Whether you come straight from undergrad or several years in the workforce and whether you come alone or bring a family to Charlottesville, you will be welcomed into an incredible community. Classes, organizations and UVA Law traditions provide countless opportunities to get to know your peers, but you have to take advantage of them. Don’t be afraid to get outside your comfort zone (and the library!) and say “yes” to things. I often tell prospective students that 1L was probably the most fun year of my life; I’m not sure you can attend another law school and have that experience. These three years go by all too fast, so make the most of the adventure!