Hunter Heck
Hometown: Panhandle, Texas
Who I was then: In 2021, I graduated summa cum laude and as “highest-ranking graduate” from Texas Tech University with a B.A. in philosophy and Spanish. There, I had the privilege of serving as student body president and homecoming queen. I was also a member of the Honors College and the All-Girl Cheerleading Squad (yes, UVA broke my heart in 2019 when they beat Texas Tech in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. But then UVA Law stole my heart when deciding where to attend law school.)
Amazing law school class: It’s so hard to pick just one — I have loved law school! Among my favorites were Professor Payvand Ahdout’s Federal Courts course and Separation of Powers in the Federal Courts seminar, Professor Michael Doran’s Native American Law course, Professor Amanda Frost’s Immigration Law and Policy lecture and Professor Cate Stetson’s Appellate Practice course. I also had a wonderful experience researching economic liberty through an independent study, which Professor Julia Mahoney supervised.
Outside class: I served as articles development editor for the Virginia Law Review, vice president for professional development for the Federalist Society and mentorship co-chair for Virginia Law First-Generation Professionals. Perhaps the most meaningful experience of my time at UVA Law was competing as a finalist in the Lile Moot Court Competition with my roommate and friend, Audrey Payne ‘24. I was also a research assistant to Professors Sai Prakash and A. E. Dick Howard, clerked for the Institute for Justice and worked as a Workforce Law & Policy Fellow at the Cicero Institute.
Favorite outing/activity to unwind: I enjoy walking around North Grounds, listening to podcasts, attending exercise classes, and exploring wineries and restaurants around Charlottesville (Pippin Hill and Mas Tapas are my favorites!). But above all, I love my family and friends. I find that time spent with them, even on FaceTime, is always the most fulfilling.
Noteworthy summer job: My 1L summer, I worked in the Texas Office of the Solicitor General, where I helped draft and review a U.S. Supreme Court brief and federal courts of appeals briefs. The experience sparked my interest in separation-of-powers issues and affirmed my interest in appellate litigation.
What’s next (job/location): I will proudly return home to Texas and work at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Dallas for a year. Then I will clerk for Justice Evan A. Young on the Texas Supreme Court (2025-26 term) and Judge Don R. Willett on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (2026-27 term).
Who I am now: Although I am sad to leave law school, I love the law and am excited to practice. Law school has pushed me to think more critically, equipped me with the confidence and tools to effectively persuade others and helped me reflect on what I am most passionate about. I hope to leverage these gifts for good.
But perhaps most importantly, I will leave law school having befriended some of the brightest people I know. I am so excited to watch my classmates shine throughout their careers.
What you should know about Virginia Law: UVA Law students are the happiest law students in America (and all employed after graduation!). Everyone here has bought in on cultivating a supportive and friendly environment. The faculty support is unmatched. Our professors are not only the best and brightest, but also approachable and kind. I’ve found that professors are always willing to mentor and support students.