Senior Consultant, Ernst & Young

Austin, Texas

Background

Class of 2021

Hometown: Austin, TX

Undergrad: Texas State University

Majors/Minors: B.S. Microbiology, Minor in Political Science and B.A. Political Science, Minor in Biology

Graduate: Texas State University

Major: M.A. Political Science

What did you do prior to attending the University of Maine School of Law?

While obtaining my M.A., I taught Introduction to American Government at Texas State University. After graduation, I worked as an academic advisor for the College of Science and Engineering at Texas State University. During undergrad, I was on the Texas State Quidditch Team, and I worked in Campus Recreation. Later, I served as the faculty (then staff) advisor for the Quidditch Team, and the Vietnamese Student Association.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Maine School of Law? 

I chose Maine Law because I knew I wanted to do something in the intersection of technology and law. While researching schools, I learned about the top ranked Information Privacy Program and the Privacy Law Certificate at Maine Law. When I saw the course offerings at Maine Law included intellectual property and technology law courses I was hooked. By coming to Maine Law, I could focus in both. Also, I really enjoyed the prospect of coming to a small school after attending such a large one.

How would you describe your experiences at Maine Law? 

My first semester was rocky because of homesickness, but it has gotten a lot better since then. Maine Law has a great community of students, faculty, and staff. There is a sense of camaraderie among the students which really helped me through 1L year. After 1L spring I finally got to take the Information Privacy Summer Institute, and I loved it. I really enjoyed my experience on the Lefkowitz Trademark Moot Court Team. While Moot Court was a lot of work, I really enjoyed learning more Trademark Law.

If you could tell a prospective student one thing about Maine Law, what would it be? 

Make connections, and find balance. Maine has a small legal community, and many of the state government leaders are Maine Law alumni. You never know if one of your classmates will be the next governor, senator, congressperson, or sitting on the bench. Even if you end up leaving Maine, many of the faculty have lived and practiced outside of the state, and can offer valuable perspectives on working in different areas of the law, and in different capacities. Find balance between being a law student and what you loved to do before school. Becoming a 24/7 law student can be difficult on your mental health. Don’t forget to still have fun!