The School of Law’s Class of 2009 comprises 151 graduates, including January, May, and August graduates. The bulk of them will be recognized in a commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, where they’ll be addressed by Dean of Students, Professor and Alumna Lori Shaw (UDSL class of ’87). Below, three members from the class of ’09 reflect on their time as UDSL students, the lessons they will take with them and their plans for the future. Ryan Voelker, who served in the Army before coming to law school, was class president and is a new father. After graduation he’ll head to work for Jackson Kelly. Jenna Dahman was a law review editor who will work for Premier Health Partners, where she externed. Shaun Hassett, who won the award for best editor on the law review, will begin a career in IP law for Alston & Bird.
1) What are your plans after graduation?
RYAN: I will be studying for the WV bar exam! After the bar exam, my family and I will be moving to Charleston, WV. I am extremely excited to work for Jackson Kelly PLLC in the Litigation Department.
JENNA: I feel incredibly fortunate to have been offered an in-house position as a Staff Attorney for the General Counsel’s Office of Premier Health Partners here in Dayton, Ohio, upon my successful bar passage. Starting in August, I will be working alongside an unbelievably talented and intelligent team of attorneys there, several of whom are also UDSL graduates!
SHAUN: I will join the patent litigation department of Alston & Bird LLP's office in Charlotte, North Carolina. So, following a two-week hibernation cycle, necessitated by three years of sleep deprivation, I will begin studying for the North Carolina Bar exam. After the bar, I will be taking a six week backpacking trip to Europe. The start date for work at my firm is mid-January 2010, so after returning from my adventures I am planning on working in the Emerging Technologies Department at the University of Buffalo for the fall semester.
2) What do you look forward to most as you begin your law careers?
RYAN: I am looking forward to applying what I have learned over the past three years at UDSL to helping clients achieve their goals.
JENNA: I’m truly looking forward to continuing my legal education through practice. I am so grateful for the solid foundation UDSL has given me as I begin my career. I can’t wait to get out into the world, meet new people and start my professional life.
SHAUN: I look forward to having more balance in my life. The time absorbed by law school has resulted in several segments of my life being placed on hold. Rarely have I had the opportunity to just lie around on the couch all weekend and relax, or spend quality time with my friends. I will still keep long office hours, but nowhere near what my schedule has been the past three years. In addition, I also look forward to the day when I no longer have to borrow money from Wachovia to buy groceries.
3) What lesson learned at UDSL stands out to you as most valuable as you graduate?
RYAN: Law school is not just about learning substantive law; it is about time management, personal and professional responsibility, and learning how to effectively communicate with people from all walks of life.
JENNA: UDSL taught me about true friendship. I strongly believe that UDSL attracts a certain kind of individual – I think our School appeals to those who are looking to become part of a tight-knit community valuing mutual respect, acceptance and faith. Although law school certainly helped me to realize how strong I am as an individual, it also taught me the value of being able to admit when you need help. The people that I am lucky to call my friends here became my family at UDSL, and I couldn’t have gotten through this experience without their support. Without a doubt, there are UDSL faculty members, staff members, and students that I will keep in contact with for the rest of my life, and I find that to be a rare and wonderful gift.
SHAUN: Without a doubt, perseverance. Each semester has high points and low points. The days when you walk into Property class, get called on for a question on easements, and actually get it right! Unfortunately, there are also the days where you walk out of Contracts more confused than when you walked in. Regardless of which day it is you can never quit trying. You just have to hang in there until it is all over.
4) Did law school at UDSL satisfy your expectations? How?
RYAN: UDSL exceeded my expectations: the professors are nationally recognized yet easy to speak with; the administration is extremely helpful; and the facilities are second to none. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would definitely choose UDSL.
JENNA: My experience at UDSL not only satisfied my expectations for law school, but exceeded them. The UDSL faculty and staff enthusiastically and passionately dedicate themselves to the success of the students not only academically, but professionally. We are so fortunate to be supported by such a talented and accomplished faculty. Additionally, UDSL has such a multitude of academic, pro bono and career-related programs, as well as student-run organizations. Our School just stands out – from our Academic Support program, to the clinic, to our legal writing curriculum. There is always an opportunity for students to get involved, learn and give back to the community.
SHAUN: My experience at UDSL exceeded my expectations. I expected UDSL to academically and intellectually challenge me. However, the collegial and helpful environment created by the professors and other students was truly a surprise.
5) What advice would you give to incoming 1Ls?
RYAN: I think, as with anything in life, the more you put into law school, the more you get out of it. Treat law school as if it was a job. You are expected and required to put forth a lot of effort, but always remember to take time for yourself. Nothing will be handed to you; you must earn it.
JENNA: Although it took me awhile to figure this out, the key to personal success and happiness in law school is balance. Each individual student must determine what works for him or her. The first year requires a great deal of work, but you also must make time to take care of yourself. Study hard, and then balance that effort with community involvement. You will receive a more well-rounded education by joining an organization, volunteering and meeting new people.
SHAUN: Your experiences and time at UDSL will be a product of your own efforts. Only your actions will define your accomplishments, reputation, and future after law school. Work hard. Don't take shortcuts. Leave some time for yourself.