School you transferred from: University of Miami School of Law

Why BC Law? I was a BC undergrad and really wanted to return. When I reflect back on my time, I am not only proud of my academic success but more importantly of the relationships I fostered. A lot of the time my peers would reminisce about their 1L year, forgetting I wasn’t here for it. Some even joked that I knew more people in the school than they did, even though they’d been there longer. Thase were the moments and affirmations that validated my choice to transfer...Whether you’re thinking about transferring, in your last semester of your law school career, or just started studying for the LSAT, I hope you fall in love with your law school like I did with BC.

What did you learn from your experience? I can confidently say that BC Law pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me a better student and an overall better person. If you told me before transferring that I would make so many meaningful connections and accomplish all that I did while feeling so supported and loved by the BC Law community, I wouldn’t have believed it. I don’t really know what I expected when I came back to Newton, but if given the chance, I would do it all again.

What has been your favorite/most interesting experience at BC so far? Being a 2020 graduate and due to pandemic disruptions, my makeshift graduation from Boston College undergrad was held in October. A home football game fell on the weekend of my graduation, which meant that I would be surrounded by my law school friends, my undergrad friends, and my family. That night was so special for me, not only because I was finally celebrating a long overdue milestone, but because all the people who make me happy were there for me and were fitting together perfectly. Weirdly enough, I was more shocked by my law school friends being there to celebrate with me, especially since they only had known me for such a short amount of time. Seeing all these people from different parts of my life come together made me realize how lucky I am, and how I had made such important relationships during my short time at BC Law.

School you transferred from: New England Law Boston

Why did you decide to transfer? One of the reasons I began my pursuit of a law degree is my interest in Intellectual Property. New England Law gave me a great opportunity to begin that journey, and I am grateful to the faculty and students I met during my time there. However, I believed the best way to maximize my time as a student, and develop to my fullest, meant I needed to pursue my education elsewhere. I wanted to be somewhere connected to the firms that specialize in the area, while also surrounding myself with faculty that could teach me the ins and outs of the different legal fields as they relate to IP.  

Why BC Law? BC Law became the clear choice for several reasons. First, the faculty have a great range of interests and professional backgrounds, and I knew this would lead to a greater diversity in course offerings. Additionally, the faculty to student ratio means the faculty can teach smaller classes and provide more individualized feedback that will help me develop further as an aspiring lawyer. I've already noticed such feedback in my IP Survey course and writing course. Second, the externships and clinics that BC Law has available align well with my interest. Finally, BC Law hosts a plethora of events that would be perfect for developing my professional network and learning all there is about practicing law from the area of public interest, to big law firms, and everything in between. 

What has been your favorite/most interesting experience at BC so far? I applied to be a Staff Editor during my first week at the school, and that has been a great experience. I have already made quick friends with my editorial team, and I am getting an opportunity to aid 1Ls develop their own writing as I aid them in the process of developing a publish-ready work. This has been a very rewarding experience already.

School activities: Thus far, I have joined the IPTF journal, and I have participated in the general IPTF club activities. I recently applied for the clinic programs in the upcoming spring, and I will keep my eyes open for other opportunities to immerse myself in the BC Law community!

What are you planning to do with your degree? In a perfect world, I will take the knowledge I have and help creators protect their brand and creations. I will ideally join a firm and specialize in copyright and trademarks, and perhaps one day find my way back into the classroom. 

School you transferred from: American University Washington College of Law

Why did you decide to transfer? I was in DC when I wanted to be in Boston, and I was managing a long-distance relationship with my partner, who was also in Boston. I decided I needed a change.

Why BC Law? It wasn’t a hard choice, or even one that took me a long time to make. But it was scary. And I didn’t have a single friend at BC when I decided to transfer. So in many ways it was a gamble that I could do it all over again like I had in 1L. But I made wonderful life long friends who are teaching me to be a better person every day. I risked a lot when I transferred, and my gamble paid off in dividends.

Best piece of advice? My last word on my transfer experience to anyone who is considering BC as a second, or even a first, law school, is that when I jumped, the BC Legal Eagle community caught me. And although it took some time for me to feel fully at home, I know that moving back to Boston, going to BC, and choosing to associate myself with our law school’s legacy was the best call I made in a very long time.

School activities (any student orgs, advocacy programs, externships, etc): I BC Law Democrats, 2L moot court competition, BC Legal Service LAB Civil Litigation Clinic

What are you planning to do with your degree? I am working as an Associate at Ropes & Gray LLP in Boston.

School you transferred from: William and Mary Law School

Why did you decide to transfer? Firstly, because I wanted to return to the Boston area.  Secondly, because of the opportunity here to participate in advocacy programs and competitions during the second and third year of school, despite not having had that experience during 1L. 

Why BC Law? I attended BC undergrad, where I became familiar with the intangibles that make this University special. BC runs on an unparalleled  investment in its community, which each individual plays a part in. On top of that, the Jesuit tradition runs deep at BC, which I view as an essential component of my legal education. 

What has been your favorite/most interesting experience at BC so far? I enjoyed competing in the BC Mock Trial competition last fall. It was a great way to build my trial skills and also meet BC Law alumni who do trial work (some of the judges were alumni).  

School activities (any student orgs, advocacy programs, externships, etc): Judicial Extern at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts Spring 2024

What are you planning to do with your degree? After I graduate this spring, I will return to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office as an ADA.

School you transferred from: Suffolk University Law School  

Why did you decide to transfer? BC Law was my top choice when I initially applied to law school, but unfortunately, I was not accepted the first time. That is the beauty of transferring: you have a second chance!  

Why BC Law? I was drawn to BC’s extensive public interest course offerings, which I knew would set a great foundation for my legal career in the U.S. Coast Guard. I also appreciated BC Law’s Jesuit values, as I felt that they closely aligned with my own personal values.

What has been your favorite/most interesting experience at BC so far? I have loved all my public interest courses! A few of my favorites are Immigration Law, Environmental Law, and International Human Rights Law. 

What are you planning to do with your degree? I will use my degree to be an attorney for the U.S. Coast Guard.