Photo of Seung Hye (Shang) Yang Seung Hye (Shang) Yang Seung Hye (Shang) Yang '24

Seung Hye (Shang) Yang

Law Clerk, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, Boston

Photo of Seung Hye (Shang) Yang

BC Law is known for its collaborative and friendly environment, and I wanted to be in a place where I would feel comfortable showing up to class knowing that I was surrounded by good people.

Hometown: Bayside, NY (originally from South Korea)

Why BC Law? BC Law is known for its collaborative and friendly environment, and I wanted to be in a place where I would feel comfortable showing up to class knowing that I was surrounded by good people. I knew that BC Law had a good reputation for employment, and that it also had renowned professors teaching courses I was interested in taking. I also really wanted to experience living in another major city other than New York or DC before I settled down, and Boston seemed like a great choice!

Something I didn't expect: I truly did not expect to make so many amazing friends here. They help keep me accountable and also motivate me to be the best version of myself. In law school, a big part of what keeps you going are the friends you make along the way. BC's collegial environment lends way to incredible bonds that I hope will last beyond law school. 

What do you hope to do after graduation? Ultimately I want to be able to use my legal education to help people who come from similar backgrounds like my mother. Growing up as immigrants, it was hard for her and my late father to find proper legal help due to their language barriers and financial hardship, and watching their struggles with the law inspired me to become a lawyer who could help people like them. I want to equalize the legal field so people from all backgrounds can afford the help they need.

Advice for law school applicants: Trust the process and believe in yourself--you'll end up where you need to end up. You belong in law school because you've worked hard and you deserve to be here!

Photo of Winston Bodrick Winston Bodrick Winston Bodrick '22

Winston Bodrick

Principal, Ambry Development Group, Boston

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This city is changing right before our eyes, and I want to be part of the brush that paints the future of this city.

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Why BC Law? 

Boston is my canvas. Boston is ripe for opportunity. This city is changing right before our eyes, and I want to be part of the brush that paints the future of this city. I would love to continue building upon Boston’s legacy of Black excellence.

Professional opportunities through BC Law?

1L Legal Intern at Fidelity Investments, 1L Legal Intern at NASDAQ, alternative spring break at Disability Rights Louisiana, 2L Summer Associate at Kirkland & Ellis, 3L Legal Extern at The Carlyle Group, BLSA External Vice President (2020-21), Member of NEBLSA and LAHANAS.

How will you apply your education toward the greater good? 

My responsibility is to be a gate opener, not a gatekeeper. I don’t want to just reap the benefits of my foremothers and forefathers. I want to take what I’ve learned from them, pay it forward, and use it. That’s our purpose. Once you attain the knowledge, skills, and opportunities, you shouldn’t hoard it. Let it go so it can do its own work.  

Photo of Alejandra Salinas Alejandra Salinas Alejandra Salinas ’15

Alejandra Salinas

Partner, Susman Godfrey, Houston; Former Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals (9th Circuit) Billings, MO

Photo of Alejandra Salinas

Much of my work involves applying the skills BC Law taught me.  First thing on this job, I created a how-to guide like one in my Advanced Legal research course. I still use a template from Legal Writing & Research.

Something you didn’t expect? I went to BC Law thinking I’d go back home and be a trial lawyer, but then I got an opportunity to work on the Ninth Circuit Appellate Program through the school’s Center for Experiential Learning. I realized how rich and diverse the practice of law can really be. 

Why BC Law? Opportunity. BC Law is such a well–established institution, connected to all the top areas of law—big firms, private sector, public sector, judges.

What’s next? I went to Houston to join Susman Godfrey, where I recently made partner and I'm continuing to learn as much as I can about being a good trial lawyer.

Photo of John  Kerry John Kerry John Kerry '76

John Kerry

Former U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate; Former U.S. Secretary of State & Senator

The people I met here were putting into action the words of the Jesuit motto: ‘Men and women for others.’ 

Every institution has a mission or a motto—that’s the easy part. The hard part is ensuring that they’re not just words.

Kerry served as the first U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate from 2021 to 2024, and served as the 68th US Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017. He was the Democratic nominee for president of the United States in the 2004 election. He represented Massachusetts for 28 years in the Senate, the last four as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he took a leadership role on key foreign policy and national security issues, among them Afghanistan and Pakistan, nuclear nonproliferation, and global climate change. Kerry chaired the Asia and Middle East subcommittees, where he authored and passed major legislation on international drug trafficking and money laundering, humanitarian aid, and climate change.

 

Why BC Law? "You can’t study at BC Law and not be forever changed by the difference it makes in your approach to law. You graduate understanding that the law is not just another way of making money; it’s a way you deliver justice and make our society stronger."

Photo of Fiona Maguire Fiona Maguire Fiona Maguire '23

Fiona Maguire

Real Estate Associate, Seyfarth Shaw, Boston

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I know that I will continue learning and growing from the foundation that BC Law has provided me.

Hometown: Boston, MA

Why BC Law? Reputation and location. As a Boston native, I was ready to be back in my hometown and I knew BC Law had a renowned program. I was especially excited about the land and environmental law courses. 

Something you didn’t expect when you got here? I thought it would be difficult returning to school after taking time to work following undergrad. I initially saw law school as a hurdle to get over in order to reach my career goals. To my surprise, I've loved being here. The students, faculty, and opportunities have been incredible.

What do you hope to do when you graduate? I plan to remain in Boston and hope I can make a positive impact on the community that shaped me through my work, pro bono, and mentorship. I know that I will continue learning and growing from the foundation that BC Law has provided me.

Advice for law school applicants? In your application materials, try to tell a story that illustrates both your talent and your humanity. Don't overlook transferable skills you possess that may seem unrelated to law school, they are just as important as your major and test scores. Lastly, keep careful track of the many deadlines for test dates, applications, financial aid, etc. Missing even one can be detrimental.

Photo of John Hess John Hess John Hess '26

John Hess

Class of 2026

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I want to be able to come home at the end of the day confident that I have helped someone and done all I can to get them through a trying or stressful time. I am confident that lawyering, especially the lawyering taught at BC Law, will put me in a position where I can do so. 

What makes BC Law unique? For lack of a better phrase: the culture of helpfulness. In my two years at BC Law, I have learned that pretty much everyone is willing to help me become the best student and attorney I can be. I have heard horror stories of the cutthroat cultures at other law schools and the culture at BC could not be further from that. Older students are willing to pass along outlines or tips from previous years so that 1Ls can be best equipped for classes and exams. Everyone I’ve met is willing to share notes when another student misses class for an interview or sickness. BC Law really encourages a collective mindset which makes it unique. Furthermore, professors at BC Law are so accessible. I have never felt like a professor was dodging me or unwilling to answer a question when I needed extra help. Many professors have open door policies in addition to their set office hours which is a huge help to students as well.

Why BC Law? I knew that wherever I ended up, law school was going to be hard. As a result, I was looking for a school where I could make friends and form bonds that would help get me through the toughest times. On my tour at BC Law, I didn’t see anyone who was clearly unhappy. People were walking the hallways talking with friends and laughing in the Yellow Room. Even the students I saw in the library didn’t look miserable. BC Law had all the qualities I wanted in a law school: we place well at employers throughout the public and private sector, we have a high bar passage rate, and there are opportunities to learn from leading scholars in their respective fields. But the best part, and the reason I chose it, was that I felt like it was a place where I could thrive not only academically but personally. 

Why did you choose to become a BC Law Ambassador? I chose to become a BC Law Ambassador because even in my first weeks at BC Law, I could tell that this was a special place. The academic environment, social culture, and support systems available played an integral role in confirming that I had made the right choice in coming to BC Law. When I toured other schools, the tours often felt so rehearsed and impersonal. My tour of BC Law was different. I felt like the Ambassadors were talking to me as a classmate instead of someone they had to sell the school to. I wanted to do that for future students and so I applied to be an Ambassador in my 1L fall. This year, I’ve had multiple 1Ls come up to me and tell me they remembered me as their tour guide which has been super cool!

How would you describe your academic experience at BC Law? Challenging yet incredibly rewarding. Law school is hard work, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, the results will come at BC Law. The professors want to engage students with the subject matter from Day 1 and other students are just as invested in the learning experience as their classmates. Reflecting on how far I’ve come since my first semester is truly incredible, and I could not have come this far without a learning environment that was so intellectually challenging but stimulating. 

What is something that has stayed with you as a result of your experiential learning requirements? The impact lawyers can have for clients even in a short window of time. This semester, I had the opportunity to work in the Civil Rights Clinic. Although we were only able to work with our clients for four months, we moved the cases forward and in interacting with clients I could sense their appreciation for the work we’d done. The experience, though brief, gave me my first real taste of the massive difference that lawyers can make in the lives of their clients. I came to law school to help people and the experiential learning programs at BC Law confirmed for me that practicing law will allow me to do so for my whole career. 

What's one way that BC Law has set you up for success? The professors at BC Law have encouraged me and my classmates to ask questions, which has been integral to my success here. Coming into law school there’s a lot of pressure to always have the answer or at least pretend like you do. Unlearning that and getting in the habit of attending office hours or asking what seems like a “dumb question” has been an adjustment that has made a world of difference. As I go into the workplace this summer and after law school I will definitely remember that it is better to ask a clarifying question on the front end of something than to misunderstand it which forces one to have to catch up far after they should have comprehended a topic. 

What are you planning to do with your law degree? Ultimately I just want to help people. I came to law school after a brief career in politics when I figured out that lawyers can help people far more directly than political campaigns can. I want to use the training, knowledge, and experience I’ve gained at BC Law to make sure my clients get the best outcome possible. I want to be able to come home at the end of the day confident that I have helped someone and done all I can to get them through a trying or stressful time. I am confident that lawyering, especially the lawyering taught at BC Law, will put me in a position where I can do so. 

Photo of Ginny  Alex Ginny Alex Ginny Alex '27

Ginny Alex

Class of 2027

Photo of Ginny  Alex

There’s a real emphasis on becoming not only a sharp legal thinker, but also an ethical, well-rounded, and personable advocate. That holistic approach makes the academic experience here feel both meaningful and empowering.

What makes BC Law unique? What truly sets BC Law apart is its incredible sense of community and the shared commitment to doing good in the world. It’s a place where people genuinely root for one another—where collaboration is the norm, not the exception. The professors are not only brilliant legal minds but also incredibly approachable and invested in our success. It’s rare to find a law school that combines academic excellence with such deep compassion and support.

Why BC Law? As a BC alumna, I already knew the values that define this community and the power of the BC network. After two years as an international trade paralegal at Akin Gump in D.C., I wanted a law school that would challenge me intellectually while also nurturing my commitment to service. BC Law was the clear choice, and naturally, it fulfilled my dream to be a double eagle.

Why did you choose to become a BC Law Ambassador? I became a BC Law Ambassador because I wanted to share the experience I’ve had here with others who are just beginning their journey. Law school is a big decision, and having someone to talk to—someone who can honestly share what it's like—meant a lot to me when I was applying. But what I didn’t expect is how energizing this role would be for me personally. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stress of readings and deadlines, but seeing the school through the eyes of prospective students, through their excitement and hope, brightens my day. 

How would you describe your academic experience at BC Law? Engaging, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. The professors are deeply knowledgeable and push us to think critically, but they’re also incredibly supportive and accessible—always willing to meet, offer guidance, or just talk through ideas. What stands out most to me is that BC Law doesn’t just focus on churning out technically strong lawyers. It’s a place that truly believes in educating the whole person. There’s a real emphasis on becoming not only a sharp legal thinker, but also an ethical, well-rounded, and personable advocate. That holistic approach makes the academic experience here feel both meaningful and empowering.

What is something that has stayed with you as a result of your experiential learning requirements? As a 1L, our experiential learning comes in the form of an elective course, and I was fortunate to take Administrative Law. It was the perfect introduction to what legal practice in a specific field actually looks like and helped me connect classroom learning to the regulatory work I had done before law school. Now, as a 2L, I’m excited to be participating in the Youth and Family Rights Clinic. This opportunity means a lot to me because of my time living and working in an orphanage in Mexico—an experience that deepened my passion for helping others. The clinic allows me to bring that passion into my legal education, and I’m grateful that BC Law makes it possible to explore both professional goals and personal values through experiential learning.

What's one way that BC Law has set you up for success? BC Law does an incredible job setting students up for success right from the start. The 1L programming—from academic support to career counseling—is thoughtful, strategic, and genuinely helpful. But beyond the formal programs, what really sets BC apart is how invested the professors and alumni are in our growth. They don’t just teach or advise—they actively open doors. I actually secured my 1L summer job before the end of my first semester thanks to a professor who connected me with one of her former students. That level of mentorship and advocacy is something you can’t take for granted, and at BC Law, it’s part of the culture.

What are you planning to do with your law degree? I plan to build a career in regulatory law, expanding on my experience in international trade and administrative law. But equally important to me is using my legal education to help others. After working in an orphanage in Mexico, I realized how deeply I care about advocacy and service. Through opportunities like the Youth and Family Rights Clinic, I hope to explore how to integrate both sides of my passion—making a tangible impact while also engaging in complex, intellectually stimulating legal work.

Photo of Matthew Lussier Matthew Lussier Matthew Lussier '26

Matthew Lussier

Class of 2026

Photo of Matthew Lussier

There’s a real emphasis on becoming not only a sharp legal thinker, but also an ethical, well-rounded, and personable advocate. That holistic approach makes the academic experience here feel both meaningful and empowering.

What makes BC Law unique? I believe that there are a number of factors that make BC Law unique. However, the biggest factor is the community. Whether it is the kindness of students passing each other in the halls and saying hello, the open doors of professors ready to answer course-specific questions, or the administrators who create events to help students academically, professionally, and personally, everyone at BC Law is rooting for your success.

Why BC Law? I chose BC Law for several reasons. When I was researching law schools, I hoped to find a school that promised intellectual rigor and collegiality, the opportunity for frequent engagement with professors, and a high quality of life for students. Not only did BC Law check all of those boxes, but when I had the opportunity to visit campus, I was blown away by the community. I have been able to make many great friends during my time at BC Law, and that makes me excited to come to campus every morning. My experience has lived up to those hopes in every sense of the word.

How would you describe your academic experience at BC Law? My academic experience at BC Law has been excellent. The faculty are fantastic –for example, I have taken several courses where the professor wrote the textbook we used. Being able to learn from individuals who are not only happy to teach students but are also top scholars in their respective fields creates an academic experience that is thoroughly enriching. Additionally, because of their expertise, there is not a question that goes unanswered; the degree of knowledge of our professors feels almost encyclopedic, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn from them.

What has been your favorite experience at BC Law so far? My favorite experience at BC Law is really two experiences, but they are both events organized by the Law Student Association. The first is the softball league on Saturdays in the fall semester – my section, Section 3, came up just short in the championship game this year! The second is the annual BC Law ski trip to Killington– a group of Section 3 classmates and I have stayed together for two years now, and it has led to many cherished memories. During 1L, it was actually my first time skiing, and sharing that experience with friends from BC Law made it even more special. In terms of favorite academic experience at BC Law, I loved Professor Bratt’s Law Practice course and Professor Quinn’s Corporations course – they were both fantastic!

What's one way that BC Law has set you up for success? In the classroom, BC Law has set me up for success by teaching me how to think like a lawyer, being able to assess issues or roadblocks quickly and finding an appropriate solution. Outside of the classroom, BC Law has set me up for professional success through the guidance of the Career Services Office, which was instrumental in helping me find summer positions for both my 1L and 2L summers.

What are you planning to do with your law degree? I plan to practice in Massachusetts doing corporate transactional work. This summer, I will be joining Dechert in its Boston office as a Summer Associate and hope to learn more about that field and gain hands-on experience.

Photo of Sherry  Assi Sherry Assi Sherry Assi '25

Sherry Assi

Assistant Counsel at KabaFusion

Photo of Sherry  Assi

Bringing everyone together in an environment where they are able to socialize and destress from the burdens of law school is a rewarding experience. Being a part of MELSA is certainly a highlight of my time at BC and a memory I will always cherish.

What makes BC Law unique? What makes Boston College Law School unique is a combination of many things. For one, the school offers a wide variety of courses that are bound to pique students’ interests during their three years at BC. The school also offers extensive experiential learning programs which include innovative clinics, externships, and semester abroad opportunities.

Why BC Law? I chose BC Law because of the school’s academic excellence and practical training. From talking to peers and mentors, I learned that BC Law focused on developing student’s legal knowledge as well as essential skills like research, writing, and analysis. Further, the curriculum is taught by the most qualified and enthusiastic professors, who have only the students’ best interests in mind. Thus, I felt comfortable choosing BC Law knowing that the three year program would equip me with the skills and training that I would need to succeed in practice after graduation.

What has been your favorite experience at BC Law so far? My favorite experience at BC Law thus far has been finding a community within MELSA – the Middle Eastern Law Students Association – during my 1L year and throughout my time at BC. Though the club is small in numbers, it is a welcoming and friendly environment where I built lifelong friendships with peers. I aimed to continue fostering this environment as president of the club during my 2L yearwhere we continued to host community gathering events. Bringing everyone together in an environment where they are able to socialize and destress from the burdens of law school is a rewarding experience. Being a part of MELSA is certainly a highlight of my time at BC and a memory I will always cherish.

Why did you choose Tulip Interfaces for your externship? I chose Tulip Interfaces for my externship because of the learning experience that the opportunity would offer. As a Legal Extern I get to be involved in a lot of the transactional work that the legal department is tasked with. This includes reviewing and editing meaningful contracts, sitting in on meeting, etc. I am able to get hands-on experience that a normal classroom environment does not offer.

What is one things you're taking away from your experience in your externship? Of course, I am taking away many things from experience. But if I had to choose one, I would say being meticulous and paying attention to all of the little details of a contract. Getting to review so many contracts has made me adept at navigating these details and flagging what may need a second look.

What's one way that BC Law set you up for success in your externship? The externship is a great experience because I get to take everything that I have learned in the classroom at BC Law and apply it directly to the work I am doing at Tulip Interfaces. Having taken a variety of transactional courses at BC, of course, including contracts and corporations, I have an understanding of what I am looking for in the contracts I read and what the terms and provisions even mean.

How would you describe your academic experience at BC Law? I would describe my academic experience at BC Law as both challenging but rewarding. Of course, the law school curriculum is no easy feat, but being here at the end of this journey is certainly a rewarding feeling. I get to look back at all of the struggles and successes fondly, knowing that all of the hard work paid off.

Photo of Gregory  Peck Gregory Peck Gregory Peck '26

Gregory Peck

Class of 2026

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I’m leaving BC Law with skills that will benefit me professionally and personally. The knowledge I’ve gained helps me think more critically in every aspect of life.

What makes BC Law unique? The warmth everyone praises really stands out. BC Law is often called the ‘Disneyland’ of law schools, but you won’t fully grasp what that means until you’re here.

What has been your favorite experience at BC Law so far? Taking part in the Immigration Clinic and representing a real client before an actual immigration judge was both the most nerve-wracking and most fulfilling experience.

Why did you choose Tulip Interfaces for your externship? My career goal after graduation is to work in-house, so I wanted to get a feel for what that environment is really like. More specifically, I aim to serve as in-house counsel at a tech-focused company, which is precisely what Tulip is.

What is one thing you're taking away from your experience in your externship? How in-house attorneys are more involved on the business side. You likely wouldn’t get that same depth of participation in a law firm, even doing corporate work. As in-house counsel, you really feel you’re part of the company’s day-to-day operations.

What's one way that BC Law has set you up for success in your externship? BC has a strong framework that allows the externship program to really flourish. With resources like academic services and SAGE, finding opportunities was remarkably straightforward.

How would you describe your academic experience at BC Law? It was challenging in the best way. Law school isn’t like any other course of study— you have to learn how to learn all over again. Ultimately, it’s worth it. I’m leaving BC Law with skills that will benefit me professionally and personally. The knowledge I’ve gained helps me think more critically in every aspect of life.

What are you planning to do with your law degree? My goal is to establish a career as an in-house attorney. I see it as the perfect balance between salary, work-life harmony, and exposure to varied legal practice.

Photo of Melissa Gaglia Melissa Gaglia Melissa Gaglia '23

Melissa Gaglia

Associate Attorney at Greenberg Traurig, LLP

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When I reflect back on my time, I am not only proud of my academic success but more importantly of the relationships I fostered.

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.

Photo of Daniel Madden Daniel Madden Daniel Madden '26

Daniel Madden

Transfer Student

Photo of Daniel Madden

BC Law hosts a plethora of events for developing my professional network and learning about practicing law, from public interest to big law firms and everything in between. 

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. 

Photo of Carly Morris Carly Morris Carly Morris '26

Carly Morris

Class of 2026

Photo of Carly Morris

BC Law gave me a strong foundation in the core skills I needed to succeed in my externship at the Conservation Law Foundation.

What has been your most interesting experience at BC Law so far? One of the most interesting experiences I’ve had so far was attending COP 29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Azerbaijan as part of BC’s delegation. It gave me a rare chance to observe high-level legal and policy discussions on an international stage. In addition, this experience gave me the opportunity to connect with students from across the university.

Why did you choose the Conservation Law Foundation for your externship? I chose CLF—and more specifically, the Clean Air and Water Program—for my externship because I wanted to work on complex regulatory and litigation issues in a setting where I could take on substantive legal tasks. CLF is a premier environmental nonprofit with a strong track record of using legal tools to protect natural resources and public health, so it was an ideal place to gain experience. As someone who is passionate about environmental justice, this externship was a natural fit. I was an Environmental Studies major in college, and I currently serve as the president of the Environmental Law Society at BC Law, so I’ve been committed to environmental issues for a long time. The opportunity to contribute to meaningful legal work while building my research and writing skills and learning from experienced attorneys made this an incredibly valuable experience.

What is the one thing you're taking away from your experience in your externship? BC Law gave me a strong foundation in the core skills I needed to succeed in my externship. Courses like Administrative Practice and Legal Writing sharpened my ability to think analytically and communicate clearly, and writing for the Uniform Commercial Code Reporter-Digest journal helped me refine my legal research and writing skills. Beyond the classroom, BC emphasizes practical thinking—how to apply legal concepts to real-world problems—which made me feel prepared from day one. I also knew I could reach out to any of my professors, whether from Administrative Practice, Legal Writing, or Environmental Law, for guidance or support with issues that came up during the externship.


What are you planning to do with your degree? I plan to start my career in private practice, likely in litigation or regulatory work, to continue building strong legal skills and work on complex, high-stakes matters. Long term, I’m keeping an open mind, but I know I want to stay in a role where I’m solving problems, thinking critically, and working on interesting legal issues with a team.

Photo of Leia Washington Leia Washington Leia Washington '27

Leia Washington

Lead Ambassador

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I had an incredibly difficult time choosing a law school while I was applying.  Hearing about the student experience directly from current students was the key deciding factor for me and really helped set the schools apart. 

What makes BC Law unique? I think Boston College Law is unique because of the way the school cares about students as whole people, rather than just future lawyers. All of the faculty and staff pour into us as students to not only develop us intellectually, but also to ensure we are becoming lawyers who will be compassionate, community-oriented, and ethical. 

Why BC Law? I was looking for a school with strong academics, a variety of experiential learning opportunities, and a location where I could find internships/externships nearby. BC Law had all of the above! What really solidified my choice was the strong sense of community - being far away from home I knew I wanted a place where I could find supportive, kind people to make my transition easier and BC has really lived up to that.

Why did you choose to become a BC Law Ambassador? I chose to become a BC Law Ambassador because I have loved my experience at BC Law so far and wanted to share that experience with others. I had an incredibly difficult time choosing a law school while I was applying. I felt like it was such a big, important decision and so many schools looked similar on paper. Hearing about the student experience directly from current students was the key deciding factor for me and really helped set the schools apart. As a BC Law Ambassador, I wanted to give back and provide that help to other prospective students grappling with this big decision! 

How has BC Law set you up for success? In particular, the BC Law Career Services Office has been tremendously helpful. Career Services Office advisors are also extremely available to meet directly with students about their unique needs in a job. For someone that does not have any lawyers in my immediate family, I was unfamiliar with how applying for legal jobs is different from others I’ve applied for in the past. I felt confident going into both my Summer 2025 and Summer 2026 job searches because of all the great information and one-on-one help that the Career Services Office provided. 

What are you planning to do with your degree? I am very interested in pursuing a career in litigation. While I do not know exactly what that will look like yet, I’m hoping to begin my career somewhere I can get substantial trial practice. Further in my career, I would love to specialize in government investigations, media and entertainment IP litigation, or criminal law. 

Photo of Tatiana-Rose Becker Tatiana-Rose Becker Tatiana-Rose Becker '21

Tatiana-Rose Becker

Associate at Ropes & Gray LLP

Photo of Tatiana-Rose Becker

I credited my happiness to the people, both professors and students alike, who taught me to think and engage in new ways.

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.