PERSPECTIVE: LAW STUDENT

Allison Bantimba

  1. What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how has your perception of the legal profession evolved since starting law school? My work in racial justice taught me that most inequities are rooted in the law. I initially just wanted to learn more about the law, and law school seemed like a good way to do that.

  2. How do you prioritize and manage your time effectively to balance academic demands, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments? I regularly have to zoom out in my mind to see the big picture and remind myself that this experience will just be a small piece of my career. Before starting law school, everyone said it would be the hardest thing I ever did (not entirely incorrect), but I do my best not to internalize that and approach my coursework without expectation. I have found that the times I did not intentionally make time for friends and myself, I struggled the most.

  3. What areas of law are you most passionate about, and why? I love being in community, and I am learning that transactional law allows me to work alongside people.

  4. Have you had any internships or legal experiences outside of the classroom, and how have they influenced your career aspirations? I am currently in GSU's new Community Development and Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic. After realizing I did not have a real passion for litigation, I was unsure how to blend my interests in racial justice with a legal career. In the clinic, we do transactional work for mostly Black-led community organizations working towards liberation.

  5. What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in the legal profession, and how do you cultivate them? Regardless of what type of law you practice, I believe centering your client's experience is the most important. For me, this means being involved with the communities I want to work with, getting to know people and their needs, and being mindful of when I am operating on my own assumptions.

  6. How do you envision leveraging your legal education to make a positive impact on society or your community? I want to eventually do some policy work with a focus on supporting the autonomy and agency of Black people.

  7. What advice would you give to other law students who are navigating their legal education and preparing for their careers? Enjoy the process. It's a wasted three years if all you are focused on is making good grades and getting the best internships. No one else really understands what you're going through as much as other law students. Also, ask a lot of questions!

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