What sparked your interest in wellness and law?

The legal profession is quite demanding. Attorneys often find themselves occupied and lack the time for self-reflection or contemplating broader perspectives. When I embarked on my law school journey, I started recognizing how intensely my classmates concentrated on their studies, sometimes at the expense of their well-being.

I have always held a keen interest in wellness. It’s vital for us as law students and attorneys to prioritize mental and physical well-being, alongside our academic pursuits. Consequently, I established the Wellness in Law & Life Society. We host numerous events on campus and throughout St. Louis, serving as a conduit for connection. Our aim is to demonstrate that individuals can find joy and pursue a legal career that is harmonious, satisfying, and fulfilling.

Your address to the graduating cohort will emphasize community. What does community signify to you?

My mother passed away seven months ago. The aftermath of her death was profoundly challenging. However, the support I received from the law school community helped me navigate through it. I heard from classmates I hadn’t interacted with in years, offering their assistance. People brought meals to my apartment. To me, community resembles family. You don’t have to be connected by blood to be considered family.

Prior to starting law school, I traveled to meet more than 40 of my prospective classmates nationwide, and I helped set up the group chat for our class. I organized a large welcome party the weekend before the academic year commenced, which attracted over 80% of our cohort.

The purpose was to gather, bring everyone together, and view each other as individuals, as humans, instead of merely as law students. It created a positive environment for all of us, which can sometimes be hard to discover in law.

How will you carry on this mission post-graduation?

I have accepted a position with Cooley LLP, where I will focus on startup law dealing with private financing for companies like Zoom and Uber, alongside other startups. Entrepreneurship presents a pathway for individuals to follow their passions. Although entrepreneurship can manifest in various forms, I believe the link between the pursuit of happiness, community, and passion is what invigorates me. I enjoy being in the company of those who are enthusiastic about their endeavors.

I also see myself taking on a leadership role within the firm, championing the significance of community and support. I aim to foster passion and become a resource my colleagues can turn to during challenging times, similar to my efforts with the wellness society at WashU. As artificial intelligence continues to grow in importance within the legal field, the human aspect will remain crucial, if not more so. It’s about nurturing more connections, being present for individuals, and cultivating a community.