Alumni

I joined PAD because I noticed very quickly how small the “pre-law” community at UNC was. You can major in just about anything and go to law school, so I think that makes it a bit harder to find people who share the same interest you do in the law. When I learned what PAD was my sophomore year of college, I knew joining would connect me with a group of people who shared this academic interest with me. The thing I liked and appreciated about PAD the most were the Professional and Academic events that featured current law students. Whenever I mentioned going to law school to someone who was experienced in the field, they always said the same thing, “Don’t go to law school!”, with no explanations as to why. Obviously, that was not an option for me because I had my mind set on going to law school. The panels we had with current law students were great because the group of students all had very different experiences prior to law school, providing a broad range of anecdotes and advice for all of our members. I know those panels helped me, and a lot of other members, determine what path to take after undergrad. For these reasons, I highly recommend members go to panels with current law students. Every event that PAD hosts is worthwhile, but I truly think the law student panels are one of the best things we have. Those and the ones with admissions reps — it never hurts to have a contact person at your top choice law school(s). I am currently a student at Howard University School of Law in Washington, DC and I love it! My experience at this school is very different than the one I had at Carolina. Before matriculating I received a lot of advice and encouragement and it definitely is the right school for me. If anyone has any questions about Howard or DC schools in general, please do not hesitate to reach out: charles.smith4@law.bison.howard.edu

PAD was an incredible experience for me. From being a first-year member to a senior executive board chair, I had an amazing experience along the way. I made life long friends, met irreplaceable connections around the country, and ate a lot of great food. I am now a 1L at Carolina Law, and PAD had a great influence on this decision. I see 2Ls and 3Ls that I met at panels in the hallway, and professors that I met through PAD as well. PAD even introduced me to one of my favorite mentors, a Dean here at the law school. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions about undergrad, pre-law, law school, the LSAT, or life in general at madleigh@live.unc.edu.