Profile - Anna Ku '08

Undergraduate School: University of Virginia Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia "As a Kirgis Fellow, I had the amazing opportunity to get to know the 1Ls and be a mentor.  I have made pretty significant friendships with my Kirgis section.  For example, over the summer in DC, a bunch of us got together for lunch.  I just really enjoy sharing resources and imparting some of the knowledge I've gained in the last couple of years to the next class. "

So, what brought you to W&L?

I am from Virginia and wanted to stay in this area, so I applied to Virginia and D.C. schools.  I visited a few of them and loved being at W&L. 

I enjoyed the close-knit atmosphere where everyone really seemed to like being around each other.  I liked the small classes where the faculty could give you individualized attention – and actually get to know you.  This was a big contrast with my undergraduate college where my smallest classes were around 50 and my biggest class was around 500.  I also really liked having professors teach the legal writing class.

What was your favorite class/classroom experience?

My favorite class was Torts first-year with Professor Murchison.  On the very first day of class (also the first class of my law school career), Dean Evans came in the room and did the "Oyez, oyez" thing to introduce the Honorable Judge Murchison to overhear the McAfoos case.  Professor Murchison entered with a robe on and called on Mr. Dickens and Ms. Fenton to be counsel for the plaintiff and defendant.  Although I definitely am glad I was not called on, it was an amazing way to start the class – to see why we were actually in law school. 

It also relieved a lot of fears because even though Mr. Dickens and Ms. Fenton did not answer the court's questions perfectly, Professor Murchison helped them out by saying, "What you really mean is ___?"  This experience gave me a good look into what law school would be like – academically rigorous but also a place where people are here to help you. 

Who's your favorite professor? Why?

Professor Sundby – he's a dynamic professor who makes whatever he is teaching interesting.  He is always willing to help students – even when it's not class-related.  For example, as Executive Editor of Law Review, I had to come up with the write-on problem for new staffwriters.  I knew I wanted to talk to Professor Sundby about a potential topic.  We met several times to discuss topics.  He looked over the write-on problem and made edits/suggestions.  Even when he knew he would be out of town, he gave me his cell phone number just in case I needed to reach him about the write-on problem.

What's your favorite thing about Lexington?

The drive-in theater – I go with friends to see the double-features.  Hull's Drive-In is just a cute part of history, and you can watch two movies for $5.  Plus the candy is only $0.30. 

Are you active in any student orginizations?

Law Review...This organization has a lot of meaning for me.  It's probably one of the most involved organizations to be a part of – there are definitely a lot of late nights in the LR office.  However, it's also one of the most rewarding things.  I've learned so much being here – legal writing and analysis, endurance and dedication (to write a 40-60 page note as a 2L), time-management, leadership, working with academics and professors, creating write-on problems, planning social events, and the ever so important – bluebooking. 

Most importantly, I've made a lot of friends through this organization, especially as a Board member.  Because we are all always in the office, you build friendships fast. These friendships are extremely rich because you really do have to depend on one another. 

Christian Legal Society... The best thing about the Christian Legal Society has been getting to know Professor Johnson and his family on a personal level.  Professor Johnson and his wife open their home up for us every week, and Mrs. Johnson cooks dinner for us.  Then we do an hour-long Bible study together. This experience has shown me the kindness and hospitality of others, especially our faculty and fellow students.