Profile - Josh Payne '08

Undergraduate School: University of Alabama  Hometown: Tuscaloosa, Alabama I came to W&L because it was such a welcoming place. The admissions process was very personalized and persistent. I was impressed by the community I experienced at admitted students weekend. Also, the scholarship opportunities at W&L were extensive. Now that I'm here, I couldn't imagine going anywhere else. W&L combines the best of academic rigor, expert teacher-scholars, and vibrant community. The small size is especially welcoming your first year. You feel overwhelmed by the workload, as every One L in the country does, but you don't feel overwhelmed by the size. The W&L environment is one that makes you feel right at home from the start.

Describe your favorite class or classroom experience.

My favorite classes have been Professor Sundby's Criminal Law and Constitutional Criminal Procedure. I don't plan on practicing much in this area but have found the subject matter fascinating due, in large part, to Professor Sundby's teaching style and structure of the course. Professor Sundby is famous for supplementing the casebook with his "Weekly Reader" that includes interesting news articles relating to what we're studying, academic essays, off-the-beaten-path cases, and statutes and cases from other countries.

Professor Sundby's employment of the Socratic method is also unique. When it is your turn to be "on call," you are happy to help the class walk through the case at hand because Professor Sundby is eager to convey the interesting new concept.

What's your favorite thing about Lexington?

The Lexington community, much like the W&L community, is a welcoming one. I enjoy the small town atmosphere where everyone greets you as if they know you and care to know how you are doing. The everyday errands – banking, getting a haircut, going to lunch – are that much more enjoyable because of the friendly folks you're sure to encounter. I have enjoyed getting involved with a friendly local church as well.

What student organizations have you been involved with during your time in law school?

The main student organization I have been involved with is the Executive Committee of the Student Body, or the "EC" for short. I have served on the EC since my first year and serve as president this year. My experience on the EC has been very meaningful. The EC functions as the student government for the whole university and also administers the Honor System. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in the university community as well as helping to keep intact the most cherished institution at W&L and the touchstone of the community of civility of trust, the Honor System.

How has W&L prepared you to meet the challenges of the practical, work-related experiences you've had during your time in law school?

During the summers, I have returned to my home state to work for law firms as well as my state supreme court. These experiences have prepared me very well for practice. At the law firms, I have worked as a "summer associate" doing the basic research and writing work a new hire would do. I have been able to observe trials, mediations, and business discussions, as well, which has helped to give me a practical context for the subject matter I have been studying in school. My experience at the state supreme court was very valuable as I will doubtless practice before that court soon after I graduate.

The W&L Law classroom experience prepared me very well for these summer jobs. I not only had the peace of mind of feeling prepared for legal work, I was able to perform in a way that impressed my supervisors. The W&L curriculum and professors are to thank for this preparation.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Washington and Lee is uniquely situated among the nation's top law schools. We are different. The sense of community and camaraderie is the touchstone of this place. Our professors and classmates are always challenging us and encouraging us to do better. We go out into the world prepared to be not only skillful lawyers but also responsible citizens.

Update: Josh now works in Birmingham, Alabama at Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC.