Profile - Ryan Germany '09

Undergraduate School: University of Georgia  Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia W&L is a special place and that becomes obvious from the first moment you get here. It's a different experience than what I've heard about most other law schools because it's about both academics and relationships with others. Admittedly, it's not for everyone, but the people that love W&L are very different and sometimes surprising. When I began picking a law school, W&L wasn't my first choice, but knowing what I know now there's nowhere else I would rather be.

What drew you to Washington and Lee?

Honestly, its reputation. I also liked the location. The area is really pretty, with lots of outdoor stuff (hiking, fishing, etc.). I was also attracted to the laid-back atmosphere of the school, as well as its sense of tradition and emphasis upon honor.

Describe your favorite class or classroom experience.

My favorite class was Prof. Murchison's Torts. It was the first class I ever had in law school. Murchison really puts on a show when he teaches. And even though he's a really nice guy and not at all scary, I don't know anyone who would ever come in unprepared. He makes you really want to understand what's going on.

Who's your favorite professor?

This is a tough one. I've had a lot of good ones. If I had to pick one, I'd probably say Professor Sundby. His class was really enjoyable. He does a great job of keeping people interested. It's obvious that he really cares about the students. I'm really looking forward to taking another one of his classes.

And I'd also have to say Professor Calhoun. I've never had a class with him, but I've gotten to know him outside of class and he is truly a good man. I know that he goes above and beyond in his first year courses and really strives to make his students sharper legal thinkers and especially better writers. He doesn't have to take the time to really break down a student's memo, but he does it because it helps the students in the long run. Also, he is one of the nicest guys you will ever talk to.

What's your favorite thing about Lexington?

The community. You really get to know people outside of the school. I've gotten to know my landlords, folks at church, servers at local restaurants much better than I would be able to in a bigger place. I also love the beauty of the place. It's just amazing. I live out in the country and I'm only ten minutes away from school. It's great.

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

This year I've been fortunate enough to serve on the EC. It's been a great way to learn about what's going on with the entire University and to meet a lot of great people. Also, it makes me think about what it means to be a W&L student, especially with respect to the Honor System.

Another meaningful thing was the Powell Lecture Series that I helped out with this year. Getting big names to come to Lexington is sometimes difficult and this group was founded to address just that. We had a great speaker this year in Judge Harvey Wilkinson, and I really enjoyed the experience.

I've also been involved with CLS and the Federalist Society and I've gotten to go to some great events and meet some folks that I probably wouldn't have met otherwise. W&L is small enough that you can really get involved in whatever is important to you.

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?

W&L really prepared me for my job at a law firm in Alaska last summer. Not only was I academically prepared, but I was also prepared to work with lots of different kinds of people that I really didn't know very well. W&L's emphasis on collegiality helped me get to know people quickly in a very tight-knit firm in a very far away place.