Profile - Rachel Flynn '09

Undergraduate School: Univ. of South Carolina  Hometown: Columbia, SC

Describe your reasons for attending law school.

I've wanted to go to law school for as long as I can remember.  I really believe that having a law degree gives you the capacity to make an extraordinary difference. Whether you're advocating for people in poverty, researching environmental policy or defending a federal inmate, you have tremendous opportunity to shape the future of not only your client and the legal profession, but of our world.

Describe your favorite class or classroom experience.

My favorite Professor is Henry Woodward. He serves as General Counsel for the Legal Aid Society of Roanoke, VA, and is an incredible teacher. During my time in his Litigation Planning class, I learned a ton about the need for legal services for poor people. This need is particularly acute with regards to consumer protection against predatory lending. I also learned Virginia has some very unique procedural rules. It was a great class.

What student organizations are you involved with?

I'm involved in the Moot Court Program as Chair of this year's Moot Court Executive Board. As Chair, I am responsible for overseeing the administration of our five internal competitions and preparing our external competition teams for regional and national competitions.  It's a fantastic experience because Moot Court provides challenging real world experience in developing and refining oral advocacy and brief writing skills in a way that really supplements my regular classroom studies. I'm very proud of how successful our Moot Court program here at W&L is.

Are you involved in any clinics or externships?

I'm involved in the Judicial Clerkship program, which I would have to say has been one of the very best experiences during my time at Washington and Lee Law. Professor Wiant runs the program and pairs students with Virginia judges in federal, state and appellate courts. On Fridays, through the clerkship program, I have the opportunity to work for Judge James C. Turk, a Senior United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia. As Judge Turk's intern, I've been able to assist with federal prisoner's rights cases, products liability litigation and attend naturalization ceremonies. It's a once in a lifetime experience.

What's your favorite thing about Lexington?

This is a tough one.  My favorite thing about Lexington is probably the people.  Everyone here is very friendly and welcoming; you feel at home so quickly. I'll be sad to leave this year when I graduate.