Profile - Chris Hartsfield '11

What drew you to Washington and Lee?

After graduating college I took two years off to get real world experience.  Though I enjoyed what I was doing (and was fairly successful), I wanted more of a challenge.  I felt that a career in law would provide that challenge while giving me an opportunity to advocate for others and use my abilities in a positive way. 

I was drawn to Washington and Lee after visiting for Preview Days.  Although, I was initially attracted to the University because of its academic reputation, I was unsure about whether or not I would enjoy living in a small town that seemed so different than anything I have ever experienced.  However, after one day here, I felt a sense of community that I immediately fell in love with.  This is such a positive and honest environment, and I wanted to be a part of it.  I also liked the character of the students and faculty as illustrated through the honor system.  The freedom with which students left their personal items in the open without having to worry proved to be very appealing.  Ultimately, I realized that I wanted to go to a school that was not only strong academically, but one that had a strong sense of community - I found that place at W&L.
 

Who's your favorite professor?

This is the hardest question because I thoroughly enjoyed all of my professors from my first semester.  However, if I had to choose one, I would choose Prof. Spencer.  He is very tough and expects a lot from his students.  However, he made his expectations clear and was very straightforward.  Like every professor here, he was also very accessible. I enjoyed the challenge and came away from the class feeling that I learned a lot more than just Civil Procedure.  That being said Prof. Bond, Luna and Calhoun are all amazing professors and any one of them deserves similar praise.   

What's your favorite thing about Lexington?

Monday nights at Macado's. They have a special on wings for 29 cents – Enough said.

What student organizations were/are you involved with during law school? Was involvement in any of those particularly meaningful to your experience here?

I am involved with the SJC, the Faculty Appointments Committee and BLSA.  The SJC has been meaningful because it has given me a special appreciation for our honor system and how important it is to the W&L experience.  The FAC has been meaningful because it illustrates how the administration fully appreciates our opinions as students.  It is also a reminder of the open access students here have to their professors; a norm at W&L which I have not experienced anywhere else. BLSA has been meaningful because it allows me to engage with other students and the older members were very helpful in making sure that both my transition into law school and exam preparations went well.   

Anything else you'd like to add?

The Law School Football League is amazing.  As a member of the first 1L championship team in school history, I really enjoyed Friday afternoons here at W&L.  Win or lose, everyone had a fun time (whether you were playing or not), and it was a good way to focus on something other than law school.