Charla Burill, '09
"Ultimately, if you are looking for a school that welcomes diversity, professors who will challenge you and opportunities that await you, Wayne Law may be just the place for you."
Undergraduate degree? When/where? I have a BS in dietetics from Michigan State University. I graduated from there in 2003. I moved to Chicago and did my dietetic internship and then became a registered dietitian in 2004.
Why did you choose Wayne Law? I chose Wayne Law for multiple reasons. I knew it had a reputation for being well-respected in the Michigan legal community. Further, those who I knew that graduated from Wayne Law had great experiences while they attended Wayne. Moreover, they all had offers for awesome jobs when they graduated and all are still doing well in their present careers.
The students at Wayne Law come from many different backgrounds, whether it is age, culture, beliefs or experience; everyone here has a story. Wayne Law, better than any school I know, seems to welcome that diversity. For me, I valued the opportunity to be able to learn in an environment where diversity is truly seen as an asset rather than an obstacle.
What area of law are you specializing in? I started law school very interested in health law but open to the idea that I really did not know what area of law I wanted to work in. As mentioned above, I am a dietitian; health care issues definitely interest me. However, I quickly realized that health law could involve multiple areas of law from employment to corporate. Thus, I am honestly not specializing in anything. Rather, I have taken some of the health law classes offered at Wayne and have done research for two of the health law professors, but in regards to my classes, I have maintained more of a general focus. By taking a variety of classes and having the opportunity to work in various internships, I have realized that there are many areas of the law that interest me.
What student organizations/co-curriculars are you (were you) involved in? I am a member of the Wayne Law Review, an Associate Editor last year and the Executive Articles Editor this year. I am a student member of the American Bar Association, and the health law section.
How has your involvement in student organizations impacted your law school experience? Being on the Wayne Law Review has tremendously changed my law school experience. There is no doubt that it is a lot of work, but at the end of the day, I can honestly say it is worth it. Some of the brightest and most ambitious people I have ever met are on the Wayne Law Review. Further, being a member of the Wayne Law Review has provided many opportunities. From simply improving my research and writing skills to opening the doors to a variety of career options, being involved in this organization has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my law school education.
What are you most proud of thus far in law school? There is not one thing I am most proud of so to speak. Rather, I am grateful for the opportunities that law school provides to experience success and accomplishment after challenge and struggle. Law school is a totally different game than undergraduate school. It often seems that everyone around you is very intelligent and an over-achiever; everyone wants the "A," and not only do they want it, they are willing to work for it. The first year was terrifying, but with diligence, willingness to seize opportunities, determination and the support of family and friends, today, I find myself amongst those doing well academically, many experiences to put on my resume, on the board of the Wayne Law Review, with a job when I graduate and many colleagues, once strangers, now friends.
Has there been a professor who has really impacted your journey into law? The professors at Wayne Law are exceptional; whether they are on the faculty or adjunct professors, they all have a vast amount of knowledge to share. I think the fact that I will be graduating in May, and I still do not have one single area of law nailed down as the area I want to go into is a testament to the fact that there are many inspiring professors at Wayne Law.
If I had to name just one professor, it would be Professor Peter Hammer. My first class with him was first year, first semester, contracts. I will never forget him asking the class first day about what we learned from the table of contents and thinking, "oh no, please do not call on me." Since then, I have taken two more classes with him. Never, has a day passed sitting in his class that I was not challenged to think outside the box and inspired to do my best. Professor Hammer's philosophy is that you are a partner in your own education, and thus, questions are welcomed and encouraged. Having the opportunity to not only be a student in his classes, but work with him as a research assistant has opened my mind to areas of the law that I really did not know existed. Professor Hammer is an amazing professor; moreover, he is one of many inspiring professors at Wayne Law.
Do you feel well prepared for a career in law? I had an internship with a firm this past summer. From that internship, I learned that I still have a lot to learn as a lawyer. But, do I feel Wayne Law has provided me with the tools that I need to begin a career in law? Yes, without a doubt, yes it has. I don't believe you learn specifically how to be a lawyer in law school; but rather you learn that you must question, you must research, and even when you think you know, you realize that there is more to know. Wayne Law has provided me an excellent foundation on which I am confident I will be able to build a career.
What advice would you give to folks considering Wayne Law as their law school? I would advise potential students to visit the campus, talk with alumni, talk with people in the legal community and maybe even sit in on a class. For me, I made my final decision after visiting the school. Ultimately, if you are looking for a school that welcomes diversity, professors who will challenge you and opportunities that await you, Wayne Law may be just the place for you.