Nathan Backus, '09
"There are a lot of opportunities at Wayne Law to get out of the traditional classroom setting and enhance your practical professional skills. For example, there's Mock Trial, Moot Court and the Wayne Law Review; numerous courses that focus on professional skill development; and, most importantly, being in Detroit puts you within easy reach of hundreds of internship and clerkship opportunities."
Date of undergraduate degree? From where? I received a B.S. in Philosophy from Central Michigan University, summa cum laude, in 2006.
Why did you choose Wayne Law? I chose Wayne Law because for several reasons: First, the law school has an excellent reputation; second, I was able to take advantage of one of Wayne Law's many scholarship opportunities; also, in addition to offering some great scholarships, the law school offers the most affordable tuition in the state; and, finally, I planned on staying in Michigan after graduation and I thought that Wayne's vast network of in-state alumni would be helpful in finding employment and building a professional network.
What area of law are you specializing in? I'm specializing in criminal law and employment law because, to me, those are two areas where the law really comes to life. I've always been interested in the ways in which the law intersects with human behavior. These fields address how we deal with society's conflicting values and goals.
What student organizations/co-curriculars are you involved in? I've been involved with the Mock Trial Program (S.T.A.P.) as a participant and, most recently, as a board member. I've also been a member of the Wayne chapter of the Michigan Association for Justice and the Delta Theta Phi law fraternity.
How has your involvement in student organizations impacted your law school experience? My involvement in student organizations enriched my law school experience by getting me out of the class room and into a more social and interactive environment. Often, as a law student, we get bogged down with case books, outlines and lectures. We get so busy with reading and briefing cases that we forget to relax and branch out. Practicing law is about more than analyzing cases; it's also about contributing to the community, cooperating with your peers and, often, being a leader. Name any student organization and I'd bet that they'll help you develop at least one of those areas.
What have you been most proud of in law school? I've been most proud of my involvement with the Mock Trial Program. As participants, my partner and I made it to the semi-finals during the first semester and then to the finals in the following semester. We worked really hard to get there and we went up against some tough opponents. It was such a great experience that we both came back the following year as Board members. Now, I'm able to help this year's new participants in what I hope will be an equally rewarding experience for them.
Is there a professor who has really impacted your journey into law? I've had several professors who have left a definite mark on me since I started law school. The ones that really stand out are the ones who really try to get you to "think" about the material, rather than just memorize the rules. A few that really stand out are Lance Gable, Jeff Wilson, Peter Hammer, Tony Dillof and Kingsley Browne. Each of them have, in their own unique way, challenged me to look beyond the various court rulings to see the bigger picture and the practical implications of the holdings, as well as the philosophical underpinnings behind various legal theories. I've had so many great professors here that I hate having to name just a few.
Do you feel well prepared for a career in law? I feel well-prepared for a career in law. I'm not sure that you can really learn to practice law in law school, however, that really comes from getting out there and doing it, and much of law school is about learning theory and black letter law. That said, there are a lot of opportunities at Wayne Law to get out of the traditional classroom setting and enhance your practical professional skills. For example, there's Mock Trial, Moot Court and the Wayne Law Review; numerous courses that focus on professional skill development; and, most importantly, being in Detroit puts you within easy reach of hundreds of internship and clerkship opportunities.
What advice would you give to folks considering Wayne Law as their law school? My advice to those considering Wayne Law for law school is to visit the campus, talk to some students and alumni and sit in on a class or two. Also, if you can figure out your area of focus early on then you'll be ready during your first summer to start specializing in an internship right out of the gate.