I don’t think there was ever an exact moment when I decided to be a lawyer. What I do remember was when I was about 3, I wanted to be a bat. Yes – a bat, like the animal. However, these dreams were quickly squashed when I was in preschool and realized I had a terrible fear of heights, and therefore would not be able to fly as bats do. As my young mind began to explore other career paths, I decided I wanted a future career where I would make the world a better place. Somehow, I concluded that becoming a lawyer would be a suitable choice. 

In pursuit of my law degree, I chose to go to Syracuse University for my undergraduate degree where I originally majored in political science at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Policy. In my sophomore year, I added a geography major to learn more about people and their relationship to where they live. The study of geography has given me a further understanding of communities. It also stressed the importance of having empathy when working with members of a community. This is something that has been incredibly important in my clinic work, where I have represented clients who face losing their homes.

Now as a Rutgers Law 3L Student, I have had the opportunity to live out my dream. I have survived 2 and almost ½ years of law school where my classwork has included courses to prepare me for the bar exam. Additionally, I have been able to take classes surrounding topics that interest me, such as South African Constitutional Law and Sex Crimes.  I have had several internships where I experienced writing briefs, interacting with clients, and learning criminal, family, and probate law. In the Mortgage Foreclosure Clinic at Rutgers, I have been able to advocate for my client and practice foreclosure law under a supervising attorney. As the Senior Note Editor of the Women’s Rights Law Reporter, founded by former Rutgers Law Professor Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I have learned the ins and outs of the ever-important Bluebook, as well as how to effectively conduct legal research. 

Rutgers has given me the course work and the real work experience to enter the workforce as a well rounded and capable attorney. It is hard to believe that in a few short months I will take the final “step” and take the bar exam to officially become Riley Anderson, Esq.  I am so happy that the one step towards my goal of getting a law degree was choosing Rutgers Law School – Camden.