Why you decided to attend Santa Clara University School of Law?
I decided to attend SCU because of its special offerings in IP law and its Silicon Valley location.

Legal field of interest: Intellectual Property Law

Undergrad / Location / Year: Cornell University / Ithaca NY / B.S. 2005

Ethnicity: Caucasian

Occupation: Undergraduate Student

Relationship status: Single

Current Course List: Legal Profession, Patents, Copyright Law, High Tech Moot Court

Extracurricular activities (currently/past):  Comments Editor for the Computer & High Technology Law Journal; President of the Intellectual Property Association

Your take on first year: It’s definitely challenging but you’ll get through it – definitely don’t hesitate to ask your professors and classmates if you need help.

Typical daily schedule this year: Wake up, read for classes, attend various club meetings, go to class, run/work out, eat dinner/relax, read more if necessary.

What you did last summer: Summer Associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (Palo Alto)

Average time studying per week: 20 hours per week

Last few social events attended: Benefit for Social Justice

How is the life of a 3L different from life as an 2L or 1L? Is it any easier?
I don’t think it is any easier, but definitely very different. During my first year, I focused on my courses and spent the majority of my time studying and preparing for class. Second year is extremely busy with on-campus interviews and the job search. As a 3L, I’m mainly occupied with extracurricular activities (primarily CHTLJ and IPA).

What school projects are you currently working on or thinking about?
I’m currently in the process of planning some Intellectual Property Association events for next semester and trying to bring some speakers to campus.

Your advice on school work / life balance: It’s very important to maintain a balance. You can’t expect to work constantly and not burn out by the end of the semester. I make it a priority to work out every day and have continued to hang out with friends outside of law school. I have even trained for several marathons while in law school and have found it beneficial to have other goals that aren’t school-related.

Your take on study groups: Study groups can be helpful, but personally I need to put in a lot of time on my own before I discuss material with other students. I generally do most of my studying individually, but meet with others just prior to exams.

Your take on outlining: I think it is important to create your own outlines and not rely too much on commercial outlines or those handed down from other students. For me, the process of creating an outline is probably the most productive way to study and truly learn the material.

One class you would recommend for everyone: Venture Capital Law