Anna Phillips, Class of 2010
Legal interests: Intellectual property
Bachelor's degree: BS in Architectural Engineering and BA in Plan II Honors, University of Texas at Austin, 200.
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Dream job: Intellectual property attorney specializing in IP issues in the entertainment industry
Quote: Students and professors at USD create a fun, supportive learning environment in which students can excel. Attending USD has presented a lot of opportunities for me to practice the type of law I want.
1) What made you decide to come to USD School of Law?
Aside from San Diego itself, I was very impressed with the personal attention USD gave to its prospective students. I received an email from a professor in my field of interest and an invitation to visit the school during my deliberation process. Faculty and staff at USD seemed to really care about my individual goals and interests.
2) During your first week here, what was one of the first things that impressed you?
On the first day of classes, we jumped right into the curriculum. There was no hand holding or easing into things. We took off running and never looked back.
3) What activities have you been involved in at USD School of Law?
I am involved in the San Diego International Law Journal, Women's Law Caucus, Intellectual Property Law Association, APALSA, and Surf Law Society. I also serve on the executive board for the Sports and Entertainment Law Society.
4) How hard is law school? Is it more or less work than you thought?
Law school is as hard as you make it. If you put in the effort, keep up with the reading and try to learn the material, law school is more than manageable. The thing that is hard about law school is the discipline it takes to study. Other students are going to study just as much, if not more, than you do. Keeping up with other students is the hard part about law school. Actually, law school is as much work as I thought it would be.
5) What is the best thing that has happened to you here at law school?
The best things that have happened to me at USD are the friendships I made with my classmates and obtaining a judicial externship with a federal judge.
6) What is some of your previous professional experience? How did that experience help you decide to go to law school?
I went straight from undergrad to law school, so I didn't have any professional experience other than internships. However, I've always been interested in both liberal arts and science, and I figured a career as an intellectual property attorney would be a dynamic combination of both those fields of study.
7) What advice would you give to a prospective student? What things might you have done differently?
My advice to prospective students is to choose a law school that you will enjoy attending. Make sure the school's environment and people match your personality and learning style because you will be spending a big proportion of your time with your classmates, either studying or socializing. It's nice to have a support network when you need those class notes.
