Lauren Hargrove, Class of 2011
Legal interests: International business and corporate law, real estateBachelor’s degree: BBA in Marketing, BA in Mass Media Communications, University of San Diego, 2004
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Dream job: International real estate and business law for hotels
Quote: Finding balance in law school is a hard thing to do. Trying to maintain a life at school, outside of school, and keep up with your schoolwork does not leave many hours in the day to sleep. The faculty and students at USD make it a little easier though. They realize that you are more than just your resume or your transcript and encourage personal growth in all areas.
1) What made you decide to come to USD School of Law?
Eventually I want to settle in San Diego so it made sense to go to the best school in San Diego. The network of USD graduates is strong nationally, but especially locally. I have heard some lawyers joke that USD is the Harvard of San Diego and that a degree from USD is the key to the San Diego legal market.
2) During your first week here, what was one of the first things that impressed you?
I was impressed by the pace at which school moves. You really hit the ground running. I was also impressed by the support that the faculty provides. They do not hold your hand, but if you make an effort they will do all they can to guide you and help you find answers to any questions you have.
3) What activities have you been involved in at USD School of Law?
San Diego International Law Journal Member; Student Bar Association 2L Representative, Dean-Student Advisory Board, and Social Board; Westlaw Student Representative; Women’s Law Caucus Member; HOME Clinic Volunteer; Intramural Softball and Olympics.
4) How hard is law school? Is it more or less work than you thought?
Law school is harder than I imagined. There is always something you can be doing to prepare for classes, tests, networking events, or your job search. However, the work all does pay off.
5) What is the best thing that has happened to you here at law school?
After getting through the first year I have a renewed faith in my choice to go to law school and in my specific concentration in law. I found that I excel in the subjects in which I have an interest. It sounds nerdy but sometimes I get excited about cases we read in certain subjects.
USD has also helped to support my interests outside of the classroom. I received a community service grant that has supported my internship with Housing Opportunities Collaborative, a non-profit comprised of pro bono legal professionals that provide free legal consultation for homeowners facing foreclosure. The internship gave me valuable experience in property law, allowed me to serve the community and expanded my professional network.
6) What is some of your previous professional experience? How did that experience help you decide to go to law school?
During the five years in between undergrad and law school I worked mainly in business management for a modeling agency and an award-winning custom motorcycle builder. In these positions I negotiated contracts and dealt with many aspects of business law. These experiences sparked an interest in law and have given me context to analyze many of the cases we read about in class.
7) What advice would you give to a prospective student? What things might you have done differently?
Within the first two weeks of your classes you really should go to each of your teachers and have a sit-down. Learn what their objectives are for the class, what they would suggest is the best way to outline for their class, and introduce yourself. This will help you get the most out of each class you take.
Throughout the first year there are an abundance of people telling you what you "should do." Take their advice seriously, but then do the things that you enjoy and that you think will get you to where you want to be. Sometimes it is impossible to do all the "shoulds" and keep your sanity. There is plenty to get involved with at USD; find the activities you enjoy and are truly interested in. They admitted you to law school because they liked you, don’t change you.
