Michael Green, Class of 2011
Legal interests: Energy law, corporate law, and international trade and investment law
Bachelor’s degree: BA in Political Science & Classics, University of Pittsburgh, 2007
Hometown: Blue Bell, Penn.
Dream job: Senior U.S. diplomat
Quote: Law school is not easy. I have found that the most difficult experiences are the most rewarding, and that is definitely true for law school. Go big or go home.
1) What made you decide to come to USD School of Law?
Location was a big reason. San Diego is a great, active, and growing city, and USD is the best school here. After visiting several schools in California, USD impressed me most. Their Clinical Programs are very strong. I was particularly interested in the Entrepreneurship Clinic. In general, I could picture myself succeeding in the USD environment.
2) During your first week here, what was one of the first things that impressed you?
Student interaction. At orientation 2L’s and 3L’s volunteer to help the incoming class. The upperclassmen were helpful, energetic, and excited to be back at USD after the summer. Hearing them talk about their summer experiences showed me that the students at USD are very supportive and truly want each other to succeed.
3) What activities have you been involved in at USD School of Law?
On Monday nights I volunteered at the HIV/AIDS Patient Legal Aid Society in Hillcrest through the campus organization, Pro Bono Legal Advocates. It was a great way to get some legal experience during the semester, and help some people who need it. I am also the president of Lex Inter Alia, which invites attorneys onto campus to share their experience of how they have successfully utilized their law degree in different industries.
4) How hard is law school? Is it more or less work than you thought?
Law school is an adjustment regardless of your background. Every major adjustment can be challenging. There is a lot of reading and the writing style is much different than undergrad, but the work is engaging and thought provoking. As my skill set improved over the year, the workload became more manageable and I found more time to enjoy San Diego.
5) What is the best thing that has happened to you here at law school?
After my first semester, I was asked to lead tours of the law school for the Office of Admissions. I love USD, and it was a great opportunity to share my passion for the school with prospective students.
6) What is some of your previous professional experience? How did that experience help you decide to go to law school?
My experience at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office reaffirmed my decision to go to law school. The experience made me want to have the same oral and writing skills as the attorneys that I met that summer. I have also worked for U.S. Senator Arlen Specter. Although that experience was not particularly related to the law, knowing that the Senator had a law degree has always reminded me of how a legal education can lead to many different career paths.
7) What advice would you give to a prospective student? What things might you have done differently?
Don’t pay attention to what your other classmates are doing to prepare for exams. There are so many supplements and outlines out there, but if you stick to your notes, the text and choose one supplement you will be fine. If I could repeat my first year, I would have done more outlining throughout the semester.
