Class of 2024: Driven by Purpose, JD Grad Hopes to Make Country a More Equitable, Fair and Safe Place for All
Name: Allison Weber
Degree: JD
Hometown: I am originally from small-town Illinois, but in my adult life, the longest I have lived somewhere is Flagstaff, Arizona.
Undergrad: Taylor University
What motivated you to pursue a degree in law, and how has that motivation evolved throughout your time in law school?
Law school was always something I wanted to pursue, but after I received my first job after college, I thought the time had passed. Thankfully, life comes back to you as your life, and when I was at a crossroads in my career, I decided to finally go for it.
Why did you choose University of Arizona Law?
Initially, I chose Arizona Law because my husband received a job offer in Tucson, and I ended up getting in. However, while it was a decision of convenience at the time, I could not be happier that this is how my life circumstances played out. The quality of education I received absolutely exceeded my expectations. My professors are whip-smart, well respected in their field, and are wonderful human beings.
What area of law are you planning to specialize in, and what influenced this choice?
I do not have one specific area of law I am planning to specialize in, but I know I am energized when working with others to pursue a greater good. During my 2L summer, I had the opportunity to intern with the DOJ Civil Rights Division, and my 3L spring semester, I interned with the DOJ Antitrust Division. While the experiences were quite different, the common denominator was that I felt like I was working among intelligent, passionate attorneys who were motivated to make the country a more equitable, fair, safe place to exist as a human in all its facets. If I can find a job post-clerkship that is parallel to those internship experiences, I will feel so fortunate.
Which courses or professors had the most significant impact on your legal education and why?
Answering this is too hard and is like asking parents to pick their favorite child! At the risk of leaving out professors I adore, I will name three here. I had Professor Diana Simon for my first semester legal writing course, and during my internships, I consistently received positive feedback on my legal writing projects. Professor Simon was pretty demanding! And learning legal writing was really difficult for me as I love to write poetry and elegant prose. First semester legal writing was my most challenging course by far because I was pretty stuck in my writing ways. But, Professor Simon provided extensive feedback because she knew I could do it. I will always be grateful to her for challenging me because she believed in me. Additionally, when I felt like I was foolish for going back to school later in life or foolish that I set my sights too high on what I wanted to pursue in my legal career, Dean Jason Kreag was a listening ear, talked me down off my ledges, and reminded me that I am capable, offering a reasoned perspective I did not always have. Having a professor who believed in my capabilities and would remind me of what was true and important was such a gift. Finally, I had the opportunity to take three classes from Professor Toni Massaro in each of my three years. She is the consummate educator. No one delivers a lecture like Professor Massaro! Not only did I learn about the Constitution, but I learned so much about hope and the courage to keep fighting for what is good and right. She has made a profound impact on my education and life, and I am so grateful.
What are your immediate plans post-graduation?
I will be clerking for Judge Staring on the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two in Tucson.
How do you hope to make a difference in the legal field or in society through your career? Future career plans?
Post-clerkship, I would like to seek a trial attorney position with the federal government or perhaps with an organization that does impact litigation.
Looking back on your experience at the college, what would you have done differently or what advice would you give to your younger self?
Be open to changing your mind about things. This can be about people, ideas, or the direction you think your life should go. I would have started school less anxious about needing to have a set idea of the type of law I wanted to practice upon graduating. What I am hoping to purse after graduation is a career path I did not even know existed when I started school!
What will you miss most about University of Arizona Law and/or Tucson?
I will miss the academic year rhythm and the energy of the first day of a new semester, greeting classmates, professors, and staff that I have not seen in several weeks.
What was your favorite school experience or extracurricular activity, and why?
Moot Court! Not only did I receive excellent practice in brief writing and oral advocacy, I have so many wonderful memories with my teammates. During school, I was able to travel to Denver for the Jessup International Moot Court and New York City for the ABA National Competition, and I also participated in the intra-school Fegtly competition. These experiences left me a better writer, and I had so much FUN with my classmates throughout preparing for the competitions.
What are you most proud of while at Arizona Law?
I am proud of the relationships that I have formed while at Arizona Law. I am leaving this school with so many people in my corner - classmates, faculty, and staff.
Message for your fellow Class of 2024:
Stay curious, be generous, maintain a posture of humility, and keep a sense of humor.