As you are reading this column, the Class of 2022 has wrapped up its time at the Law School and is preparing for graduation. Their experiences have been unprecedented. They were forced online by COVID-19 in the second semester of 1L year, lived through a hybrid 2L year, and led our return to normality in their 3L year. They are an accomplished group. They have beaten larger schools like Indiana and South Carolina at various competitions for Trial Team, ADR, and Moot Court. They have published their own work and that of prominent scholars in South Dakota Law Review. After graduation they begin their careers as judicial law clerks, in public service, in business, and at firms across South Dakota and beyond. There is much more I could say about the class of 2022, but I want you to hear from them. Here are the stories of several members of the class of 2022 in their own words. ANNA MAHER I grew up in Fort Pierre, South Dakota and graduated from South Dakota State University with a B.S. in Economics. I chose USD because of its small class size and engaging professors. During my time in law school, I have enjoyed the significant offering of experiential classes including Trial Techniques, Discovery Practice, Low Income Tax Clinic, Alaska Tax Practicum and Criminal Defense Practicum. I also had the opportunity to serve as the president and treasurer of USD Women in Law and as a member of the Spring 2022 USD Trial Team. I have enjoyed my time with the friends, classmates, and faculty I have met at the USD Knudson School of Law. Upon graduation, I look forward to
joining my father and grandfather at Maher Law in Pierre. MADISON JONS I will forever be grateful for the USD Knudson School of Law community and my time here. Just three short years ago, I made the decision to attend law school to expand my opportunities in the field of tax. USD was an easy choice for me, a South Dakota kid, and it has provided many opportunities to advance my knowledge and experience in tax. As a 2L, I had the opportunity to practice as a student attorney in the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, assisting clients with various IRS disputes. I also received the opportunity to travel to Alaska to participate in a tax practicum and prepare tax returns for taxpayers in rural Alaskan villages. I gained further experience through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, as well as taking a variety of tax classes. The professors at USD and these incredible experiential opportunities have prepared me to further my education by pursuing an LL.M. Taxation degree following graduation. Outside of my passion for tax, I have been fortunate to participate in various other activities at USD including my positions as a Staff Writer and, currently, Managing Editor for the South Dakota Law Review, as well as working as a Research Assistant for the brilliant Professor Hannah Haksgaard. Thank you to my classmates who will be lifelong friends and colleagues, the amazing faculty and staff at the USD Knudson School of Law, and the South Dakota Bar for its continuous guidance and support of law students.
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