BRIANNA HAYES

What led to your decision to attend UGA Law?

My ultimate goal is to provide legal representation to the underserved in rural Georgia, and my commitment to serving that population drove me to pursue my legal education at UGA Law. I wanted to connect with UGA Law’s extensive network of graduates both in Georgia and beyond. I would be remiss if I did not mention that UGA Law is consistently recognized for its high value education, a fact that further drew me to the law school.

What has your time here been like so far?

My time at UGA Law has been nothing short of wonderful. The law school’s atmosphere is collegial, and I credit this to the camaraderie among students and the helpfulness of the professors. I have especially found community in the law school’s award-winning Moot Court Program, through which I am preparing for my second competition. Additionally, the school has clinics and experiences well-suited for many areas of law. My passion for public interest led me to participate in the Public Interest Practicum. Through the practicum, I was able to go into the Athens-Clarke Community twice a week and take legal questions mostly from low income clients. I was supervised byaprofessorinthelawschoolandwasabletoprovidelegaladvice to several clients over the course of a semester. I spent my summer in Washington, D.C. working for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, building my skills and my network. Altogether, the law school’s atmosphere is conducive to receiving a superior education— both because of the people and the opportunities it presents.

What tips would you give to someone considering UGA Law?

Touring the law school is a great way to become acquainted with the environment. From my tour, I was introduced to the law school community and saw myself fitting into the space.

As for the application process, never underestimate the power of your personal statement. Take the time to consider and explain how your life has led up to you pursuing your legal education at UGA Law. This type of thoughtfulness in connecting the dots goes a long way!