3L Parker Airmet admits that he didn’t know much about what being a lawyer meant while growing up, but he did know the value of hard work from his parents, who both showed him how to provide for a family. With this example in tow, along with interests in U.S. government and the Constitution, Airmet decided to apply to law school after earning his bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies from the University of Utah.
“I saw law school as a way to combine my interests in politics and our system of government with my goals, which build on the hard work my parents did for me, to provide for my own growing family. I loved learning about U.S. history and government, but I knew law school would help me turn theory into practical experience and a valuable career,” Airmet says.
The S.J. Quinney College of Law stood out to him for a number of reasons, including the scenery, location, scholarship opportunities, and the good employment statistics.
“Not only is Salt Lake City a great place to raise a young family, but the building is also so close and connected to major legal players downtown. Judges, attorneys, government officials, and business leaders all converge at SJQ for events—how great to go to school here!” Airmet says. “With a growing and thriving legal community here in Salt Lake City, I knew that coming to Utah Law would put me in front of so many opportunities.”
But what he likes best is the community at the College of Law—and that doesn’t just include the students, faculty, and staff.
“The community of the College of Law is, surprisingly, certainly the best part of the school. Not only are students much more agreeable and cooperative than I had imagined, but the alumni and legal community surrounding the college have also contributed to an outstanding, supportive community filled with people who have each other’s backs,” Airmet says.
One thing Airmet wishes he’d known prior to law school is that it doesn’t need to be a solo activity for students to pursue, nor is it the only thing happening in your life. Balance is important. Rather, he’s learned that it’s very community-focused, which helps one face the challenges and stress that come with attending law school.
“For me, having two young children at home has been a great way of re-centering myself each day, helping keep things in perspective. Other people, including lawyers and upperclassmen, have helped put law school and exams in perspective. Ultimately, we are all trying to get good jobs doing good work,” he says.
Airmet founded the student wellness organization Students Helping Students, which provides peer-to-peer help for everything students may encounter during law school—from mental health resources to the job search to success in classes.
“The idea came to me during my 1L year when I saw some of my close friends think less of themselves due to the common law school stressors. They are some of the brightest students I’ve ever met, and yet they doubted themselves and their abilities,” Airmet recalls. “In addition, the Bar committee called Lawyers Helping Lawyers made a presentation discussing how prevalent substance abuse and severe mental health issues are among lawyers. I wanted to be part of the solution, so I figured that a student group dedicated to just helping each other might be a good way to solve some of these problems and remove some of the unnecessary stress of law school.”
The response for this student organization has been very positive within the College of Law as well as the university at large. During the 2023–2024 academic year, Students Helping Students won the awards “New Student Organization of the Year” and “Social Program of the Year.”
“The response from the school and student body has been encouraging and extremely supportive. Not only are students excited to help one another, but the administration, especially Dean Burton, Natasha Carlton, and Dean Kronk Warner, is clearly committed to helping students find wellness in law school and beyond,” Airmet says.
In fact, Airmet is encouraging classmates to take a break on Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 12-1:30 p.m. on Level 6 at the next Students Helping Students event. Students can enjoy lunch, games, and a chance to interact with some furry friends (therapy animals) before hunkering down for finals.
In addition, Airmet is proud to have participated in the National Native American Law Student Association (NALSA) Moot Court competition in March 2024 in Montana. He did well (made it to the Sweet 16 round!) despite being sick with COVID-19.
“It was fascinating to dive deep into issues facing Native American tribes and compete among some of the brightest law students in the country, especially those students who are determined to serve those tribes,” Airmet says.
With a passion for finding solutions to complex problems, Airmet looks forward to joining Holland & Hart LLP after graduation, where he will work in civil litigation and employment law. Just as his parents showed him how to work hard, Airmet will show his young family its value and the importance of doing what you can to help others.
“I’m particularly excited to work in the employment law sphere, helping Utah companies recruit and retain the best employees and making sure the companies comply with state and federal laws to protect the incredible workforce we have here. Navigating these employment disputes has been interesting and fulfilling already (and I haven’t really started yet),” Airmet says. “No matter what, though, I want to show my children the value of hard work and education, including how rewarding it can be to try new, interesting, and difficult things.”