3L Hayley Robertson’s father is a police officer, and she recalls constantly asking him questions about every detail and taking an extra interest in his job as a child.
“Though I knew I didn’t want to be an officer, I was sure I wanted to be in the criminal law field in some capacity. When I got to high school, I interned at a defense law firm and knew that this was the right career field for me,” Robertson recalls.
After finishing her bachelor’s degree in legal studies and criminal justice at Southern Utah University, Robertson began applying to law schools. She liked the S.J. Quinney College of Law because the legal community in Utah was so connected to the law school.
“Everywhere you go, you meet alumni and others in the legal community who have Utah Law pride. It really stood out to me. I would have that support not just from the school, but after graduation as well,” she says.
Robertson says the classmates, faculty and staff have also made Utah Law a welcoming place.
“I truly don’t think I would have the love for law school that I do without them,” she says. “This is seriously the best community full of the best people, and I feel so blessed to share in this experience and have the support system that I do with my peers.”
She is most proud of participating in the Criminal Process externship, a one-year field placement opportunity in a prosecutor’s or public defender’s office in conjunction with the Criminal Process course.
“I have been able to spend my 3L year practicing under the student practice rule. This has allowed me to get real experience in court, including participating in four felony jury trials,” Robertson explains.
And Robertson will continue her career in prosecution after finishing law school next spring.
“I currently work at the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office and plan to work there after graduation,” she says. “My passion really lies with the balance of having empathy and kindness for those who have made poor choices, but also giving a voice to the voiceless. I believe the best place to make change in the criminal justice system is from this side of the fence. I can’t wait to hopefully keep making positive changes in both victims’ and defendants’ lives.”
Law school isn’t Robertson’s only passion, though.
“I have two golden retrievers named Copper and Millie. If I’m not in class, you can find me adventuring with them in the mountains, at the sand dunes, or anywhere with a body of water,” she says. “I also enjoy traveling. This year, I had the opportunity to visit three countries.”