Prior to law school, 3L Grace Greene actively participated in several projects with a common theme. She researched intervention practices for sexual assault survivors, worked for Court-Appointed Special Advocates as a legislative intern, addressed alcohol abuse and college drinking culture issues, and even worked on a few local political campaigns. Working on projects like these ultimately led Greene to her next career move.
“I took a step back to evaluate what common thread tied my work together, and at the heart of it was advocacy. I enjoyed the process of finding solutions to some of our most challenging problems and helping people who didn’t often have the resources to solve these problems themselves,” Greene says. “Law school felt like an empowering next step, as it offers tools for understanding our world. I could use those tools to more effectively advocate for others.”
It’s tough for Greene to name her biggest passion within the field of law, but if she had to choose one thing, it would be increasing access to justice.
“The legal system is something that affects each of us and is a tool for every person to use—and yet so few of us understand it or have the resources to access it,” Greene says. “During law school, I worked on access to justice issues, and I hope to continue that work in some capacity as an attorney. Learning the law has been an absolute privilege, and I am passionate about not losing sight of that and ensuring I use it to empower others.”
Utah Law’s focus on its students and resources to help them succeed appealed to Greene when applying to law school.
“The school seemed to genuinely care, in every capacity—from making law school affordable, to being involved with its students, to creating meaningful impacts on the community around it,” Greene says. “The law is the law is the law. It is who teaches you the law that, in part, shapes the type of lawyer you will become. S.J. Quinney’s emphasis on caring reflected the values I wanted to see in myself as a future lawyer.”
Greene likes the tight-knit community at the College of Law and its small class sizes. In addition, she appreciates the faculty’s accessibility.
“This past summer, a new law student asked for some advice. I told them if they are ever confused, just go to their professor. They are your best resources and have always been willing to go the extra mile to help me understand. I’ve made lifelong connections with some professors, and it has truly made my experience,” Greene says.
Three years of law school goes by fast, Greene says, and there is much to do in that short period of time. She advises incoming and current law students to try to say “yes” to opportunities while they can.
“If a class looks interesting, take it. If you are passionate about something, find a way to volunteer or do an externship,” Greene says. “You need balance and should protect your peace, but don’t push stuff off. Before you know it, you’ll be graduating and out of time to take that one class or apply for that fellowship.”
Despite the challenges a law student faces, Greene is proud that she has stayed true to herself through it all.
“I made a promise to myself at the beginning of law school to not forget who I am. When I entered law school, I knew that my highest priority was (and is) my family. My second priority was enjoying my final years of school, because I really do love being a student,” Greene says. “As my 3L year comes to an end, I am proud that my family remained my priority through it all, and my love for school persisted. No matter the challenges that made school feel really hard at times, I still find joy in being a student.”
With graduation in sight, Greene is full of gratitude to her family for their support and to Utah Law for helping her find a legal career that she looks forward to.
“After law school, I will be clerking at the Utah Supreme Court with Chief Justice Durrant. From there, I will work in Kirkland & Ellis’ litigation group. I am so excited for the work ahead,” Greene says. “The chance to work on our state’s highest court will provide invaluable experience, and then I’ll be with some of my favorite attorneys doing some really interesting legal work.”