Dan Hickey, 3L

Apple Valley, MN

What Law School activities and clubs are you involved in?
Native American Law Student Association (president), American Constitution Society

Why did you choose St. Thomas?
It seemed that St. Thomas went out of its way to ensure that I enrolled here. After touring the law school and meeting with students and faculty, I was convinced this was the best school for me. 

What do you want to do with your law degree?
I would like to be a civil rights attorney or work in public policy.

How has St. Thomas helped you work toward your career goals?
The school’s mentor program has given me a clearer understanding of what I want to do after law school. My first year mentor is the Ramsey County Attorney, my second year mentor works for a legislative advocacy group, and my third year mentor is a state representative. The mentor program matched me with three attorneys who work in fields I am considering after graduation. I have attended board meetings, legislative meetings, sentencing hearings, and debates with my mentors – all invaluable experiences. The mentor program is what makes UST Law stand out from other schools in the area and will help you determine what you want to do after law school. 

What comes to mind when you think about diversity at UST Law?
Commitment by students and the diversity office. Last year students revived the Latino and Native American law student associations and created a new LGBT organization. These organizations already have a large following. The diversity office is constantly checking up on me to make sure everything is going all right with my academics and NALSA. If it wasn’t for the diversity office, I am not sure if NALSA would have ever been revived. The diversity office and UST law students have done a great job committing to having a more diverse student body and I know this commitment will continue after I graduate. 

What do you think is most challenging about law school?
Exams in law school are much different than exams in undergrad. Be prepared and try to take as many practice exams you can. Legal writing was also a big adjustment for me.

What class has had the biggest influence on you, and why?
Constitutional law – the cases read in this class have had such a profound impact not only on American history but also on our lives. Learning about separation of powers, substantive due process, and equal protection helps to solidify your ideological views and makes you a more informed citizen.

What is your most memorable experience from law school thus far?
The last day of my 1L year. It was the best feeling in the world to know that I survived the first year. It was hard work but definitely worth it!

Zuri Balmakund, 2L

Originally from New York, but have spent many years in Minnesota and consider St. Cloud, MN home

What Law School activities and clubs are you involved in?
I am President of the Latino Law Student Association, as well as Treasurer of the Asian Pacific Law Student Association.

Why did you choose St. Thomas?
I chose St. Thomas because I wanted to attend a law school near to my family, but attain a JD degree that would provide more than admittance to the bar.

What do you want to do with your law degree?
I hope to practice Entertainment Law upon graduation.

How has St. Thomas helped you work toward your career goals?
St. Thomas has provided me with a number of opportunities. I have had the pleasure of networking with Entertainment Law attorneys via our Mentor Externship Program, ran and succeeded in attaining leadership positions on campus, as well as allowed access to resume and character building enterprises such as working as a Research Assistant.

What comes to mind when you think about diversity at UST Law?
 When I think about Diversity at the University of St. Thomas I think of a support structure. I believe St. Thomas is committed to fostering diversity at the University, and this is apparent through their Student Recruitment, devotion to helping affinity groups grow on campus, as well as the creation of the Student Diversity Office.

What do you think is most challenging about law school?
Most incoming law students are accustom to succeeding immediately in their endeavors. Law school fosters perseverance. What I found most challenging was learning exactly what was expected of me at this level of education. It took some time, but as a 2L I feel confident and successful.

What class has had the biggest influence on you, and why?
Thus far my favorite classes have been Contract Law and Constitutional Law. Contract Law plays a crucial role in Entertainment Law, but I have also found it to be the most applicable in day-to-day life. Constitutional Law was a challenge intellectually, and I found the expectation of offering constructive thought provoking answers a formidable challenge. I believe this critical thinking skill will serve me well in the future. 

What is your most memorable experience from law school thus far?
My most memorable experience thus far has been the liberating feeling of completing my last exam first semester. The feeling was incredibly rewarding, and irreplaceable. 

Roger A. Maldonado, 3L

Minneapolis, MN

What Law School activities and clubs are you involved in?
Journal of Law and Public Policy, Moot Court, Black Law Student Association, Military Law Student Association

Why did you choose St. Thomas?
I chose St. Thomas because it is a school that seeks out to live its mission. One clear example of this is Community Justice Project, the school’s civil rights clinic, where law students work with community stakeholders, city leaders, lawyers, judges, and others to bring about positive change to our communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. 

What do you want to do with your law degree?
I want to be a Prosecutor or a civil litigator in the area of employment and civil rights law.

How has St. Thomas helped you work toward your career goals?
St. Thomas has given me the necessary skills to be an advocate in the legal community. I know how and where to find information, and more importantly how to communicate that information to my audience, which I consider the most important aspect of being a lawyer.

What comes to mind when you think about diversity at UST Law?
That St. Thomas is never satisfied in the area of diversity. They are always seeking to bring about more diversity at UST, either through the new class of students every fall, faculty, speakers, programs, and events.   
 
What do you think is most challenging about law school?
Balance in one’s life. It is so easy to go 100 miles per hour academically and professionally, and that something that is unsustainable and not healthy. It is vital to me to find daily outlets everyday to clear my mind, and find rest and peace. You can do this through a run, a meal, a conversation in the halls with friends or a professor, or even a nap.

What class has had the biggest influence on you, and why?
Clinic: Community Justice Project, it influenced the way I saw my colleagues and myself in relation to our communities. We aren’t simply law students or soon to be lawyers, but rather individuals that each have unique talents and skills that are meant for something bigger.  Not simply practicing the law or helping people with our legal knowledge and skills but finding ourselves in the bigger picture and empowering those around us. 

What is your most memorable experience from law school thus far?
I can’t find one moment, but my most memorable experience has been connecting with fellow students and professors and realizing that many of them will be lifelong friends.