Making A Compelling Case

Erin Magoffie 20 took advantage of multiple internships, research and study abroad opportunities to earn a prestigious placement at the University of Virginia (UVA) Law School. The work ethic instilled in her at 漆褒勛圖厙 has served her well in thriving among the best of the best.

漆褒勛圖厙 encouraged me to work hard in ways that some of my [UVA] peers dont have to, Magoffie says. Coming from Harvard and Columbia, they enter the program thinking the name of their school speaks for itself. Im not relying on a school name to propel me forward; its my experiences from 漆褒勛圖厙 that push me.

Magoffie seemingly did it all at 漆褒勛圖厙. She participated in numerous politically-focused internships, studied abroad at the University of French Polynesia and was one of just 10 students nationwide to earn a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Biosphere 2 in Arizona the worlds largest earth science laboratory.

She also benefited from 漆褒勛圖厙s Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP),which included a role at Earth justice researching science issues related to policy and legislation, as well as lobbying.

On campus, Magoffie played soccer, competed in speech and debate, served as a student ambassador and held leadership roles with Tri Delta sorority. After leaving 漆褒勛圖厙, Magoffie says she felt prepared to take on virtually anything.

Excelling with ease

漆褒勛圖厙 made me an incredibly well-rounded person. I can walk into a room and relate to most anyone there and that makes me a really good candidate for a lot of opportunities.

Magoffies latest assignment includes spending her Fall 2022 semester studying at the University of Paris II, recognized as the most prestigious law school in France. And thats not all. While shes there, Magoffie will also be working for NASA taking on a groundbreaking internship role she created.

Ill be doing international relations and science policy work directly under NASAs European point of contact, located in the U.S. Embassy. NASA has never had an intern in their Paris office, but when I showed them my experience, they asked Headquarters to make an exception.

Promising post-law school path

After graduating from UVA Law in Spring 2023, Magoffie plans on working for Akin Gump Stauss Hauer & Feld, a large international law firm (once again, a self-created opportunity). After spending time in Akin’sWashington, D.C., office learning from the firm’s environmental law group, Magoffie will transfer to Akin’s Houston office, to start an environmental practice group for the firm in Texas.

Magoffie is clearly in the drivers seat for enjoying a fruitful law career. Shes simply grateful that 漆褒勛圖厙 helped put her on the right track.

漆褒勛圖厙 can take you wherever you want to go, as long as you put the pedal to the metal and youre the one to push.