Meet Lauren Currie, 1L and learn more about her story at South Texas Law in this Student Spotlight by the Career Resource Center.
Why did you choose to attend South Texas College of Law Houston?
I have a very strong support network in this part of Texas and it’s not too far from my hometown, so I can be home if my parents need me. I also was drawn by the strong advocacy presence and the legal clinics at STCL Houston. The financial aid scholarship was a plus.
Where are you working this summer?
For the first half of the summer, I will intern with Chief Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. In the second half, I will intern with Judge Marcia Crone of the Eastern District of Texas.
How did you secure those opportunities?
After discussing my interest in interning with a judge at an event, Ryan Lanier with the Federalist Society offered to connect me with Judge Elrod. He followed through, and I submitted my application to her. I later introduced myself during her office hours (she is a jurist-in-residence at the law school).
Professor Blackman helped me secure the second internship. After speaking with him, he forwarded my application to a clerk in Judge Crone’s chambers. A few weeks later, I interviewed and was offered the internship.
How did the Career Resource Center (CRC) help you successfully navigate the recruitment process?
The CRC was extremely helpful in preparing for interviews, as well as reviewing my resume and cover letters. They also answered my random questions throughout the process and provided ongoing encouragement as I went through the application process.
What are your career goals for the future?
I have three clear goals for after law school. First, I want to clerk for a federal judge or for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Second, I want to work a few years in the Harris County or Jefferson County district attorney’s office. Finally, I want to become a judge — not sure what kind of judge, but probably criminal or appellate.
The order and timing of these are to be determined, and I am open to other opportunities. I also want to be in a position to do pro bono work throughout my career.
What advice would you share with students going through recruitment?
Get involved in organizations and start building connections from the first semester. While it’s important to focus on your studies, also attend some social events and visit your professors during office hours. Discuss topics beyond just coursework and ask for their advice on your goals. Even if you don’t have a clear career path, share your interests and listen to their suggestions. Additionally, remain open to a wide range of opportunities.
Which professors have influenced you and or your career path the most?
Probably Professor Peters, Professor Ricks, Professor Browne-Barbour, and Professor Hogan. I have loved all my professors so far; they have all been extremely helpful and encouraging throughout the past two semesters. Professor Peters encouraged me to consider appellate work because I love research, which was something I hadn’t thought about before. Professor Hogan told me I had a good personality for a judge, which was really affirming to hear. Both Professor Hogan and Professor Peters wrote me recommendation letters that helped me secure the position with Judge Crone. Professor Browne-Barbour has been incredibly supportive, and I’ve enjoyed discussing torts and law school advice with her.
Professor Ricks has probably influenced my career path the most, especially in terms of planning. While reviewing my final exam, I told him I wanted to be a judge and didn’t want to spend my entire career in a large city. He advised me to explore clerkships, particularly with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the Harris County district attorney’s office and directed me to speak with Professor Blackman and Professor Peters.
What student organizations have you been involved with?
I am involved with the Women’s Law Society, the Federalist Society, and Phi Delta Phi. I am currently running for an event director position in the Federalist Society.
How has the law school community supported your growth?
The professors have all been helpful and encouraging, while also challenging me to do better. The community has been amazing. It is supportive and has made law school less terrifying than I originally feared. I have amazing classmates, and the 2Ls or 3Ls I have met are extremely helpful and kind.
What is something unique about you we can’t learn from your resume?
I am extremely family oriented. I have four younger sisters, the youngest being nine. Also, I love cats. I have an orange, 5-year-old cat named Mic. I’m not sure he knows he’s a cat, but he’s a huge coward. I joke that I am his emotional support human.
