Meet Morgan Conaway, 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?
At first, I chose South Texas Law because of its stellar reputation, which I learned about through several alumni. In addition to its reputation, the law school’s location is wonderful! After growing up in Katy, a Houston suburb, I was a big fan of downtown Houston. Also, I knew I wanted to work in Houston long-term, so attending law school in the heart of downtown was a big factor for me.
Where are you working this summer?
I will be working at Vinson & Elkins this summer in their Houston office!
How did you secure this opportunity?
I secured this opportunity through a resume collection on the Career Resource Center’s job portal, Symplicity. Additionally, I believe the time and effort I invested in perfecting my resume and cover letters to meet both my own standards and those of STCL Houston, as well as those of the employers, played a key role in my success throughout the process.
How did the Career Resource Center (CRC) help you successfully navigate that application process and your career path?
The CRC was incredibly helpful with its open-door and email policies, which made it easier for me to ask any questions I had before an interview. I never felt hesitant to ask anything, especially with Marissa, who always responded quickly, no matter how unusual the question. I remember reaching out to her before my first big law interview, to ask which purse I should bring because I was worried about every detail. I even asked if I should set up a voicemail on my phone, and whether there’s a professional format to use.
Also, my friends and I often visited the CRC office to chat about everyday topics like weekend plans or our pets. The Career Resource Center has been very welcoming, and everyone in the office played a role in helping me secure a summer associate position.
What are your career goals for the future?
My short-term goal is to learn as much as possible and identify the practices I do not see myself pursuing in the future. In the long-term, my goal is to represent my clients in a way that I would want to be represented; by fostering meaningful interactions that will help clients achieve their own goals.
What piece of advice would you share with future students going through recruitment?
My advice is to be yourself and trust the process! Some of the best advice I’ve received was that the firm is already impressed with your credentials on paper, so the interview is about assessing your personality and determining if you will mesh well with the firm’s culture.
I know it’s easier said than done, but go into the interview with confidence and stay true to yourself. It’s important to remind yourself that if the firm or job is the right fit for you, you will know it and so will they! Everything will work out as it is meant to.
Which professors have influenced you and/or your career path the most?
Every professor I had during my first semester at STCL Houston made a lasting impact on me, particularly Professor Ryan Nelson in Civil Procedure I. Civil procedure was a foreign concept to me at the start of the semester, but Professor Nelson made it more approachable. By the time I needed to study for the final, I felt well-prepared and understood what to expect.
After reflecting on the final, I truly began to appreciate the way Professor Nelson taught throughout the semester. In the end, I was able to grasp the bigger picture, which is why I love civil procedure and will continue to do so for years to come.
What student organizations have you been involved with?
I am a member of Women’s Law Society, as well as a member and 1L Representative for Aggie Law Student Association.
How has the South Texas Law community supported your growth?
I feel most supported by the friends I’ve made at STCL Houston. Being surrounded by like-minded, kind people truly makes a difference in your journey through law school. Especially when you find quality, potentially life-long friends during your first semester, it really helps to be around others going through the same experience.
Law school is already a challenging environment, but finding people to laugh with in the café before classes makes it more manageable. I am so grateful for the community that South Texas Law promotes and maintains—it has made my experience in law school a great one, even after just 7 months.
What is something interesting about you we can’t learn from your resume?
My favorite thing to do with my friends is try different fitness studios around Houston. Going back to my previous point about friendship, recently after classes, some of us in my section have started going to the yoga studio down the street from the school together. Even if I’m hanging out with my friends outside of law school, my favorite activity to suggest is to attend a workout class together.
