Lacey Eckert, a member of the Jurisprudence Learning Community, is a sophomore studying government and international politics in the Schar School of Policy and government. She writes about a recent field trip JPLC students embarked on to the state capital.
The Jurisprudence Learning Community went on an informative trip to Richmond, Virginia, during which we explored legal career opportunities, met with several judges, and sat in on a legislative meeting. This trip was an opportunity for JPLC to come together and experience a higher level of hands-on learning, expand our curiosity for law, and see how it works day to day. Justice Cleo Powell was one of the most fascinating and knowledgeable people I met during our trip. Her advice and life story had a staggering impact on my interest in government and law.
Justice Powell is one of the seven judges on the Virginia Supreme Court. Virginia is one of the only two states in the country where judges are appointed by the legislature, the other being South Carolina. Justice Powell is one of the few sitting members who has been a leader at all levels of the court. She started her career in the General District Court to which she was appointed in 1993. Then she was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2000, and the Circuit Court of Appeals in 2008. She was finally appointed to the Supreme Court of Virginia in 2011. Her passionate story behind her love for law stood out to me. Starting at a young age, Justice Powell realized that the law offers each of us who have the motivation to be lawyers to know that we are positively adding to society.
She believes that the legal field is a very satisfying and rewarding place. She went on to talk more about how she wanted to be a civil rights lawyer growing up and emphasized that “you can find what you want to do and what speaks to you in unexpected places.”
As a government and international politics major with a minor in legal studies, my hope is to pursue a career in law. Hearing Powell have such a distinguishing passion for the law is extremely powerful to me as I look to what my future might turn out like.
I have met with numerous lawyers and politicians who speak relatively negatively and unpassionately about going to law school. This has directed me to different opinions on law and law school, creating the question of whether dedicating my life and career to government and law is a sacrifice I'm willing to make. Meeting with Justice Powell, who holds such a high position, has been a valuable life lesson to me. I learned how law is a practice for the opportunity to help people and hear what they have to say. Knowing both sides of a story and analyzing it, trying to understand it through years of practice with experienced colleagues by your side is not just rewarding, but eye-opening. Justice Powell's love for the law and government shined through her voice in ways that outline how impactful the law is and can be. Sitting in the chambers and hearing about her upbringing, I saw how she worked incredibly hard. Her determination and high hopes in her career excited me for what was to come for me.
The Jurisprudence Learning Community has prepared me for law school in numerous ways. During our fall session, we met with a different lawyer each week with a background in various kinds of law. From speaking to attorneys who work across a variety of fields, to meeting with state Supreme Court judges, going on this trip has connected me to the love of the law more so than before, creating a variety of opportunities I can explore when I enter law school.