Tianna Larson

What year did you graduate from the University of Minnesota, and what was your major and minor?

BA in Journalism, minor in Business Law '18

What law school do you attend?

Wake Forest University

What year are you?

2L

Did you take time off between undergrad and law school?

No

Share one thing you wish you'd known about law school as an undergrad.

It's generally understood that grades are important in law school, but it really boils down to your 1L grades and experiences. The application time frame for summer internships is incredibly early; many students begin the process for their 2L internships before the first summer is even over. Thus, it's important to take 1L year seriously. Additionally, forming strong relationships with professors and upperclassmen is invaluable. Not only will these relationships lead to career opportunities, it makes law school much more enjoyable to have a strong network around you.

How did you choose your law school?

I knew that I wanted to practice in finance and securities. Since geography often plays a big role in where you'll find work, I considered schools in regions with the type of legal markets I was interested in. Within the region, I considered schools' rankings, as well as those with a strong business and transactional curriculum. Law schools tend to cater more to litigation experiences, so it was important to me to a school with opportunities like a Transactional Law club and a business clinic. Finally, I visited my school and felt like the collegial atmosphere and small class sizes would be the right fit for me.

What advice do you have for students/recent alums as they begin the application process?

Consider where you want to practice and look at schools in those regions. Otherwise, ask the career offices about their placement for students in whatever region or industry you want to work in. Also, don't overvalue a school's rank. While the tier matters, the specific rank is less important. If you're deciding between schools within the same tier, there are far more important factors to consider. For instance, the schools' course options, experiential opportunities, and scholarships.