About Me
Name and Grad Year
Alyssa Medin, Class of 2027
Prior Education
BA, philosophy, political science, and French, St. Olaf College (Northfield, Minnesota).
Before Ann Arbor, I Lived In
Des Moines, Iowa, for the summer.
I Grew Up In
Boston, Massachusetts, primarily, but I moved around a lot!
Prior to Law School
I went straight through from undergrad, but I spent two summers working in Madison, Wisconsin, in housing law. I worked as an intern in the Eviction Defense Clinic at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School and as a Housing Equity Fellow for a legal nonprofit organization.
My Dream Job
My dream would be to work in the judiciary. My favorite part of law school so far has been the philosophical angle in each of my classes, and I would love to center my career on the jurisprudential questions of our age.
Biggest Hesitation about Law School
I was the most hesitant about the law school workload compared with undergrad. It definitely requires the commitment of a full time job, but it is immensely rewarding to study for my soon-to-be career.
Why I Chose Michigan Law
I was compelled to apply to the University of Michigan because of my interactions with the Admissions Office, who are the most genuine and welcoming group. When deciding between Michigan and many other great schools, I chose Michigan Law because of the quality of life here: Ann Arbor is a tranquil, beautiful place to live as a student, and the University of Michigan provides access to legal markets all over the world (and internationally).
My Time at Michigan Law
The Best Thing about Michigan Law
Some days, when I’m busy shuffling between classes, activities, and study sessions, something phenomenal happens—whether it’s a guest speaker event like the Q&A with the solicitor general, or just observing the beauty of campus—that makes me quite distinctly aware of how special the Michigan Law experience is.
After years of wanting to come to law school, Michigan is a dream come true.
What “The Michigan Difference” Means to Me
The Michigan Difference represents a community where everyone is rooting for each other. There is a sense that we are all pursuing our unique (and varied) interests and goals, and that there’s a spot at the table for all of us.
So, our real competition is against ourselves, not each other. This manifests itself in good study groups, outline sharing, and a general supportive culture—all of which is crucial to the all-important 1L year.
What Surprised Me Most About Michigan Law
Since we take mostly doctrinal classes in our first year, I thought that it would be more black-letter law and less philosophical. I was happily surprised at how much I am able to apply my philosophy skills.
What I Like Least about Law School
Having to decide between a vast array of extremely interesting opportunities—from which lunch talk I want to attend to what summer opportunities to pursue, the buffet of choices can be overwhelming.
My Law School Extracurricular Activities
I’m in quite a few: the Christian Legal Society, the First Generation Law Students, the Women Law Student Association, and the Federalist Society. I also took the Pro Bono Pledge!
My Favorite Study Spot
Tie between the gorgeous reading room and my study carrel.
The Best Thing about Ann Arbor
The energy of being in a city built around academia and student life—A2 has great public transit, cute shops, and everything in between.
Fun Stuff
My Favorite Way to De-stress
Curling up on the couch with Häagen-Dazs ice cream to watch my current favorite TV show.
Favorite Book
The Republic by Plato.
Favorite Movie
I love everything, from feel-good movies, like The Princess Diaries or Spanglish, to dramas like Oppenheimer or even obscure French movies.
Favorite TV Show
The Chosen.
Favorite Podcast
I don’t listen to podcasts, but I suggest the B1M (urban development) and CaspianReport (international affairs) series on YouTube.
Favorite Beverage
A homemade latte with any creamer from Chobani.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor
Häagen-Dazs Coffee Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream.
Favorite Ann Arbor Meal
Favorite Item at the K&E Café
The chicken Caesar salad wrap.