About Me
Name and Grad Year
Briana Franklin, Class of 2027.
Prior Education
BA in Sociology, University of Southern California.
Before Ann Arbor, I Lived In
Altadena, California.
I Grew Up In
Altadena, California.
Prior to Law School
I was a substitute teacher.
My Dream Job
I’m not exactly sure yet, but something sports law-related.
Biggest Hesitation about Law School
As a first-generation law student, I did not have any personal relationships with people who have gone through this experience. So I was scared that I would start law school, have no idea what I was doing, and fall completely behind the rest of my classmates. However, after talking with some of them, I realized that we’re all doing this for the first time, and none of us knows exactly what we’re doing. There is comfort in knowing that everyone feels just as nervous about being a law student.
Why I Chose Michigan Law
When deciding what law school to attend, I sat down and considered what I wanted from my experience. I knew that I wanted to be somewhere where I could form close relationships with my classmates. While at preview weekend, I saw the current students in action, and it was amazing to see how they genuinely enjoyed each other. I could not pass up the opportunity to become part of the truly exceptional Michigan Law community!
My Time at Michigan Law
The Best Thing about Michigan Law
The Lawyers Club! I love the convenience of it (just a 3-minute walk to class), but what I love even more is the community that it fosters. Some of my favorite memories have taken place in the Lawyers Club dining hall. It’s a nice break to be able to escape from all our readings/assignments and just focus on eating and having conversations with friends.
What “The Michigan Difference” Means to Me
Even though we are law students, we are human beings first. Law school can be very intense and, if you wanted to, you could study all day. However, at Michigan, people value aspects of their identity that are not necessarily tied to being a law student, which lessens the competitive nature of law school and allows for a thriving community.
What Surprised Me Most About Michigan Law
How approachable the professors are! All of my professors heavily encourage connecting with them outside of class, and Michigan makes it really easy. For example, if you bring a professor to the Lawyers Club dining hall, they’ll provide you with free lunch!
What I Like Least about Law School
The early morning class times. I am a night owl, so waking up for an 8:55 a.m. class three times a week has been an adjustment.
My Favorite Class
Contracts with Professor Zhang. He is hilarious and does a great job engaging the class to the point where you don’t even feel like you’re being cold-called.
My Law School Extracurricular Activities
BLSA (Black Law Students Association), CALSA (California Law Students Association), and the Society for Space Law and the Law of the Sea.
My Favorite Study Spot
UpCo (the Upper Commons) because it’s lively. However, the Law Library Reading Room is a close second, because it’s strikingly beautiful and gives that dark academia vibe.
The Best Thing about Ann Arbor
The restaurants, definitely! Coming from the Los Angeles area, I thought I would be disappointed by the food, but Ann Arbor has so many options. You can satisfy any craving!
Fun Stuff
My Favorite Way to De-stress
Chilling in my room with the A/C on full blast, cuddled up in a blanket.
Favorite Book
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Favorite Movie
Elf.
Favorite TV Show
SpongeBob SquarePants.
Favorite Podcast
Club Shay Shay.
Favorite Beverage
Ann Arbor Coffee Roasting Company’s Peanut Butter Macchiato.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor
Chocolate Malted Crunch.
Favorite Ann Arbor Meal
Curry Goat from Jamaican Jerk Pit.
Favorite Item at the K&E Café
Cold brew. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for those long days.