About Me
Name and Grad Year
Jordan Barpal, Class of 2027.
Prior Education
BA, political science, University of Michigan (2012)
MA, government, Johns Hopkins University (2021)
Before Ann Arbor, I Lived In
New York, Chicago, Jerusalem, and most recently Washington, DC.
I Grew Up In
Birmingham, Michigan.
Prior to Law School
I did a number of things, including working at large law firm in New York and a foreign policy think tank in Chicago. For the past eight years I was in the Navy, serving as an intelligence officer. I’ve been stationed on the east coast, west coast, and did a six-month deployment to the Pacific.
My Dream Job
Law school professor. If I could make a comfortable living getting paid to read, write, study, and interact with eager young minds looking to do great things, that sounds like a terrific way to spend my days.
Biggest Hesitation about Law School
My age—specifically, whether I was entering the legal profession too late. The legal profession is competitive and filled with incredibly bright and talented people, and so the idea of beginning that journey later in life, when my contemporaries already may have a leg up, gave me pause. But in the end, I figured if I could come away with a JD from Michigan Law, I should be just fine.
Why I Chose Michigan Law
I wanted to enjoy my time in law school and the company of my classmates, while also getting the best possible legal education. I don’t know if any other school is so balanced in this respect.
My Time at Michigan Law
The Best Thing about Michigan Law
The setting. There is something about the architecture and environment I find immediately puts me in a studious frame of mind as soon as I enter.
What “The Michigan Difference” Means to Me
An alumni network unmatched in its passion for, and commitment to, its alma mater. Having lived in New York, Chicago, and DC—three of the largest metropolitan areas in the country—I can confidently say that no other school is so well represented (at least in their outward displays of school pride). This translates into a network of alumni ready and eager to help their own, wherever that might be.
What Surprised Me Most About Michigan Law
The approachability of the professors. They are intimidating to be sure in their intellect and accomplishments, but they are equally welcoming and engaging.
My Favorite Class
Contracts with Professor Cornell. I did not anticipate enjoying a doctrinal course on the nature of contracts, but I am surprised by how philosophical many of the fundamental concerns actually are. Professor Cornell does a great job of bringing these abstract notions to the surface.
My Law School Extracurricular Activities
MilVets (Michigan Law Veterans Society) and hopefully the Michigan Journal of Environmental and Administrative Law.
My Favorite Study Spot
My home office, with my two dogs sleeping by my side.
The Best Thing about Ann Arbor
The eclectic scenery. Ann Arbor is a unique place, filled with unique people. It makes for a fun, engaging, stimulating environment. Not to mention it adds to a vibrant culture that incorporates great food, art, architecture, and music from all walks of life. A small city with much to offer.
Fun Stuff
My Favorite Way to De-stress
Taking a walk out in the woods with my dogs.
Favorite Book
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Favorite Movie
The Dark Knight Trilogy.
Favorite TV Show
Friends.
Favorite Podcast
Making Sense with Sam Harris.
Favorite Beverage
Tea: hot, cold, black, green—you name it (strange, I know).
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor
Chocolate (boring, I know).
Favorite Ann Arbor Meal
Zingerman’s pastrami sandwich (cliché, I know).