News @ Georgia Law August 2014 Student Profile
Name: Amanda M. McDowell
Age: 26
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Expected graduation year: 2015
Georgia Law achievements and awards: CALI Award recipient for the highest grade in Criminal Law; runner-up in the Richard B. Russell Moot Court Competition
Georgia Law extracurricular activities: Georgia Law Review (executive symposium editor 2014-15); Moot Court (competed in the 2014 ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition, will compete in the 2015 National First Amendment Competition and will serve as a coach for the 2015 ABA team); Sports and Entertainment Law Society (2014 vice president); Teaching Assistant (Fall 2013 Criminal Law and Spring 2014 Public International Law); Research Assistant (Professor Harlan Cohen 2013-2014)
Undergraduate degree/institution/year: B.S. in International Affairs and a pre-law certificate/Georgia Institute of Technology/2010
1. What did you do before attending law school?
Between undergrad and law school, I spent two years playing professional tennis. I played college tennis at Georgia Tech, and I always knew that I wanted to attempt a career on the professional women's tennis (WTA) tour. My time on the tour hardly ever felt like "work." I got the chance to travel the world playing the sport that I have loved since I was five years old.
2. Why did you choose to attend the Georgia Law?
As an Atlanta native, deciding to attend the University of Georgia School of Law was an easy choice. I knew that I wanted to live in Atlanta after law school, and Georgia Law has (by far) the best alumni network in Atlanta. I talked with several lawyers when trying to decide which law school to attend, and I consistently heard feedback that Georgia Law had a great "culture" with well-rounded students. I have definitely found this to be true and have been extremely happy at Georgia Law.
3. What inspired you to become a lawyer?
My dad was a lawyer so I knew what I was signing up for when I decided to pursue a legal career. I love writing and analyzing problems, and I felt that pursuing a law degree would match well with my academic strengths.
4. What are your plans after graduation?
After law school, I am moving to Seattle to clerk for Judge Tallman on the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. After my clerkship, I plan to move back to Atlanta and begin work at a law firm.
5. Who is your favorite Georgia Law professor? Why?
I have two favorite professors. Professor Rutledge is an inspiring and challenging professor. I had him for Civil Procedure during my first semester and took his upper level course in international arbitration this past spring. I love Professor Rutledge's teaching style because he challenges his students. He comes to class incredibly prepared every day and, in return, he expects that his students will do the same.
My other favorite professor is Professor Wells. I had him for Torts as a 1L and used him as my faculty adviser for my Georgia Law Review note. Professor Wells is an expert on many topics and is incredibly organized. He teaches in such a coherent way that I can't remember one time leaving his class and being confused about what we had learned that day.
6. What are some activities/clubs/clinics you are involved in at the law school?
I am a member of the Georgia Law Review. I served as a 2013-14 editorial board member and will serve as the 2014-15 executive symposium editor. I am also a member of the moot court team. This year, I will compete on the National First Amendment Team and will also serve as a coach for the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Team.
7. Where is your favorite place to study? Why?
I hate studying in the same place more than two days in a row. I like to constantly change up my study atmosphere depending on the mood I am in. If I am going to study with friends, I like to study in the Sanders Reading Room of the law library. It has beautiful windows that can make you forget you are stuck inside all day (and if you are lucky you can spot the "law hawk"). If I have a deadline to meet, I usually study at home. I also like to study outside at one of the many coffee shops in Athens.
8. What are two things you always have to have with you when you study?
Highlighters and headphones.
9. What do you do to handle the stress of law school?
I have a great group of friends from my childhood that all live in Atlanta now. When I am feeling stressed over something law school related, I like to go spend time with them. We hardly ever talk about work/law school when we are together and this can help put things back into perspective. I also love doing Flywheel, and I always feel refreshed when I finish a good class.
10. What is your favorite place on campus? Why?
I love the Starbucks in downtown Athens. I walk there about 3-4 times a day to get coffee or just to walk with a friend while they get coffee. I use these short walks as my study breaks, and I look forward to them every day.