Name: Taryn P. Winston
Age: 23
Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia
Expected graduation year: 2018
Georgia Law achievements and awards: Alston Distinguished Law Fellow; Talmadge Moot Court Competition semi-finalist; Ralph Beaird Closing Argument Competition semi-finalist; CALI Award for Legal Research and Writing I & II, Civil Procedure I, and Constitutional Law I
Georgia Law extracurricular activities: Georgia Law Review, Editorial Board; Moot Court; Teaching Assistant for Legal Writing and Contracts; Black Law Students Association; Academic Success Co-Chair; Dean's Ambassador; Corsair Law Society
Undergraduate university / degrees / year: University of Georgia / B.A. in Political Science and A.B.J. in Public Affairs Journalism / 2015

1. What did you do before attending law school? I'm a traditional law student, so I started law school immediately after I graduated from undergrad. I debated taking some time off to work in D.C., but ultimately I think I made the best decision for me.

2. Why did you choose to attend the University of Georgia School of Law? There are several reasons, but I was definitely attracted to the idea of going to such a well regarded law school for such an affordable price. I also went to undergrad at the University of Georgia, so I felt comfortable with Athens and the environment at Georgia Law. This made the transition from undergrad to law school much easier.

3. What inspired you to become a lawyer? A lot of my former professors and teachers encouraged me to consider a career in law due to my professional and personal interests. No one in my family has ever gone to law school or practiced law, so I took a huge leap of faith in following their advice. As of now, I can thankfully say that I made a great decision.

4. What are your plans after graduation (if applicable)? After graduation, I will be clerking for Judge Steve Jones (J.D.'88) (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia) in Atlanta for two years. I would love to then clerk for a Court of Appeals judge.

5. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? My vision for the future changes frequently but right now, I could see myself working at large law firm either in Atlanta or Washington, D.C. I'm also open to working in the public sector if the right opportunity presents itself.

6. Thus far, what is your most memorable experience from your time at Georgia Law? I had the opportunity to take a week-long course with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas last semester. While it was a lot of work, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. It's pretty priceless to be able to say that I took a class with a current Supreme Court justice. 

7. What are some activities/clubs/clinics you are involved in at the law school? I'm on the editorial board of the Georgia Law Review, and I'm also on moot court. Additionally, I'm a teaching assistant for Legal Writing and the academic success co-chair for the Black Law Students Association.

8. What made you decide to enroll in Georgia Law? I was sold when I came to an admitted students day for potential Double Dawgs in the spring. All of my concerns about returning to UGA for law school were put at ease. I also learned that there is an incredible and active group of alumni Double Dawgs, which really made me excited and motivated to join that network.

9. What has been your most rewarding experience through this program? I have really enjoyed competing in all of the intra-school advocacy competitions, and I look forward to competing outside the school for moot court. I used to be terrified of public speaking, so it's rewarding for me to see how far I've come in conquering that fear.

10. How has this experience affected your career plans? Prior to attending law school, I had ruled out a career in litigation because of my fear of public speaking. Now, after all of my advocacy experiences, I am solely focused on a career in litigation. So, I'm a true testament of keeping an open mind throughout your law school journey.

11. What are your hobbies? I love writing. I don't write as much as I used to due to the demands of law school, but I find it very therapeutic and enjoyable. I also enjoy traveling, baking and reading.

12. Where is your favorite place to study? Why? I'm probably unusual in that I don't have a favorite, "go-to" place to study, but if I had to pick one place, I would say the study rooms in the Miller Learning Center. I studied there a lot in undergrad, so every now and then it's nice to get away from the law school and venture down there.

13. What are two things you always have to have with you when you study? Highlighters (in green, pink, orange, yellow and blue) and sticky notes. I'm pretty particular about studying!

14. What do you like most about living in Athens? The cost of living and the limited traffic! But in all seriousness, I love the feel of a small college-town atmosphere. There's always something new and different going on, and there truly is something for everyone. I've lived here for six years, and I still feel as though I haven't experienced everything Athens has to offer.

15. What do you do to handle the stress of law school? I've been so fortunate to have met an incredible group of friends while at Georgia Law. We support each other and help each other through all of the ups and downs, which has really helped me cope with the demands and stress of law school.

16. What would you consider your greatest accomplishment in life? The one accomplishment that immediately comes to mind was being named an inaugural Alston Distinguished Law Fellow last year. To be recognized and honored by Georgia Law in such an incredible way is something that will stick with me the rest of my life.

17. What is your favorite place on campus? Why? North Campus, especially in the fall. It's so beautiful and historic. There's no better study break than taking a walk through North Campus to downtown from the law library.