Name: Tyler M. Sandifer
Age: 30
Hometown: Tifton, GA
Expected graduation year: 2018
Georgia Law achievements and awards: Fall 2015 & Spring 2016 CALI Award for Legal Research and Writing; Georgia Law Review Editoral Board; Kenneth L. Millwood Scholarship Recipient; Round of Sixteen, Russell Moot Court Competition
Georgia Law extracurricular activities: Georgia Law Review; Teaching Assistant, Legal Research & Writing
Undergraduate university, degree(s), year(s): University of Georgia / B.A. in Speech Communications / 2009; New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary / Master of Divinity / 2013
1. What did you do before attending law school?
After undergrad I moved to New Orleans to go to seminary. Toward the end of my time in school, I helped start a nonprofit that focused on connecting children in foster care to families. I served as the director of program management until I decided to come back to law school.
2. Why did you choose to attend the University of Georgia School of Law?
My wife and I loved our time in Athens as undergrads. That, paired that with law school's reputation, made Georgia Law the perfect fit for my family.
3. What inspired you to become a lawyer?
My dad went back to law school when I was in grade school and I have always been proud of his work. So the interest was always there for me. But I chose law school because I wanted to add value to my life's work.
4. What are your plans after graduation (if applicable)?
I plan to practice at a large firm in Atlanta or New Orleans.
5. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I am completely open. The beauty about a law degree is that it opens so many doors and closes very few.
6. What are some activities/clubs/clinics you are involved in at the law school?
I am on Law Review and serve as a T.A. for Legal Writing. I have intentionally limited my extracurricular involvement to this point, but look forward to engaging with the clinics over the next few semesters.
7. What do you enjoy most about law school?
Probably Friday lunches with my fellow fathers. On the first day of orientation, I met three other dads who decided to "go back" to law school. From that day forward, we have maintained a close friendship and eat lunch together downtown nearly every Friday.
8. What has been your most rewarding experience through this program?
The people. From students to professors to potential employers, they have all enriched my experienced as a student. But none more so than Sharron Millwood and the attorneys at Nelson Mullins who established the Kenneth L. Millwood Scholarship and have invested in me from day one - continually offering advice, connections and friendship.
9.What are your hobbies?
Dad stuff - jumping on the trampoline, building lego towers and "roaring" contests.
10.Where is your favorite place to study? Why?
My everyday "go-to" is a seat by the window in the library. I like having the option to discuss when issues arise in readings.
11. What are two things you always have to have with you when you study?
I'm pretty low maintenance. I need a highlighter and a pen - everything else is optional.
12. What do you like most about living in Athens?
My family loves to hit the nature trails in and around Athens. Our favorite is the Orange Trail at the Botanical Gardens.
13. What do you do to handle the stress of law school?
I plan. I establish a weekly rhythm each semester and make small goals that I have to reach each day.
14. What would you consider your greatest accomplishment in life?
Convincing my wife to marry me. Even though we started dating in middle school, it was no easy feat.
15. What is your favorite place on campus? Why?
If the weather is nice, I love the walk from the law school, through North Campus, to downtown.