In the next installment of our “Meet the J.D. Class of 2024 series, we introduce you to 1L Annie Brooking, who has a degree from Fordham University in film & television and digital technology for emerging media. Her impressive internships in the media and entertainment industries have included CNN, CBS Interactive, Atlantic Records, and "Late Night with Seth Meyers." She hopes to one day put her law degree to use in the media, entertainment, or sports industry.

Could your discus a bit about your background an interesting internships/professional experiences?

While completing my undergraduate degree, I interned for Atlantic Records, CBS Interactive, Late Night with Seth Meyers and CNN learning video production and social media strategy. Upon graduation I worked for CNN as a partnerships coordinator, where I leveraged my skills to help build content strategies and brand campaigns that would increase our brand awareness and drive revenue. 

How do these experiences connect to your decision to pursue law as a career?

At CNN, our team worked closely with legal counsel who set the parameters for every deal we made. The fantastic lawyers I was fortunate to work with sparked an interest as I realized the power lawyers have as the decision makers in most business deals.

What do you hope/plan to do with your legal education (realizing, of course, that may change during the course of your studies)?

Given my background in media and the entertainment industry, I hope to leverage my law degree to work in contracts for either media or the sports industry. 

Why did you select Minnesota Law?

Minnesota Law provides students a great deal of career flexibility. What I appreciated in my selection process was Minnesota Law’s emphasis on the variety of fields alums practice in and the potential for students to pursue what they are truly passionate about while still maintaining high standards of excellence.

Minnesota Law strives for a diversity of perspectives in the classroom. What are you hoping to add to the mix?

My point of view has shifted throughout my life as I’ve learned and grown as a person and come into myself. I think my perspective is one of understanding that where you come from might not be where you’re going and being open to others is crucial in order to be successful. 

Minnesota Law as an institution emphasizes leadership. What does leadership mean to you?

I view leadership as a quality of understanding the objective and being able to motivate the team to work to the best of their ability in order to achieve that objective. Leaders enable the people around them to utilize their unique strengths in order to help the team be successful. 

What is the thing you are most looking forward to about being a law student?

I’m looking forward to learning obscure law facts that I can utilize at trivia nights!

What are your hobbies/ interests?

I love to hike and spend time in nature! One of the things that drew me to Minnesota was its stunning lakes and forests and abundance of trails close to campus!

How do you like to spend your free time?

If I’m not on a hike I love to read outside. I can pack a picnic and spend all day in the shade just enjoying nature and my story. 

Favorite inspirational quote, book, or personal hero that you would like to mention?

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.” - J.R.R. Tolkien – The Fellowship of The Ring