In the next installment of our "Meet the Class of 2024" series, we introduce you to 1L Phillip Mellon, a 2012 West Point grad who served nine years in the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of captain. He hopes to one day put his legal skills to work in the field of international human rights.

You have an interesting professional/military background. Could you describe it a little bit?

After graduating from undergrad, I spent nine years as an officer in the Army.  During that time, I was fortunate to get to work as a cultural and language expert for a few years in addition to my normal day job.

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

For me, the decision to pursue a career in law came from a summer studying in rural western China.  That summer I saw how law, or the absence of it, can affect society. 

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

After graduating from law school, I hope to work in the field of international human rights.  I strongly believe human trafficking is one of the great stains of the modern world and anything I can do to help eliminate it would be worthwhile.

There are many law school choices. Why did you select Minnesota Law?

The big thing that sealed my decision to go to Minnesota Law was the sense of comradery and community.  When I was deciding where to go to law school all of the Minnesota Law faculty and students bent over backwards to help me make an informed decision.

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

As a nontraditional student I come into law school with almost a decade of work experience both in America and abroad.  My hope is that I’m able to use those experiences to help enrich discussions in class. 

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

In my opinion, leadership is a two-pronged responsibility.  On one side, as a leader you have a responsibility to take care of those who have placed their confidence in you.  On the other side, sometimes caring for others means telling others things they may be uncomfortable or that they may not want to hear.

Thing you are most looking forward to about being a law student?

I think what I’m most looking forward to in law school is learning something new every day, especially when so many of the issues we will discuss in class continue to be relevant today.  I am really looking forward to those discussions with my professors and classmates.

What are your hobbies/ interests?

My hobbies include recreational sailing, cycling and watching baseball.  I feel pretty fortunate getting to live in the Twin Cities because all three of those are easily accessible in the metro area.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time I like to be outside when the weather permits.  Since moving to Minnesota I have been spending a lot of time visiting lakes around the Twin Cities with my Sheltie.

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

One of my personal heroes is my grandmother Shirley.  She passed away in 2013 after a 15-year battle with cancer, but she lived her life as an artist, philanthropist, and free spirit.  She was the kindest person I’ve ever known, and I believe we could all benefit from being a bit more like her.