Minnesota Law

Spring 2020
Issues/Contents
All Rise

Leading Questions

Eduardo Castro, 3L, is a former AmeriCorps member and student leader with a penchant for service.

WHY MINNESOTA LAW?

I chose Minnesota Law because I wanted a top-rated legal education that prized practical learning opportunities and public service. Plus, it didn’t hurt spending three years in the Twin Cities.

PROFESSIONAL ASPIRATIONS?

I’m going to Husch Blackwell in their Milwaukee office, and interested in litigation work. Beyond that remains unclear. However, I’d like to be of service to others, and I take comfort knowing Minnesota Law has positioned me to be successful wherever my career might take me.

MOST MEMORABLE CLASS OR CLINICAL EXPERIENCE?

Eduardo Castro, 3L
Photo credit: Tony Nelson

Being a student attorney in the Detainee Rights Clinic. I learned so much from talented and dedicated professors, pro bono partners, and fellow law students. But the most meaningful aspect has been the opportunity to serve our clients. Our immigration system is daunting, flawed, and the stakes are high. It is a privilege representing our clients in these proceedings, and the clinic has inspired me to continue this work in some capacity.

THOUGHTS ON FINISHING SCHOOL REMOTELY DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

It is certainly not how I envisioned my legal education coming to an end. I’m thankful, though, that our professors and the administration have gone above and beyond to ensure that we can continue our education while remaining safe and sane during this unprecedented crisis.

HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP YOUR LAW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE?

My time at Minnesota Law has been defined by unparalleled learning opportunities. For example, in just the spring of my 1L year, I argued in front of Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Lillehaug.

HOW HAS MINNESOTA LAW PREPARED YOU TO BE A LAWYER?

In countless ways. Our professors demand a level of preparation and intellectual rigor that will undoubtedly serve me. Our curriculum provides experiential and practical learning opportunities. Most importantly, our entire Minnesota Law community understands that the privilege of our education requires us to become, as Dean Jenkins says, “lawyer-leaders.”

ADVICE TO OTHERS CONSIDERING MINNESOTA LAW?

There is a kind of student who thrives here. That sense of cutthroatedness, look-left-look-right one-won’t-be-here, rip-pages-out- of-library-books is not Minnesota Law. If you are looking for a collegial atmosphere, and classmates who are committed to helping everyone make the most of their time here, you will do well at Mondale Hall.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU RECEIVED AS A LAW STUDENT?

My orientation leader told us to think about our own personal vision of “success” in law school. There are different pressures to pursue this or that “credential.” Having a clear vision of what you want out of your legal education can help you avoid that stress.

WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST ABOUT MINNESOTA LAW?

Perhaps this is a little clichéd, but the people. From the support staff and administration to the professors to classmates who will be colleagues and lifelong friends, I will forever be thankful for those I got to spend the last three years with here in Mondale Hall.

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