Meet Alessandra Brainard, an aspiring lawyer who consistently sets goals for herself to achieve ultimate success.
What year are you? Senior
What is your major?: I am Pre-Law as a Strategic Communications Major and a Political Science Minor.
Do you work at the moment?: I am working for the Greensboro police department in public relations.
What do you plan to do after graduation?: I plan to enter the workforce as a paralegal or investigator ideally in criminal prosecution in the public sector. After about 2 years or so I will be attending law school where I would like to delve into the other side and pursue criminal defense.
Why do you want to become a lawyer?: Growing up my mother was in juvenile criminal defense attorney and I learned the value of the law at a young age. I put a heavy emphasis on the right to a fair trial and believe that everyone is the person they are, making the decisions they do, based on their upbringing and the fact that society has failed citizens and their families on proper civilization etiquette and morals.
Is there anything that has inspired your decision?: This summer I worked at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office in the Criminal Bureau and had the capability to watch a murder trial of a child. I don’t think that the verdict was accurate and experiences such as this reinforce my drive to bring those that I feel have acted unjustly to a fair punishment.
What does your ideal future look like?: After law school, I hope to work either in Boston or Washington D.C. and pursue criminal defense law. I eventually would like to get into politics and enter the lobbying field. I think there is an unfair distribution of wealth in politics currently and big money shouldn’t equal increased power. My goal is to turn the tables and assist Congress on making their decisions disregarding a fiscal benefit they might obtain.
Is there any advice you would give to students studying to become lawyers?: Although there isn’t a huge prevalence of students pursuing law on Elon’s campus, I believe that students shouldn’t enter a field strictly on the grounds that they will get a job after graduation or a high salary. So many students grasp to Finance or Economics due to the belief that that’s where the money is. Pursue what you’re passionate about and experience life while you’re at it. Don’t be afraid to take time off to travel or to get to know yourself better. Your time at Elon will fly by regardless. Enjoy it while you can.