Whether entering U0 or applying to graduate, many of us students are unsure about where our degrees will take us, but for California native and co-president of McGill Pre-Law Students’ Society (MPLSS) Juliette Mueller, her passion to pursue law has always been clear. “Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to be the kind of lawyer to help people, and I’ve always appreciated debating about social issues,” the U3 Gender, Sexuality, Feminist, and Social Justice Studies Major recalls. “I’ve always known I wanted to pursue a career in law to improve the world we live in.” When she isn’t engaged in spirited debates, Juliette can be found café-hopping in the Plateau, studying in the quiet and calm environment that is Birks Library, or catching up on the New Yorker in the comfort of her apartment. Oh, and when asked about the Suits vs. How to Get Away with Murder debate, Juliette objects. “Can I say The Good Wife?” Yes, yes you can. When it comes to more pressing matters, Juliette has her heart set on pursuing a career that concerns human rights law or civil rights. “I’m pursuing a career that is oriented toward social justice, and two areas of interest for me are prison and immigration.”
How, one might ask, is Juliette so assured about where her McGill degree will take her when she graduates in the Fall of 2017? Well, the MPLSS and its wealth of resources for students considering law may have something to do with it. “The MPLSS is great because we have options for people who aren’t positive they want to attend law school, as well as people who are dead-set on it,” she tells me. “We help students navigate the process of applying to law school, and also offer resources to help determine whether law school is right for them.” For those of you who have ever felt on the fence about law, this Society probably sounds perfect for you, and that’s because it is; more than just talking a great game, the MPLSS is proactive about how it helps steer its members through the (sometimes) overwhelming world of law.
“We do this by hosting all sorts of speakers, workshops, meet-and-greets, networking events and law forums so that people can learn about the law school process, legal careers, and aid them with their applications. We also connect students to lawyers and law students through the MPLSS Mentorship Program, give them a chance to work on their oral advocacy skills in a Mooting Team, or hone their legal writing at the Pre-Law Journal. We also partner up with LSAT prep companies and tutors to offer study sessions and practice tests so that they can feel ready for the LSAT.”
If you aren’t lucky enough to know what kind of law you may be interested in, once again, the MPLSS has got you covered. “We make an effort to explore many types of law, inviting lawyers from many different areas to partner up with us at law panels or through mentorship programs,” Juliette assures me. “We have criminal defense lawyers, immigration lawyers, corporate lawyers…you name it.”
Juliette’s personal involvement in the MPLSS is just as impressive as the Society itself. “I’ve been with MPLSS since my first year at McGill. I was lucky enough to find the moot court team, which is essentially the appellate version of a mock trial, during my first semester, the year the team was founded. I made it on the team, served as its president the next year, and now I’m co-president of all of the MPLSS, which is the body that moot court is a part of.” Some of her other responsibilities as co-president involve overseeing MPLSS portfolios, including the Moot Court team and the Pre-Law Journal. “We work with our VP Sponsorship to ensure that MPLSS has adequate funds to host all the events that we do, such as our Law Panels, and we collaborate with each of our execs to make sure they have what they need to complete their projects successfully.” Does this co-president ever rest? “We’re currently pioneering a legal case competition. This project is being spearheaded by our VP of Corporate Relations, and we are assisting him along the way to make sure it goes smoothly.”
Though the MPLSS execs always seem to have their hands full with current projects and upcoming events, they keep themselves uber-organized. “Moot court meetings meet weekly, with their execs also meeting weekly. MPLSS exec meetings are weekly, and meetings with the Pre-Law Journal editorial team depends on the time of year. At these meetings we go through each of our portfolios to get updates, strategize, and complete projects.”
Are you guys convinced yet? Because I am, completely. “To become a general member, head here and complete the registration.” The small fee grants you entry to multiple MPLSS events such as law school panels, law forums, journal launch, LSAT study sessions, etc. Even if you don’t want to pay to become a member, the MPLSS still opens its doors to you. “You should still come to our events! Like us on Facebook for opportunities for involvement,” Juliette urges. “To get involved with the Moot Court Team, Pre-Law Journal, or to participate in the upcoming case competition, please keep an eye out on our Facebook and sign up for our listerv so that you can receive details, and/or email us at president@mcgillprelaw.ca”
Some wise, parting words from this proactive young woman? “Don’t do it for the paycheck or the prestige. Neither of those are a guarantee, and neither of those are a good reason to pursue a profession. Go into law because it’s truly something you want to devote yourself to. Also, join the MPLSS!” Sold.
Both photos obtained from interviewee Juliette Mueller.