Lessons From Laradise: My Law School Experience

Howdy everybody! My name is Connor Balliet, and I am a 3L here at the College of Law.

 

I grew up in the foothills of the Front Range in Northern Colorado, in what used to be the small town of Berthoud. Now it’s just called “that town by Buc-ee’s.” My first experiences with Laramie were as a kid, driving through town on the way to go skiing at Snowy Range up in Centennial. And to be honest, it just seemed like another old town. It wasn’t until I came here for my undergrad that I truly realized just how great it is to be here. Since then, Laradise has had its hooks in me.

 

So why law school? Well, after I graduated from UWYO with concurrent degrees in Business Management and Economics, I thought for sure I would be running a company in no time. But for some reason, all these companies weren’t exactly wanting to hire some kid fresh out of college as their CEO… strange, I know.

 

So, while searching for a full-time position, I had some time to reflect on what I wanted to do with my life. I knew that I wanted to run my own company one day, but I just didn’t know how to get that done. And I definitely didn’t have a good idea or the money to start one from scratch.

 

Fortunately for me though, the show Suits had made a comeback in popularity while I was doing this soul-searching. Growing up, I had always thought about being a lawyer, but I was always quick to dismiss the idea because I thought lawyers only lived in courthouses, bogged down in litigation or criminal trials. Both of which were far from being considered one of my interests at that time.

 

But Suits sparked my curiosity about the other side of law, and as I looked more into what being a lawyer could actually mean, a lightbulb went off. If I couldn’t have my own company, I could help others start and run theirs. So, I registered for the LSAT, applied to Wyoming, and have been off to the races ever since.

 

And although I am reminded daily that being a lawyer (spoiler alert) is absolutely nothing like Suits, I am proud to say that after graduation I will be practicing in Billings, Montana, focusing on corporate law and civil defense litigation. Turns out litigation is actually kind of fun.

 

Why you should come to Wyoming

For me, it was Wyoming or bust when it came to law schools. The outdoors is a major aspect of my life, and Laramie is perfect for anybody who feels the same way. Within 20 minutes, you can be in the middle of the national forest, or go about an hour west, and you’re on top of Medicine Bow peak staring at pristine alpine lakes.

 

Aside from being right in the middle of a sportsman’s paradise, the College of Law is, in my opinion, in a league of its own. You won’t find a program that’s more student-focused or more dedicated to helping you succeed. The professors here genuinely care about you, not just as a student, but as a person. You can build real connections with every member of the faculty, and they’ll go out of their way to make sure you have the support you need to thrive.

 

I knew this was true within the first few weeks of my 1L year. I was waiting in the hallway to meet with one of my professors when Laurie Kempert, the College of Law’s Executive Business Manager (and an absolute saint who must be protected at all costs), walked by and stopped to chat. She knew me by name before we had even met in person. Even now, I don’t think there’s been a single day where I haven’t seen her stop to say hi to someone in the hallway. And honestly, that kind of warmth isn’t the exception here, it’s the norm among the faculty.

 

That sense of community carries outside the classroom too. The school does a great job of weaving a social life into the law school experience. From tailgates on football game days, which include an infamous chili cook-off, to the formal dinner events each semester, there are plenty of chances to connect and unwind. And if you’re lucky enough to spend a summer in Laramie, you might even end up playing on Professor Romero’s softball team. Fair warning: he will keep stats, but he’ll also send them to you when you’re arguing with your roommate about who hit more home runs.

 

Lastly, one of the best parts about Wyoming Law, though, is the access it gives you to the legal community. It’s not unusual to see Chief Justice Boomgaarden around the building, and our professors and staff bring a ton of experience and connections they’re eager to share. For me, it was Professor Mocsary who opened the door to my 1L summer internship with the in-house counsel of a firearms manufacturer. I wouldn’t have landed that opportunity without his help and guidance. And my story is just one of many.

 

Advice for incoming students

Quit worrying so much. At least here in Wyoming, the system is set up to help you succeed if you put in the work. You’ll figure out your path, it just takes time and persistence. Law school is a grind, and yeah, it gets tough sometimes, but it’s supposed to be. If it was easy everybody would do it. Keep your nose to the grindstone and you’ll get through it just fine. But don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Take breaks, exercise, eat right, and find that balance. If you bury yourself in work, you’ll burn yourself out. Try to carve out at least one day a week where you don’t even look at a book. And if you’re like me, get outside and get lost in the woods. Laramie is perfect for that.

 

Also, don’t take everyone else’s advice as gospel. I know, that sounds rich from a guy who is giving you advice. But as somebody who’s been there, trust me when I say you’ll hear plenty of people swear their way is the only way. Just remember that what works for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. You know yourself better than anyone, so find what fits you and stick with it. And if it stops working, don’t hesitate to pivot.

 

And at the end of the day, just remember we are all here to get our work done and have no reason to stand in each other’s ways. As the saying goes it ain’t about what you know, it’s about who you know (and just as importantly, what they think of you). One of the most important things you can have is a good reputation. The world is small, and the Bar is smaller. Your connections with the people around you will carry you farther than any test score or certification—don’t trade the latter for the former.

 

The last piece of advice I could give is to take your time and enjoy it. I know that sounds weird, but trust me, law school can be fun and it goes by way too fast. Make the memories and embrace the opportunities, you’re in for an experience like no other.

 

Thanks for reading this, and SKO POKES!