For this edition of Texas Lawās Student Spotlight series, meet 1L Veda Tsai!
Q: How has your undergraduate mock trial experience at UT Dallas helped you in law school so far?Ā
A: I gained both logical thinking and substantive knowledge from mock trial. Our mock trial programāÆgave us the opportunity to analyze the information and create arguments for both sides. We were able to review a case (that was very similar to something from an actual trial) and learn the meaning of legal terms, procedures in a courtroom, and portions of the federal rules of evidence. I find this helpful when following along with professors and reading cases.Ā
Whatās been the best surprise about your law school experience?Ā
It wasnāt necessarily a complete surprise for me, but I was very grateful for how quickly I was able to find faculty mentors. All of my professors genuinely careāÆabout each of the faces in their classrooms and go out of their way to make sure our learning experience is inclusive and world-class. They have been an incredible source of support and mentorship academically, professionally, and personally. Our faculty have helped open new doors for me. I am touched by their generosity and couldnāt begin to count the number of hours Iāve spent in their offices. I cannot wait to see what the next two years will bring.āÆĀ
What do you like about going to school in Austin?Ā
Iāve really enjoyed being in such a vibrant and fun city. Austin is full of interesting food, events, and some of the best people. Iāve loved the modern architecture, such as theāÆAustin Public Library. Breakfast burritos have become a staple food in my diet ā especially as a busy law student. Itās also amazing to be in a place where so much happens at the capitol!āÆĀ
What is your biggest motivator that led you to law school (and helps keep you going)?āÆĀ
Coming from a family without regular access to legal help made me realize the importance of advocacy. I previously wanted to enroll in medical school, and it has been such an honor to be able to connect with people and make so many friends. My brilliant classmates and kind faculty have been a daily inspiration. I truly enjoy coming to class each day.āÆĀ
What is your favorite law-related movie, and why?Ā
Hmmm, there are so many good ones. I think one of the classics has to be āMy Cousin Vinny.ā It was my first legal movie and an āassigned readingā for my mock trial class. My mock trial coach referenced it frequently to show us what a trialāÆlooksāÆlike, āÆprocedure, and an expert witness.āÆIt has been such a watershed moment for me when I was trying to find my career path, so it holds a special place in my heart.āÆ(āÆāāCause Chevy didnāt make a 327 in ā55, the 327 didnāt come out till ā62!ā)
What made you choose Texas Law?āÆĀ
As a nativeāÆTexan, Texas Law was on my radar as soon as I was considering law school. IāÆwas working in D.C. during applications, butāÆI flew 1,100 miles to visitāÆandāÆknew when I had found home. I was embraced by the warm, welcoming culture and believe there is truly no better place to be a law student. I could go on and on from the esteemed faculty to the nationally ranked programs, but it is also where you will find some of the kindest students who are lifelong friends.āÆĀ
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