Alisa M. Rosales, University of Nebraska College of Law, Graduate

As a life-long native, staying in Nebraska for law school was a natural choice for me. Despite applying to schools across the greater Midwest, I choose the University of Nebraska College of Law because of its sense of community, commitment to diversity, national stature, and affordable price. I felt welcomed by the faculty, administration, staff, and students every time I visited. Not only were my questions answered fully, but great pains were taken to show me the various ways a juris doctor could be used, whether I wanted to be a traditional lawyer or not. The commitment to diversity is a little more sublime, but the faculty and administration are concerned members of the legal community, and the lack of diversity in the Nebraska legal community is a personal and genuine concern for many of them. I checked with various family and friends across the country, and Nebraska’s national reputation is solid, a key factor because I don’t know where I’ll end up. Finally, Lincoln is an affordable place to live. When I was in law school, I didn’t have a lot of time to enjoy the expensive things that make bigger cities more attractive so it didn’t make sense to add the extra debt burden. There’s still plenty to do in Lincoln, with great bike trails, the Lied Center, and tons of activities bustling around the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Plus, because it is the capitol, there are plenty of job opportunities working in government, non-profits, and as well as traditional firms, while in law school.

The nicest surprise, and one of the reasons I stayed, was the supportive alumni. I have some of the greatest mentors, who have provided me with a breadth of advice and example of the ways that I can use my juris doctor. I can’t wait to join them, helping and supporting others as they determine their paths. Attending the University of Nebraska College of Law has provided me a foundation of skills and confidence to be able to use my juris doctor in many different settings – the non-profit sector, as a traditional attorney, as an active member of professional organizations. As I determine my next move while pursuing my Master of Public Service as part of the inaugural class of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, I know that my choice of attending and graduating from the University of Nebraska College of Law, was not only one of the best I ever made, but one of the ones I am most proud of.