Five Questions with Brittany Crosby, 3L Accordion

1. What motivated you to pursue a law degree?

I've always had so many different academic interests, so I thought pursuing a legal career would be a great way to combine all of them. I think the law is unique in that you may have a case that requires you to learn about a particular medical ailment or how a particular chemical affects the environment. You are always learning something new, which may be completely independent of legal principles.

I was also drawn to the creative analysis that legal practice involves, particularly in litigation. I love analyzing problems from different prospective and figuring out how to best present the interests of my client in front of a judge or jury.

2. How would you describe your experience here at GW Law so far?

GW Law has been a great experience since the first day. I really liked the first-year Inns of Court program, which helped ease my transition into law school. It helped me prepare for the job application process, to eventually working in a law firm. The SBA also does a great job of planning events, so it's easy to get to know your fellow classmates outside of class.

Before beginning law school, I was a little worried that the competitive nature would make it an unpleasant experience, but I think the GW Law community is uniquely really supportive and friendly. At the same time, GW Law students are also some of the most intelligent and accomplished people I have ever met, so I always learn so much from them just by listening to classroom discussions. 

3. The 2017 Van Vleck Constitutional Law Moot Court Finals took place on January 25, 2017. You were one of the finalists. How would you describe that experience?

It was a really surreal experience to make it to the final round of the Van Vleck competition. I remember attending the final round as a 1L and thinking how scary it must be for a law student to argue in front of appellate judges and a large portion of the law school. I did not really understand any of the legal arguments the competitors were making, and I was blown away by their ability to calmly and intelligently respond to the judges' questions. Now, two years later, I was given the same opportunity to argue in front of three appellate judges. Looking back, it's really cool to see how much I've learned and grown professionally after only two years of law school.

After the oral arguments, we were given an opportunity to meet the judges. The opportunity to receive personalized and detailed feedback from a First Circuit, Sixth Circuit, and Federal Circuit judge is something that most law students and lawyers are not able to receive this early in their legal career. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in such a distinguished competition.

4. What was it like preparing for a competition like this?

The constitutional issues involved in the case were complex so my partner, Sarah Cornwell, and I spent many late nights researching and bouncing ideas off of each other. For the final round of arguments, the competitors were able to receive help from other law students or from our professors. We were so lucky to have many of our friends and professors offer to help us prepare our brief and oral argument.

I think the best part about preparing for the competition was being able to work with our professors. It's great to go to a school where you can find an expert on whichever area of law you are interested in by just walking down the halls. The opportunity to have some of the most brilliant legal minds help us refine our arguments and give us advice for oral advocacy was invaluable. Beyond the constitutional law that I learned, the skills I gained from the advice of all of our professors who helped us prepare for Van Vleck has immensely helped me prepare for real legal practice.

5. What are your future plans once you graduate?

After graduation, I plan to move to Atlanta, Georgia to work in the business litigation division of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP. I’m really excited to start my legal career.