Why Alexandra Jaehn Chose Capital Law
4/8/2016 - Alexandra Jaehn, L’16, enjoyed the privilege of mentorship by Capital Law alumnus John Ballow, L’84, a successful solo practitioner in her hometown of Buffalo, New York. Alex, as she prefers to be called, interned with him for two years before she started law school. Mr. Ballow encouraged Alex to visit Capital Law because of the wonderful atmosphere he experienced, as well as, the many opportunities available for law school students just steps from the state capital.
Alex graduated from Duquesne University in 2009 with a dual degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Alex says she has “always been fascinated by the criminal mind and how it fits in with our Criminal Justice system.”
When Alex came to Capital Law, she started with her favorite class, Criminal Law. To this day she admires the experience and abilities of former Dean, and current Professor Jack Guttenberg in that class. Building on that foundation, Alex enjoyed the in-depth conversations that develop in Criminal Procedure with Professor Dan Kobil, a renowned clemency advocate.
Beyond the classroom experience, Alex was drawn to the extensive networking programs that engage students with the Columbus legal community. Alex joined the mentoring program through the Women’s Law Association as early as her first year meeting with a local attorney to discuss networking skills.
She continued to develop those skills with an externship at the Columbus Bar Association, networking with several local attorneys and judges through attendance at ethics meetings. Alex recalls, “I really love that Capital Law is focused on getting students into the community and helping them obtain experience in various legal fields; so much of our careers are about experience.”
Choosing Capital turned out to be the best choice for Alex. “I have been able to get so much experience in various areas of law since I started law school … from ethics, to criminal, civil, estate planning, and domestic law” said Alex.
Capital Law encouraged her to delve into different areas of the law through the classroom and the community. She continued, “As a native of Buffalo, I was worried that I would not be able to network, but after getting involved in the experience-based programs at Capital Law I’ve built a great number of contacts in Columbus.”
After graduation, Alex plans on returning home to Buffalo, to apply the skills she has developed and honed at Capital Law, with hopes to become a prosecutor with the Buffalo District Attorney’s Office continuing her passion for criminal law. She beams with excitement about the prospect of starting her next chapter in Buffalo with the practice-ready skills and work ethic from Capital Law.
For additional "My Decision" articles, see Why I Chose Capital.