Why Anna Mason Chose Capital Law

3/21/2018  - Anna Mason, L’20, will tell you that she never considered attending any law school other than Capital University Law School. Capital’s part-time evening program made it possible for Anna to fulfill her dream of becoming a lawyer, while continuing to live and work in southeastern Ohio, which she loves.

Anna has worked as a paralegal for more than 25 years. She graduated in 2016 from Ohio University with a B.S., focusing on pre-law. In order to attend Capital, Anna regularly commutes about 120 miles three nights a week from her hometown of Logan, Ohio. She has worked at the same law firm in Nelsonville, Ohio, for the past 19 years and plans to practice there after passing the bar. Her practice areas will include real estate, probate, and general practice. Capital Law was the only regional school that offered her the flexibility she required to continue working full time while she obtains her legal degree.

However, necessity aside, Anna says that Capital would have still been her first choice, knowing what she now knows about the school. She especially values the individualized attention she receives from her professors, and the close camaraderie and friendships she has been able to establish with her peers. “Those types of relationships are nearly impossible to have at larger schools, and here they are commonplace. That is such an advantage both personally and academically,” she adds.

As someone who works a full-time day job and commutes to school, she doesn’t get to experience much of the Columbus “city life,” but she notes that there are always social and professional opportunities being offered by the SBA and other groups for evening students.

“Law school is unlike anything I’ve experienced, and I’ve been around for while!” she joked. “I’m not going to lie: it’s tough. There’s never a dull moment and your free time is limited. But I have to admit, the feeling of accomplishment I had after completing that first year was incredible--and totally worth it!”

Like most students, Anna is looking forward to the end of the semester, but not just for academic reasons. Her first grandchild, Scarlett Grace, was just born over Thanksgiving break and she relishes the opportunity to spend some more time with her. “Like I said, between work, school, and a new grand baby, there’s never a dull moment!”

For additional "My Decision" articles, see Why I Chose Capital.