Luke Nguyen, Class of 2024

1. Tell us about yourself.
I am currently a 1L from Old Lyme, Connecticut, and I attended Amherst College undergrad where I majored in Political Science. I spent the last two years working as a legal assistant in Boston, supporting patent lawyers on various tasks. I moved down to Dallas in July, and I have loved getting acquainted with the city this past year!

2. Why did you decide to come to SMU Law?
When I was applying to law schools, I knew I wanted to be in a city that was growing. After spending time in Dallas and talking to a few people familiar with the legal market, it became clear that the city was the perfect place. Once I decided on Dallas, SMU became a no-brainer. The students and faculty were incredibly warm and inviting, and it offered me the opportunity to grow as a student and a person.

3. What has been your favorite class and why?
My favorite class thus far has been Contracts with Professor Crespi! What I’ve loved about it is being able to learn the legal side of contracts we hear about and encounter every day. It has also been interesting learning about the evolution contract law paralleled with our growth as a society.

4. When you are not in school or studying, what do you do for fun?
I played soccer in college and it was a major part of my life growing up. I have loved playing with a group of 1Ls this year! I have also spent a lot of time on a quest to find the best Mexican food in Dallas and exploring the different charms of the city.

5. What extracurricular activities have you enjoyed most and why? (SBA, moot court, etc.)
My favorite extracurricular club has been APALSA. I’ve really appreciated the support and guidance from the upperclassmen. It has also been wonderful meeting other Asian lawyers in Dallas. I am excited to explore more clubs and activities in the next two years and continuing to be a part of APALSA.

6. How has law school challenged you most?
The most challenging part about law school has been learning things that are completely foreign at a rapid pace. Also, it was a challenge being back in the classroom after working for two years, but I was lucky to have a great group of friends to lean on this first year!

7. What has been your most memorable law school moment so far?
My most memorable moment of law school was finishing the final exam of the first semester! Chatting with my friends after the last exam, it became clear that we learned an incredible amount in just four months. It was easy to forget during the semester how much we’d grown, and it was gratifying taking a step back and reflecting on the semester.

8. What do you plan to do post-graduation?
I’m not sure exactly what I want to do after graduation, but I am currently interested in healthcare law. I come from a family of doctors, so I have always felt a connection the field. I have also developed an interest in sports and entertainment law! I am hoping to spend this summer exploring as many fields as possible.

9. Have you had any important mentors during law school? If so, who?
Professor Mayo, my torts professor, certainly made the transition to law school a bit easier! I felt comfortable going to his office hours and discussing the challenges I was having in Torts and other classes. I have also enjoyed learning more about healthcare law from him, and I am excited to take his health law class next semester.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years?
First, I see myself as being a great dog parent to the new puppy I am getting at the end of the semester! Professionally, I hope to be working in a role in which I am challenged every day and in a position to ensure diverse populations have a voice in the legal profession.