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Name: Audrey Jayne Conant
Degree: Juris Doctor
Hometown: Parker, Colorado
Undergraduate: Metropolitan State University of Denver
What inspired you to pursue a law degree?
I was inspired to pursue a law degree through my experiences growing up alongside my brother, who is on the autism spectrum. Watching my family navigate challenges related to acceptance, support and fair treatment exposed me early on to how difficult it can be for individuals and families to advocate for themselves when they are not being heard or understood. Those experiences showed me how often people in vulnerable positions are overlooked or dismissed, even by institutions that are meant to support them.
[With] a legal education, I could develop the skills necessary to analyze complex problems, communicate clearly and advocate on behalf of others in meaningful and impactful ways on a broader scale.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because of its strong commitment to support and mentorship. Another important factor in my decision was Arizona Law’s generous scholarship opportunities. Knowing that I could pursue my legal education without the weight of significant student debt gave me the freedom to focus on learning, gaining experience and exploring my career path without feeling constrained by financial pressure.
Which class, professor or experience most changed the way you think, not just about the law, but about life?
Getting my 1L grades back was one of the first times I did not receive the results I had hoped for, and it led to a real moment of self-doubt. I remember feeling like I might not be cut out for law school and even questioning whether I could succeed in the legal profession.
What changed everything for me was meeting with Professor Sylvia Lett. I walked into her office feeling defeated, but she took the time to reassure me that my experience was not only normal, but part of the process of law school. She emphasized that one set of grades would not define my future and even offered to personally help me in my job search if needed.
What is the hardest thing about law school that nobody really warns you about, and how did you get through it?
As the first person in my family pursuing a legal career, I did not come in with a strong understanding of what law school would look like day-to-day, how to approach building a legal career or even the steps required to become a licensed attorney. There were a lot of moments where it felt like everyone else already knew what they were doing, while I was still trying to figure out the basics. I relied on professors, the Career Development Office and mentors to ask questions and gain clarity on everything from coursework to job opportunities.
What will you miss most about law school?
One of the things I will miss most is the opportunity to give back while still being a student. Through my role as an Arizona Law Ambassador, I have had the chance to connect with prospective and current students, alumni and valuable members of the legal community; share my experiences; and be part of a team that helps shape how others experience the law school.
What area of the law are you most interested in practicing, and why?
Criminal law, specifically pursuing a career in prosecution. Through my experiences in law school, and particularly through my work with the Pima County Attorney’s Office and as a Certified Rule 39(c) Limited Practice Student, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact this work can have on individuals and the community.
Prior to law school, I was motivated by a desire to support individuals navigating difficult situations and to be someone who could help guide others through unfamiliar systems. Through my work in criminal law, I have found a way to carry that purpose forward by working with victims, witnesses and other individuals who are often encountering the justice system for the first time.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I am excited to begin clerking for the Arizona Supreme Court in the chambers of Justice James P. Beene (’91).
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