UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

JAMES E. ROGERS COLLEGE OF LAW

JUNE 18, 2025

Greetings,

This week we feature Class of 2025 JD graduate Dylan Tully. Dylan will be taking his desire to fight for justice to the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office.

Read on,

Jason

FEATURE

Fighting the Good Fight: A Q&A with Class of 2025 JD Grad Dylan Tully

Name: Dylan Tully

Degree: Juris Doctorate

Hometown: San Diego, California

Undergrad: BA in International Business & Spanish

What inspired you to pursue a law degree?

I wanted to be in the “room where it happens.” So many life-changing decisions are made in courtrooms every day. These decisions impact all of us and yet only a select few have any influence or say on the outcome. I went to law school so I could put on the proverbial boxing gloves, hop into the ring, and fight for the outcomes that I believe are equitable and just.

Why did you choose University of Arizona Law?

Location, location, location! I’m passionate about Arizona-centric issues such as immigration, natural resources and Indigenous rights, and the University of Arizona offers uniquely close access to learn about each of these issues.

What has been your favorite class or professor, and why?

My favorite class by far was a seminar taught by Professor Xiaoqian Hu, called “Property, Social Justice and the Environment.” It was a class where every week we arranged our desks in a circle and discussed the roots, implications and ethical frameworks surrounding property, wealth and the environment.

How has your perspective on the law or legal profession changed since starting law school?

I genuinely used to think that lawyers don’t work hard enough, or don’t fight hard enough. Now I realize that the legal system is deeply complex and lawyers can do everything right and still lose their cases.

If you could sum up your law school experience in one sentence, what would it be?

It depends!

What are your plans after graduation?

My plan is to work for the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office as an attorney.

How do you hope to make a difference in the legal field or in society through your career?

I hope to inspire others by showing them how valuable “fighting the good fight” is. I want to demonstrate how persistence and hard work can be an extremely effective combo in making a change in our world.

This Q&A has been edited for length. See the full article here.

FROM THE COLLEGE

Rising 3L Jennifer Shim Receives Scholarships

Rising third year student Jennifer Shim has been selected as the recipient of both the Thomas Tang Scholarship from the Arizona Asian American Bar Association (AAABA) and the Houghton-AWLA Scholarship from the Arizona Women Lawyers Association (AWLA).

A first-generation college student, Korean American and mother to a spirited three-year-old, Jennifer has balanced law school with the demands of parenting—largely on her own while her husband is stationed out of state. For her, these scholarships represent more than recognition—they serve as an important affirmation.

“These scholarships feel like a powerful message from two corners of the legal community—Asian American and women lawyers—saying, ‘We see you. Keep going,’” says Jennifer. “Juggling the demands of parenting, school and work can often feel isolating, especially when you can’t participate fully in every aspect of law school life. These awards remind me that even when my path looks different, my presence and persistence are valued.”

More than the financial support, Jennifer says these scholarships affirm that the experiences she brings—families’ sacrifices and cultural heritage—belong at the legal table and are integral to shaping a more inclusive profession.

She was moved to receive the AWLA scholarship named in honor of Judge Peggy Houghton, whose championing families from the bench embodies the values Jennifer herself hopes to uphold. The Thomas Tang Scholarship was meaningful to Jennifer as someone who grew up rarely seeing Asian Americans in positions of legal authority. For her, the scholarship represents not only support, but a connection to a legacy of advocacy and representation—one she is determined to carry forward.

Read the full article here.

Employers: Register by July 3 for Scottsdale Summer Interviews

Arizona Law graduates are in high demand and the Career Development Office invites employers to connect with students and recent grads.

The deadline is approaching July 3 for employer registration to interview candidates at the at the annual Scottsdale Summer Interview Program.

During the Scottsdale event, law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and non-profit organizations are able to interview applicants for positions such as summer associate or law clerk positions for summer 2026 (rising 2Ls), for-credit externships for spring 2026 (rising 2Ls and 3Ls) and post-graduate positions to begin fall 2026 (rising 3Ls). Employers can participate virtually, or in person at the UA Scottsdale Center.

Interviews will take place August 7 in person and August 8 virtually.

See the CDO recruiting calendar to register and for more information on this and other upcoming recruiting opportunities.

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Do You Have News?

Your success is the college’s success and we want to celebrate with you! If you have landed a new job, received an award or recognition, stepped into a leadership role or have good news in general, let us know.

Share Your News Here

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Congratulations to Jennifer Shim. As she juggles multiple priorities, it is fitting that she is being recognized with multiple scholarships.

Onward!