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Name: Madeleine (Maddy) McElwee Linson
Degree: Master of Legal Studies, Graduate Certificate – Legal Paraprofessional
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Undergrad: Grand Canyon University – Behavioral Health Science
What motivated you to pursue a degree in law, and how has that motivation evolved throughout your time in law school?
After undergrad, I knew I wanted to find a way to deepen my advocacy efforts in the community. That is when I found the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program. The MLS program has given me a great legal education with knowledge that will empower me to serve the people of Tucson. During my time as an MLS student, I pursued additional ways to become involved in the MLS and Legal Paraprofessional (LP) community. I have done this by seeking out volunteer opportunities with Southern Arizona Legal Aid and trying to create legal advocacy services at the nonprofit I work for.
What area of law are you planning to specialize in, and what influenced this choice?
I am planning on specializing in the Legal Paraprofessional practice area of administrative law. What influenced this choice was my passion for helping children with special needs in education and my background in healthcare. Administrative law will allow me to represent clients in special education related cases and handle cases dealing with administrative agencies.
What are your immediate plans post-graduation?
After graduation, I will be starting my Master of Social Work at Arizona State University. With my clinical therapy background and a legal background, I know I will be more understanding and more empathetic to the needs of those who I will be working for, which is a major part of the work I want to do.
Looking back on your experience at the college, what would you have done differently or what advice would you give to your younger self?
The advice I would have given to my younger self is to trust that you know what is best for you. At first, I wasn’t sure how I was going to blend my two careers (law and social work), but as I have been in law school, I have seen how they are the perfect fit. Had I not trusted my instincts, I don’t know that I would be where I am today. Just like the blue fairy in Pinocchio said, always let your conscience be your guide.
What was your favorite school experience or extracurricular activity, and why?
My favorite school experience has been my time as student advocate at the Education Advocacy Clinic at the University of Arizona. Through the clinic, I’ve worked with clients that have faced an array of issues within Tucson’s education system, including struggles with students’ individualized education programs (IEPs), and children/young adults facing suspension hearings. I had the pleasure of working as a student paraprofessional under Professor Diana Newmark, who has been nothing short of amazing.
What are you most proud of while at Arizona Law?
Through my work with the clinic, I have seen real change, such as amendments to IEPs and changes to disciplinary records.
This interview has been edited for length. See here for the full story.
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