Student Spotlight: Tatum Cooper
Q & A
Why did you choose to pursue a law degree and what do you hope to do with your degree after graduation?
I was drawn to the law as a way to stand in the gap for others – especially in spaces
where power and voice are unequally distributed. I came to law school after earning
a master's degree in public health, which helped me understand how deeply systems
– especially legal ones – shape access to health, safety, and opportunity. I’ve always
been passionate about service and access to care, and I saw the law as a powerful
next step to advocate more effectively for marginalized communities that face structural
barriers. After graduation, I hope to work in a space where I can use legal tools
to promote justice for all – whether through public interest litigation, policy work,
or simply by being diligent in participating in pro bono work whenever possible.
What are some opportunities you have engaged in during your time at law school?
Law school has allowed me to stay deeply engaged with service and advocacy. I’ve worked in the Civil Litigation and Advocacy Clinic, participated in various pro bono opportunities, and have been an active member of the Black Law Students Association and the Immigration Law Society. These experiences have helped me connect my academic interests with real-world impact and have given me a strong foundation in both legal principles and community engagement.
What has been your favorite part or most rewarding part of your law school?
The most rewarding part has been finding a sense of purpose in the work I have done. Law school can be intense, but it has also been a space where I have grown intellectually, professionally, and personally. I have especially valued the moments where coursework meets practice – whether that is helping a client in a clinic or working on a project that has real impact.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that we couldn’t learn from reading your resume.
I’ve moved about ten times in my life, which has made me highly adaptable and always curious about new places and people. It also taught me how to build community wherever I go – something that’s been a core part of my law school experience.