Sheena Denny, May 2022
Notes & Comments Editor
What did you do before you enrolled in law school, and how did you decide law school was right for you?
Before law school I worked in the public sector at various levels of government. Shortly after the death of Philando Castile, I was listening to KMOJ when a caller asked, “where are the community leaders?” The host responded, “why are you not that leader?” I chose to go to law school to impact policy, but you cannot do that without first understanding it.
What are your goals for Volume 48?
To be impactful. I want Volume 48 to be remembered for our bold action, fearlessness, and our ability to effect change.
What advice do you have for incoming Associates?
Don’t take this time for granted. This is an incredible organization to be a part of, but it is only as good as you make it.
Allison Dohnalek, May 2022
Notes & Comments Editor
What did you do before you enrolled in law school, and how did you decide law school was right for you?
Before law school, I worked as an English teaching assistant in a middle school and high school in Chartres, France for a couple of years. One aspect of law school I’ve come to enjoy is that learning the law is similar to learning a foreign language. You have to spend a lot of time drilling down the basics, like conjugating verbs or learning the elements of tort claims, but then you get to apply that knowledge in fun and interesting real-world settings.
What was the most rewarding part of being an Associate for Volume 47?
As a former editor for my undergraduate student newspaper, I know editing and fact-checking articles before publication is incredibly important work, so being part of the review process for Law Review articles as an Associate was a rewarding experience. Plus, while I was editing articles, I had the opportunity to learn about diverse and interesting areas of the law, including some I never even knew existed.
What advice do you have for incoming Associates?
Don’t procrastinate on your long paper. (But don’t worry—I’m going to help make sure that doesn’t happen!) Outside of Law Review, I’d recommend taking at least one class in law school on a topic you know nothing about and think would be interesting—even if you don’t think it will be “practical” or “useful” for your future career.
Rachel Lantz, May 2022
Notes & Comments Editor
What did you do before you enrolled in law school, and how did you decide law school was right for you?
Before I was a law student, I attended undergrad at the University of North Dakota. While I started college with the intent to study medicine, I realized I was more intrigued by health policy than actual science classes—which led me to law school. I decided to attend Mitchell Hamline because of the Health Law Institute (HLI). The HLI has provided me numerous opportunities, including externing with the United States’ Attorney’s Offices in civil fraud, serving on an MSBA Section Council, and advocating in a Health Law Moot Court.
What are your goals for Volume 48?
My goal for being on the Board was to create a more equitable write-on process. While the jury is currently out as to how successful our efforts are (I am writing this in the midst of the write-on process), I am so proud of the work the N&C editors and I have done to make this goal a reality.
What advice do you have for incoming Associates?
If I could give the incoming associates some advice, it would be to engage with the board and your fellow associates! If you wanted to be a part of Law Review because you have a nerdy love for the law and sometimes get excited about understanding silly, complex Bluebook rules—welcome to the club. Law Review is a group of students who enjoy these things as well. Because of Law Review, I’ve met some incredible people and I hope you can do the same. So make the connections and get to know the rest of the team!
Sara Westerberg, May 2022
Notes & Comments Editor
What did you do before you enrolled in law school, and how did you decide law school was right for you?
I attended the University of North Dakota where I received by Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I came to law school because I want to advocate for people who do not have the ability or resources to advocate for themselves. I want to be someone clients can trust and rely on as they go through complicated periods of their lives.
What has been your favorite part of the Mitchell Hamline experience so far?
My favorite part of the Mitchell Hamline experience has either been Law Review or MJF Street Law. Both roles have provided me with a lot of freedom in topics to research and discuss outside of the standard law school curriculum. These roles have also introduced me to a variety of people and perspectives which have changed many of my own perspectives and views of the world.
What advice do you have for incoming Associates?
Ask questions. There is an unspoken assumption that Associates are supposed to know what they are doing from the beginning and that isn’t true. Law Review is a learning curve and the Board know this. The entire Board were Associates just last year, so we know how overwhelming the Write-On Process, long paper, and first few proofs/ACs can be. If you have a question, just ask!