Michael McGuire ‘19
Where did you grow up?
In Maryland, on both sides of the bay.
What were you doing before coming to UVA Law?
I worked in a language school in Seville, Spain. I also did freelance marketing and design work.
What is your favorite English word?
Nacreous or rhythm—for the way they look in print and not because either is particularly useful.
What is your favorite Spanish word?
Azahar. [Editor’s Note: The Editorial Board were curious what this meant, and found that it meant “orange blossom” for any of our curious readers who are too lazy to Google.]
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Almost any tapeo in Spain or Thanksgiving dinner with my family.
What are your favorite ways to escape the stress of law school?
Cooking for friends. Playing piano and singing. I also buy myself a new (old) book or album every other month.
Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Bald Head Island, N.C., book in hand and phone at home.
What did you eat for breakfast?
I have a bowl of cereal every morning.
How do you take your coffee?
I don’t.
What sound or noise do you love?
Birdsong. My grandmother’s hello.
What sound or noise do you hate?
Alarms of all kinds. Silence during a cold call.
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Black-and-white photographs, old maps and floorplans, Martha Stewart manuals.
What turns you off?
Ignorance and a lack of empathy.
What profession, outside of law, would you like to attempt?
Interpreter or translator. Travel writer.
What profession would you not like to try?
Sports announcer.
What’s something your classmates would be surprised to learn about you?
I won an online “Un-Break My Heart” cover contest one summer during undergrad. [Seven-time Grammy winner] Toni Braxton selected the winner. When she called me (!), we chatted for a half-hour about her music, Spanish and a mutual love of Barbra Streisand.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I’d divide my time between a farmhouse in Maryland and an apartment in Seville.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with it?
Invest, tithe and keep working. See also dream homes, supra.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
My first big-kid bike. Nothing beats freedom.
What advice would you give to 1L Michael?
Hard work will pay off, but get out of the library more often.