Jake Greenberg ‘21
Jake Greenberg is the Business Director of the Virginia Environmental Law Journal.
Where are you from?
I’m from a small town called Old Tappan in the northeast corner of New Jersey.
Are you taking classes here in Charlottesville?
I’m actually in Minneapolis, Minnesota this semester. Not quite ready for the cold weather, but I have spent time here during the past two winter breaks so I am used to it.
When did you start thinking about law school?
I wasn’t set on a particular career path for some time, though law was definitely on my radar. In high school, I had really loved classes in different areas including English, history and biology. In college, though, I really began to think about how I could apply some of my wide-ranging coursework in the social sciences, business, and environmental fields and how I could turn my social justice interests into a career. I felt that law was the best way to go about it. So, I became part of my college’s Pre-Law Society and ultimately found my fit.
What’s something you know now that you would tell yourself coming into Law School?
Fight the instinct to write out every detail to every case. That may be helpful on cold calls, but you are better off focusing on learning the essential lessons and preparing to apply those on the exam.
What kind of impact do you hope to have as a lawyer?
Going into law school, I wrote in my application about how the 2008 recession impacted my family and my community. It made housing and the economy unstable, and also made me aware of how fragile some things I take for granted are. Today, the issues are even greater, unfortunately, and I am hoping I can help by working in the affordable housing field.
What organization(s) are you most involved with, and what’s driven your investment in them?
I am most involved with the Jewish Law Students Association and the Virginia Environmental Law Journal.
I have been passionate about JLSA to help continue fostering a sense of community for Jewish students at the Law School. Having attended a majority Jewish undergraduate college, Brandeis University, I felt a sense of community with others who have both shared and different experiences and perspectives, and I wanted to carry a bit of that experience to the Law School. In addition, I have been excited about the club’s work to support other religious groups, like MLSA, as they have started and been excited to plan events together.
I am also very involved with the Virginia Environmental Law Journal. As Business Director, I have been excited to bring more of my business background to the organization and work on social media marketing, the website, and outside printing companies. I am always excited about ways to help with organizations in ways people don’t normally consider but are necessary for helping them drive their ultimate work.
Let’s do a lightning round! Favorite mask?
I have a soft-cotton Washington, D.C. mask. I needed one while I was visiting D.C., so I ran into a CVS and got it there! I like wearing it because it makes me think of my siblings, who live in the area, and because I am looking forward to moving there next year.
Favorite place in Charlottesville?
It has to be a toss-up between the Downtown Mall and the Ragged Mountain Natural Area—both are ten minutes from my apartment and represent the mix of small city and outdoors and nature that make Charlottesville so great.
If you had to do a humblebrag, what would it be?
I can, in fact, ride my bike with no handlebars.
If you could pick one song to play in the background of your life, what would it be?
Perhaps “Starships” or “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj. Sorry, I can’t pick one, sometimes I just need dance pop music to lift me up. Todrick Hall does a great Nicki Minaj/Disney mashup that I definitely recommend.
Where’s a place you’ve never been, but would like to go?
It would definitely have to be Argentina—Buenos Aires in particular. This is likely because of my enjoyment of Evita, and also the architecture, diverse culture, and food I have read about there.
---
jfg2gc@virginia.edu