Rachel Dalton ‘23
Interviewed by Dana Lake ‘23
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Columbus, OH. A Midwestern gal through and through.
When did you start thinking about law school? Was there a single moment that made up your mind, or was it a long-term thing?
I started thinking about law school during my time teaching. I taught English as a Second Language in Columbus for four years before Law School. I was especially interested in the legal issues my students faced—special education rights, immigration rights, and equity for children of color and low-income students. I interned with an education law attorney in Columbus during one summer and that sealed the deal for me.
What’s something you know now that you would tell yourself coming into Law School?
I think I would tell myself that Law School is difficult not only because of the intense school work, but because of the identity shift and the imposter syndrome. Then, I would tell myself that everyone I've ever asked ALSO has imposter syndrome, and that it’s going to all be ok.
What is your favorite organization you’ve been involved with? Any stories you can share?
The First Generation Professionals group. I had a pretty rough transition back into school, moving away from home for the first time ever, and feeling like no one here had a background like me. Learning that other students had lower-middle class backgrounds and non-legal families was a game changer.
What kind of impact do you hope to have as a lawyer?
I want to use my place in the law to expand equal justice for all. The law is a tool that can exclude or include voices at the table, and I want my career to continue expanding who is included.
I hear you make some really specific study playlists. What’s your favorite one so far?
OMG, I love my study playlists. I make one for each class based on what I think my professor would like and listen to it as I outline and prep for finals (and during the exam too). I actually still listen to my Foreign Relations playlist. It was a lot of 2000s pop punk bops like Avril Lavigne and The Killers as well as 90s hip-hop. My millennial is showing, I know.
Lightning round questions!
Favorite food?
Anything spicy. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are a current fave.
Favorite place in Charlottesville?
Woolen Mills. I love the Wool Factory, the walking trails, and the hybrid coffee/wine shop. I've already planned my end of semester celebration date for the new restaurant Broadcloth, so I'll report back in December with how that goes.
Anti-Stress Hobby?
Yoga: the hotter, the better. Also stress baking.
Favorite word?
Certiorari. No one can spell it or pronounce it and I just love that.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Boracay Island in the Philippines. The best mangoes and the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen!
What’s one movie that left an impression on you?
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I watch the extended editions every winter with my brother, and yes, The Two Towers is the best one.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with it?
Pay off my Law School loans, buy a house with a yard for my pup, Jax, and buy a wine fridge. I’d also buy lifetime supplies of my favorite curly hair products; that stuff is expensive. And take Weekend Thursdays on a bar trip.
If you could pick one song to play in the background of your life, what would it be?
The Jeopardy theme song. Jeopardy slaps, I watch it most nights with the hubs, and I feel like it’s just a classic.
What is your least favorite sound?
Any kind of rattling when I’m driving.
What’s your spirit animal?
Well, my Patronus is a dolphin. So maybe that?
Where’s a place you’ve never been, but would like to go?
Literally all of South America. Patagonia and Buenos Aires specifically.
If you could make one rule that everyone had to follow, what would it be?
You can ask a maximum of two (2) questions per class session and an absolute ban on personal hypotheticals.