Tiffany Mickel ‘22
Interviewed by Jack Brown ‘23
Tiffany is the new Editor-in-Chief of the Virginia Law Review.
Where are you from?
My parents were in the Army, so I have lived in various places. I’ve lived in North Carolina, Georgia, and Germany, but the longest I’ve lived anywhere has been in Virginia. This is where I consider home.
And where did you go to undergrad?
Although I adore Virginia universities, I wanted to study at a college out-of-state. I attended MIT to study engineering. My favorite subject was math in high school and working to become an engineer felt like the natural thing to do.
How did you go from engineering to law school?
Around my senior year of college, I realized that I didn’t want to be an engineer in the classical sense, so I transitioned to the business side of engineering. I worked for Boeing for a year in its financial office and then moved to D.C. to work in management consulting. The consulting industry is really interesting and foretells what I think it will be like at a firm where associates focus on building relationships with clients as they work to solve their problems.
After consulting for a few years, I decided to attend law school. It took me a while to figure out where I wanted to see myself. I knew I wanted a graduate degree. And in the legal field you’re always learning and evolving, which really appealed to me. I also admired the intellectual challenge I knew it would present.
How is getting a STEM degree different from getting a law degree?
The most obvious difference is that most law students just don’t like math. But once you get past that sort of line in the sand where people either love or hate numbers, you find that there are more similarities than differences. In both, you have to think critically about really tough problems and look to the core principles to answer those questions. While engineering is grounded by tangible aspects of the natural sciences, the legal theories that explain the nature of law are more abstract.
Do you know what field you want to work in after graduation?
Right now, I’m thinking of pursuing intellectual property transactions, but I am excited to see what else is out there. This summer I’ll be joining Gibson Dunn, which has a free market system to allow its associates the ability to explore many different practice areas. Even though lawyers are inclined or encouraged to eventually specialize in an area, I really like the interdisciplinary aspect of the law. A big reason why I settled on an engineering degree was also because of how diverse the work can be and how much freedom you have to experience your varying interests. So although I’m leaning towards transactional law, at the end of the summer we’ll have to see how I enjoyed it.
Is there one piece of advice you would tell yourself coming in?
Sometimes 1Ls freak out about cold calls, but just remember that it’s unlikely that your peers will remember if you had a bad (or good) one. If you stay committed to doing the work and dissecting the reading material the way your professors encourage, you’ll have plenty to contribute to the discussion. First semester 1L, I, too, was really nervous about cold calls and participating in class generally. But, if you have done the work, push yourself to share your thoughts with the class because you certainly have something valuable to contribute.
What are some of the student organizations you’re involved with?
This past year, I was the Membership Chair of BLSA and the Events Co-chair for Virginia Law Women. Both organizations are committed to connecting students with attorneys to give us a snapshot into the day-to-day lives of practicing attorneys. I am also a part of VLR, whose mission I also value. My advice would be to join organizations where you really believe in what they’re pursuing. And, if you have the time and want to participate, consider serving on their executive board.
How have you been able to balance all these extracurricular responsibilities with coursework?
It’s important for me to know what expectations there are upfront so I can plan and manage my tasks ahead of time. Most roles and courses will lay out your expectations for the duration of the semester or year. But if they don’t, make sure to speak up and ask so that you can meet deadlines and plan out your semester accordingly. Also, make sure to be very vocal when you have a lot of responsibilities so that you don’t double book.
Lighting round!
Favorite phrase?
Raison d'être (translates to “the most important reason or purpose for someone/something’s existence”)
Last movie you saw in theatres?
Bad Boys for Life
Song to hype yourself up before studying?
Work, by Rihanna ft. Drake
One rule you think everyone should follow?
Quiet, hypoallergenic pets should be allowed in the office/workplace
Who are some people you’d love to have dinner with and why?
Michelle Obama and Rihanna. Both excelled in so many areas and it would be incredible to learn what lessons they’ve picked up in rising to the top of entertainment, politics, and philanthropy.
Do you want to give any shoutouts?
I’d like to give a shout out to the BLSA, VLW, and VLR exec boards!
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tsm5skd@virginia.edu