Lauren Bellamy knew she wanted to go to law school after she graduated from UGA in 2004. Of all the law schools she could have chosen, her first pick was at her alma mater, UGA. She has not wasted time getting involved despite her rigorous academic schedule. She is a member of the Honor Court Investigator’s Committee and the Black Law Students Association. When she was an undergraduate, she served on numerous committees including the Georgia Recruitment Team, the Leadershape Institute, and the President’s Council, and Student Life Advisory Committee.
Hometown:
Lilburn, Georgia
High School:
Meadowcreek High School
Degree objective:
Juris Doctor
Other degrees:
A.B. in History with a minor in Sociology, cum laude, University of Georgia, 2004
Expected graduation:
May 2007
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
Although my first year of law school has mostly been devoted to my academics, I have still found ways to get involved in the law school community. This February I competed in the final round of the J. Ralph Beaird Closing Argument Competition in which I was judged by Georgia State Supreme Court Justices Carley and Hines as well as other prominent UGA Law alumni and professors.
While I was in undergraduate at the University I was involved in numerous activities. I was a Resident Assistant and a Class Advocate in Russell Hall for 3 years. I was also an active member of the Zeta Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. which allowed me to also become the President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which is the governing body of the historically black Greek organizations. I served as an Advisor/Advocate on the University Judiciary for three years.
Current Employment:
This summer I will be a summer associate in the Atlanta office of McKenna Long & Aldridge, LLP which is an International Law Firm.
I chose to attend UGA because…
Making the decision to attend UGA for law school was simple. UGA Law was my first choice! UGA Law is a top tier school with a prestigious reputation, excellent employment rates for its students, and there is a wonderful familial environment among the professors and students. After I got my acceptance I was excited and proud to be a double dawg!
My favorite things to do on campus are…
When the weather is nice I like to read my books on the north campus quad. I look forward to getting back into my workout regiment at the Ramsey Center really soon. When its time to study for finals I like to grab a quiet room in the Student Learning Center.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
…participate in a dance contest with the SGA President and the Presidents of the Pan-Hellenic Council and IFC. The contest took place at the half time of a men’s basketball game my junior year. I was SO nervous, but I ended up winning! I won two tickets to the SEC championship football game in Atlanta in which the Dogs played!
My favorite place to study is…
…the law library because it is quiet, but not too quiet. There is always enough space and room for me to spread out and get my work done. Also, just when I need a study break, someone comes along to distract me. But when its time for finals, I head straight to the Student Learning Center to avoid distractions!
My favorite professor is…
I have three favorite professors: Professor Dan Coenen, Professor David Shipley, and Professor Erica Hashimoto. Professor Coenen’s class is extremely challenging. He doesn’t just teach us about contracts, but he teaches us how to be good lawyers. Professor Shipley is excellent because he understands his students, he relates to us, and he takes a special interest in all of us. Professor Hashimoto is a great professor because she made learning criminal law fun and she taught us about the realities of the legal system.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…Charlayne Hunter-Gault. I would ask her about her experiences integrating the University of Georgia. I want inquire about her thoughts and opinions about how her actions have impacted the lives of students like me. I would also want to know what she would do differently, if she could.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
…travel! One regret that I have is not studying abroad. So would love to travel across the United States, Europe, South America, and Africa. This would be an opportunity for me to learn hands-on about different cultures and lifestyles of others.
After graduation, I plan to…
…work at a law firm in Atlanta and also get involved in the community through pro bono work as well as through volunteerism.
