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published February 25, 2008
Mahsa Khalilifar
<<"I was in debate in high school, and we won the state championship for the first time in our school's history," Meyers recalls. "It was a big deal…I think that's when people said I could debate, I could argue, so of course I should go on to law school."
So the 26-year-old North Oaks, Minnesota, native did just that.
"I am attracted to the way that the law provides you with a real intellectual challenge within a fast-paced environment," says Meyers, who is now in his first year at the William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Meyers graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a double major in business management and legal studies. He says that going to law school is an opportunity to leave his footprint on society.
"Besides change the world?" Meyers quips when asked what he plans to do with his law degree. "It may be a lofty goal, but I do hope to use my degree to effect some change for the better."
Meyers's goals may be "lofty" on paper, but they are sincere; he wants to help people less fortunate than him and give back when he becomes successful.
"Sometimes we all forget how lucky we are to have attended law school, period. I think we have a duty as lawyers to use the knowledge and skills we have obtained to help disadvantaged and underrepresented people and communities," he says. "Whether you go to work for a big firm or a nonprofit, everyone has the power to make a difference and should take the time to do pro bono work."
Meyers has already completed an internship at a local firm that even offered him a paralegal position. Although he hasn't yet chosen his specific area of focus within the law community, he does know he wants to stay in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Unlike many other law school situations, Meyers says that he hasn't really felt the competitive vibe amongst his friends at William Mitchell. Instead, he has had a positive experience with his peers.
"I have a great group of friends in law school. We study, talk, and laugh together every day," Meyers says. "Through constant support and encouragement, each member learns more — about life as well as law — than we ever could alone."
A fan of organizations and socializing, Meyers is an active member of the Student Bar Association, in the Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity, and a part of other clubs around campus.
"Getting involved with student organizations provides an opportunity to meet new friends that share the same interests as well as gain experience and improve on your current abilities," Meyers explains.
Q. What do you do for fun?
A. It's extremely difficult to find spare time. However, when I do, I try to run and work out regularly, spend time with friends, or play with my Jack Parsons terrier.
Q. What CD is in your CD player right now, or what was the last song you heard?
A. Arctic Monkeys.
Q. What is the last magazine you read?
A.New Yorker.
Q. What is your favorite TV show?
A.Lost.
Q. Who is your role model?
A. My father.
Q. What is something most people don't know about you?
A. I am a professional when it comes to playing darts in bars and pubs!
Not only does Meyers help out at his school, but he also volunteers with the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women, doing legal research.
Meyers says that students should view law school as a job in order to get through it.
"Treat law school like a job — develop a routine and stick to it. If you have one or two shows to watch, you still can; just make that a reward. Work six to eight hours per day, six days a week, and review with your study group either Saturday or Sunday afternoons," he recommends. "Follow this advice, and you'll develop a routine that works for you, trust me. Learn the material, and the final will be fair, tough, and you will do fine. Don't worry about the curve; if you work hard, you will be on the front end of it."
Meyers will have to wait until spring 2010 to graduate, at which point he hopes he'll get his chance to make his mark on the world.
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