Darcy Elgin, University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law

The Los Angeles native initially concentrated on the local options available to her. Next, the Columbia University graduate looked at the law schools in New York City. Finally, she considered law colleges at the University of Arizona and the University of Washington.
 

Elgin's selection process involved careful consideration of a number of factors, including class sizes, course options, expense, and opportunities for scholarships and financial aid. She finally selected the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona, a decision that was largely based on her perception of the school from a campus visit. ''I got a vibe from all the campuses. This was just sort of where the students seemed happiest,'' said Elgin. Additional determinants for Elgin included the double degree program offered at the University of Arizona, as well as the short distance that separates the main college and the college of law.


Tucson was not entirely new to Elgin as she had visited relatives there during her childhood years but she knew that it would be a different experience from what she was used to in larger cities. ''I decided if I wanted to be in a city, I wanted to be in New York or Los Angeles- and if it wasn't that, I wanted it to be a little bit different,'' said Elgin who says Tucson's ''low key'' environment is favorable for a school setting.

Elgin is on schedule to graduate in 2012 with both a JD and an MA in Public Health. She credits the University of Arizona with allowing her to participate in activities of real importance, as opposed to activities that would only artificially enhance her resume.

Elgin was heavily involved in the 2010 Election Protection Program, a non-partisan program composed of volunteers who safeguard voters' rights during a given election. Volunteers in the program are expected to tackle a range of problems that arise on election-day, from special ballot pen shortages to voter intimidation at polling places. Elgin was also involved in the establishment of the Health Law Society and is a member of the Arizona Law Review. Additionally, she is on the board of the Law Women's Association. During the summer of 2008, Elgin worked as a legal intern at the CLRC-Cancer Legal Resource Center and is currently a summer associate at Gibson, Dunn, and Crutcher LLP.

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