Third Year Law Student Mark Weinstein Wants to be an Environmental Attorney

Personal Life

Mark Weinstein is a third year law student at the University of Wisconsin Law School and anticipates a May 2013 graduation. Although Mark would not exclude litigation and general law practice, the student hopes to become an environmental attorney who practices at a private firm. While Northern California; Madison, Wisconsin; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are all under consideration since he has lived in all these states, he’s also open to the idea of making his home in a new locale. He decided to attend law school to pursue environmental law, but is open to other fields too and is looking forward to having the opportunity to challenge himself on a daily basis, improve his intellect and have an interesting job after he earns his J.D.

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Mark was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia. He grew up with his mom, dad and older sister. He attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated with distinction in Psychology and Political Science in May 2007. Mark enrolled at the University of Richmond School of Law in 2010 before transferring to the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2011.

While studying at the University of Richmond School of Law, Mark participated in an environmental law negotiation competition. In the summer of 2011, he became a legal intern for Virginia Conservation Network, located in Richmond, Virginia. He researched topics for the organization concerning emerging contaminants in water, smart growth and low impact development, and helped lead a webinar on sustainable development.

Mark is currently the president of the Environmental Law Society (2012-2013) at University of Wisconsin Law School and was a member of the organization from 2011-2012. As president of the Environmental Law Society, Mark is responsible for talking to environmental attorneys in Madison, Wisconsin and assisting law students in their internships. He also organizes volunteer events and social meetings with the local environmental section of the bar.

Mark is managing editor of the Wisconsin International Law Journal (2012-2013) and was an articles editor for six weeks during the 2012 summer. From 2011 until 2012, Mark was a member of the Wisconsin International Law Journal. As Managing Editor, Mark enjoys research, learning and helping students with their papers so they might have an opportunity to publish their work. This third year law student is looking forward to his article being published in the Wisconsin International Law Journal next semester. The article is titled “Hydraulic Fracturing in the United States and the European Union: Ensuring that a Beneficial Source of Energy does not Turn Into Fool's Gold”.

In the fall of 2012, Mark participated in the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition by preparing a brief with two other law students. The three-person Wisconsin Law School team then traveled to New York in February 2012 to present their persuasive argument.

Mark completed a one-credit Directed Research project regarding emerging water law issues this past semester. The project focused on the legal mechanisms that help protect the quality and quantity of the water in the Great Lakes Region.

When Mark isn’t studying, he enjoys reading, biking, hiking, traveling and racquetball. His two favorite places to go biking are Lake Mendota, located near Madison, Wisconsin, and Kelly Drive, a four-mile road nestled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mark’s favorite place to hike is Devil’s Lake State Park, located south of Baraboo, Wisconsin. The law student also enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Mark’s Academic Law Career and Future Aspirations

Mark was asked, “Would you like to share with us your aims and aspirations?” He said the following: “I would like to be an environmental lawyer at a private practice law firm.”

What are Mark’s key accomplishments? He claimed, “I am driven to work hard and try to constantly improve myself, even when faced with adversity and challenges.”

So what are Mark’s key strengths and skills that he would like to use to advance his career goals? He asserted, “Focus and ambition.” The University of Michigan alumni explained that he is extremely focused on environmental law and has honed in on what he wants to do. Mark acknowledged he is motivated when it comes to the environment and he is taking advantage of the experience and extracurricular activities while attending the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Since law school can be hectic at times, Mark pointed out what he would like to balance as a student. He stated, “Make sure that I accomplish all of my goals on a daily basis, such as exercising, proper nutrition and socializing with friends and family.”

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Many readers are probably wondering how Mark handles new assignments. The third year law student shared his process. He admitted, “I take time to learn about how to best achieve the task, and then focus on one aspect at a time until the assignment is complete.”

Where does Mark derive his confidence? He replied, “From my upbringing and focus.” Mark explained that his parents are really positive and never pressured him to do things, but they always supported their son. He added, “They are there to have my back.”

Three Wishes to Live By, Dealing with Fear, Stress Management Tactics and No Major Obstacles

If Mark had three wishes, he would wish for human rights for all people, improving technology and medicine to enhance the quality of life for all people, and reducing suffering. His final wish is to spend “more time participating in all of the things that I care about and am interested in.”

In regards to handling fear, Mark stated, “I try to meditate and exercise, particularly biking.” When asked, “If this method works for you?,” Mark assured, “It works pretty well. Biking helps a little bit.” The law student also believes talking to friends and family about what’s on his mind helps him cope with fear.

Does Mark have any stress management tactics? The candid student replied, “I speak with my friends or family, and try to avoid negative thoughts as much as possible.”

When Mark was asked, “Have you faced any obstacles in your life?,” He answered, “I’ve been fortunate to have a good upbringing with no major obstacles.”

Personal Philosophy, People You Want to Surround Yourself With, Study Abroad Program, and Most Influential Traveling Experience

What is Mark’s personal philosophy? The straight shooter said, “Always strive to reach my ego ideal, but try not to focus on the past.” He continued to say, “I am trying to reach my potential and looking back on the past is really not productive. I look towards the future.”

The future attorney talked about what he believes holds more truth in light of his personal philosophy. Was it fate or choice? Mark noted, “Choice. While there is certainly a lot of luck in life, the choices that we make are usually related to the results.”

What kind of situations and people is Mark attracted to? What kind of situations and people does the law student avoid? He answered, “I am attracted to intelligent, funny, interesting people or situations that I can learn from.” As for situations and people to avoid, Mark said, “I avoid negative people or situations that distract me from my goals.”

Mark participated in a study abroad program. He recalled, “I studied at the University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in 2006. I went with two friends and it was interesting to explore and take classes in a new country.” How was this experience? The student expressed, “It was pretty great. I learned what a typical semester was like and took a road trip up the West Coast, which was dangerous because the kangaroos came close to the car. They were unpredictable.”

What was Mark’s most influential traveling experience? He said, “Costa Rica, Israel, Australia and Canada. The best experience was Costa Rica because I took a trip with a good friend after we graduated from college, and we were able to travel around the country, have fun and see a new culture, while knowing that our future was bright.” Mark mentioned he would like to visit Japan because the culture seemed interesting and he also plans to visit Europe.

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