Mentoring + Law School

The UGA Mentoring program connects students with alumni to gain insights into the connections between campus and career. This invaluable exchange allows our alumni to give back in ways that help individual students during their educational journey. 

Coordinated through the UGA Career Center, the Mentoring program is a critical asset for both alumni looking to stay involved on campus – no matter where they are – and students looking for guidance and encouragement as they navigate significant questions and challenges about next steps.

Justin Crawford (AB philosophy, classical culture '17, JD '21) and junior double-major Katy Burch (English and philosophy) share their experience:

I had a wonderful experience at UGA, both as an undergraduate and graduate student, but planning for law school and navigating admissions was a really trying time. Looking back, that was a crucial period in my college career. If I had had someone whose experience I could rely on for advice, I might have slept better at night. Luckily, I’m now able to pass on my earned wisdom through the UGA Mentor Program. I was partnered with a student very much like myself in undergrad: studying philosophy and grappling with the path to law school. We’ve had some great conversations getting to know each other, and gauging how I can best be of service to help her meet her goals. Getting to help a driven young bulldawg tackle their next big thing makes me feel closer to the UGA community and like I never left campus. It’s given me such nostalgia for my time at UGA (even law school) and getting to help a future Double Dawg along the way is such an honor. I’m truly privileged to have been a part of this program, and I plan to continue with it as long as they’ll have me! 

– Justin Crawford, UGA Mentor

Going into my sophomore year of college, I was excited and full of anticipation for the coming year, yet I felt slightly lost in the direction I wanted to go. I had just decided to double major in English and Philosophy, which was a path that I was eager to begin but also nervous about. I knew I wanted to learn about law school and explore what that would be like, but I needed to figure out how to start. Because of this, I was drawn to the UGA Mentor Program, where I quickly connected with Justin Crawford. I was drawn to Justin’s profile as he was also a Philosophy major at UGA and then moved on to UGA law school, a plan I would like to look into for myself. 

Meeting Justin went super well. As we talked and got to know one another, I felt like I was talking to someone I knew far longer than a few conversations. He helped me learn more about the law school program and helped me gain a better understanding of law school and activities and organizations that I could join and be a part of to guide me in pre-law endeavors. I felt safe enough to ask questions, even if they seemed silly or stupid, and because of this, I could learn so much more about the process. Thinking about your future can be scary, yet Justin’s kindness and helpfulness made me feel more confident about my abilities in getting to the future career I desire. 

As a junior now, I can say confidently that I am continuing on the law school path with much thanks to Justin. Having someone in your corner to talk to, even about the most minor things, is one of the biggest blessings anyone can have. The UGA Mentor Program allowed me to build this connection that I will forever be thankful for, and I highly encourage everyone to become involved. It can help guide you on your future path and create lasting and meaningful connections with people who can significantly impact your life. 

– Katy Burch

The Franklin College encourgaes our students and alumni to take advantage of this powerful program.

Image: Justin Crawford, Pacific Law Group