Law Center News
Student Profile- Abigail Holley
A fueling passion for enacting progressive change regarding women’s policy is what led second-year evening student Abigail Holley to the front doors of the Southern University Law Center (SULC).
“I grew up with my parents urging me to become a lawyer because I like to argue,” said Holley. “While I do like to argue, I wanted to be self-sufficient, and I appreciate independence. I believe a career in the law is an honorable profession, where my education and passion for change can flourish.
With an older brother already in medical school, Holley, a Zachary, Louisiana native, had to choose between a career in creative writing or law school. Back in 2018, after wrapping up undergrad at Louisiana State University, Holley had her eyes set on moving away to work for a lifestyle magazine. Yet, her enthusiasm to make a difference in women's lives shifted her focus.
From there, she found herself at the Law Center’s doorsteps. Holley acknowledges that her experience as an evening student has broadened her point of view.
“I’ve definitely been challenged, both academically and socially. I have some of the greatest colleagues that genuinely want to have discussions about differences in opinions and thought processes. It isn’t unusual to get a call from a classmate and talk about political, social, and economic topics on a Saturday afternoon. These types of conversations are critical components in developing higher levels of thinking and compassion for others in struggling situations.”
Because of the diversity at the Law Center, she knew that she wanted to be a part of its tradition of providing opportunity and access to all and the training of lawyer leaders.
“I'm around students who have just graduated college, graduated 30 years ago, have grandchildren, decided to go for a new career path, established entrepreneurs, artists, songwriters, authors, law enforcement, mothers, and fathers,” expressed Holley. “I knew I needed [an environment] that would challenge me socially, politically, and spiritually. The Law Center gave me the chance to encounter people from different backgrounds, both socio-economic and political. I've been put in situations where my viewpoints are radically different from my professors and classmates; from that, I've learned how to consider all sides of an argument and change some of my own opinions."
Thinking through difficult problems and keeping the conversation going has propelled Holley to success during her time in law school. Previously an accomplished creative writer, she presides as vice-president of SULC's Women In Law. She also shapes the conversation on women's issues through her work as a staff writer for the school's quarterly newspaper, The Public Defender.
For Holley, radical change will pay off in 2022 which is when she is slated to graduate from the Law Center.
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