An interview with Allison Bartlett, Class of 2018:

So, where are you originally from and what made you choose Albany Law School?

I am originally from Cobleskill, a small town in Schoharie County, New York. After undergrad, I worked in New York City and then Chicago, but I was drawn back to upstate New York to attend Albany Law School where I am the fourth generation of my family to attend.

Where did you complete your undergraduate degree, and did it in any way prepare you for your time at Albany Law School?

I went to Vassar College, where I received a B.A. in Art History, which I loved.  While the subject matter didn’t in and of itself necessarily prepare me for law school, it helped to shape my thinking about the law in different and important ways.

Other than classes this semester, what is keeping you busy?

I’ve been very involved in activities outside of the classroom.  I’m a research assistant for Professor Connors and I’m on the editorial board for the Albany Law Review. I am also the event coordinator for the Women’s Law Caucus.

Have you completed any internships or are you involved in any extracurricular activities you’d like to highlight?

I participated in Moot Court, which was one of the best experiences I’ve had. I competed in the Gabrielli Competition, and my team made it to the finals.  I am naturally a very shy person, so that opportunity helped me to gain more confidence in regards to public speaking. The experience made a huge difference in terms of my ability to quickly articulate complicated issues to a legally trained audience.   At the final round of the competition I argued in front of several distinguished judges, forcing me to argue at the highest judicial level.   I also am currently enjoying being on Law Review because it helps me to connect with a closely knit group of people.

I’ve had some really interesting internships during law school. After my 1L year, I interned with the Honorable Peter A. Lynch, Albany County Court Judge. I always had a general interest in criminal law, and my experience at the court gave me insight into the various roles of the judge, defense attorney, and prosecution within the criminal justice system.

During my second year, I interned with the Honorable Mae A. D’Agostino, District Court Judge for the Northern District of New York. Here, I had the chance to work on various civil and criminal matters within the federal court system.

This past summer, I had the opportunity work in the private sector for the first time.  I interned at a law firm in Rochester, New York, and plan to work there after I graduate.

Why do you believe Albany is a great place to go to law school?

There are truly so many opportunities.  Albany Law is a smaller school and the faculty are there not only to help students but also to work closely with them on an individual basis.  It’s a supportive environment that encourages and fosters collaboration and support within the student body.  Given that Albany Law is located in the state capital we are surrounded by legal practitioners and scholars who are readily available and accessible to the school

What is a fun fact about you that people might not know?

Out of all my family members who have attended Albany Law School, I am the first female to attend!

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