Chapman-Rogers Scholarship Recipient

Name: Leslie Briggs
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
Law School: University of Tulsa
Grad Year: 2019
Field of Law: Public Interest
Undergrad Institution: Oklahoma State University
Major: Spanish + History
Undergrad Graduation Year: 2010

What are your short-term and long-term goals?
Short-term Goals: To serve the public in some capacity, whether it is through legislative advocacy, public defense, or some other public service legal occupation
Long Term Goals: Improve access to justice and equitable outcomes in Oklahoma for its most vulnerable citizens.

What made you decide to attend law school?
My father. He has worked as both a public servant and an attorney for vulnerable workers his entire life. I admire his spirit of service and integrity.

Are there any laws or social rules that baffle you?
That those who are facing deportation are not afforded the right to an attorney. I understand the Constitutional principles behind it, but I also know there have been American citizens improperly detained and denied access to counsel by immigration authorities under the belief they are undocumented. One American citizen spent 3 years in detention due to errors in investigation by immigration authorities and not having a right to an attorney.

Which historical figure inspires you and why?
Eleanor Roosevelt because she did not seek celebrity, power, or greatness but rose to meet the challenge life presented her. She endured great embarrassment and pain at the hands of her husband, and yet stayed committed to the greater good. She kept her focus on the big picture while impacting the individuals she saw as most in need.

What is the most important thing that you have learned in law school?
The race is long and in the end it is only with yourself. So much time and effort is exuded by law students in competing and comparing themselves to their peers. The silliest part is that this non-stop comparison often distracts from the purpose of law school: learning to analyze and learning the law. Recognizing that law school is but a tiny fraction of your life and career and being able to focus on what is important – the work – is so critical not only to academic success, but to mental well being.