Kirstin Henry
2L; Admissions Ambassador
Hometown:
Massena, New York
Professional Interests:
Education Law; Public Interest; Juvenile Advocacy; Environmental Law; Family Law; International and Comparative Law
Student Organizations and Extracurricular Activities:
Law Students for Educational Equity - Co Chair; First Generation Professionals
Clinic:
Environmental Law
Housing:
On Campus
Pro Bono Projects:
Disability Rights California - Air Travel Memo; Community Legal Aid SoCal - SSI Clinic
Meet Kirstin:
I grew up in a rural New York town, studied American Studies at Amherst College in Massachusetts, and taught Special Education for a year in Los Angeles. After leaving the classroom, I spent two years working in a law firm by day and reflecting on how to secure the future I wanted by night. At this time, I had three revelations: I wanted a legal degree, I wanted to use that legal degree to empower others and help them enforce their rights, and I wanted to surround myself with people who see possibilities more often than they see problems.
From the moment I learned about UC Irvine Law, I knew I had to study here. Every interaction I had with a member of the community prior to committing filled me with positivity. Each pamphlet I read and talk that I attended highlighted the school’s commitment to public interest, from the hundreds of Pro Bono opportunities to the various advocacy clubs on campus, including Law Students for Educational Equity. I felt that at UC Irvine Law, I would be able to confront the difficult legal issues this world faces and develop tools to solve those issues, while remembering the fact that the sun is still shining and we need to enjoy that, too. I am happy to say that this community has lived up to my hopes.
I was fortunate enough to spend my 1L summer working at a Plaintiff's side special education law firm in Sherman Oaks, California. Through this position and other experiences, I became a much more confident, articulate, and aware person. I’m happy to talk with you about on-campus life, the process of finding a summer job, classes, or any other topic you may want to discuss!