Stanley Shaw
2L; Admissions Ambassador
Hometown:
Arcadia, CA
Professional Interests:
Environmental Law; Public Interest
Student Organizations and Extracurricular Activities:
Environmental Law Society (Chair); Public Interest Law Fund (Chair); Asian American Pacific Islander Law Student Association (Historian); First Generation Professionals; Native American Law Student Association; Board Game Club
Clinic:
Environmental Law
Housing:
Off Campus
Pro Bono Projects:
American Constitution Society – Federal Register Watchdog Project (Environmental Section); Environmental Law Institute – Empowering Native American Tribal Governmental Sovereignty; UCI Law Alternative Spring Break: Mississippi Center for Justice; Orange County Clean Slate Clinic
Meet Stanley:
As a Southern California native who went to undergrad and worked a few years in the Bay Area, I was a bit wary about moving back to Southern California after getting a taste of the rich nature Northern California offered. But UC Irvine Law’s Admitted Student Weekend (ASW) blew my socks off. The food was great and the weather pleasant, but the people I was around were absolutely phenomenal.
One professor who I sat with at dinner during ASW, upon hearing me say that I’m interested in environmental law, immediately called over Professor Robinson-Dorn. Professor Robinson-Dorn arrived quickly, sat beside me, gave me his full, undivided attention, and asked me to share my story. Professor Robinson-Dorn was not the exception. Throughout 1L, I have been fortunate to study under the most energetic, eager-to-teach professors who carry their enthusiasm for teaching both in and out of the classroom. UC Irvine Law sold me on returning to Southern California.
As someone aspiring to become an environmental attorney working for the public good, I was a bit worried that UC Irvine Law may not have a program geared for me. But I discovered the opportunities for those interested in public interest and environmental law are plentiful.
The Pro Bono program is headed by an extremely spirited and knowledgeable director, Anna Davis, who secures an abundant amount of pro bono opportunities for students to engage in year-round. Through the program, I spent my spring break assisting the Mississippi Center for Justice in Biloxi, Mississippi, performing meaningful pro bono work and bonding with my classmates.
The environmental law community at UC Irvine Law, though small, is extremely passionate, tight-knit, and talented. My mentors have interned or worked full-time at esteemed nonprofits, which reassures me that a J.D. from UC Irvine Law can get me to where I want to go.