Meet a 1L: Ruthie Ross ’29L Ruthie Ross is from Seattle, Washington and received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine.

By Law Communications
August 19, 2026

Ruthie Ross is from Seattle, Washington and received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine.

What you are looking forward to in 1L year?

I’m especially excited for Criminal Law and Legal Writing! Criminal Law is what made me want to become a lawyer in the first place, so I can’t wait to finally study it in depth. I also genuinely love writing and am really excited to think and write like a lawyer.

Hobby/interest?

I have two cats– Kevin and Misdemeanor (Missy for short)– that I spend time with whenever I can! I’m currently leash training Missy to be my hiking/walking buddy. I also love Mexican food, trivia, pilates, and so much more!

Why W&L law?

Funny enough, I had never heard of W&L Law before applying this year. But the more I learned, the more it seemed to have everything I was looking for: rigor, small class sizes, strong alumni connections, and a community full of passion. I was a little hesitant about the location because I love the city and wasn’t sure I could live somewhere so rural. I could only visit one law school, and chose W&L. My visit completely sealed the deal. Everyone– not just at the law school– was so kind, and I happened to visit during Alumni weekend. I had never met people who loved their law school as much as W&L alumni did. But in the end, it was an admissions officer sending me a handwritten note after my visit that made me realize W&L was the right place for me.

What is the most adventurous thing you have done?

Staying in a Bedouin camp in the middle of the Judaean Desert and waking up at 3am to climb Mt. Masada! We reached the top just in time to watch the sun rise over the Moab Mountains in Jordan, with the Dead Sea below us. Between the climb and the desert heat, it was probably one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever done, but getting to explore the fortress and see those views made it so worth it!

Something you hope to continue to pursue in law school that brings you joy?

Spending time outdoors! I’m excited to explore all of the hiking trails around Lexington, hopefully with Missy as my hiking buddy.

Something unique about you?

I have 20 tattoos, including 3 inspired by the show Bojack Horseman!