Meet Floyd Johnson ’27L: Kirgis Fellow Floyd Johnson discusses the professors who have made an impact on him and his role as a Kirgis Fellow, a peer mentor to incoming students.

By Law Communications
August 29, 2025

Floyd Johnson ’27L is a 2L from Long Beach, California. He attended California State University, Sacramento where he majored in international relations. While he was an undergraduate student, Floyd received practical legal experience interning at the Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office, which helped shape his early interest in law and public service. Floyd decided to attend law school because he was drawn to the idea that there are often multiple ways to approach a problem. For him, law school provided the tools to analyze issues from different perspectives and develop well-reasoned solutions.

During his first summer at W&L, Floyd worked as a research assistant for Professor Russell Miller, where he contributed to the development of one of Professor Miller’s upcoming projects. Through this experience, Floyd deepened his understanding of academic legal research while honing the skills of critical analysis and precision that are essential to effective legal advocacy. Looking ahead, Floyd is eager to continue broadening his exposure to different areas of the law during his 2L summer.

Why did you choose W&L Law?

I chose W&L Law because of how open the community was. I remember coming on a visit, and even though I wasn’t an admitted student, I was treated with kindness and warmth by Dean Rodocker and Associate Director Marshall that made me feel as if I was already part of the W&L community.

Share an experience, class, professor/staff member that has had an impact on your time as a law student.

Every professor that I have had has been absolutely amazing and has had a profound impact on my time as a law student, so it is difficult to pick just one. If I had to choose just one, I would pick Professor Murchison. He was the first professor that I had, and the way that he structures his class and sets his expectations lets you know that you are in law school.

Why did you choose to be a Kirgis Fellow—what are some responsibilities you have in this role?

I wanted to be a Kirgis Fellow because my Kirgis Fellows helped me get acclimated to the school and made such a positive difference. They were honest, supportive, and didn’t try to intimidate me about the challenges that lay ahead. I wanted to be a resource to the incoming 1Ls and ease their transition to law school.

What is something you would like incoming 1Ls to know about you?

If you see me around town, in the law school, or at an event, just come up to me and say hi! I’m only a year ahead of you and at W&L there is no sense of hierarchy. We are all peers here, learning and supporting one another.

Favorite spot at W&L Law or Lexington?

My favorite spot in Lexington so far is Salerno. Although Lexington is small, I still have many more places in Lexington that I’d like to try out.

Anything specific you are looking forward to in your 2L year?

I’m most looking forward to participating on the German Law Journal. Although it will be challenging to be on a journal, I’m excited for the opportunity to improve my skills as a writer and researcher, and I know it will be an invaluable learning experience.