Meet John Reynolds ’26L John Reynolds discusses his practice experience and his role as peer mentor for the Office of Career Strategy.

John Reynolds ’26L

John Reynolds ‘26L is from Vineland, New Jersey. He attended the University of South Carolina, where he majored in political science and theatre. At W&L, John serves as a Rachford Fellow with the Office of Career Strategy and as a prosecution extern in the Rockbridge County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. After graduation, John will be clerking for Chief Justice Douglas W. Herndon of the Supreme Court of Nevada in Las Vegas.

Why did you choose W&L Law?

I wanted a law school that emphasized experiential education, and W&L is one of the top schools in that regard. After coming to an admitted student’s day, I was drawn in by the law school’s sense of community and collegiately. I had the feeling walking around the building that this is the community I wanted to join.

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

Coming into law school, I had an interest in criminal law and my time in the Prosecution Externship has reinforced that interest. I have spent this year at the Rockbridge County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, where I have handled misdemeanor and felony cases to final disposition. I get to work with amazing people who have showed me how to handle the fast pace of a state prosecutor’s office with passion and professionalism.

We then have our externship seminar course taught by Professor Tony Giorno, who is a former career prosecutor. The class has challenged me to think about the responsibility prosecutors have to use their immense power in an ethical and fair manner. This experience has given me the tools to be a successful young prosecutor after my clerkship.

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

I wanted to be a Rachford Fellow because my job journey was not the smoothest (I lost a summer position due to the federal hiring freeze), so I wanted to be a resource on how a bumpy job search does not define the job a student can ultimately receive.

As a Rachford Fellow, I counsel fellow students on their summer and post-grad job search. This could be by helping them determine what practice areas they want to explore, what jurisdiction they want to settle in, and how their summer jobs can lead to the post-grad job they desire. I also do resume and cover letter reviews and conduct mock interviews.

What do you enjoy about working with the Office of Career Strategy?
 
I enjoy being able to work alongside the dedicated OCS staff directly with my fellow students to help them achieve their career goals. Seeing the variety of career paths allows us to show prospective students how a W&L law degree opens a world of career options.

Anything you are looking forward to in your 3L year spring and post-graduation?

I am looking forward to spending as much time as I can with my friends. We are moving all over the country, so I just want to cherish our last days together. Post-grad, I am looking forward to moving to Las Vegas and exploring the city!