What’s a YAC and How You Can Be One Too

By Peter Jetton
September 24, 2018

If you are a younger member of our alumni community and wondering how you can get involved with the law school, our Young Alumni Council, or YAC, is the answer.

W&L Law YAC has quadrupled in size since its beginnings in 2015, with a membership of 153 alumni from the most recent ten years, (save the newest class). They come from 27 states, as well as Canada and Sweden. Their practice areas range from academia to workers’ comp. More than 80 are returning to serve from last year’s Council, and nearly 70 more are first time members.

So what exactly does YAC do? Members help job-seeking students and recent grads by reviewing resumes and conducting mock interviews, providing practice area insight and job contacts along the way. They share stories of their time in Lewis Hall with prospective students through phone calls and emails, and make time to attend law school fairs. They reach out to admitted students and come to their receptions. They also support the Law School with their gifts to the Law Annual Fund and promote networking at alumni events.

Working closely with Admissions and Career Strategy offices, members can make an indelible impression with their engagement. In fact, this year’s recipient of the newest alumni award, Young Volunteer of the Year, is YAC member Matney Rolfe ‘14L, who facilitated the hiring of six students in summer internships and two young alumni in full-time positions, through her own position as clerk to The Hon. Loren A. Smith of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C.

Lisa Rodocker, Director of Law School Admissions, credited YAC members for helping shape an excellent incoming 1L class.

“Thanks to their efforts and enthusiasm, we were able to enroll an extremely accomplished group of 131 students from 28 states plus the District of Columbia and five foreign countries,” said Rodocker.  “Many of our entering students spoke about the strength of our alumni network, their friendly interactions, and what an impact those conversations had on their decision.”

If you are interested in staying engaged with W&L Law and making a difference beyond Lewis Hall, contact Jen Andrews, andrewsj@wlu.edu.

If you know any W&L alumni who would be great profile subjects, tell us about them! Nominate them for a web profile.